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The barn sleeps 4/5+cots one twin & one double bedroom. |
 | There's a safely enclosed 8m by 5m pool with wide entry steps - ideal for sitting and splashing with little babies. It is shared with friendly owners the Hope family. |
 | For indoor use there are bath toys, kids books, general toys and U-rated kids DVDs. |
 | There is a paddling pool. |
 | There are two family-friendly swimming lakes nearby, Lac Montbel is a 5km drive and has a sandy beach with lifeguard in the summer and restaurant. Puivert lake is a lovely spot a little further away, (20 mins) with a large sandy beach, bar and playground. |
 | Baby gear provided;1 travel, a Lovely white wicker bassinet for newborns,reducer seat for toilet, Highchair, baby bouncer, steriliser, potty, stairgates, a bed guard, socket covers, plastic crockery,cutlery & sippy cups,a bumbo seat and 3-wheeler buggy. |
 | Babysitting available on request. |
 | There is an extensive decked balcony with dining furniture and grounds for paddling pool etc. |
Seasonal Discount:
10% discount for dates booked between 31 Mar 2012 and 25 May 2012 minimum of 5 nights
Arrivals and Departures:
Check-in time: 15:00
Check-out time: 11:00
Payment:
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
Capacity:
Sleeps: 4 +
Set in the tiny hamlet of Bentefarine in the
foothills of the Pyrenees in the Ariège, south west France, the 2-bedroom Barn provides
the ultimate escape-from-it-all but with the convenience of the lovely town of Mirepoix and the city of Carcassonne within easy reach.
A recent renovation has given it a fabulous combination of contemporary style and fittings with abundant 'barn charm' and a upside down design that maximises the truly breathtaking and uninterrupted mountain and valley views. The beautiful and calm environment has a wonderfully relaxing effect on guests young and old, and within hours of arriving guests usually find themselves lounging by the lovely swimming pool or settled on the wide balcony, soaking in the views with a glass of the local wine, whilst little ones splash happily in the paddling pool provided or find amusement in the handy stash of toys and books. And if that sounds idyllic, a wander into the woods where there are streams and secluded natural swimming pools is magical!
Accommodation Overview:
To ensure full advantage of the beautiful views the accommodation is arranged upside down, with the two south facing bedrooms; one double and one twin set on the ground floor with the family bathroom (shower and bath) and separate W.C. The wide beech staircase ( stairgates provided) lead to a light and airy 45sqm loft style living space with exposed stone walls and original A-frame beams. The dining space has a traditional farmhouse table and chairs with seating for 4, whilst the modern kitchen is well equipped for families with a fan assisted oven, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer, toaster, kettle and microwave. The comfortable lounge area has a television and DVD player perfect for entertaining tots or for cosy nights in during the winter months with help from the antique, enamel log burner.
During the summer, apart from lounging by the swimming pool (shared with the owners), guests are bound to spend the majority of their time on the extensive decked balcony which leads out from three French doors in the living area. The balcony offers fantastic views over the rolling countryside and, thanks to the sun chairs and inflatable paddling pool provided, it’s ideal for taking in the summer sun. There is also a stylish bistro table set under an arbour, which is sure to be used as the main dining area and, come evening, a romantic spot for a glass of wine and a view of the sunset.
See grey 'Fast Facts' box for breakdown of baby and toddler gear provided.
Share Tips & Advice Show Location Map
The Barn is in the tiny hamlet of Bentefarine, set amid rolling hills with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. The owners have three of their own young children and have lived in the area for around five years so are well equipped to help guests with ideas of what to do and provide folders within the barn that are packed full of their suggestions.
Guests can enjoy the tranquillity of feeling as though they are in the
wilds but civilisation is actually only a short drive away. The nearest grocery
shop is in Camon (4kms) as is the closest and perhaps most atmospheric
restaurant in the region at the Abbaye Château de Camon (sophisticated but run by parents who understand little ones!).
The charming and picturesque medieval bastide town of Mirepoix is just 12kms away and has handy supermarkets, along with a lovely selection of shops and bistros, plus an excellent market every Monday, which is full of delicious locally
grown produce and a must for any visitor.
For keen
walkers and mini explorers there are scenic walks literally on the doorstep,
the river is a 10 minute trip on foot and, a further ten
minutes, finds natural, secluded pools which are magical for swimming and paddling in Summer.
For beach days, here are two family-friendly swimming lakes nearby,
Lac Montbel is a 5km drive and has a sandy beach with lifeguard in the summer
along with a handy restaurant and pedalos for hire. Whilst,
Puivert lake is a lovely
spot a little further away, (20 mins in the car) with a large sandy beach,
beach bar and playground.
A brilliant guest folder has been compiled by the owners with tonnes of ideas for things to do and places to visit in the area, much of which they have tested out with their own brood of little ones. Ideas include visiting the butterfly farm, to seeing the wolves in the 'wolf
park', or an eagle-flying display amongst the ruins of a hilltop castle.
A visit to this part of France would not be complete without a day spent in nearby Carcassonne (1hr drive). Its amazing Cite will be adores by aspiring princesses and would-be brave knights, whilst grown-ups will enjoy the history and the modern's city's brilliant clothes and interiors shops, plus some really good restaurants and bistros.
During the winter months skiing is available just 45 mins
from the hamlet.
Nearest Medical Services: 2 English speaking doctors in Mirepoix (5mins) & emergency department at Foix hospital ( 35- 40 mins)
Getting There: Flights - Carcassonne’s 'Salvaza'
Airport is within 40-mins (served by Ryanair), Toulouse 'Blagnac'
Airport is 1 hour away ( British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2.com &
Flybe). By Rail: Take the Eurostar to either Paris or Lille and take
the TGV to Toulouse. There is also a sleeper train from Paris to
Carcassonne.
Past Guest Ratings: * (2 guests)
*Rating collated since Feb '10.
All verified as genuine BFB guests who experienced the accommodation with young children.
Awards:
A lovely retreat with welcoming hosts. I felt regenerated each time I saw the b...
A lovely retreat with welcoming hosts. I felt regenerated each time I saw the beautiful view.
Overall Experience Rating: 80%
Lovely tranquil location with great views. Well equipped high spec barn convers...
Lovely tranquil location with great views. Well equipped high spec barn conversion - we really enjoyed our holiday. Would book again!
Overall Experience Rating: 80%
Owner Profile
We came to the Ariege from SW London in search of a more natural place to bring up our kids..and found it! Sebastian is a Writer and Journalist, Lisa is a Jewellery Designer/Maker. |
We love the tranquility, the views, the rugged beauty of the surrounding countryside. The Pyrenees are only a 45 minute drive away so that in Winter we can go and ski for the day and in Summer the boys can go fishing. We love the lake at Montbel for it's turquoise water that is so refreshing and it's lovely walks in the woods. We love the Orchids and the wild mushrooms. We love the food!!
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Kids love the freedom, the pool, paddling in the nearby streams,cycling on the 'voie verte' or around the lake, seeing the horses and cattle in the fields.Going to the beach.
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