Maison Olive is a newly built villa which combines French charm with all the conveniences of a modern family home. The well-equipped open-plan kitchen leads into the beautifully light and airy lounge/dining area, which benefits from a high vaulted ceiling. Two sets of French doors lead from here to both the front and rear terraces, which overlook farmland, with the addition of a 3x5mtr above ground swimming pool and the beautiful Pyrenees. Comfortable seating and dining allow the sun to be enjoyed all day long.
The villa sleeps up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms (1 king with en-suite, 1 double and 2 twin bedrooms). There is a family bathroom, separate WC as well as a fully equipped utility room.
A private track (shared with only one other property) leads to Maison Olive and offers hard standing for 3 cars.
The rear decked terrace provides either shady dining or direct sunlight for sunbathing, allowing easy access to the same height swimming pool and steps down to a permanent BBQ area.
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN - The paddock-style large rear garden which is secure, on one level and child-friendly; There are toys for the pool and back garden and the beach at Lac Montbel, as well as a baby cot/crib.
Maison Olive is east/west facing so benefits from the sun all day long. The rear terrace is perfect for enjoying your morning breakfast, with the children swimming, whilst on the front terrace you can relax with the last of the sun's rays whilst drinking in the views of the Pyrenees and your aperitif!
Situated on the outskirts of the lively French village of Leran, the property benefits from privacy and quiet but is within 5 minutes walk of local amenities, including a boulangerie (Bakery) where fresh baguettes and croissants etc can be purchased in the morning. The village also has a post office, tennis courts, thriving bar/restaurant, locally-sourced market 6 days a week and people come from far and wide to enjoy the renowned Friday night market, where you can rub shoulders with the locals whilst dining at long trestle tables along the main street, sampling alfresco food from all corners of the world, accompanied by live entertainment.
Nearest supermarket is just a five minute drive from Leran, and all other facilities can be found a further two minutes away in Laroque d'Olmes.
SPORT ENTHUSIASTS and SIGHT-SEERS. Lac Montbel is just 5 minutes drive from Maison Olive and is a huge 600 hectare fresh water reservoir surrounded by woodland and boasting a sandy beach with monitored swimming area. It also offers plenty of shade and is our favourite place to cool off in the summer! The lake also has a bistro/cafe, canoes, kayaks, windsurfing, pony trekking and mountain biking plus a 16 km off-road track skirting the perimeter of the lake.
The landscape of the Ariege-Pyrenees is stunningly beautiful. The area is a hidden gem known also as the ‘department de velo’; sparsely populated it is of outstanding natural beauty, laid back charm and good living. You can explore the green foothills and the majestic Pyreneen peaks; walk on peaceful paths and cycle on quiet well-laid roads or just marvel at the breathtaking views. The Ariege is just about as far south as you can go and still be in France, being only 1.5 hours from the Andorran/Spanish border.
Medieval cites, Cathar castles adorning craggy peaks (Montsegur, Roquefixade, Lagarde and Foix, just to name a few locally!) lovely Romanesque churches and authentic bastide towns and villages are all on your doorstep. There are lots of prehistoric sites, including some of the most extensive caves in Europe. You can climb or walk in the high mountains, cycle for miles along routes of varying difficulty including some of the best known Tour-de-France over-classified climbs (Pailhers, Plateau de Beille etc) go canoeing, gliding or paragliding, spend hours in the thermal spas at Ax-les-Thermes or dance the night away at one of our many weekly locally-held festivals. It is all totally unspoilt and non-commercialised.
The Mediterranean coast is only 1.30 hours to the east and the incredible La Cité at Carcassonne is a painstakingly restored mediaeval walled city on a hill by the Aude River just a 45 minute drive where you step back several centuries and imagine yourself in mediaeval times.
Wine enthusiasts can explore the vineyards of the Corbiere and Malepere regions plus visit Limoux’s own vineyards for the world famous Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine.
Mirepoix is 15 mins drive away and a wonderful place to take time out and watch the world go by. With its striking mediaeval half-timbered houses lining the main square this little town oozes charm and transports you back in time. On Monday mornings the market stalls fill the square and the Cathedral forecourt selling vegetables, cheeses, sausage, olives, spices, honey and bread, baskets, pottery and knitwear etc., There is also another small farmers market on Thursday mornings and the town is well served by supermarkets, butchers and fishmongers, bakeries and chemists. It offers a series of festivals, fêtes and exhibitions between Spring and Autumn.