Four Holiday Apartments for Rental in Caunes-Minervois, Aude, France

Berges went through several transformations before becoming the 3-star vacation residence it is today. The Argent-Double river created a narrow valley as it flowed from the Montagne Noire, ideal for small farms and providing water power for mills along the way. As a marble-cutting and polishing mill, Berges housed the workers and their families; it was only a short walk from the village. Water from the canal used to power the mill equipment, still cascades alongside the building before returning to the river.

Later as a farm, its trees - cherries, pears, quince and apples - provided a living for the owner. Today, many of those trees have been restored to productivity and new ones planted, the fruit now available to guests. New plantings include plum and olives as well as ornamental maples, a magnolia, pine, fir and willow.

The ground floor of the apartment building is now used as studio space for the groups of artists who stay here annually; the apartments are on the floor above. In front of the building is a wide gravelled drive and a lawn shaded by ancient cherry trees. Below the pool is a rose garden and beyond the parking area, a path leads to an intimate space beneath a weeping willow, surround shrubs providing privacy. Benches are placed in other spots around the property - under a huge fig tree above the river's edge; within a rocky enclave above the mill canal.

The river curves along one side of the 400 meter length of the property and the hills rise on the other. The mill canal divides the terrain lengthwise; between the canal and the river is the farmed area, above is forested hillside. The bend in the valley also shapes the property: The prairie where the apartments, pool and gardens are located faces east and west, open to the south.

THE FOUR APARTMENTS:


Mimosa, sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom:

This spacious and comfortable apartment is furnished with antiques but offers modern living. It comprises:

• A modern, fully equipped kitchen
• Comfortable living room with sofa bed and boasting lovely mountain and garden views.
• A double bedroom
• A bathroom

There is the possibility of additional sleeping on sofabed in living room.

There is a summer kitchen and garden dining area suitable for large or small groups that includes built-in BBQ, refrigerator, dishwasher, dishes, glassware and cutlery.

A private swimming hole at the foot of the waterfall on the river that forms one boundary of the property provides plenty of opportunity to search for frogs and trout or practice skipping rocks and maybe see the big grey heron which has a nest nearby. There is a private picnic table at the swimming hole area.

Shared washer and dryer and line for hanging clothes.


Arbousier, Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms:

A sunny, airy apartment furnished comfortably with antiques, comprising of:

• A modern, fully equipped kitchen
• Comfortable living area
• A large master bedroom
• A second bedroom, adjacent to the master bedroom, great for a couple with children.
• A bathroom

Outside

The private terrace is spacious with a Weber BBQ, four very comfortable armchairs, a round table and umbrella. The property enjoys lovely views of forested mountains.

There is a summer kitchen and garden dining area suitable for large or small groups that includes built-in BBQ, refrigerator, dishwasher, dishes, glassware and cutlery.

A private swimming hole at the foot of the waterfall on the river that forms one boundary of the property provides plenty of opportunity to search for frogs and trout or practice skipping rocks and maybe see the big grey heron which has a nest nearby. There is a private picnic table at the swimming hole area.

Shared washer and dryer and line for hanging clothes.


Eglantine, Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom;

Cute little apartment decorated in neutral linen with the bright pinks and reds of the wild rose, eglantine. The apartment is suitable for one or two persons. Very comfortable and well-equipped with lovely mountain and garden views from living room and kitchen windows.

Accommodation comprises:

• One double bedroom
• A bathroom
• Well equipped kitchen
• A living room

There is a summer kitchen and garden dining area suitable for large or small groups that includes built-in BBQ, refrigerator, dishwasher, dishes, glassware and cutlery.

A private swimming hole at the foot of the waterfall on the river that forms one boundary of the property provides plenty of opportunity to search for frogs and trout or practice skipping rocks and maybe see the big grey heron which has a nest nearby. There is a private picnic table at the swimming hole area.

Shared washer and dryer and line for hanging clothes.


Lavande, Sleeps 6, 2 bedrooms;

This spacious and sunny apartment has a private terrace off the kitchen, which includes comfortable armchairs, large rectangular dining table and a Weber BBQ. It works well for two couples or a large family.

Accommodation comprises:

• A master bedroom with a large bed (160 cm).
• The second bedroom has a double bed with the possibility of two additional twin beds
• Familiy bathroom
• A well equipped kitchen
• A living/dining room

There is a summer kitchen and garden dining area suitable for large or small groups that includes built-in BBQ, refrigerator, dishwasher, dishes, glassware and cutlery.

A private swimming hole at the foot of the waterfall on the river that forms one boundary of the property provides plenty of opportunity to search for frogs and trout or practice skipping rocks and maybe see the big grey heron which has a nest nearby. There is a private picnic table at the swimming hole area.

Shared washer and dryer and line for hanging clothes.