Welcome to the Loft du Vigneron : an imaginatively restored wine barn transformed into a 3-bedroom loft-apartment with a glorious terrace

Minervois, Mountains and Mediterranean There's something for everyone in the Languedoc and the Loft du Vigneron is perfectly placed to explore them all (but only if you can drag yourself away from the beautiful private pool!).

The Loft du Vigneron spreads across the entire upper floor of a converted wine barn at le Domaine aux Quat'Saisons, a former wine domaine built in 1882. This imaginatively designed and sensitively reimagined barn conversion offers approximately 200 square meters of indoor and outdoor living space so there's plenty of room for everyone to find their own favourite corner. The rear terrace - partly covered with Roman roof tiles held up by vast oak beams and partly exposed to the azure blue Languedocienne skies - is where most guests spend their time relaxing whenever they're not lying around the pool. The terrace has three large, balustraded arches hewn out of thick stone walls and which beautifully frame the images of the Mediterranean gardens which stretch into the distance. The local Tramontane wind wafts through each of them and onwards through the French windows into the Loft itself, providing a cool summer breeze. At one end of the terrace are comfortable outdoor iron sofas and armchairs whilst at the other is a terracotta-tiled dining table with matching iron dining chairs. All the upholstery is in dazzling turquoise and white - perfectly complementing that South of France summer vibe. There's a large model Weber Kettle BBQ for authentic over-the-coals cooking, and the sound of a trickling water feature helps to keep the terrace feeling cool during hot, sunny, Mediterranean days and long balmy nights, beneath clear skies where the stars shine so brightly, due to the lack of light pollution. The terrace has plenty of outdoor lighting and is beautifully atmospheric in the evenings, usually following a glorious sunset as the sun drops away beneath the towering maritime pine trees. An unending supply of tea lights provides flickering candlelight long in to the night whilst enjoying a post-supper digestif or two.

Inside, through the double French doors, the Loft is equally as charming and its rustic-luxe style continues throughout the living spaces and the bedrooms. The huge lounge is suitably lofty in its proportions and it flows through into the equally lofty dine-in kitchen. Presented throughout in a palette of neutral Farrow and Ball colours to help keep it cool in the hot summer months, the two huge tan leather sofas are framed in industrial ironwork, whilst the armchairs are so deep and squishy, it's tempting to curl up in them for a gentle snooze. Overhead, ironwork candelabras complement the sofas and with dimmable mood lighting they seem to float high above, whilst there are plenty of sofa lamps to provide low-level atmospheric lighting. Tables of either warm woods or co-ordinating ironwork are laden with either glossy lifestyle magazines or coffee table books to flick through whilst sipping on a glass of something local!

Continuity of style prevails as the same finishes run through into the dining space and the kitchen beyond. It's a great social space; some guests may sit either around the dining table or up at the kitchen island whilst someone in the group is finding their inner chef, creating something delicious from ingredients sourced from an authentic French street market. The Nobilia kitchen may be German, but its style is classic French 'Côté Sud’, recreating the laid back pale wood and concrete style so favoured across southern France. The appliances are all a combination of German and French marques including Bosch, Siemens & Rosieres. There is plenty of useful equipment hidden away in the cupboards - even a selection of bakeware for those who want to try their hand at making a delicious pissaladière or some exquisite French patisserie! Endless supplies of beautiful tableware - all French, naturellement - can be laid upon the dining table whether guests choose to dine indoors or out. There are wine buckets to keep the rose chilled as well as generous refrigeration to keep a back-up supply of local wines and local bubbly on ice! Tucked away in the corner is a small, but perfectly formed laundry.

There are three bedrooms, all of which are ensuite. The two doubles - each featuring kingsize beds (150 x 200) with bedsteads and bedsides sourced from world-renowned And So To Bed on the King's Road in London - both overlook the terrace and their French double doors open out directly on to the terrace, whilst the twin-bedded room - featuring two single beds (90 x 190), but which can be repositioned to provide a double bed the width of a super kingsize (180 x 190) is located at the front of the Loft. Each are similarly furnished, and include a genuine vintage French mirrored armoire, but which is deep enough to hang clothes properly (plenty of wooden hangers provided) as well as a seating area. Overhead, convenient bedside three-way lighting is dimmable, with further mood lighting provided by bedside and table lamps. Mattresses and pillows are appropriately protected and these, along with duvets and pillows (which are both filled with technology-led recyclable fillings) are sourced from the Fine Bedding Company. Linens are provided by the long-established French linens company Linvosges and were made on a bespoke basis to fit our comfy British beds and bedding! Bedrooms are carpeted in what appears to be herringbone sisal. Herringbone, yes; sisal no! In an effort to source sustainable furnishings, we identified a carpet manufactured from plastic water bottles re-spun into carpet fibre - approximately one thousand recycled bottles per square meter! Each of the three bedrooms is similarly furnished and decorated.

As each bathroom has a continuous supply of hot water from its own dedicated 250 litre tank, the generously-proportioned bath tubs can be filled at any hour of the day for a long and lingering soak! As well as large bath tub with mixer / shower taps, there is a separate shower cubicle as well as a large basin and vanity unit and toilet featuring rimless technology for added hygiene! The walls and floors are finished with chocolate and caramel shades. Bathroom fittings include Villeroy and Boch and Roca porcelain and Jacob Delafon taps and showers. Hairdryers and illuminated vanity mirrors are on hand to help with personal care. In order to provide our guests with a truly immersive bathing experience, The White Company was chosen for its cappuccino towels, fluffy white robes and complete range of toiletries including hand wash, hand & body cream, shower & bath gel, shampoo, conditioner and bath crystals. Dimmable lighting sets the mood for a long relaxing soak, perhaps with a favourite drink, some candlelight and soft music - after all, you are on holiday, so dive in and spoil yourself!

The Loft can be enjoyed throughout the year. In summer, to augment the breeze we supply one- meter tall Rowenta tower fans in each bedroom; for cooler months, there are highly efficient electrical radiators throughout as well as heated towel rails in each bathroom. The roof is fully insulated to keep the Loft toasty all winter long. For Christmas and New Year festive bookings the Loft is beautifully and seasonally decorated, complete with a tree, wreaths and garlands, brass and glass lanterns and lots of sparkling lights. Sometimes, the outdoor temperature has been warm enough to enjoy Christmas Day lunch outside!

From the Loft's central hallway there are steps down to the road that runs through the village, so it's just a short walk to the village square where the boucherie and epicerie can all be found, along with the local bar and newsagent; Even closer is the local restaurant and a pharmacie.

If you have dates in mind for your holiday, please contact Russell or Karen by using the online enquiry form at the bottom of this page.