18th century Château
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Château de Queille sits perched dramatically amidst the wooded foothills of the Pyrenees. Overlooking the breathtaking scenery, it is encircled by the river below and much like a fairytale castle. Nico and Rachel Lethbridge discovered Queille 25 years ago, fell in love and have been restoring it ever since.
The property is tranquil and secluded, surrounded by a land famous for its beauty, its Cathar castles and historic legacy. Set in 22 acres of private grounds, Queille is only 45 minutes from Carcassonne airport and an hour and a quarter from Toulouse. An imposing 18th century structure houses a comfortable and homely interior that adds to the romance of the setting. The river lulls you to sleep at night and the sun streams in through large windows in the mornings. Fully furnished with beautiful antiques the house is decorated in a simple and uncluttered manner. There is a separate private Chapel and an infinity pool. The house has an interesting history. It is one of the first recorded settlements in Languedoc and was a Cathar refuge in its time. An 11th century chapel and the remains of an ancient forge, both within the grounds, provide impressive evidence of earlier importance and grandeur. Queille was the principal source of supplies to Montségur during its siege in 1244. On the ground floor there is a very large kitchen/dining room (11 x 8m) with an enormous open fireplace and a pantry, a small library and an elegant salon. There are stone or terracotta-tiled floors throughout with elegant high ceilings. Stone stairs lead up to two magnificent bedroom suites with their own bathrooms and one other small twin bedroom. Moving upward there's an enormous (11 x 30 sq. metres) room set out as a childrens' dormitory which sleeps about 10 (with a Ping-Pong table) with two showers and a loo in the tower. Down the hall on the ground floor there are three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms (with another kitchen if needed) and upstairs three double rooms, two twins rooms and two bathrooms (one of which is ensuite to one of the double bedrooms). There is a large double height music room with a grand piano, a study and a gallery on the 2nd floor, with a full size snooker table. Spacious and airy, this room is also used for yoga classes. Step outside and the enchantment continues, a dramatic infinity pool sits on the cliff's edge. Perfect for enjoying the sun, there is a pool house with a shaded terrace and seating for sixteen or so and a barbecue and stone pizza oven. Recently completed is a barn which can seat around 100 people, a kitchen, a shower and separate WC. The private chapel is nestled beneath rose covered high walls. The garden falls over 4 terraces of flowers, steps and paths into beautiful surrounding meadows. Queille is perfect to take for a week or two for your holiday with friends or family. Parties of 16 adults or 20 with children can be easily accommodated. But the place is equally comfortable, spacious and peaceful with just one or two couples. Shopping is in Mirepoix, about 15 minutes away. Toulouse is an hour and a quarter away and has regular daily flights from Gatwick, Stansted, Paris and most major European cities. There are also flights to Carcassonne which is 45 minutes from the house. |
in a nutshell... |
Sleeps up to 16
9 bedrooms 5 bathrooms Private infinity pool WiFi Ideal wedding venue Private Chapel River and beautiful grounds Changeover day: Wednesday |
Rental includes linen change once per week
Discreet staff live in an apartment in the Château
A friendly dog lives on site
Discreet staff live in an apartment in the Château
A friendly dog lives on site