The Maison and the Locale

Just a little bit about us!

Maison de la Roche, a former wine domain which had been neglected for several years was bought by us, in the summer of 2007. We had decided to leave London after 20 years to seek a different lifestyle and find more space, family time and room to breathe! The idea being to renovate the original house and one of the barns into a spacious family home and to turn the other two barns into gites, a workshop and studio.

With lots of attention to detail, a love of working with recyclable materials and sourcing as much of the wood and stone that was on the property as possible, we have now lovingly renovated and restored the barns to become three welcoming, and luxurious apartments, in-keeping with the style of the original buildings. Suffice to say, we realised that one of the first priorities was to put in a swimming pool and this was completed early in the summer of 2008.

The first two gites are reached up a flight of stairs via a shared landing. They each have two bedrooms (one double and one twin, with room for an extra bed in the twin or a cot if required.) The third gite also has two bedrooms but on two floors and has its own little terrace which also leads out into the Secret Garden.

Each gite is spacious, stylishly decorated, comfortably furnished, with modern fittings and local antiques and well equipped (with English TV and DVD - there is an extensive DVD library available and we are happy to loan out films.) Laundry facilities are available, and hairdryers are provided. Maison de la Roche is a no smoking (in the gites and around the pool) and no pets zone!

There is a secluded garden with BBQ areas and plenty of places to play and relax including the impressive gated courtyard.

Our aim is to offer a relaxed family environment. There is a huge trampoline, a swing, and of course boules for a real touch of authentic France! Baby equipment and toys can also be provided on request.

In the village there is a fabulous boulangerie, a grocery store, hairdresser, doctors, post office,newsagent, and a very good proper French restaurant set in an old chateau with gardens, and a buzzing Tapas Bar, run by a local ex rugby player who knows how to cook! A real favourite haunt! There are local tennis courts to work off all that delicious French food! Everything is just minutes away or you can borrow our bikes and cycle to collect your morning croissants. Individuals , couples and families alike can all enjoy the space. Why not book all the gites together and come with friends (the advantage of not sharing the same villa.... separate front doors, so come as friends and still leave as them!)

From the village of Ferrals les Corbieres are numerous scenic walks. One of our favourites takes you through the vines and into the nearby historic village of Fabrezan which is buzzing with restaurants, cafes and atmospheric bars.

5 minutes drive away are two well stocked supermarkets with good fish, meat and bakery counters. Also nearby there are a couple of fabulous boulangeries so forget the diet now. Another 5 minute drive and you are in Lezignan les Corbieres the local town with a number of shops and restaurants.

We provide lots of local information to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible and for you to get out of it as much as you can.

We look forward to welcoming you to our little piece of paradise in the sun!