Maison du Métayer

Maison du Metayer is a beautifully restored property that was once home to the steward and gardener to the chateau. With five generously proportioned bedrooms sleeping 10 to 12 people it would be perfect for a large family holiday or a group of creatives looking for an inspiring place to hold a workshop.

You'll enter to find a lovingly restored building with exposed beams, a winding wooden staircase and cool stone floors paying homage to its original look but with simple, modern designs in all the rooms. This creates a comfortable and cosy ambience despite being extremely spacious. The original interior colours of the building were documented and have been reproduced with naturally pigmented mineral paint, a lovely touch and a testament to the thought that has gone into this renovation.

As with a lot of French properties, the interior is shaded and cool to provide respite in the summer months but you can also allow the bright sun to stream in. There's a charming old courtyard and terrace with seating and tables, perfect for an early evening aperitif, and the Maison benefits from its own large secluded garden with plenty of shaded spots where you can relax or indulge in a hampered picnic of baguette and cheese with some fine local wines.

The kitchen is large with original stonework on display giving a glimpse of its past. However, the amenities are modern and there's a very long sleek table for shared meals and a cooking area fully equipped with everything you could need to prepare a feast.

There are five bedrooms and five bathrooms so no one need queue in the morning and all of them are delightful in an elegant minimalist fashion. Three of the double bedrooms have en-suite showers, one has a bath and the sprawling suite has a shower and also benefits from its own dressing room and living room where you will find a sofa that converts into a very comfortable bed. This room would be ideal for anyone bringing children with them.

All of the rooms are simply and stylishly decorated with cool lamp shades, comfortable beds, pretty pops of colour here and there and some lovely art on the walls. All of the rooms have large windows that offer fabulous views overlooking the private garden, the courtyard, the roofs of the “Hamlet of Sibra” and the Pyrenees, as well the courtyard of the castle on the other side. And one of the rooms has a large skylight above the bed in the high gable of the roof, which offers an incredible spectacle of stars in the dark skies of Sibra. The house also has a salon where you can tuck yourself away with a good book if you need a break from the midday sun.

There's plenty to do in the area and the owners are happy to advise on any excursion you might like to make. Visit the nearby Medieval town of Mirepoix and explore the Place des Couverts, a lovely covered market with plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy between browsing the stalls. Pop in to the historic Mirepoix Cathedral, founded in the 11th century, it has the largest apses in France! And for local restaurants in Lagarde why not try Restaurant Le Grain de Sel, and L'autre Jardin?