Chalabre, Aude, Languedoc - Roussillon

Ref. No. 158425

See location on map (11230)

Map shows approximate location of property

(Exact property location is not known) Close Map

Bedrooms
X 3

Bathrooms
X 2

Plotsize
9700 m²

Property Description

Stunning edge of village location, looking out over the Chalabre roofscape, the Chateau, rolling hills and the Pyrenees, yet close enough to walk into the village!  This immaculate property was designed by the current owners – and they have thought of everything.  It sits in its own land, with mature planting surrounding the drive that slopes up to the generous garage and workshop areas, which has lift access to the living areas above – I freely admit to wishing I had a lift too … just such a seriously good idea.  To the rear of the property is an orchard and the rear frontier is guarded by natural woodland.  Facing the property and to the right, is sufficient land to build an additional property – although, it has to be admitted that the luxury of such generous outside space is just such a joy – especially in a village environment – that Jennifer and I both felt that it is gorgeous as it is but provides a lovely extra investment cushion.  Behind the property everything has been planned for perfect summer and winter enjoyment … to the left is a covered swimming pool linking to the house by a large dining terrace, above it the orchard, and a long, long sweep of lawn to the right.  It’s clear that the owners are keen gardeners, the bank to the left of the house has been planted for all around colour.  The current owner, with other friends and I, did the flowers for Jennifer’s wedding two years ago – and this was one of the properties where the flower collecting party had a field day… the church looked wonderful!

The interior is planned with the same intelligence and attention to detail as the exterior – the garage lift arrives in a secondary hall area – tucked away but brilliantly close to the kitchen – and the space then flows into the vast living, dining area – all flooded with light.  An office area is niched to one end at right angles, whilst night areas, bedrooms and bathrooms are kept to the rear of the property.  The lift also serves the separate two bedroom apartment adjacent to the workshop and garage areas –  ideal to give guests total autonomy or for anyone who has mobility problems – ideal too for guests with young children – instant garden access yet with the pool area sufficiently far away to obviate any worries.  Jennifer and I both felt that splitting off some guest accommodation in this way is such a brilliant idea, enabling different generations to run to their own timeframes and lifestyles without any impact, yet close enough to share all the fun and laughter, to spend summer evenings basking on the terrace, dipping in the pool, eating together and enjoying the closeness of family and friends.

The entire property is immaculate , both the interior and the exterior.   A rainwater collection system is in place for economic filling of the pool and watering the gardens.   And the central heating system operates on an extremely efficient heat pump system.  There also exists the possibility of a Photovoltaic installation.  It is an amazingly flexible home – and it would be possible to generate an income stream, either by gite’ing the main house and living in the apartment in high season or vice versa – letting the apartment and continuing to live in the main accommodation.  To totally maximise profit from this property it would be possible to sell the building plot – either as ” bare site ” or with all Planning requirements met – in a seriously enviable location – a new property that could bring income as a gite or could be a ” one off ” sale for straight capital profit.

The phrase ” location, location, location ” is nearly always accurate – and this is a stunning example.  Glorious views, easy village access – but not in the thick of it – dip in, dip out as the mood moves you, a seriously lovely home or a home plus income stream… the options are endless.  What will always remain is the utterly fabulous location, one of the best that this village has to offer.   It’s a property that is elegant but just so ” liveable ” brilliantly planned for all aspects of living, night and day, winter and summer. Jennifer and I recommend it totally.