Domaine des Etoiles Routier
Tranquil, eco friendly
Former wine domaine at Routier
Between Carcassonne & Limoux
Flexible booking, no minimum stay, no set change over day
Located in the beautiful wine producing region of the Malepere, occupying an elevated position in the picturesque and peaceful hilltop village of Routier in the Aude department of Languedoc-Rousillon.
Staying at Domaine des Etoiles, if you are not already familiar with the property, is like staying in a large friendly family home. Families, couples, individuals and small groups are welcome.
Domaine des Etoiles looks out over a sea of vineyards, farmland and forest towards the majestic Pyrenees. The region produces exciting flavours reflecting the countryside and sunny climate. It is reputed to enjoy no less than 300 days of sunshine each year, with dramatic colour changes of scenery with the seasons. This area is steeped in history, with many Roman spas and buildings, historic villages and towns, and of course the Cathar religion, its castles and the mysteries associated with Rennes Le Chateau.
The landscapes vary significantly, with rolling hillsides, forests, gorges, plains against the backdrop of the Pyrenees and the Black Mountains. In all weathers and on all occasions, this countryside is here to be enjoyed. Located only 90 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea, the Spanish border and the mountains, what can be better than to discover the surroundings of the South of France.
Domaine des Etoiles was in former times a wine producing Domaine, now lovingly restored by its current owner Steve Hedges to provide an eco friendly family home large enough to accommodate family and friends.
Hot water is produced by solar power and the winter rain water is collected and stored in the 200,000 litre wine cuves and used to nourish the garden plants during the long hot summer months.
Word got round about Steve's hospitality; friends of friends were asking to visit and very soon Steve had a permanent house party. Before long, guests wanted to contribute to the running costs, and so the permanent house party became a business.
The one-time Masters House has become the family home and also provides B&B accommodation. Outbuildings have been transformed into two guest cottages for self-catering rentals so that you can enjoy the tranquil pace of life and the wonderful ambiance of Domaine des Etoiles.
Steve Hedges, in addition to being your host at Domaine des Etoiles, writes a local newsletter: the Aude Flyer, and is a presenter of local interest programs on Contact FM Radio. He has a wealth of local knowledge which he is happy to share with guests - interesting places to visit, great shops, market days, restaurants, vide greniers (local equivalent of the car boot sale), property for sale, etc.......
To find out more, please use the links to the left and if you have any questions please This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .
Mouret - is a three story stone built cottage in a range of buildings containing the Masters House it has three bedrooms (2 doubles and 1 twin) and is self catering.
Ground floor
Large kitchen dining area, leading to a spacious sitting area complete with television (satellite reception of free to air UK channels currently BBC1, 2, 3, 4, ITV1, 2, 3 and numerous UK radio stations along with the normal French channels) DVD/CD player.
For winter visits there is a wood burning stove (though all the rooms have their own electric heating for mid season visitors).
First floor
From the kitchen diner the rustic staircase takes you to
Bedroom 1 - double room with en suite shower room and views over the gardens and Pyrenees
Bedroom 2 - twin adult sized bunk beds and en suite shower room with views over the roman tiled rooftops of the village and across the Malepere region
Second floor
From the first floor hallway a second staircase takes you up to the master bedroom with double bed (Bedroom 3) loft style, with French doors leading onto its own internal terrace, looking out over the gardens and spectacular views. Its en suite bathroom has a full size bath, basin and toilet.
Bed & Breakfast accommodation
Located on the first floor of the Masters House and accessed via a separate front door are two double bedrooms, both have an en suite bathroom. The third room has twin beds suitable for children and can be reserved to accommodate children whose parents are staying in one of the two double en suite rooms.
Book the three rooms together to accommodate 6.
Breakfast is included, evening meals can also be provided at additional cost, meal times by arrangement, please contact Steve before making your reservation.
Television (satellite reception of free to air UK channels currently BBC1, 2, 3, 4, ITV1, 2, 3 and numerous UK radio stations along with the normal French channels) DVD/CD player. Rooms serviced daily.
All accommodation is no smoking
Sorry no pets in the Masters House> Please contact Steve for special rates for long winter lets, particularly useful if you are looking to buy property in the area or if you simply want to road test the idea of living in France.