The Middle House, Olonzac.

The property

The house is one in a block of three built in the grounds of a charming Maison de Maitre and set back from the road offering seclusion and calm.

The three houses have their own garden with BBQ area and a 10m long pool, that is usually open and warm enough to swim May to October.

The house was newly refurbished at the end of 2022, with new furniture including new comfy IKEA memory foam topped mattresses and a new sofa bed. The main bedroom has a king size bed and the second bedroom has twin beds.

Downstairs is equipped with air conditioning and upstairs there are fans provided if they are needed.

For winter visits the house is equipped with electric wall heaters, and the air conditioning is also a heater, although we have found the house quite cosy without them in the southern french milder winters.

There is free WiFi, and the sitting room also has a desk with monitor, keyboard and laptop stand (just bring your laptop, mouse and cables). Why not come for a holiday then stay a little longer to WFH in the sun, with your lunch breaks spent in the pool!

At the front of the house is a large private patio with partial shade and at the back of the house is another small patio (with washing lines), so you can chase the sun or the shade, depending on your preference.

The house is non smoking and we are sorry but pets are not permitted.

Kitchen Dinner Area

The kitchen area is well equipped with a ceramic hob with hood, microwave, toaster oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine as well as all the usual crockery, cutlery, pans and utensils. The dining room table is an antique believed to originate from the old Maison.

Lounge

With a comfy corner sofa that easily converts into a double sofa bed. New smart TV provided along with a desk area for working.

Double Bedroom

One of 2 bedrooms, this has a comfy king size bed, bedside tables, lamps and a large wardrobe with shelf area. There is even a low stand to place your suitcase. The window has electric shutters that block out the light at night, and overlooks the small back patio.

Bathroom

The bathroom has sink with drawers to put your things, a toilet and a walk in shower. A hairdryer is provided, as is shower gel and hand wash. There is also a separate downstairs toilet.

Patio

The living room has double doors opening onto the private patio with seating.

Garden and pool

Leading from the patio is a grassed garden which has a BBQ area and 10m pool with steps into it. The pool is surrounded by a fence with gate.

Children should be supervised at all times in the house, garden and pool.

The area

Olonzac is known as the capital of the Minervois and is a friendly small town, with great facilities. The house is 100m from a fantastic bakery and 200m from several cafes/ restaurants with outdoor seating.

400m away out of town is a medium sized Casino supermarket and a DIY store.

There are a surprisingly varied selection of town shops including 2 other bakeries, 2 plant shops, a small town centre supermarket, an organic food shop, a bank, a cash point, a post office, hairdressers, an opticians, a butchers and a pharmacy.

There is a municipal park with children’s playground, and tennis courts (booking may be needed).

The house is also 100m from the lively and popular market on Tuesday mornings which has hot food, many grocery stalls with cheese, charcuterie, local pomegranate juice, fruit and veg, bakery items, also knickknacks, clothes and gifts. The market is even open in winter with more than half of the stalls there.

Olonzac is only 3km from Homps and its marina on the Canal du Midi, and 3.5km from Lac de Jouarres, a popular lake with water sports.

On the main road outside Homps at the petrol station is a Utile supermarket. It is being expanded to a very nice small supermarket, has plenty of fresh produce including a butcher and has very generous opening hours for a French supermarket – 7am to 8pm 7 days a week last time we checked.

Olonzac is a 40min drive from Carcassonne airport, and an easy 1h25 drive from Montpellier airport and 1h35 from Toulouse airport.

It is a 30min drive to the amazing medieval town of Carcassonne with its little pedestrian streets, food and gift shops and surprising affordable restaurants including plenty of Prix Fix set menus. You can also pay to explore along the ramparts.

There are many other day trips to do including visiting a truffle museum, a chocolate factory, grottos, a textile museum etc.