There's something truly magical about this home's location in the listed Occitane village of Laurac. As well as being so isolated as to bring a pleasing sense of tranquillity, the hilltop position means that there are lovely views of verdant countryside from the terraces. Speaking of which, the address benefits from two such standout outdoor spaces. On the second floor, glass doors open out to an alfresco dining area complete with a barbecue and a glorious panorama, while back down at the ground and thirty metres' walk from the home, there's a secret garden with a swimming pool surrounded by vegetation. It's plain to see that a big chunk of your time here is going to be spent out in the open air, but you'll also be happy to hear that the interior doesn't disappoint when you finally retreat indoors. There's a rustic feel to the design, with large ceiling beams sitting above a traditional fireplace and smart wooden floors. That being said, it doesn't feel dated in the slightest – the kitchen is a modern update on the country-style quarters found in many of the region's properties. When it comes to filling up an itinerary, the rural surroundings and wealth of routes can be explored on foot or horseback, or by bike or kayak. The medieval architecture in the town of Carcassonne only takes thirty-five minutes to reach in the car, too.

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Additional fees

• Your host can help arrange a variety of extra services during your stay, including massages and beauty treatments, wine tours, laundry and dry cleaning, fridge fills, restaurant reservations, private chefs, airport transfers, and car hire

• You can also arrange to have your breakfast cooked each morning – you only need to pay for the food

• If you’re travelling with children, your host can organise babysitting services – alternatively, a live-in nanny can be arranged at a cost of £475-£670 per week

Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.