Maison De La Roche – Secret Garden Cottage

Stumbling on this charming cluster on a former wine domaine, we knew we were onto a winner… and that was before we read the guestbook brimming with glowing reviews and five-star ratings! Perfect for pre-school families, friendly owner and consummate host, Honor, offers the full Baby-Friendly Boltholes wish-list with a huge list of baby kit, a well-stocked toy room, heated (and gated) pool and a location a short stroll from a charming village with boulangerie, grocery store, tapas bistro and sophisticated restaurant.

Honor saw the potential of this charming vineyard when it was a tumbled down Domaine and has done a magnificent job of renovating and transforming it into a beautiful estate combining original stone walls and open beams, with contemporary furnishings and modern comforts. The tranquil grounds with vineyard views make it seem a world away from civilisation, yet it is only a short stroll from the village where buttery morning pastries, convivial glasses of wine or elegant evening meals are all on tap. For the energetic, a longer walk takes you into the historic town of Febrezan, which is bustling with shops and bistros. Even better it is only about 30-minutes’ drive from some of the region's most attractive towns and beaches including Carcassonne and Narbonne.

The three child-friendly gites each sleep four and are ideal social families or larger groups looking to get together but maintain their own space. Each gite has been finished with families in mind and to aid parents relaxation further, Honor can arrange in-cottage beauty and massage treatments, wine-tasting sessions and babysitting.

So, picture mornings spent walking (or cycling) to the local village, picking up delicious freshly baked bread and perhaps a buttery pastry or two for breakfast. Post-sightseeing late afternoons spent poolside with mini guests making the most of the inflatables or toy room and evenings tucking little ones up in bed before enjoying local wine and cheese on the terrace or a babysitting enabled dinner at award-winning chateau restaurant 10-minutes’ walk away. All in all, our verdict is that this is a beautiful, authentic slice of rural France where families can come together and enjoy a truly relaxing holiday.


Accommodation Overview – Secret Garden Cottage

As its name suggests ‘Secret Garden Cottage’ is hidden away in clusters gardens and benefits from its own walled garden area covered in fragrant Jasmin and Honeysuckle.

Inside, the cottage is split over two floors with two bedrooms. On the ground floor there’s a bright, open plan living area with a well-equipped kitchen, bistro style dining table and comfortable lounge area. The lounge has a TV with English channels and a blue ray DVD player (guests can access the owner’s vast DVD library).

Upstairs the two bedrooms are charmingly furnished. The twin room offers two single beds and plenty of storage whilst the master bedroom is spacious with a double bed. The pretty family bathroom has a walk in shower, sink and WC. Each bedroom has a fan and hairdryer.

All linen, bath and beach towels are provided.

There is a communal utility room (separate to the gites) which has a washing machine and ironing board.