Montengrand – La Bergerie

It’s no exaggeration to say that the word “paradise” is often heard at Montengrand and its easy to see why; This picture-perfect row of five romantically quaint but beautifully renovated 2-3 bedroom cottages, nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees and within minutes of the medieval bastide town of Mirepoix, enjoys a setting so breathtakingly beautiful it could motivate the most reluctant artists, and views that could well put pay to poolside plans to get through the most gripping of blockbusters.

Set on a 30-acre domain of wildflower meadows and woodland, this tiny and charming hamlet of cottages has a magical quality that will have a wind-down effect on even the most frazzled of families. Even in a rundown state, several years ago, it cast its magic on its owners Nicki and Adrian who sold up and moved out of Fulham to pursue the idea of transforming Montengrand into exactly the kind of holiday they wished they could find for themselves and their, then toddler, daughter Mo. If the visitors book is anything to go by, they have certainly succeeded in answering the prayers of most parents and their offspring. In fact, Montengrand has become something of a closely guarded secret amongst families who return year after year. July and August dates are often booked up year in advance, but get in early enough and an early summer or warm September stay could well be yours.

The five cottages sleep for 4-6 and are a homely but stylish mix of Cath Kidston meets French country chic and wonderfully in keeping with the pastel-coloured scenery that surrounds them. Each has a large double bedroom and a twin, whilst some have additional beds in large, safe, mezzanine sleeping areas or in bunk rooms. Kitchens are well-equipped with gas hobs, electric ovens, microwaves and dishwashers, whilst all bathrooms have both baths and showers. Some cottages also have en-suite facilities. Their thick stone walls ensure that they are cool even in the height of summer and warm and cosy in the winter months, with the aid of log burning stoves and electric radiators. All come with boutique hotel-style luxuries in the form of comfortable beds with crisp Egyptian cotton bed linen and fluffy cotton bath towels. There’s even a daily fresh bread and croissant delivery, a pre-arrival grocery and baby essentials (nappies, wipes, formula, jars etc.) service, optional home-cooked meal deliveries, plus a mid and end of stay maid service – adding to the hotel-type experience. Plus, a brilliantly comprehensive list of baby and toddler equipment and toys is an added bonus for young families and testament to Nicki and Adrian’s first-hand experiences.

No matter how enchanting the interiors of the cottages, it’s their exteriors that often provide the best memories. Each has a private, furnished terrace or garden with BBQ leading off their south-facing open-plan living areas, which are ideal for eating en famille or simply enjoying some quiet time together. However, the stunning pool, which is heated for comfortable baby swimming even in spring, is a major draw. Safely gated and fenced, it benefits from amazing views and a brilliant summer kitchen where impromptu communal BBQ nights often take place. Then there’s the 18ft tepee often adopted as a den by junior guests in the day and sometimes used by families to ‘camp-out’ at night, cooking up sausages and beans over the campfire and taking in the star-filled skies.

La Bergerie – A beautiful stone property with large living room and a separate kitchen / dining room on the ground floor, both of which open onto the private, south facing garden. There are three bedrooms on the first floor. A large, light, double bedroom with en-suite shower room and spectacular views south over the domain, a second small bedroom with twin beds and a third small bedroom with a bunk bed and space for a cot. There is also a small family bathroom on the first floor.