Le Domaine de Menerbés

Le Domaine de Menerbés was constructed in 1882 and its unique village setting comprises exclusive use of two adjacent properties, Le Grenier (sleeps 6) and La Belle Demeure (sleeps 12), combined to be rented to larger private groups of up to 18 guests and 3 infants. At certain times of the year the properties may be booked independently – please see our individual adverts for these availability options.

La Belle Demeure is the central and larger part of the Domaine, a beautiful three-storey French Victorian townhouse comprising 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms (of which 3 are complete suites with additional private salons). Le Grenier flanks one side of La Belle Demeure and is an adjoined independent accommodation that spreads across the entire upper floor of a converted barn, comprising 3 bedrooms (all en suite) and sleeping up to 6 guests. The discreet and quiet owners live in the other flank of the Domaine with access to the gardens and are readily available if ever you need them. The frontage of both face the road running through the wine village of Rieux-Minervois, and to the rear is a large and private Mediterranean parkland with delightful walled garden containing a private pool.

The village of Rieux-Minervois is an ancient wine village and benefits from a range of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants within walking distance of the Domaine; ideal for guests to be able to wander into town.

La Belle Demeure sleeps 12
The main house occupies all three storeys of the centrally located maison de maître and the rear of the property overlooks the Mediterranean gardens and walled pool area. A large central hallway runs from front to back, each with its own set of huge doors and vast central stone staircase. Many features - marble fireplaces and matching marble windowsills, cornicing, ceiling roses, doors and door furniture, the staircase, shuttered windows, tiled floors, panelled walls, corbels - have been beautifully preserved and provide the history and aesthetic of the house. The rear rooms have single south-facing windows which overlook the gardens whilst the front rooms are north-facing with two windows, some with views to the Montagnes Noires.
Décor has been very carefully considered by the owners and includes some fabulous furnishings and fixtures throughout from well known brands both European and British, that grace the pages of high-end interior magazine pages. Particular attention has been paid to bedroom comfort with quality bedding and unique beds in each room. The large entrance hall is 12m long with beautifully corniced ceilings and Italian porcelain tiled floor including an Indonesian console table in the central hallway and turquoise stained glass pieces. This leads to the rear double doors which step out to the al frseco dining area, park and walled garden with pool.
The ground floor consists of a front living room, decorated with striking pinks and greens, matching sofa and dramatic marble fireplace, and a dining room in subtle lilacs and sage with matching chairs and wood panelling. The library room overlooks the rear gardens and is adorned with bespoke objets, contemporary leather sofas and armchairs and designer coffee table. The kitchen, with large island, is opposite and similar in colour tones to the library that gives a sense of uniformity of schemes of these two lovely rooms. Upstairs, three suites and three en suite bedrooms over two further floors are each uniquely decorated and immaculately dressed to exacting standards. Particular highlights include the rolltop bath in the Versailles suite where bathers can place a glass of bubbly atop the bath whilst relaxing in the designer armchair, and a gold sleigh bed frame in the Nautilus suite with its vintage armoire.

Le Grenier sleeps 6
The imaginatively designed first floor conversion offers approximately 200 square metres of indoor and outdoor living space so there's plenty of room to find your own favourite corner. A rear external staircase from the terrace provides access to the Domaine's Mediterranean style gardens, which also leads to the private walled pool area. 
The rear terrace - partly covered with Roman roof tiles held up by vast oak beams and partially exposed to the azure blue Languedocienne skies - is where most guests spend their time relaxing. The terrace has three large, balustraded arches hewn out of thick stone walls and which beautifully frame the Mediterranean gardens which stretch into the distance. At one end of the terrace are comfortable outdoor iron sofas and armchairs whilst at the other is a terracotta-tiled dining table with matching dining chairs. Upholstery is in dazzling turquoise and white - perfectly complementing that South of France summer vibe.
Inside, through the double French doors, Le Grenier is quite charming. Presented throughout in a palette of neutral colours to help keep it cool in the hot summer months, the two huge leather sofas are framed in industrial ironwork, whilst the armchairs are deep and squishy. Continuity of style prevails as the same finishes run through into the sociable dining space and French 'Cote Sud’ look kitchen beyond with high end appliances. There are three similarly furnished bedrooms, all of which are en suite and feature quality furnishings and extra attention to detail such as sustainably sourced carpets. The two doubles are king sized and both overlook the terrace whilst the twin-bedded room is located at the front of Le Grenier. Each bathroom has both shower and bathtub.

From the Domaine it's just a short walk to the village square where the boulangerie, boucherie and grocers can all be found, along with the local bar. Even closer is the local restaurant. The nearby wineries are, unsurprisingly, surrounded by hectares of vineyards! Several are just a few minutes’ drive away. Unesco world heritage site Carcassonne (24km), famous for being one of the only fortified cities in Europe still with its walls intact, is a short drive. Narbonne (40km) and Perpignan (103km) are also easily reached by car for the day. South towards the Spanish border and with some Catalan influences, the coastline combines cliffs and coves with a network of villages as far south as Collioure (134km). Closer around Gruissan (55km), the coastline is flatter and renowned for its salt flats and pink flamingos. Further round the coastline the fishing villages of Marseillan (92km) and Sète (120km) can be found on the Etang de Thau, where oysters and mussels are farmed in the sea lakes. There are several airport options within a couple of hours' drive including Carcassonne (29km), Perpignan (98km), Montpellier (138km) and Toulouse (138km) to name a few.