How many times have you wished you could just throw everything into a suitcase and disappear for a week or two, or longer - far away from stress and tension?

Well, Ferrandou is certainly a place where you can relax. If you want to be quiet, you can. If you want to make a noise, you can do that too. The wildlife is incredibly tolerant. Tempted? Read on.....

Ferrandou is a modernised spacious 17th century farmhouse situated on a hill facing south towards the Pyrenees which can be seen on clear days. Spectacular views of rolling hills are to be had as far as the eye can see. It is an excellent location for countryside lovers with plenty of opportunity for safe walking and observation of an abundance of wildlife.

Once you have arrived at Ferrandou you may not wish to go anywhere since everything you need for the ideal family holiday is here. However, if you want to get about, Andorra and even Spain can be visited in a day, (with an early start) making Ferrandou an ideal base for further exploration. There are delightful, picturesque villages within easy reach. Or, you can just relax by the pool with a book and a glass of wine or if you tire of the fantastic scenery, watch films on DVD available to you anytime you want them. There is an extensive library of films and books for everyone.

ACCOMMODATION - Sleeps 4
There are no stairs to worry about as accommodation is on one level. 

Total living space 128 m²

The Kitchen/diner equipped with a gas oven with grill, microwave, fridge freezer, electric kettle, toaster, coffee maker, cutlery, kitchen wares and a solid oak dining table.

The Recreation Lounge equipped with its own bar (you will have to provide the drinks, though!) pool and table tennis tables, TV for watching DVDs and limited UK TV reception plus a selection of board games.

Two Bedrooms with wardrobes and dressing tables. One double and one with bunk beds.

Bathroom/Toilet

THE GROUNDS and GARDEN
The fenced swimming pool (8m X 4m) is fitted with the necessary safety measures.
There is ample garden furniture, a barbecue area with pergola and children's swings nearby. You can enjoy plenty of sun or, if you prefer, shade under our lovely trees. Take the opportunity for watching great sunsets from the pool and the barbecue area. Feast your eyes with panoramic views of the hills, fields and mountains.

If you have children, they will love to see and play with the Ferrandou pets including the cats, chickens and comical ducks. We will be happy for them to help out at feeding time and they can keep (and eat!) any fresh eggs they collect. 

The property has 6.5 acres of grounds and being situated at the end of its own private road, does not have neighbours or irritating traffic. Expansive as it is, one can have ample room to spread one’s wings and go exploring. At the top of the garden – which is the highest point – is a great opportunity for leisurely walks across open pastures with wonderful views of the surrounding area or through woodland to the rear of the estate either to the Chateau de Marquein and the local village or in the other direction to the village of Salles sur l’Hers.

SECURITY AND SAFETY
The area is quite safe and crime is very rare. In the unlikely event that help is required, or if things prove to be a bit difficult, the English speaking owners are on site to assist. They will also be on hand to meet and greet you and provide any local knowledge or advice that you might need.

Kitchen is equipped with a fire extinguisher and there are smoke detectors fitted.

ACCESSIBILITY
Being only 20 minutes away from the A61 autoroute, Ferrandou is accessible to the main cities and airports of either Toulouse to the west or Carcassonne to the east in under an hour. To the south is the brand new A66 which will take you to Andorra and beyond that to Spain.

THE SURROUNDING AREA
Ferrandou is situated in the mainly farming district of Aude (district 11), close to the borders with Haute Garonne (31) and Ariege (09) in SW France in an area known as the Lauragais. To the east is the ancient walled city of Carcassonne; to the west the hi-tech vibrant city of Toulouse. This is the main shopping centre for the area with many of the superstores located around the outskirts of the city.

Closer by (20 minutes away) is Ganguise Lake where you can fish, sail, windsurf (with or without instruction) or just picnic. It is very picturesque and quite uncrowded at most times. There are also many local village markets where you can buy just about everything, or just watch French rural life at work.

The nearby village (10 minutes by car) is Salles sur l’Hers where there is a surgery with two doctors who speak excellent English. You will also find:

History abounds in the area and if you like a good Dan Brown mystery, there is Rennes Le Château, perched on a dusty hilltop in the Pyrenees, about an hour away. Where did its parish priest, abbé Bérenger Saunière, get all his money from? Who protected him? WHAT did he find at Rennes Le Château?

HOW TO GET TO FERRANDOU
(Travel info is given in good faith but might change from time to time - always check)

Getting to Ferrandou couldn't be simpler. Firstly, decide whether you will fly / drive or just drive. If flying, you have a choice if either Blagnac Airport at Toulouse or the very popular and less formal Salvesa Airport at Carcassonne. The decision is yours: flying will give you more time to relax but if you drive, you will be able to take more wine back with you!

Toulouse is served by British Airways and the budget airlines bmibaby (from Nottingham East Midlands) flybe (from Birmingham and Bristol) easyjet or BA (from London Gatwick) and jet2.com (Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Belfast). Carcassonne is served almost exclusively by the budget airline ryanair flying in from London Stansted. Book rental cars at either airport when you arrive or to be safe, in advance if requested when you book your air ticket.

Look at the map to see how we are positioned relative to both airports - 45 minutes from Toulouse and about 55 minutes from Carcassonne.

Should you wish to drive, one of the fastest and cheapest ways to cross the Channel at the time of writing (July, 2006) is by speedferries travelling between Dover, Kent and Boulogne.

RENTAL RATES for 2008 - 2009
Prices of property are in € (Euros) per week: 

Bookings are from Saturday 4 pm to Saturday 10 am. Changeover day is Saturday

Prices are inclusive of hot and cold water, electricity ,cooking gas. All bedding and towels are provided . 


HOW TO BOOK
Booking a holiday at Ferrandou could not be easier:

1. Decide when you want to go.

2. Confirm that the dates are still available by sending an e-mail to the owner at: ferrandubh@gmail.com

When it is confirmed that the dates you prefer are free, simply complete the Ferrandou Booking Form. You should read, understand and agree to the booking terms and conditions shown at the foot of the Booking Form before submitting your booking.

When your booking is received, we will contact you with further instructions. Your requested dates will be reserved for you upon receipt of your 25% non-refundable deposit, but if no deposit is received within 5 days of enquiry, the reservation will be released for others.

© Ferrandou Holidays 2001-2007

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