Holiday rental chateau in Languedoc Roussillon with private pool

Introduction

Superb, original castle dating back to the 12th century set in 5 acres of private grounds with private pool.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Languedoc, wine-producing countryside, the château is a superb medieval castle of which the oldest part dates from the 12th century onwards, and consists of the main building, four towers and a dovecote.

Extensive terraced gardens offer superb views over the Cesse valley and the Pech mountain: the ideal setting for a quiet walk or a relaxing dip in the swimming pool.

High quality fixtures and furnishings throughout. Many original features; beamed ceilings, full height fireplaces and stone staircases.

7 bedrooms to sleep 15
Fully modernised bathrooms.
Wi-Fi internet.

Domestic staff (maid, cook, baby sitter etc.) and full catering available upon request.

Accommodation

Ground Floor;

Entrance hall

Open plan library and living room with lots of games, TV with French channels and Canal-Plus, DVD player and DVDs. Hi-Fi
Open fireplace, sofas and chairs

Separate WC with hand basin

Laundry room with washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities

Wine cave with oak barrels, and bottled wine. ‘Honesty’ policy operated to make 'Château d’Agel' wine available to guests (payable at end of stay)

Office with desk and Wi-Fi internet (available throughout the house). Doors to terrace. Lots of local guide books

Dining room with table for 12+ guests. Doors to terrace. Fireplace

Kitchen with gas range (electric oven), microwave, dishwasher, fridge freezer

Breakfast room with door to terrace

Stairs to 1st floor (original stone spiral staircase);

Salon with huge open fireplace, sofa and chairs with full height windows overlooking the terrace and gardens

Bedroom 1, double (or 2 singles) with full height windows overlooking garden. Exposed ceiling beams

Bedroom 2, two singles

Separate bathroom (ensuite to bedrooms 1 and 2 above) with WC, shower and hand basin

Bedroom 3, double (or 2 singles) and single with ensuite WC, bath and hand basin

Bedroom 4, double (or 2 singles) with ensuite WC, bath and hand basin

Bedroom 5, double (or 2 singles) with library area, table and chairs, fireplace. Ensuite WC, shower and hand basin

Stairs to 2nd floor;

Bedroom 6, double with ensuite WC, shower and hand basin

Bedroom 7, double (or 2 singles)

2 cots and 1 high chair available

(2 further single beds available to take accommodation to 15, at a supplement)

EXTERIOR;

Walled and gated grounds with driveway

Extensive grounds and gardens with large lawned areas as well as formal gardens. Large trees provide plenty of shade

Pool area with sun loungers and shade from 'gazebo'
Pool, 12 x 6m, (1.10 meters to 1.50 meters deep)

Large terrace with several seating / dining areas. BBQ

Orangerie / summer dining room with table and chairs for 12+

Boules and table tennis

Map showing: Agel

Map & local information

The property is located in the tiny village of Agel, in the Languedoc vineyards between Béziers and Carcassonne.
Basic amenities in neighbouring villages of Bize-Minervois, Cruzy and Argeliers.
All shops, restaurants and supermarket in Capestang, 15 mins.

Mediterranean beaches at Bages, 35 min and Narbonne Plage 45 min.

Carcassonne 45 min.
History of the Château;

For most of the 12th century, the South-West of what is now France was rocked by the scandal of the Cathar or Albigensian heresy, which challenged the teachings of the church of Rome and thereby the very authority of the Pope, Innocent III. The heresy was strongest in the county of Toulouse and all over Languedoc, where vassals of the Count of Toulouse built a line of fortresses to protect themselves against Vatican agents. After Pierre de Castelnau, dispatched by the Pope to restore order in the region, was murdered in 1208, the Pope ordered the northern barons to lead a bloody Crusade against the Cathars.

One of that line of fortified châteaux built to resist the Pope's forces was Agel. We know from evidence in the oldest part of the château that in the year 1100 its owner was Bernarde, Lord of Agel, Minerve and Cazelles.

The Crusade against the Cathars, led by Simon de Montfort, raged with unremitting violence throughout Languedoc. In Simon’s bid to take Minerve in 1210, the château d’Agel was almost entirely destroyed by fire. In July of that year, Minerve finally fell, and the 180 Cathars who had taken refuge there threw themselves on to the burning pyre.

The château d’Agel, with its commanding position over the Cesse valley was of great strategic importance to the Cathars. Simon de Montfort ordered Aymeri, viscount of Narbonne, to besiege the château, but Guiraud de Pépieux, Lord of Aigues-Vives and Agel, escaped during the night to Minerve, taking with him two French knights whom he had captured.

By the first half of the 20th century, the Château had fallen into disrepair, and the northern wing in particular had become a ruin.
In the 1960s the Ecal family began the immense task of restoring the property and its gardens to their former glory.

Prices & booking

Special offer

Remaining July dates 2012 : 4,545 euros per week

Terms & Conditions

• * Sterling & Dollar rates are provided ONLY as a guide - all rentals are payable in EUROS.
• Prices are for the rental of the entire property above, per week.
• Bookings run from Saturday 4:00pm to Saturday 10:00am.
• Neither Pure France nor the property owner are liable for any loss or interruption of internet service.
• No smoking in the property.
• Bookings include electricity, water, linen and towels (not beach / pool towels).

Client comments

"What a wonderful stay! We are so relaxed after our time here. The fresh air, excellent food, your warm welcome. Staying here was the highlight of our trip. Merci."
Palm coast Florida / USA

"Pour un cadeau de "retraite", ce fût un cadeau royal. Cadre merveilleux, accueil sympathique, ce sera pour moi une séjour inoubliable."
France

"C'était un séjour très agréable et l’accueil très sympathique. Toutes les familles ont adoré le château, et le jardin. Je pense que le château a aimé aussi parce que nous avons écouté, nous avons parlé et nous avons beaucoup ri. En anglais on dit 'Love conquers all'. A bientôt."
Ireland

"Merci pour cette semaine très agréable... "Une conversation entre amis, un corps reposé, un ciel lumineux, voilà ce qui tout bien pesé est seul à même de procurer à un être aussi vulnérable que l’homme. La véritable légereté, une vie divine, rien de moins."
France

"Many thanks for a delightful time in the Château. We have loved travelling to all the villages and enjoying all the different experiences of travel. But best of all was returning to the Château for a quiet beer/wine and relax."
Sydney / Australia

"I think it is every person’s dream to stay in a castle and you’ve made our dream come true. The château is a spectacular journey into the past and one can almost in vision lords and ladies gliding from room to room. The ambiance is fabulous - such serenity and peacefulness surround you wherever you go in this magnificent place."
USA

"We have been really lucky to find such an extraordinary beautiful place during our holidays in Languedoc. The week we have spent here was like being in paradise."
Germany

'Château d'Agel' photo gallery

Languedoc Roussillon holiday rental chateau, Agel in Hérault, south of France with private pool...

'Château d'Agel'

Languedoc Roussillon holiday rental chateau, Agel in Hérault, south of France with private pool.

Please contact us for any queries.