LARGE VILLAGE HOUSE - CATHARE TOURISTE CIRCUIT - SOUTH OF FRANCE - NEAR TO LAKE MONTBEL.

Three properties for sale: House - Barn - Café Bar, in the south of France near lake - Sainte-Colombe-sur-l’Hers.

For Sale at 80,000 Euro, 35,000 Euro and 60,000 Euro respectively.

It has now 13 years that I’ve been camping out in this handsome old house. Thirteen happy but hard years. I’ve lived all this time without running water (no plumbing), with no heating, draughts coming from all directions and an average 3 to 4 degree start to every winter morning. I bathe in the river come summer, come winter and sleep directly under the terracotta roof tiles. There has been many a cold day that I’ve gone outside to walk and warm up!

There is an electricity supply and meter with one socket connected. My electricity installation is a precarious tangle of extension leads and multi-plugs winding around the house.

The water services are connected but the house has no plumbing system installed. There is main drainage at the front and rear of the property. I’ve had some repairs done to the roof but (like me) it really needs a good overhaul.

Despite all of that this is one of the few village houses that has managed to hang on to its original “character features” which are simply waiting for the chance to seduce a discerning eye. Under the imposing staircase (that dominates the 100m2 ground floor) I found a huge well hidden under stone slabs. All of the interior doors are the original 18th century (Louis XV) doors and (as you can see in the photo’s) the windows give a particular character to the house front.

The official surface of the house is actually 155m2 but between the Attic, Cellar and out buidings there is a potential of almost doubling that surface.

This and the adjoining house originally formed one very large property which was used as a convent.. The monks were on the other side of the road at what is now the town hall.

This house later became an agricultural co-operative – thus the sign “Le Reveil” which was an old newspaper of the times. The property then went on to house a certain monsieur Castex (relation of the ex French prime minister Jean Castex) who ran a sort of general store, curiosity-come furniture shop. The oldest member of the community (no longer with us) had childhood memories of him stood on an apple crate, auctioning furniture and other wares every Saturday morning. In the 70’s the front of the house hosted the village Post Office as it is remembered today by the villagers.

The official surface of the house is actually 155m2 but between the Attic, Cellar and out buidings there is a potential of almost doubling that surface.

A charming walled garden is (at the moment) home to a small jungle of biodiversity, including banana plants, cannas, grasses, arum lilies, wild sage, acanthus, selenium and even water lilies on a small pond.

I originally came to this house full of naivety and dreams; in complete marvel of the surrounding countryside. No way was I going to be downtrodden or discouraged by my living conditions. However! With more than sixty winters behind me I think it’s time to face facts!

I thought that this house was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; the last stop in my journey. Today’s truth is that I not only don’t want to, but more to the point can’t continue and end my days living like this. It’s time to move on and find a little warmth and comfort.

Out of funds and out of the energy required to fulfil my dreams, I couldn’t possible ever give this house the majesty that it deserves. Over to you the future guardians, the sentinels of this beautiful home

Those who expect the worst may even be pleasantly surprised
SALE PRICE : 80,000 euros.
Plans and extra photos are available upon request.

- GRANGE - BARN:

Near to Lac Montbel (1,800m) : an ancient stone building said to have been the first place of worship in the village. It became part of the monastry which in turn became the town hall. It was later used as stables.
The building, classed as a “BARN” measures approximatively 80m2 on the ground level with enough height to add two floors.
There is no garden but there is the possibility to acquire the barn next door that has no roof! This would make a wonderful walled garden, terrace or parking space.
The building has water and electricity for the moment unconnected. The roof needs serious attention!
SALE PRICE : 35,000 euros

- FORMER CAFÉ BAR:

Commercial property (former Café Bar – cyclistes respite)
Prime spot on the corner of the village square.
496 inhabitants on the last census and the village is on one of the “Tour de France” circuits. Possibility of any commercial activity, gite, or a small permanent home.
The lake “Montbel” is about 1800 meters away.
GROUND FLOOR 27 m2
FIRST FLOOR 27m2
2 Mezzanine floors for sleeping space or storage.
(limited height but one will easily take a king size mattress and the other a single)
Separate toilet, wash basin and shower
FREEHOLD SALE PRICE: 60,000€.

- MORE DETAILS:

Distance from the the properties to :-
Andorre 115.08 Km - Station de ski - Shopping
Toulouse 113.45 Km - Aéroport - Rugby - Musées - Shopping
Perpignan 100.96 Km - Mer & Plages -Aéroport - Shopping
Carcassonne 56.46 Km - Aéroport - Cité Musée - shopping
Camurac 54.56 Km - Station de ski
Les Montes d'Olmes 44.77 Km - Station de ski
Foix 40.67 Km - Château Fort - Cité médiéval - Lac souterrain
Montségur 26.76 Km - Châteaux cathare
Puits vert 9.70 Km - Château cathare - Petite aérodrome

A little further.....
Collioure 146.92 Km Mer & Plages - Centre artistique
Albi 185.81 Km - Musée Toulouse Lautrec - Cité médiéval
Lourdes 214.44 Km - Pèlerinage
Montpellier 222.76 Km - Mer & Plages - Aéroport - Shopping
Nîmes 273.53 Km - Aéroport - Feria– Arènes
Barcelone 306.13 Km -Aéroport - Mer & Plages - MuséePicasso - Shopping
Bordeaux 356.34 Km - Aéroport - Mer & plages – Musées-Shopping – Vin
Marseille 388.11 Km – Aéroport – Mer & Plages – Musées -Shopping etc.
yep! strategically this place is perfect!
Three airports, 3 ski stations, sea, beaches & so much more. All within easy and a suitable distance for day trips, making this a perfect venue for holidays.

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