Domaine de Capiès

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of country life and urban cool, you’ll find it in the south of France. Thirty minutes from Carcassonne, in the middle of the rolling hills of the Languedoc, is the Domaine de Capiès, an old stone farmhouse with a barn, four pretty cottages and an apartment for vacation guests. For Tilly and Will Howard, a very friendly couple from the UK, it was precisely this area where they found a new home almost twenty years ago after traveling the world and spending years in bustling London. A very good choice, because it’s a place where all kinds of beautiful things come together: Mountains and sea, lakes and rivers, rare wild flowers and birds, and exciting cities with historical heritage such as Toulouse, Carcassonne, Montpellier and Narbonne—not forgetting the romantic southern French villages, castle ruins, authentic markets and junk stores as well as the countless wineries. But no matter where guests end up on their exploration tours, they always love returning to this retreat in the middle of nature. And it’s no wonder, because you’ll feel particularly at home here: Refurbished vintage furniture, rustic elements such as wooden beams and plastered stone walls, plus colorful cushions, fresh bouquets of flowers and lots of pretty details—everything is uniquely furnished and has a very personal feel. It feels particularly homely when Tilly shares her passion for cooking with the guests. Sometimes a Sunday brunch is organized in the blossoming natural garden, then a market meal in the barn or sophisticated snacks are served by the pool, with home-grown fruit and vegetables or products from small producers in the region. The pizza evenings table are almost legendary—every Friday between April and September, delicious sourdough flatbreads of all kinds are baked until crispy in the outdoor wood-fired oven and shared around a large table. It’s also a great opportunity to meet lovely people, open a second bottle of wine—and perhaps make plans to return again soon.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• Back to basics! The cottages are simple and rustic, but with a modern twist. Natural materials, whitewashed walls and furniture from antique stores as well as handmade pieces from the region—joyful and with that certain something
• When redesigning the old house, the hosts were inspired by all the places around the world where they themselves have stayed—the result is the best of all the things that travelers particularly appreciate.
• The fresh meadow flowers that Tilly likes to decorate the accommodation with
• Swimming laps in the 20-meter infinity pool with a fantastic view over the vineyards and hills. The pool is unheated, but wonderfully refreshing on warm days!
• The extensive garden with hammocks between the trees where figs, almonds, walnuts, plums, cherries and apples grow. Happy chickens provide organic eggs for breakfast and vegetables are home-grown.
• Tilly’s “Arrival Simple Supper”, a straightforward dinner to make your arrival as relaxed as possible
• the enchanted courtyard decorated with fairy lights
• The honesty bar in the barn with local wine, beer and soft drinks, where it’s easy to forget to look at your watch. Here you can chill out on cozy sofas or play table tennis and billiards.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• There are four different gîtes on the site, ranging in size from 30 to 90 square meters. Jasmin, the three-story stone house for five people, is ideal for families. Etoile, an old shepherd’s house, sleeps four people. The former sheepfold Figuier, surrounded by fig trees, sleeps two people. The Farmhouse with its three bedrooms can sleep six people. On the first floor of the main house there’s also the Marin apartment for two adults and two children.
• A baby bed can be set up free of charge in some of the accommodations. On request, the (child-) friendly hosts can also provide a baby bath, stair gates, Lego boxes and toys.
• There are no shopping facilities within walking distance, but you can pre-order a delicious breakfast with croissants and bread from the village bakery, Colombian coffee and organic juices. It’s not included in the price.
• All four cottages have a private terrace with barbecue and a well-equipped kitchen.
• Playtime! Trampoline and swings make the little guests happy.
• How about a stylish, rustic and affordable barn wedding? Capiès can also be booked for events (maximum 40 guests).
• Need a bit of action? White water rafting, paragliding, canoeing—all of this is offered nearby.
• Just arrive with hand luggage? There’s a communal washing machine with eco-detergent in the pool house; the farmhouse has its own washing machine.
• The nearest major city (with airport) is Carcassonne, 30 minutes away, or Toulouse, 80 minutes away.
• The cottages are open to guests from April to November, the farmhouse only in July and August; the minimum booking period is between 3 and 7 days.