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PARAZA,
Languedoc
Location:
Paraza
To find this lovely house, leave the village
street and pass through a gate into a lush
private garden and vine-covered terrace
surrounded by mimosa and jasmine in the
quiet village of Paraza (pronounced pair-aza).
A pool at the rear is nicely screened for privacy
by a stand of bamboo and many flowering
trees and shrubs. The house itself was built,
like most in the village, between 1850 and
1900 during a boom in the wine market. (The
locals still proudly tell visitors that Languedoc
is the "biggest vineyard in France.")
The village is an ancient wine port on the
Canal du Midi, a 150-mile waterway that runs
from the Mediterranean to Toulouse, and is
surrounded by the Minervois vineyards. It also
boasts a boulangerie and charcuterie as well
as a charming café overlooking the canal.
The owner of the house bought it in 1988
and spent five years carefully restoring it. His
strong sense of color and artistic eye are
evident throughout -- in the colors used for
walls and furnishings, the bright Provençal
tiles in the kitchen and baths, as well as his
own lively paintings hanging on the walls.
The house is furnished with French
country-style armoires and beds as well as
some interesting pieces the owner has found
in his search of local markets over the years.
Even though the house can sleep up to
eight people, its proportions are equally
comfortable for two or four and it can be
heated in the winter months, making it a cozy
destination for exploring Languedoc any time
of year.
Owner: Brian Llewelyn worked in film
and television in England and has been a
professional artist since retiring to France in
1988. He lives Next door in his studio and is
always available to help visitors plan their
sightseeing and to give restaurant
recommendations, if they so desire.
Beds and Baths: Sleeps up to eight in two
double and two twin bedrooms. Two full
baths, one with tub and shower and one with
tub and hand-held shower.
Living Space: Light-filled sitting room on
second floor, with wood stove and french
doors opening onto pool area. Large eat-in
kitchen on ground floor.
Outdoors: Pool (12 x 24 feet) and terrace
at rear of house, with an outdoor dining area
with large wood and stone table. South-facing
terrace outside kitchen, with low table seating
up to eight. The many trees and shrubs flower
from February to December, beginning with
mimosa and including passion flowers,
oleanders, roses, clematis, iris, hibiscus,
cactus, datura, lilies, and cherry, fig and peach
trees.
Essentials: Kitchen with dishwasher,
table seating eight, colorful tiles and lovely
dishware. Washing machine. Heating by
wood stove and electric convectors.
Details: Children welcome (crib available).
Property is not handicapped-accessible.
Smoking permitted. Telephone and fax in
owner's house Next door are available for
renters' use.
Nearby:
Transportation:
5% discount for rentals of two weeks or
more
* Rates include linens and towels, heat
and electricity, and cleaning after departure.
Security deposit required.
NOTE: Rentals begin on Saturday after
5:00 p.m.
