19th Century Country Villa with Pool - French Pyrenees - Dun

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Entire home

The Manor House of Le Merviel / La Maison de Maître au Merviel

View from the South Lawn / Vue du petit parc

Relaxing on the chaises longues by the pool / On se détend à côté de la piscine

Wisteria in full bloom / La glycine qui fleurit

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

8 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 125000 sq ft

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Fireplace
Parking available
Pool
Kitchen

Explore the area

Dun, Dun

Mirepoix Cathedral
‪12 min drive‬
Maison des Consuls
‪12 min drive‬
Lac de Montbel
‪26 min drive‬
Carcassonne (CCF-Pays Cathare)
‪51 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Attic Room 1

1 Queen Bed

Attic Room 2

1 Queen Bed

Blue & Gold Room

1 Queen Bed

Blue Room

1 Double Bed

Green Room

2 Single Beds

Lucy's Room

1 Queen Bed

Master Suite - Adjoining Room

1 Single Bed

Master Suite - Main Room

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

1st floor Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Blue & Gold Room - Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Downstairs Shower Room

Shower only

Downstairs WC

Toilet

Master Suite Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Balcony

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining area

About this property

19th Century Country Villa with Pool - French Pyrenees

Welcome to Le Merviel, a peaceful hamlet nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Our idyllic 19th century stone mansion (5000 square feet) is covered in wisteria and ivy, and has been decorated with lavender shutters in classic country French style. This traditional Maison de Maître is filled with antiques from the region and can house a large extended family or group of friends. The 5-acre grounds with formal lawns and gardens are also perfect for parties and entertaining.

There is a very large private pool (60x20 feet, 18x6m) with fully equipped cabana. There are many covered outdoor dining area as well as multiple terraces and balconies.

The town of Le Merviel benefits from fantastic views of the Pyrenees, especially if you’re willing to climb up some of the taller hills. It is rural and peaceful, with only around 30 people living in the village.

Only 15 minutes away you’ll find the exquisite medieval market town of Mirepoix with shops, fine restaurants, and a famous Monday morning market. Short drives take you to other famous historic towns: the fortified town of Carcassone (45 mins), the old castled town of Foix (25 mins), the Cathar fortress at Montségur (30 mins), and the cosmopolitan university city of Toulouse, full of museums, churches, restaurants, and shops.

There are many more activities to be explored in the area, from horseback riding to go-karts, whitewater rafting, and gastrotourism. Local lakes and rivers can also be explored. Tour de France cyclists train in this region — but it’s excellent for biking at any level.

Property manager

Sebastian Hendra

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

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Pool
Pet-friendly
Parking available
Laundry

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 50

Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is no smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a first aid kit

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed USD 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

About the area

Dun

Located in Dun, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Maison des Consuls and Merovingian Necropolis of Tabariane are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Pyrenees Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park and Lac de Montbel. La Ferme Aux Bisons and The Bamboo Park are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging.

Dun, Dun

What's nearby

Mirepoix Cathedral - 12 min drive - 10.6 km
Maison des Consuls - 12 min drive - 10.7 km
La Ferme Aux Bisons - 19 min drive - 16.6 km
Lac de Montbel - 26 min drive - 15.6 km
Montsegur Castle - 34 min drive - 31.8 km

Getting around

Pamiers Station - 22 min drive
Carcassonne (CCF-Pays Cathare) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

‪Le Casti - ‬13 min drive
‪Chez Pierrot - ‬11 min drive
‪Café castignolles - ‬12 min drive
‪Restaurant le Grain de Sel - ‬13 min drive
‪Restaurant Llobet - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does 19th Century Country Villa with Pool - French Pyrenees have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is 19th Century Country Villa with Pool - French Pyrenees pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 19th Century Country Villa with Pool - French Pyrenees?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 19th Century Country Villa with Pool - French Pyrenees?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 19th Century Country Villa with Pool - French Pyrenees located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Mirepoix Cathedral, Maison des Consuls and Merovingian Necropolis of Tabariane. Château de Lagarde and Lac de Montbel are also within 12 miles (20 km).

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

8/10 Good

Nacho E.

4 Jan, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Place for relaxing with friends in the nature

It's a nice place to relax with friends in the nature

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stéphanie d., Paris

12 Aug, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super sejour

Maison authentique et très charmante dans un cadre paisible.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nils F., Copenhagen, Denmark

9 Aug, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Made for memories

The villa is a magical place - that much is clear from the pictures. It has a palatial amount of space, antique furnishings throughout, and a luxurious pool. You see what you get. What you can't see is how the house (and of course, its owners) makes you feel straight at home. We could feel how this place has brought decades of joy to adults and children, and we're glad to have added a few memories of our own. Thanks Sebastian, Nathalie, and Gégé!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aurélie H.

6 Sept, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Aux anges !

Nous avons passé, en août 2022, une semaine merveilleuse dans cette très belle maison, apprécié son grand jardin et son immense piscine, goûté au calme et à la douceur des nuits étoilées. Nous étions 12 dont 7 adultes et des enfants âgés de 4 a 15 ans, tous parfaitement installés. Nous avons par ailleurs été idéalement accueillis et accompagnés sur place. Si les chambres sous les toits peuvent se transformer en fournaise l'été, une climatisation avait été installée dans l'une d'elles. Il nous aurait été impossible de l'allumer car elle était alors fuyarde / mal raccordée sur l'extérieur. Les températures clémentes nous ont heureusement permis de nous contenter d'un ventilateur. Ce tout petit point corrigé et c'est le rêve cette maison ! Encore merci pour votre accueil !

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

marine C.

13 Aug, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super

Nous étions 5 couples avec pas mal d'enfants et nous avons passé un très bon séjour. La maison est spacieuse avec beaucoup de chambres et la literie et de qualité, et la piscine vraiment énorme ! C'est vrai que c'est un peu loin de tout (20 minutes pour les courses) et que le manque de réseau téléphonique (mais il y a du WiFi!) était parfois un peu problématique, mais au moins ça permet de faire une vraie coupure ! Il manque seulement des lumières extérieures pour pouvoir manger sur la terrasse le soir !

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rosaleen G.

9 Aug, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy Holiday!

This is a wonderful property with a lot of love & attention to detail put into it. The house is grand but is very very comfortable & spacious. I have never been in a holiday property so well stocked. It has everything you could possibly need for an enjoyable stay. If you like to read don't bring any books. There are lots & lots of books to suit most tastes. We were a family party of nine from age eight to 74. We all loved eating out on one of the terraces for breakfast swimming in the wonderful pool & having dinner on the covered terrace in the evening under candlelight. After a hot busy day in Carcassonne it was lovely to come back to the peace & tranquillity of Le Merviel. My eight year old Grandson echoed how we all felt when he said the day before we left "I don't want to leave this house". We left for another property in another area as this special house w as already booked for the second week. Thank you Sebastian for being so easily accessible & supportive. Also to the lovely Nathalie & Gerard for their support. You do a great job with the house & grounds.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Hervé C., Angers

7 Aug, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Havre de paix en Ariège

Belle masure au charme suranné et emplie d’âme. Un cadre bucolique et reposant au cœur de la verdure agrémenté d’une piscine « King size ». Un accueil charmant et convivial par Nathalie et Gérard. Location très bien équipée (linge de maison, serviettes de bain, ustensiles de cuisine, épicerie…) et pleine de caractère de par la décoration soignée des propriétaires… jusqu’aux bouquets de fleurs fraîches disposés dans chaque pièce à leur demande. Ready to relax?

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

29 May, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

All too brief!

Five adults - three 20 something girls - and my (slightly older 😜) husband and I had a wonderful time here at Le Merviel. My husband had to work during the day but the wifi - as promised - was fantastic making it super easy. The girls made the most of the gorgeous pool and we all made frequent trips to mirepoix with its fab cafes and vintage/junk shops. This is France as you imagine it to be! Sebastian was always quick to respond with any queries and Nathalie and Gerard - who welcomed us to the house - were super helpful too. We’d love to come back - but for longer next time!!

Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marianne B.

29 Dec, 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very cosy

We ve spent a very very nice in your country house, thanks a lot for your hospitality and your very tipical house

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020

6/10 Okay

Sophie D.

3 Sept, 2020

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Vacances tranquilles

Maison de caractère sise sur un très grand terrain et disposant d'une immense piscine, nos vacances se sont très bien passées grâce à l'emplacement au calme et à la campagne de la maison. Petit bémol sur l'éloignement des commerces, à 15/20 min minimum en voiture. Super maison pour groupe d'amis avec enfants (préférablement sachant nager) pour une mise au vert.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Marie A.

19 Aug, 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Une maison rustique dans un très beau cadre

Nous avons passé un très bon séjour dans cette maison. Nous étions 10 adultes et 2 petits enfants. Dans les points positifs : la très grande piscine, l’immense jardin, le charme de l’environnement, la grande cuisine moderne et bien équipée, l’abondance de linge de maison (grandes serviettes dispo pour la piscine et draps de bain nombreux pour les salles de bain), la gentillesse de Nathalie et Gérard et la facilité de communication. Dans les points à améliorer : la literie n’est pas récente et il y a des chambres où les matelas sont très inconfortables. Les lits ne sont pas des lits doubles standard, donc il y a des chambres où on peut dormir en couple et d’autres où les lits sont trop petits. Le deuxième étage de la maison n’est pas vraiment utilisable car il y fait très chaud en été (normal puisque c’est mansardé) et ce sont des lits 1 place mais l’escalier n’est pas sécurisé, donc on ne peut pas y mettre les enfants (en tout cas pas des petits comme les nôtres). Du coup il y a plutôt 6 chambres que les 8 indiquées dans l’annonce. Pour nous ça allait mais il vaut mieux le savoir si on est nombreux 😊 Sinon beaucoup de choses à faire dans les environs que nous découvrions pour la première fois.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Neila B.

15 Aug, 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Merviel

What a lovely home and a great holiday had by 2 families with their teenage daughters. Sebastian couldn’t have been more helpful with the booking and checking all was okay after we arrived. Lovely pool, garden and house. Especially nice kitchen which was big enough for everyone to be in and cook together.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Candela A.

12 Aug, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Des vacances de rêve en famille

Une grande maison où nous avons passé des vacances en famille : 12 personnes et 3 générations ! Du charme, de l'espace dans cette maison typique de l'Ariège. Chacun pouvait soit profiter de la piscine, du parc, de la fraîcheur de la maison offrant des petits salons pour lire, se reposer... Bref, il y en a pour tous les goûts ! Une mention spéciale pour l'accueil et la gentillesse de Nathalie et Gérard qui ont été particulièrement attentionnés avec nous. Cela n'a fait que rajouter au plaisir de ces vacances.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mary W., Leiden, Netherlands

2 Nov, 2014

French quaintness with American practicality

We stayed here with our two teenage girls with grandma for a week, and a wonderful week it was. The house was so cozy and the yard so welcoming that we didn't really see a need to go anywhere the first couple of days. It's a magical house with lots of rooms to explore and a warm, welcoming kitchen we spent a lot of time in. Nicely stocked with plenty of towels, kitchen utensils, patio furniture, stereo with I-pod dock, movies and books! The house is filled with books, some of us were racing time to finish our novels before we left. We spent hours playing badminton and jeu de boules in the back yard, and had our day meals in the back yard. The children had a fun day riding horses at the horse farm down the street. We visited the local caves and towns, really enjoyed Toulouse. We really recommend this house, one of the nicest, most fully furnished houses we've stayed in.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

6 Nov, 2013

À bientôt, Le Merviel

Our group of 10, aged 1 to 70, stayed at Le Merviel in October 2013. Two weeks wasn’t long enough in this grand, yet intimate country home in a region mostly undiscovered by guidebook crowds. Perhaps it’s less trespassed because rail lines don’t reach this tiny village. But the SNCF is easily accessible. We caught a train into Toulouse to amuse our sons and made a pleasant day of it. You’ll want a car for day trips to nearby ruins, medieval villages, and prehistoric caves. (Don’t make our mistake. Skip Andorra.) Our sense of human history was reshaped by a guided English-language tour of 13K-year-old cave drawings at Niaux. Stirring, especially for Californians like us who think the Gold Rush happened a long time ago. We broke up our adventures with long stints sunning on the patio and feasting on our farmers’ market finds. We toasted many return visits together. Nowhere in France have we enjoyed lovelier scenery. Picture a quilt of farms beneath castle-topped foothills and the Pyrénées just beyond. Tony has wonderful suggestions for hikes, sights, etc. Take him up on as many as you can. But first, book it.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara T.

19 Jun, 2013

Highly recommended!

This is a wonderful house! Great kitchen, lots of space, terrific book collection, beautiful grounds, and even a piano! We happened to arrive just as the cherries on the tree in the back yard reached perfection, so we had bowls full of cherries every day. It looks as if some lucky travelers a little later this summer will enjoy a bumper crop of pears. There were six of us traveling together, and we all love to cook. The kitchen is well equipped, and it is designed so that several cooks can work at the same time without being in each other's way. There are beautiful and interesting places to go in every direction, and there is also plenty to keep you occupied at home if you simply want to relax. We particularly enjoyed the prehistoric paintings in the Niaux Cave, about an hour away. (English tours are available.) Before visiting the cave, we spent a couple of hours at the Prehistoric Park about 10 minutes away from the cave, and we were all glad that we had been to the park first, so that we knew more about what we were seeing in the cave. The park has lots of activities and information for children, too. We also spent a wonderful day in Albi, with its amazing cathedral and Toulouse-Lautrec museum, and a fun morning at the market in nearby Mirepoix. Eric dropped by several times to make sure everything was ok, and we enjoyed talking with him. This is an excellent place to spend a vacation!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

18 Sept, 2012

Wonderful stay in Merviel

We've just spent 3 weeks in Merviel; back to France from Canada for a family reunion to celebrate my parents' 50 years anniversary and we very much enjoyed our stay there. The house is located about an hour away from Toulouse and Carcassonne and only minutes away from Foix, Mirepoix and Pamiers. It was just the perfect spot for us, traveling with small children, with its huge park and swimming pool. The house was large enough to nicely accommodate the 10 of us without having to be in each other's face all the time. Each bedroom has very high ceilings (so do have the vast majority of the other rooms as well), and is simply, yet nicely, decorated with vintage country furniture and accessories. Each has also very large windows over the park and its beautiful mature trees or over the surrounding hills. You can see and feel how this house was built and rearranged by its successive owners to now accommodate the needs of 21st century travelers without loosing its 19th century unsophisticated country charm. The kitchen is the perfect example of that evolution with the cohabitation of large beams and counters made from logs and raw wood (reminiscent of times long gone when this room was used a stable or a barn) and the state-of-the-art gas range that will please the most elaborate cook. This house has a soul, as we say in French, and it is a perfect haven for those seeking a peaceful spot in an original and preserved country environment. It didn't take long for all of us (regardless of our French, Polish, Italian, Catalan or Canadian origins) to feel at home in this house. Sports enthusiasts will love the small hilly roads and trails around Merviel for cycling, jogging or hiking; sailing amateurs will enjoy Montbel's lake, 1/2 hour away from the house for a great sail with a breathtaking view over the "Pyrénées ariégeoises"; food lovers will be delighted by the (fresh) produces available directly from local producers (right next door in Merviel or on any of the public markets in nearby Mirepoix, Foix or Pamiers); history lovers will have plenty to see with the nearby "Chateaux Cathares", Mas d'Azil and many other places... Finally, a word on Eric, who takes care of the house in the absence of its owners, and Nathalie, who we hired during our stay for housekeeping and laundry. Both were very helpful, efficient and discrete and helped us make this stay in Merviel a family success. Hoping to return there one day!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

1 Sept, 2012

Absolute holiday feeling: french charm in a quiet and beautiful surrounding

We, a family with young children, have spent 9 days of our holiday in this beautiful house before staying another week in a huge 5 star luxury villa in St Tropez. It could not compare to this house in any way!! We loved the personal and authentic interior of the house, the charming kitchen, the books, piano and not in the least the beautiful patio, park and great pool. The owner, housekeeper and neighbors where very friendly and helpful. Everything about the house and garden made us relax from day one and enjoy the good things in life like cooking, playing music, reading by candle light on the patio, making evening walks with the kids in the garden before bedtime, running on the streets to buy bread when we hear the baker blow his horn... Everybody, kids included, just enjoyed themselves with simple things. It has been a long time since we have all been so relaxed: the days where very long! If you want to get more active, there are lots of nice towns to visit and my husband made some nice biking trips. As for me: I didn't feel the need to leave the house at all and just spend the whole week enjoying it with the children!! We look forward to coming back!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Serena R., NYC

2 Nov, 2011

Home-Away-From-Home of your Dreams

A truly lovely, commodious, friendly house in which to spend a week of relaxation and exploration! I agree with former poster that the photos do not do justice to how beautiful and welcoming this house is - both inside and out. The backyard is private and spacious, full of fruit trees with lovely pool and lawn furniture and views of the Pyrenees Mountains. The interior is very large and well-furnished with all manner of antiques, books, ceramics, textiles -- it shows real style and taste, yet not too precious to make use by visitors difficult. The nearly on-site caretaker is a help and very friendly. And, the region offers wonderful excursion opportunities in every direction. Our only regret (we were two couples from NYC) was that we didn't have more time to hang around the house to appreciate its beauty. A wonderful choice for independent travelers who want to experience this region of France and the freedom a house-stay offers. Would return!!!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Bernard K., Albany, CA

2 Jul, 2011

Fantastic Country Retreat

We (two older couples) rented this country villa for two weeks in June 2011. It was everything we wanted and more - the pictures do not do it justice. A very large house with high ceilings, large bedrooms and bathrooms, an excellent book and dvd collection, and the best kitchen we have ever had in a holiday rental. It has a huge park-like and very private yard, with a large swimming pool within the yard and yet off by itself. The property is managed by a neighbor who was very friendly but not intrusive, and always available for questions and assistance, and brought us fresh eggs and vegetables. The owners were very helpful, and they've kept their house in a way that made us feel we were visiting friends. We would definitely go again, and we'd recommend it to anyone for a relaxing week or two in the French countryside.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

11 Sept, 2010

Deep France

Set in a tiny village amongst green alpine-like countryside, this enormous house is superb for a quiet holiday. Nearest towns are Mirepoix and Foix, both worth a day visit or more frequently for shopping, especially the former. Avoid Carcassone which is a fake tourist-trap. The (unfenced) swimming pool is lovely as are the grounds with a great badminton court (avoid the molehills). The bedrooms are especially elegant. Only downside was that TV reception and internet access were unavailable but that was forgotten.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Robin Y.

12 Mar, 2010

An idyllic home and holid...

An idyllic home and holiday! The house is beautiful and wonderfully livable. Some highlights from our trip include: making dinner together in the large kitchen; sipping coffee in the morning on the outside patio; playing games or reading by the fire in the sitting room; luxuriating by the pool; fancying a game of badminton on the plush lawn; bubble baths; and adventuring to all the nearby villages. A perfect holiday week all the way around. You won't be disappointed!