Those who love nature

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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7

Popular amenities

Parking available
Hot tub
Washer
Fireplace
Pet-friendly
Kitchen

Explore the area

Castelnau-Durban, Occitanie

Pyrenees Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park
‪1 min walk‬
La Ferme des Reptiles
‪16 min drive‬
Cave of Mas d'Azil
‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining area

About this property

In the foothills of the Pyrenees (Ariège) 4 km from the D117. Part of renovated farmhouse on 1 hectare of land with breathtaking views. Rental house is equipped with every comfort. Ideal for those who love peace and nature. Plenty of attractions and recreational activities in the immediate surrounding.

Independent apartment, layout: downstairs lounge with fireplace, kitchen, bathroom and toilet; upstairs 2 bedrooms, 1 with balcony. Situated directly next to our house the garden is shared. Very cozy, comfortable and privacy guaranteed.

Property manager

Tom Zoethout

Premier Host

Languages

Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish

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Amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

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Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Smoking outside is allowed

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

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

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Castelnau-Durban

Castelnau-Durban is home to this holiday home. St-Girons Pont-Vieux and Pharmacy of the 18th Century are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Pyrenees Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park and Cave of Mas d'Azil. Travelling with kids? Consider Saint Martin Animal Park and Prehistoric Park. Rafting and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and hiking nearby.

Castelnau-Durban, Occitanie

What's nearby

Pyrenees Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
La Ferme des Reptiles - 16 min drive - 11.8 km
Golf Club de L'Ariege - 23 min drive - 18.5 km
Cave of Mas d'Azil - 23 min drive - 16.8 km
Château de Foix - 33 min drive - 31.2 km

Getting around

Foix Station - 61 min drive

Restaurants

‪Enso de Marichott - ‬13 min drive
‪Chez Victor - ‬10 min drive
‪La Ds - ‬18 min drive
‪Sarl Segm - ‬18 min drive
‪Snack Bar du Stade - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Those who love nature pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Those who love nature?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Those who love nature?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Those who love nature located?

Located in Castelnau-Durban, this family-friendly holiday home is steps from Pyrenees Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park and within 12 mi (20 km) of Cave of Mas d'Azil and Col de la Crouzette. Ariege Golf and Golf Club de L'Ariege are also within 12 miles (20 km).

9.4

Exceptional

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

Learn more

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Belinda C.

6 May 2018

MAGICAL TIME SPENT IN PEACEFUL BIT OF PARADISE

We spent a month in France and travelled over 4000km. Our travels took us far and wide and we had an amazing time with many special and outstanding experiences of diverse and varied interest. This beautiful old cottage in the hills at the end of a long winding road was without doubt the highlight for me and an experience that took me right back to my childhood when I ran wild in Africa and enjoyed wide open spaces, limitless freedom and abundant peace- all surrounded of course with the beauty of nature and the joy of animals nearby. The hosts were perfect - friendly and helpful and generous with time and extra treats ( must try the mushrooms) but unobtrusive and respectful of our space at the same time. The cottage was well fitted and very homely- special items of artistic and historical interest made us feel immediately at home and not in a "rented" property where cheap things are bought new just to equip the place. Little family treasures and the crystal chandelier sparkling in the firelight in the evenings while listening to gentle old music transported us to another world of complete relaxation. The old fire is well worth mastering and using even if it is not too cold because it gives such an atmosphere and has a life all of its own - like the warm heart of this cottage. My favourite of all was meeting Neige and Peepo the darling donkeys- the dogs, cats and of course the ponies next door. It was very hard to leave and I shall treasure the memories of this very special time for always. In fact I have been inspired to change my life because of the joy I felt here. This is the REAL thing- simple, wholesome, beautiful and peaceful. A wonderful retreat to refresh the soul. A romantic hideaway. A family adventure in nature. So many things. May this beautiful place be blessed and safe for always and all that reside or visit. I so hope we can return one day. Thank you!

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

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

10/10 Excellent

Caroline P.

20 Oct 2017

Idyllic location, beautiful house and wonderful hosts

This is a real escape-from-it-all location, high in the hills with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. The drive there is impressive, the single track road snaking through wooded slopes with intermittent views down to the valley below. The house is comfortable, Cosy and well-equipped. It is Suitable for a couple or a larger family as the rooms are generous and the sleeping arrangements flexible. The main bedroom has a lovely wooden balcony looking out over the garden, you can sit in bed and watch the sun rise and the skies are very clear for star-gazing. Although it is rustic in style, there are luxuries such as the jacuzzi bath and a good shower. The kitchen is well equipped for cooking meals and there is a fire and a logburner, although it was still very warm in October. Tom and Sandrine were wonderful hosts, very helpful and we loved to see the donkeys in the garden and hear of Tom's mushroom cultivation techniques. For nature lovers there are lots of butterflies and birds, wildlife parks and opportunities to really escape into the nearby countryside. Although it is in a remote location, there are shops locally, markets and large supermarkets at Foix. There are lots of things to do well within reach of the house- but it is enough to stay close to the home and relax in the tranquil surroundings. Would recommend a drive along the Col de Crouzette, visits to Foix and the valley of Orlu. We would loved to have stayed longer, it was wonderful.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017

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

8/10 Good

Penny W., Solva, Haverfordwest

14 Oct 2016

Pretty rustic and extremely rural but in a stunning location. We really loved it.

The final 4 km up from the valley floor to the property is really quite exciting - single track and hair pin bends all the way. Tom (our host) met us and showed us where to bring our camper van in order to access our part of the property in order to unload. After that we left our vehicle parked 75 meters from our front door. The property was as described on the website - maybe just a tiny bit more rustic than than I had anticipated but that added to its charm. Tom kept us supplied with logs for the open fire which we really enjoyed in the evenings of early October. Our bedroom balcony looked our over fields, trees, sheep and cows. Wonderful! Tom's English was very good and he was very friendly - we even spent a bit of time 'making music' (us with our ukuleles and him on percussion). We loved learning about his shitake mushroom growing project :) Summary - beautifully peaceful and atmospheric place but you don't need to be too fussed by a few cobwebs and relaxed housekeeping. We would happily go back again.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2016

8/10 Good

Jean-Pierre F.

17 Mar 2025

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

Tres agreable

Sejour tres agreable dans une nature appreciable

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Odile T.

28 Aug 2024

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

Un merveilleux séjour chez Tom

On a adoré le gite, le lieu, l'ambiance, la gentillesse de Tom, les paysages... des vacances juste formidables et reposantes.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pascal B.

20 Aug 2024

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

Séjour castelnau durban

hôte attentif et a l'écoute. Disponible et Respectueux

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Marysette R.

12 Aug 2024

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

hébergement sympathique en pleine nature mais proche des sites touristiques.

Un bon séjour en famille. De belles randonnées proches du gîte. Nous en garderons un bon souvenir.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andreas J.

18 Jul 2024

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

Schöne Ferienwohnung in traumhafter Lage

Wir haben eine wunderschöne Woche in Toms Ferienhaus in der Ariege verbracht. Das Haus liegt mitten in der Natur auf einem Berg. Idylle pur. Die Ferienwohnung ist sehr geräumig und es fehlt an Nichts. Die Betten sind sehr bequem. Die Küche ist groß und vollständig ausgestattet. Der große Gasherd lässt auch größere Kochevents zu. Tom ist ein wunderbarer und aufmerksamer Gastgeber. In bleibender Erinnerung wird uns der letzte Abend am Lagerfeuer bleiben. Insgesamt volle Empfehlung. Wir kommen gerne wieder.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

remi L.

4 Jul 2024

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Un petit paradis

Maison en pleine nature bien équipée ,possibilité de randonnées autour du gite ,bon fromages de chèvre à 5 mn, forets et nature sauvage

Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean François V.

23 Apr 2024

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

Calme et beauté du site

Région superbe, aux montagnes magnifiques , propriété dotée du confort nécessaire, avec un "plus" pour le chauffage au feu de bois , créant une ambiance chaleureuse...une mention pour les animaux de compagnie (chien, chat , poneys...) le propriétaire , de plus , est attentif à ses hôtes !

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maryse S.

24 Sept 2023

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

Pas de titre

Très belle region beaucoup de choses à visité. Pour les personnes intéressées par l'histoire, C'est extra.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean Marc D.

20 Sept 2023

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

BRUYCHOUS

Très bon moment avec Tom (notre hôte) dont nous partageons le goût de la musique et des chansons. La maison respire l'authenticité, la chaleur d'une maison vivante. On s'y sent bien ! Faites simplement attention à la petite route où on ne croise pas facilement d'autres véhicules. Merci à Tom pour son accueil. Andrea Jean-Marc septembre 2023.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

christiane c.

21 Aug 2023

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

Séjour au vert

Des vacances reposantes dans un cadre verdoyant et calme. Notre hôte, Tom, est accueillant et soucieux de notre confort. Les enfants étaient ravis de partager ce grand espace avec les poules, les chats et surtout l'adorable chien , Moses. Merci pour ce merveilleux souvenir , cette belle rencontre humaine et ce contact ressourçant avec la nature.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

muriel C.

17 Jul 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Disliked: Communication

Ariège authentique et au calme

Le propriétaire Tom répond très rapidement aux besoins de ses locataires. il possède chats, chien gentil et joueur. La grange de trois siècles bien équipée est appréciable pour sa fraicheur par temps chaud. La région est riche en sites culturels et historiques. Le seul bémol les chemins de randonnée ne sont pas toujours bien dégagés renseignez vous.

Stayed 17 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trevor B.

26 Mar 2023

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

Hidden Gem in nature

We booked Tom's place as a quiet retreat for our family (2 adults, 3 teenagers). It was a wonderful stay. The winding road takes you up the mountainside to this quiet home with views in both directions. We stayed in the spring (late March) when the grass was green but the leaves were not yet on the trees. The weather was pleasant, and the homes unique fireplace kept us warm on the crisp evenings. The place was perfect for our family, with one bedroom for the parents and another for the teens. The teens even had a separate fireplace that we used on two of evenings. The hot shower was very refreshing, and we utilized the jacuzzi tub on one occasion. The kitchen was well stocked with all the needed cookware for us to cook dinner there for one of the evenings, and we had a lovely dinner in Saint-Girons (25 min) for another evening. We enjoyed day trips to Foix, Grotte du Mas d-Azil, Alus-les-Bains and especially enjoyed the local markets on Friday and Saturday mornings. Tom was a very kind host who did everything he could to make our stay comfortable. If you're looking for luxury accommodations in the hustle and bustle of the city, this is not the place for you. But if you want a rustic, charming, comfortable and affordable place away from it all, yet within driving distance of the local sites, we recommend Gite Bruychous.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

4/10 Poor

Anthony L.

22 Feb 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

...a l'ancienne

...annonce a mettre a jour ,photos et type d'hébergement

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

alexis e.

31 Jan 2023

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

A refaire

Merci pour l'accueil Tom, à une prochaine fois !

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Roel M.

30 Sept 2022

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

Beautiful stay

The three of us had a great stay at Tom's place. Situated on a mountain, the gîte is perfect to wind down and enjoy beautiful Ariège. Hunker down around a cozy fire or enjoy your dinner watching the sun set. Explore the natural surroundings, visit towns and check out markets with great local produce. Tom himself is a perfect host who strikes a great balance between privacy, sociability and attentiveness. An extra perk for us were Mozes and Lisa (dog and cat). Hopefully we will have the opportunity to return. Highly recommended.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Yannick D.

13 Aug 2022

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

Mise au vert impeccable

Du calme, la campagne et la proximité des sites principaux

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael A.

11 Jun 2022

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

Natur und Ruhe pur

Wir haben 14 Tage in dem sehr athmosphärischen Haus verbracht. Jeden Tag gab es Neues zu entdecken.Und das alte Bauernhaus passt wunderbar in seine Umgebung. Ein Lob vor allem auch an den Vermieter, der sehr fürsorglich und dabei nicht aufdringlich war. Kurz: Wir haben uns zwei Wochen pudelwohl gefühlt! Danke, Tom!!!

Stayed 14 nights in May 2022

6/10 Okay

Fabien P.

7 May 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Gîte pour personnes simple

Photos du site à mettre à jour Propriétaire très gentil, amene le bois nécessaire à la cheminée tous les jours. La cheminée est agréable, les enfants ont aimé les chamalows à la braise. Cette maison nous rappelle les habitations de nos grand-parents, c'est dépaysant. Entretien général à faire intérieur/extérieur pour profiter pleinement de ce gîte.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pauline V., Montpellier

4 Feb 2022

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

Nature tranquille

Petit week end d hiver...en pleine nature, au calme et en toute simplicité, merci Tom !!

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

marianne s.

24 Oct 2021

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

prachtige natuur en mooi, eenvoudig onderkomen

Het is een gezellige gite, verwarmd met houtkachel. Een fijn huisje voorzien met alles wat je nodig hebT. Tom is een goede gastheer!!

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Cassandra R., TOULOUSE

5 Apr 2021

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

Week end au calme dans les hauteurs ariégeoise

Charmante petite maison au milieu de la nature, avec tout ce qu’il faut pour se détendre. Une cuisine fonctionnelle et un jacuzzi. Pour les plus frileux la maison est chauffé uniquement par un poêle et une cheminée, un pull n’est donc pas de trop. Dans le calme des bruits de la campagne, on s’y perd dans le temps, et le jardin nous fait se sentir bien. Tom est tres chaleureux et aime faire découvrir son univers ainsi que ses animaux très sociables. Il y a pas mal de randonnées à faire pas loin. Et pour finir la journée en beauté on peut admirer sur la table de pique nique le couché de soleil.

10/10 Excellent

Anne-Sophie D.

31 Oct 2020

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

Un joli cocon calme et accueillant

Des soirées au coin du feu, des bulles dans le jacuzzi, 2 ânes sympas , une chienne toute douce, une maison qui a une longue histoire ... un très bel endroit d où partir en balade et loin des routes et bruits... bref un endroit très chouette pour des vacances en famille, entre copains ou en amoureux. Et pour les artistes musiciens, un hôte positif et agréable qui a eu la bonne idée d aménager un espace plein d instruments de musique !! Nous recommandons vraiment!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

About the host

Hosted by Tom Zoethout

We are your neighbors, and I'm your host, useful if you have any question, but we also realize that you are on holiday and maybe just want peace and quiet.
Our goal is you spending a wonderful vacation just the way you like it.
Beside the vacation rental we grow shiitake mushrooms on a part of our land for a living.

What makes this property unique

The peace and quiet, the fresh air and the view, no traffic around you but the chirping of birds and crickets and the wind in the trees. Stay in nature at 800 mtr altitude overlooking the valleys and foothills of the French pyrenees in one of the most beatiful departments.

Languages:

English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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Those who love nature

Photo gallery for Those who love nature

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property