Imagine the epitome of French country living... the views, the wines, the solitude, the history. The Vineyard Chateau lies in foothills of the Pyrenees, part of the Languedoc wine region of Southern France. 

Extensively renovated over a 5-year period, this secluded retreat - only 25km from the walled city of Carcassone - is surrounded by vineyards and overlooks a lush valley. A modern, six-bedroomed interior boasts fine fabrics, handmade solid oak beds, huge fireplaces and leather sofas, all surrounded by the warm natural stone of the original structure. With a heated infinity pool, a walled vegetable garden and beautifully landscaped grounds, this is the perfect property for a business venture or simply for a luxurious family home.

This trio of properties feature an abundance of rustic charm, from beamed ceilings, exposed stonework and expansive fireplaces, to details such as pargetting, hand-made windows and a dramatic natural spiral staircase created from an oak tree. 

In its 20-acres of well-manicured grounds and flower meadows, the property has its own natural rock swimming pool, spring-fed small lakes and a wooded stream. A conservatory and upper sunroom enjoy an abundance of natural light, and there's a roof garden and poolside patio for warmer days. As well as a large barn, garage, workshop, woodshed, attic store and garden shed, planning permission exists for a large chalet building and the property has several suitable areas for a heli-pad. Despite uninterrupted countryside views, far from being isolated, the house is a mere fifteen-minute drive from the market town of Liskeard.

A successful B&B featured in the Michelin Red Guide, this prestigious bordelaise townhouse, featuring stone Fleur de Lys and columns, is set in a huge park with a beautiful lake and a pool backing onto sunflower fields. 

The unique architecture of The Wine House is home to designer interiors (that have been featured in several glossy magazines), original artwork, log fires, exposed beams and rare carpentry. Six of the nine magnificent bedrooms are en-suite, and the property is being sold inclusive of furniture. The Wine House is superbly located in the small port of St Seurin d'Uzet - a place not only famed for being the first place in Europe to produce caviar, but from the banks of the Gironde estuary it also faces some of the finest vineyards in the world.

A successful 4-star rental business set in 15 acres of land, Le Meriller, once a working farm, is the oldest and largest property in Le Fleix. The three houses - a family house, a 17th century barn conversion with a swimming pool, and a 16th century part-converted barn currently - ooze character and charm, showcasing many of their original features. 

Outside, the landscaped garden has hundreds of specimen trees, shrubs, flowers, fruit trees and a well-established vegetable garden. The property is being sold fully furnished, and with a total of 33 rooms (and the option of completing the final barn), this is a unique business opportunity for someone wanting to start a new life in France. Last year the house was rented for 51 weeks and the barn was rented for 52 weeks. Both properties are booked until July 2008.

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This is a small selection of our Unique Home Stays Country/Coastal retreats. Please see our website for more ideas and accommodation to suit you. We have properties in the UK, USA, Spain, South Africa, Morocco, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, India, Greece, France and the Czech Republic.

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Please contact Unique Home Stays in the event of featuring any of our properties.

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A selection of high-resolution images is available.

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We can organize press trips for select journalists and we work alongside a handful of professional journalists who can provide bespoke write-ups if required.

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Launched in 2001, Unique Home Stays offers the crème de la crème of privately hosted accommodation that offers a unique alternative to run-of-the mill hotels. Having travelled the world, MD Sarah Stanley knew what she expected from top quality accommodation: Intimate and luxury hospitality, pristine homes oozing with character, excellent regional cuisine and comfortable bedrooms with all the trimmings. Today Unique Home Stays offers superior accommodation in over 100 homes scattered over 14 different countries. The properties include castles, priories, rectories, windmills, water mills, townhouses, coastal homes and even a house in the sea.