Inspiring retreat: A magic place for holidays and teleworking!

Description

Situated in the midst of a completely natural 45-hectare site in the red earth hills near the small town of Saint Affrique, in the south of France (between Montpellier and Toulouse), this exceptional guest house (288 m2) is part of the cultural centre CasaEuropea, run by a non-profit organisation. The unique, magical atmosphere of the place is due to the fusion of the healing and inspiring qualities of undisturbed nature with the stimulating cultural potential of two very large, academically oriented libraries (suitable for research in special fields of interest - contact us! About fifty thousand volumes, multilingual but mainly in German, cataloguing in progress), super-fast broadband internet and a fully equipped multimedia room with piano. Enter the ecologically designed stone and glass complex through the large greenhouse, and feel free to linger and relax among the lemon trees and oleanders. The greenhouse opens onto the spacious, warmly coloured lounge and fully equipped kitchen on the ground floor of the guesthouse; an open spiral staircase leads up to the 4 bedrooms on the first floor with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and a balcony for three of them. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, internet access, a large fitted wardrobe, twin beds and a desk. The surroundings are exceptional. Step out of the house, breathe in the unpolluted air, and take a dip in the swimming pool or go for a quiet walk in the red earth hills, where only the singing of the birds breaks the silence. It’s a great area for walking and cycling as well as outdoor sports such as horse riding, canoeing and rafting on the Tarn, or paragliding from the cliffs overlooking the river. There is also a rich historical and cultural heritage to discover: The medieval Templar fortresses and villages on the Larzac plateau, the 12th-century Sylvanès Abbey hosting the world-famous "International Festival of Sacred Music - Music of the World", the insect city of "Micropolis" or the geology of the Roquefort caves, which give the famous cheese its unmistakable flavour, are just some of the fascinating experiences awaiting you. As for modern architectural wonders, a thirty-minute drive will take you to the highest bridge in the world, the spectacular Millau Viaduc over the Tarn. We speak English, French, German (some of us also Spanish) and welcome groups, families (children from 10 years old) and individuals. Visitors’ comment: Our afternoon with Rotrauda and Julian, in their enchanting oasis nestled in the heart of "deep France" amidst the rolling hills of the Aveyron region, was nothing short of extraordinary. The atmosphere of the countryside which we traversed biking, with its charming wild nature surrounded roads and idyllic landscapes, set the stage for what would be a truly unforgettable day. Upon arriving, we were immediately captured by the architectural design of the place as a whole. The highlight of our visit, however, was undoubtedly the vast libraries curated by Rotrauda, Siegfried, and Julian. Spanning multiple languages and subjects, these beautiful stone libraries are a haven for book lovers, writers, and scholars alike. We found ourselves immersed in a world of knowledge and imagination, exploring shelves lined with thousands of volumes on diverse topics. Whether delving into philosophy, history, or literature, there was something to pique the curiosity of every visitor. We also had the pleasure of experiencing Rotrauda and Julian's warm hospitality. Truly international and generous, they welcomed us with open arms, showing us their art collection and sharing stories of the region's history and their deep passion for art and literature. Julian treated us to a mesmerizing piano performance. Indeed, this place is more than just a retreat; it's a sanctuary for the soul, with the potential to refresh your spirits and ignite your creativity. We highly recommend this magical place! Gabriela & Lucas, September 2023