This traditional village house is set in a narrow, peaceful street, a short walk from the local shops which include a baker, a general store, one or two bars and restaurants depending on the time of year.

The ground floor consists of a hallway leading to a twin bedroom; a separate shower-room with w.c. and wash-basin; a single bedroom and kitchenette. There is a refrigerator, small stove and sink unit in the kitchenette. A door leads out from the kitchenette on to the south-facing patio and fenced garden of about 200 square yards.

The first floor includes a double bedroom and a twin bedroom; a bathroom with bath/shower, w.c.., bidet and wash-basin; a separate w.c.; the kitchen/dining-room and pantry. On the landing there is a telephone. The kitchen is well equipped, with dish-washer, washing-machine, freezer, refrigerator, microwave, a four-ringed electric cooker, and an excellent stock of crockery, cutlery and utensils. There is ample seating at the dining table for seven or eight people. Off the dining area, portes-fenetres lead to a south-facing breakfasting balcony with a beautiful view towards the castle of Puilaurens.

The second floor consists of the large living-room and its terrace. The room itself which is parquet-floored has windows and portes-fenetres at both ends and the original beams running along the roof. It has a large wood-burning stove and is furnished to a high standard, with two bookcases, satellite television, DVD player and 100 films, a second telephone, a radio/cassette and many books and cassettes. Portes-fenetres lead out on to the large south-facing roof terrace. The view from this terrace is magnificent indeed. Beyond the garden and the river Boulzane, the twelve arches of the railway viaduct over which no trains now pass; the village of Lapradelle; rising above the village, the castle of Puilaurens set on its precipitous crest; behind the castle and continuing around it on both sides, the high crags of the mountains which overlook the valley and this entire landscape.

This house is perfect for honeymooners; for lovers of France profonde, the countryside, fauna, flora, bird-watching, village-life and history; for castle-baggers; for walkers and lovers of water sports. A very beautiful and romantic place, with an easy 40-mile drive to the Mediterranean beaches.

Linen provided free, except cot sheets and towels for the beach and terrace. Free heating and electricity except in the winter. Easy parking. Keys sent to you in advance, enabling you to arrive when you want to. Lets normally from Saturday to Saturday, negotiable off-season. Autoroute 35 miles. For full letting arrangements, see below.

Places to visit within 50 miles of Lapradelle:
Perpignan: King's palace, Castillet and old buildings in the pedestrianised centre. Carcassonne: Magnificent medieval fortified 'cite'. Good shops and Saturday market. Cabrespine and Limousis: Gigantic caves. Esperaza: Dinosaur and hat museums. Mirepoix: Beautiful central square. Remarkable church. Excellent market. Limoux: Interesting picturesque town. St. Hilaire: Benedictine abbey. Son et lumiere. Alet les Bains: Lovely medieval village. Rennes le Chateau: Odd shops. Eerie place. Chalabre: Medieval village and castle, with Montbel lake nearby. Foix: Castle. Montsegur: Awesome. The last Cathar stronghold to fall. Puivert: Castle and lake. Cerdagne: Rift valley, ringed by mountains. Ski slopes. Via Axat, Gorges St. Georges. Gorges de Galamus: Near St. Paul. Narbonne: Sunday market, wonderful cathedral. Castles: Puilaurens, Peyrepertuse, Queribus, Aguilar, Auriac, Termes, Lastours etc.

Letting arrangements:
This paper refers only to reservations made through direct contact with us. Bookings made through an agent will be subject to different arrangements. Each property is let as a whole, not on a 'per person' basis. Lets are normally made for complete weeks, from Saturday to Saturday. Special arrangements may be negotiated on request.On confirmation of a booking, the deposit will be required. In the event of a cancellation, the deposit is returnable only if we manage to fill the vacancy so created, but any costs incurred in so doing - for example, advertising costs - may be deducted. The balance of the full cost should be paid to Mr. and Mrs. Jay, 11 Moray Place, Strathbungo, Glasgow G41 2BA, not less than six weeks before the beginning of the let. A provisional booking may be made but it must be confirmed or cancelled within a week of being made. The costs of cleaning are included in the price of the let, as are the costs of electricity except in the winter when special arrangements apply. All linen is provided, including hand- and bath-towels, but you should bring your own towels for use on the beach or the terrace. It is a condition of the let that not more than seven people should stay in the house at any one time. We regret that we cannot allow pets into the property. We shall send you two copies of the front-door key before the beginning of your holiday. Please send them back to us in the stamped, addressed envelope on your return. The normal arrangements are that visitors arrive at the house after 4.00 p.m. on their first Saturday and leave before 10.00 a.m. on their final morning.