Rent Domaine Le Sanctuaire France

Time stands still at this magnificent historic residence set within glorious parkland, one of 18th century Montpellier’s rare architectural gems within the city’s only remaining vineyard. Here you are just 5km from the heart of Montpellier, often claimed to be one of France’s most beautiful and vibrant cities.  

It’s a true privilege to be able to stay at Domaine Le Sanctuaire. The origins of the house date as far back as the 17th century when it was once a rural farm, then the Orangerie and winter greenhouses were added in later years by a Montpellier family passionate about exotic plants. One of the 19th century greenhouse frames remains and is now home to a heated swimming pool!

Passing through various generations of the same family, the vineyards were re-planted in the early 20th century, then the estate was seized by the Germans in WWII who hid their tanks in the woodland. Fortunately, the house returned to the original family who then built up a reputable wine business on the estate. Most recently, the house has been remarkably renovated and restored to create a luxury 5-bedroom holiday home exuding historic charm and 21st century style. Furthermore, it is an idyllic setting to host a French wedding in romantic surroundings.

The house is simply beautiful – step inside to admire its architecture, typical of the region but also inspired by Italian design. Furnishings are chic, sensitively juxtaposing preserved historic detail across the many rooms, whilst modern features have been added including air-conditioning. On the ground floor we adore the elegant salon, family lounge and gorgeous kitchen whilst upstairs there are five king-size double bedrooms with stylish furnishings, striking fixtures, antique pieces and contemporary en suite bathrooms. The sixth bedroom is a twin, connecting to one of the doubles, ideal for a family.

Alongside the heated swimming pool within the frame of the former winter greenhouse, a summer kitchen is perfectly positioned by the terrace overlooking the olive trees and parkland. Play traditional pétanque, relax on the lawns, admire the exotic plants and take walks through the woodland. Part of a working vineyard, the property is surrounded by vines – wine-tastings and tours can be arranged via the on-site concierge. The concierge can also help organise a range of bespoke experiences such as tours of the city centre, visits to local oyster farms and yet more wine-tasting in Languedoc vineyards.

Spend time soaking up the history of Montpellier with its museums, galleries and shops as well as the city’s exciting food and wine scene. The owners especially recommend a tour of the University’s medical faculty, the world’s oldest practicing medical school dating back to the 12th century.

Montpellier’s sunny climate and close proximity to the Languedoc coastline also make this part of southern France so appealing – La Grande Motte and Sète can be reached within half an hour whilst the seaside resort of Palavas-les-Flots is only 14km by car.

Not to mention the endless wine tasting opportunities of this region including the famous Languedoc vineyards of Pic Saint-Loup in the foothills of the Cévennes whilst many other wineries can be found in Sommières and across Hérault villages near historic Pézenas reached within an hour by car.

House Interiors

Ground Floor

–    Entrance hall
–    Formal salon
–    Family lounge with TV, books and games
–    Dining room with table for up to 14 guests
–    Kitchen and bar. Kitchen fully-equipped including oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, Nespresso coffee machine
–    Cloakroom
–    Orangerie

First Floor

–    Bedroom with double bed (200x200cm), private terrace and bathroom with walk-in shower and two sinks
–    Bedroom with double bed (180x200cm) and bathroom with bath and two sinks
–    Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) and bathroom with walk-in shower and two sinks
–    Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) and bathroom with walk-in shower and two sinks
–    Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) and bathroom with shower and two sinks (shared with twin bedroom). Adjoining bedroom with twin beds (80x200cm)

Outside Grounds

–    Heated swimming pool (14x3m, depth: up to 1.3m) within the former winter greenhouse (with gated access)
–    Poolside sun loungers
–    Al-fresco dining terrace for up to 14 guests
–    Barbecue
–    Boules court
–    Molkky game and table tennis
–    Garden furnishings
–    Parkland (including large pond)
–    Parking spaces

Facilities

–    Wi-Fi
–    Air-conditioning
–    Heating
–    Satellite TV
–    Sonos audio system
–    Table tennis
–    Molkky game
–    Boules
–    Hairdryers
–    Washing machine and dryer

In the Languedoc region of France, Domaine Le Sanctuaire is set within Montpellier’s only remaining city vineyard just a 10-minute drive from the heart of Montpellier, often referred to as one of France’s most beautiful cities. Arrive by TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon or fly into Montpellier, Nîmes or Béziers Airports.   The on-site concierge can arrange private wine-tasting within the large working vineyard (which also includes the caretakers’ residence, offices, outbuildings – these parts are not accessible to guests). You can also learn all about the fascinating history of the domaine’s parkland and see where German troops hid their tanks in the woods during WWII. It is amazing to be staying within a working vineyard, a green oasis in the outskirts of the city. The heart of historic Montpellier is 5km away. Concierge can arrange city tours for you; they especially recommend a tour of the University’s Faculté de Médecine which dates back to the 12^th century, the oldest practising medical school in the world. As well as admiring the exquisite architecture throughout the historic quarter, soak up the ambience on the city’s main square, Place de la Comédie, explore the warren of medieval lanes and stroll along grand boulevards. There are some fantastic museums including the Museum of Languedoc, Museum Fabre and MO.CO contemporary arts centre.   Montpellier unsurprisingly has a vibrant food and wine scene. Close to MO.CO, head to the covered gourmet food market at Les Halles Laissac whilst Les Halles Castellanne is in the heart of the historic centre where the old flower market used to be. There are various other Farmer’s and outdoor markets throughout the week and many restaurants pride themselves on serving locally produced cuisine from farm to table. Visits can be arranged to the oyster farms of Étang de Thau – Mèze (29km) is just half an hour away. The wines of Languedoc are not to be missed and can be sampled in city wine bars or further afield. In the foothills of the Cévennes, one of the most famous Languedoc vineyards is Pic Saint-Loup (30km), a paradise for wine enthusiasts and hikers alike. There are many more pretty Hérault wine villages and Languedoc vineyards in the countryside east of Béziers alongside the beautiful town of Pézenas (58km) which hosts a wonderful historic market on a Saturday morning. If you can find the time, don’t miss a trip to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (42km), classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.   The popular beach resort of Palavas-les-Flots is around a 15-minute drive away with its many restaurants, marina and long beach with summer watersports. Continue along the coast to more remote spots, superb kite-surfing and coastal walks, perhaps as far as the impressive ruins of Cathédrale de Maguelone. La Grande-Motte (28km) is an attractive seaside resort and beach whilst in the other direction is the vibrant town of Sète (27km) with its canals, boat trips, watersports and summer beachside restaurants beyond the marina.