grailhunting

Little House in Esperaza

2008-11-20T01:07:00.000-08:00

If you scroll down, you'll find lots of photos of the house I want to let
in Esperaza, which is in the Aude and very handy for grail hunting.

It is next to the ancient church which contains the entombment of
Christ that is in some of the books on the mysticism of the area.
Rennes-le-Chateau is on a hill top visible from the bottom of the street -
(Google for all the sites about it.)

This is a Cathar area, surrounded by the chateaux of the Albigensia.
In Esperaza itself is a dinosaur museum, since this was at one time a
dinosaur swamp. Fossils abound in the fields.
Mountain walking is magnificent.

The Sunday morning market is legendary -

Esperaza is well served by public transport, one of the reasons I am
here as I don't drive. Fly into Carcassonne on Ryan air; navette to the
station; train to Esperaza, through the most beautiful mountains,
criss-crossing the Aude; though depending on the time of the train
you may have to change for a bus at Limoux, but thats easy
enough.

I have only left the house to move into my studio house, which is
larger. I like to live with my work (www.vanillabeer.net) but was
very happy in the little house. Hope you like it!

tincy house

2008-11-16T06:55:00.001-08:00

Here is our little house in 1 Rue des Jardins, Esperaza-
next door to the notaire, off the town square. It is by the
River Aude, which runs behind the houses opposite.

The house eight feet wide and arranged as if four train
carriages had been stacked on top of each other.
The whole is united by a fabulous staircase -

Keeps you fit!!

You enter the house straight from the
street, into the downstairs room -
the table opens and it is possible to seat
eight people if you really really like each
other. Four are easy.

The kitchen is under the stairs
small but well equiped - fridge, little
electric oven, microwave, washing machine,
double sink, four pan electric hob-
and its fun to cook in once
you remember not to knock your head.
(Once is enough - you soon learn.)

There are storage shelves under the stairs
which work for pans and as a larder.

Looking down on the kitchen...

Going up to the first floor is a spare room
leading to the bathroom. There is a large
upper bunk -will sleep two, if necessary -
and a single bed underneath. I used to keep
the desk and computer stuff here, it can easily
go back (though there is no line at the moment)

The room has a large cupboard set into
the wall - useful -

Past the bunk bed is the bathroom

In the summer you can lie in the bath with your
feet out of the window - perfect!
And in the winter the room is small enough
to heat easily, with the electric towel heater.

The next floor has the master bedroom -
also with a large cupboard set in the wall -

and views over the neighbours roof to the river.
In summer, watch the lizards playing there -

Incidentally, all the furniture is what happens to
be there - it can be changed, some beds can go and
sofas etc replace them. Its been used to stockpile
guests for this last summer and if its necessary to
restyle the contents, thats fine.

If you dont want to install a phone and computer
line, there are WiFi spots in the town.

and finally....

2008-11-14T01:06:00.000-08:00

Top floor has a shower, twin beds and a view
from which you can see the fish in the river,
when the trout are rising...

...and of course the church is highly visible!

The bells are, erm, audible - but you get
used to them, honest.