Notes from the host
Combe Nègre
Combe Nègre is located in the department of the Tarn in Southwest France four kilometres from Cordes-sur-Ciel, an historic medieval 'bastide' village. The Gaillac appellation / vineyards, daily local markets, artisan cheesemakers, and local fresh produce suppliers are all within a 15 – 20 minute drive from the property.
Set within 7 hectares of farmland and surrounded by fields and woodland, Combe Nègre is a collection of beautiful 18th and 19th century SW French buildings and the property is set in a completely private and quiet setting with unobstructed views of five valleys below in the distance. It provides self-contained entertainment with local amenities and services and assured peace and tranquillity to our guests. A housekeeper and grounds keeper maintain the property and pool to a high standard for us and we personally spend months prior to the summer letting season to assure that the property is presented in the best possible way year after year for our guests and obviously for our enjoyment. The sunsets at Combe Nègre are simply spectacular with west facing views for kilometres.
As our family second home, the feeling at Combe Nègre is relaxed, comfortable, and functional and for meals seats 12 in the main house, 6 in a dependence / summer house overlooking the pool, and an additional 16 places on two separate terraces (morning and afternoon or evening dining).
The property was purchased by the current owners in 2006 and over a two year period was completely renovated and restored to its full potential and beauty and was also completely re-landscaped during the same period of time. The water heater / solar panels, and huge water cylinder and central heating if needed assure comfort. The settling is beautiful and gentle breezes cool in the summer up the combe below the buildings. There is a “bastide” style courtyard in the rear of the house with both a well, fountain and water reservoir and a laundry room with new appliances, washing machine and dryer. All linen, towels, pool towels are top quality and in ample supply.
The pool is heated and has been completely overhauled with a new liner, deck and pool tiles.
The main house comprises three very large public rooms on the ground floor: a huge eat in kitchen with a wall length 18th century fireplace and farmhouse table and chairs, a lovely formal dining room with inlaid floor tiling and terrace doors to two terraces and a powder room, and a very large reception / sitting room seating 8 comfortably with a large screen television / movie library and an upright piano. On the top floor are five very large and light bedrooms all with oak floors with one king, two queen, and four single beds in five bedrooms sleeping comfortably a total of 10. All beds are cast iron beds imported from England and all with very comfortable mattresses. Three large bathrooms, two en-suite, are available to the top floor accommodation. Connecting from the top floor central hallway is a very large communal “grande salle” which serves as a games room, gym (with a multigym, free weights, rowing machine, and yoga pads), and houses a ping pong table / table tennis. Boule and croquet sets are also kept in this entertainment room for the enjoyment of our guests. The house is cool in the summer and warm in the winter given the meter-thick exterior stone walls.
Adjacent to the main house is a dependence / 'salon d'été' (summer house) with three sets of large glass door openings to the front lawn and pool which functions as a summer sitting room, reading room, a place to nap and relax, an additional dining area and also as a guest house sleeping four with two sleeper sofas. There is also a bathroom with a wet room shower off the lobby entrance.
Combe Nègre provides a wonderful environment to escape from the stresses of work and everyday life and to simply enjoy quiet and nature, the 'joie de vivre' of a lazy warm French summer, lounge by the heated pool, read in one of the many rooms, or for the more active to swim laps in our large pool (6x10 m), play ping pong or boule or a walk through our beautiful adjacent fields. The property is also large enough to ensure that no matter how many people are there you can always find a quiet space to simply contemplate life and take in the wonderful scenery.
Additional amenities for the property include:
Two barbeques, one built in the rear courtyard and one portable Weber grille for inclement weather
High speed Wi-Fi throughout the main house and surrounding terraces. Satellite television in both the sitting room and the kitchen with hundreds of channels in every language. Three adult bicycles and two children bicycles for the wonderful cycle friendly local roads surrounding Combe Nègre
A telescope for the amazing splash of stars above the property during the summer months with absolutely no ambient light interference/pollution.
A shaded hammock by the pool with valley views; bliss!
In addition, there are additional services available to guests of Combe Nègre by local professionals we have had a relationship for many years and we know are excellent in their trade and reliable, trustworthy, and friendly.
Chefs: We have a long term personal and business relationship with two lady (retired) chefs who live locally to Combe Nègre and who prepare the most incredible “local produce driven” meals at your direction for bespoke catered dinner parties and receptions. They meet with you and do bespoke menu planning in advance, the preparation of the food (some at their homes and some on premises, serve cocktails and appetisers on the terrace before the meal, serve the three or four course meals "a table" in the house or on the terraces, and clean up afterwards. Cost of the food itself is obviously not included but given the locale is very reasonable and exceptional quality. It allows our guests to “have a couple nights off” and just enjoy and benefit from really exceptional local cuisine by a couple excellent chefs and really pleasant, fun, and trusted people. They are almost native to the area and know all the local food suppliers and have their own organic vegetables and hens and chickens as part of the options for meals. Highly recommended and very reasonable in cost. If interested, please let us know and we will provide their contact details.
Yoga: If you are looking for another way to relax and recharge while at Combe Nègre, we have a personal and business relationship with a local Scottish born lady called Susi who can give you a soothing massage or a private yoga class. Susi offers a therapeutic range of massage, meditation, and yoga sessions that can be enjoyed within the peaceful surrounds of Combe Nègre courtesy of Amulet Therapy’s At Home service. We have used Susi’s services for our guests now many times and the quality of services are excellent. For more information and to make a booking in advance of your arrival please view www.amulettherapy.info
The location of Combe Nègre in the Tarn offers many local places to explore and enjoy. The region is located in southwest France and derives its name from the river and has a wealth of historic towns and fine cuisine. As mentioned above, our local village is the historic 'bastide' village of Cordes Sur-Ciel and is rated one of the most beautiful villages of France (named most beautiful in 2014) .
Albi which is a short drive from the house is steeped in history and hosts the large brick structure in the world (the cathedral) and the wonderful Toulouse-Lautrec museum as the artist grew up locally. Currently the capital of the Tarn, Albi has long been the seat of bishops and Gaillac is an interesting agricultural town with arguably the best food market in the region rivalling St. Antonin Noble Val also near our property.
Local Activities: Wine tasting, simply call or drop in at the many local vineyards and they will normally be happy to provide you with a wine tasting. Kayaking and canoeing are well catered for in the region and close by to Combe Nègre and a great family activity. Canoing is based just outside St Antonin Noble Val nearby and is sure to provide a memorable day out. Hiking in the area is very popular and a great way to get out and discover the magnificent scenery in the Tarn and adjacent Aveyron. Fishing is also a popular sport in the region and typical fish found in the local rivers are Carp, Perch, Roach and Bleak. For golfers, the nearest 18 hole golf course are Lasbordes located in Albi or Golf de Florentin-Gaillac in Marssac sur Tarn nearby.
C
Hosted by Colin McBride
