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October 2007
Languedoc developer Garrigae celebrated the official opening of their four-star boutique hotel this month. Le Couvent is a former 17th century convent that has been carefully converted to create a small luxury residence in the village of Hérépian, within the Parc Regional du Haut Languedoc, near Bédarieux.
Comprising thirteen suites, a salon, garden, cosy cellar bar and bijou spa area, Le Couvent is where 17th century charm meets 21st century style. The aesthetic is chic, the style is minimalist, and the vibes are fittingly calm: guests can meditate on the building’s ecclesiastical past while enjoying understated luxury.
Le Couvent is situated in the very centre of Hérépian - a quiet village - but a short drive away are the bustling towns of Béziers (see our previous Property News flashes about this up-and-coming destination) and Clermont l’Hérault.
Bed and breakfast at this hip and holy retreat costs from €159 for a suite for two; for more details and bookings visit www.couventherepian.com
Garrigae’s next Languedoc property project is the conversion of an 18th century chateau at Laredorte (Aude) to create 40 apartments set around a restaurant, bar, children’s club and spa; details will be released at the end of 2007 and sales will start in January 2008. Watch this space!
WOMAN WITH A VISION: ANNETTE MINK
A business woman in her forties, Annette knows a good deal when she sees one. “I wanted to buy a property in the south of France, purely as an investment, and I heard about Garrigae’s leaseback project in Hérépian. At 5.5 per cent, the yield was pretty attractive, so that was a good start. I did the maths, visited the site, loved the location, and liked the quality of their build at other sites.
When I saw the detail of the convent conversion, I got very excited. I’m a big fan of old buildings - anything with vaulted ceilings really appeals to me - so it became more of an emotional purchase! I bought a large, one-bedroom ground floor apartment off-plan in November 2005, which was delivered in spring 2007.
I find the idea of new apartments created within a historical building very appealing. The development has a lovely spa too, and given the general interest in well-being these days, I expect occupancy rates to be high. It’s early days, but I’m pretty pleased with my purchase!”
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