Le Domaine de Villespy

This was our second visit to Domaine de Villespy. We were a group of 8 friends on a cycling holiday in the Minervois - the route we chose was based on revisiting our favourite chambres d'hotes in the region and Domaine de Villespy was high on our list. It wasn't the best weather so we didn't enjoy the gardens, pool or balcony this time. However Emilie organised a great wine tasting at a local vineyard in the village which we all enjoyed. The dinner was excellent, and of course we have to mention the best Tarte Tatin! Bedrooms are large and comfortable - pillows and mattress so comfortable. Breakfast the next morning was delicious and we were very grateful to take the warm banana bread with us to enjoy with coffee on a cool and windy cycle ride. Once again Emilie thank for a great stay. I am sure we will all be back! Anne & friends

It’s hard to know where to begin reviewing somewhere like this… the superb hosts, the breathtaking grounds, the amazing history, superb furnishings, the fascinating home, it’s all here, and more. The bedroom’s are wonderful, gorgeously decorated and furnished with superb taste, the most amazing bedding (seriously, I need some of those pillows!). And whether it’s breakfast on the balcony, dinner in the amazing dining room, or relaxing by the pool in the afternoon the whole property is a feast for the eyes. It’s wonderful.

We booked 3 rooms for 6 of us on a cycling holiday in the area. The Domaine looked lovely on the website and Emily was so helpful in communicating with us before our arrival. We had safe storage for our bikes and enjoyed a lovely cold beer on the terrace after a hot day cycling. The bedrooms are gorgeous, very big and with excellent bathrooms. The beds and pillows are very comfortable and AC if you needed it. We had a leisurely time at the pool in the afternoon, the grounds are very large and peaceful. We met all the members of the friendly family. We had booked the Table d'Hotes and would highly recommend this. Lots of nibbles, plenty of very good local wine, and each course was delicious. Emily is a wonderful cook. We must make a special mention of Doug's Tarte Tatin which was declared the best ever! After a quiet sleep we had a delicious breakfast. Lots of coffee, fruit, yoghurt, bread and pastries. And a divine banana bread. All of us would stay again - whether for a quiet few days, a cycling holiday or to explore the area. Thank you to Emily and all the family for making us feel so welcome and for being such wonderful hosts. We wish you every success and very much plan to be back. Anne & co

Absolutely delightful stay at Le Domaine de Villespy, the home is enchanting, full of character and charm. The proprietors are a lovely, delightful family consisting of a couple, their children, grandparents and multiple pets. Arriving at the property, you are slightly confused, the front of the home is very deceiving to the size and beauty hidden behind the main front door. The home’s age is in question, but dates back at least a few centuries, with multiple updates, changes and additions making it even more charming, each room is individually decorated with care and style. The large shower and Bathroom have large towels, hand towels and there is a hairdryer. The king size bed is heavenly. Plenty of light and a nice sitting area. Hot water kettle and a Nesspresso maker is available. After checking into our large room overlooking the town center we retreated to the wonderful pool to relax and swim. The large outside grounds has lovely shade trees and areas to explore. We took a stroll around the village before dinner, not much there, it is a quite, traditional beautiful village with friendly people surrounded by the amazing countryside full of agriculture and vineyards. Close to Braum, Canal du Midi and Castelnaudry. We first enjoyed some lovely wine and conversation before dinner with the grandparents, David and Liz who are delightfully Scottish with marvellous stories of their lives. Liz recalling her days as a stewardess with BEA and later British Airways. David was in the army and later a Bobby. We discuss the wonders of Kenya and Safaris. Emilie and Doug, are the perfect host, paying attention to every detail of service and hospitality. The wine was a local red Minervois which we are now discovering. Dinner was started with a simple Amuse-bouche, cucumber and pate served with champagne. A delightful salad with warm linguee and vinaigrette dressing, main was a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin with a green sauce and Haricots Verts. Dessert was a perfect country clafouti. Finished dinner with a cappuccino and enjoyed the evening shy, full of shooting stars and satellites. Slept so completely, the king size bed linen was luxurious, we left the windows open to enjoy the cool night air and slept all night. Our departure was set for 10, we arranged for a ride to the train station via Castelnaudry. Breakfast at 0830, perfect homemade jams, local honey, croissants, homemade yogurt, fresh fruit and pancakes were served accompanied by French press coffee, fresh juice and water. Next time we are in this part of France we will make the effort to ge guest here again and enjoy the wonderful hospitality.