Pouzolles, Languedoc-Roussillon 34480

If you're looking for a 10/10 character house in the South of France, this one really does need to be seen. This beautiful former winegrower's house in the popular village of Pouzolles has been lovingly and very tastefully restored, retaining all the charm and character you would hope to find in an older French property, while being presented in excellent condition throughout. Stonework, beams, vaulted ceilings and a wonderful old stone staircase combine with bright, comfortable living spaces to create a house that feels immediately welcoming. The property offers around 132m² of living space, plus a 19m² veranda, two good-sized terraces, a mature garden and a substantial garage of more than 70m². One of the things we particularly like about the house is the amount of outdoor space. Hidden behind the gates at the front is a lovely, established garden with mature planting, a traditional well and a pergola providing a shady spot for relaxing. From here, steps lead up to a sunny south-facing terrace and then into the glazed veranda a fantastic additional living and dining space that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The main living floor has a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area with a wood-burning stove, together with a large storage cupboard. Also on this level is a generous bedroom of around 13m² with an adjoining bathroom. Both open directly onto a second, very private terrace of approximately 27m² with a covered summer kitchen/barbecue area. Having a bedroom and bathroom on the main living level also makes the house particularly practical for everyday living. Upstairs, a large open landing provides an excellent office, library or additional sitting area. There are two further spacious bedrooms of approximately 13.5m² and 20m², both with attractive vaulted ceilings, together with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom serving the two rooms. There is also useful additional storage, and the generous proportions of this floor offer plenty of flexibility. At ground level is a huge garage of over 70m², accessed from the street behind the property. In addition to secure parking, there is a utility area and, very appropriately for a former winegrower's house, its own wine cave. The garage also connects internally with the house and opens towards the garden, where a further covered area offers even more possibilities for entertaining or creating additional usable space. Comfort hasn't been forgotten either, with double glazing, reversible air conditioning, a wood-burning stove and supplementary electric heating. The house is just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Pouzolles, a lively wine-producing village with a café/bar, restaurant, bakery, local shop, post office and weekly market. The larger village of Roujan, with supermarkets and a wider range of shops and services, is only a few minutes away, while Pézenas and Béziers are both around 20 minutes by car. The Mediterranean coast is approximately 40 minutes away. There are plenty of character houses for sale in this part of France, but finding one that combines this much charm, this condition, excellent outdoor space, three good bedrooms, terraces, a garden and a huge garage is much harder. If a beautifully restored, genuinely characterful French village house is what you're looking for, this is an absolute must-see.