Sustainable Lifestyle & Revenue: Solar-Powered Riverside Haven with Wild Swimming and Stunning Views

Property Description

Summary
Embrace a truly sustainable lifestyle while generating steady income with this distinctive property in the picturesque Corbières region. Villa Ripaud combines eco-conscious living with excellent business potential, all set within a stunning natural environment. This thoughtfully renovated former railway station harnesses the abundant Languedoc sunshine with 30 solar panels and lithium battery storage (installed 2022), while drawing water from its own well, significantly reducing utility costs while minimising environmental impact. The property offers approximately 380m² of versatile living space across multiple self-contained units, creating immediate income opportunities.

Location
Villa Ripaud enjoys a privileged position near Villesèque-des-Corbières, nestled on the edge of the spectacular Parc Naturel Régional Narbonaise et Méditerranée. This picturesque location offers the perfect balance between peaceful countryside living and convenient access to amenities and attractions. The property sits directly on the Route des Vins and Chemin des Cathars, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts and history lovers. The immediate area is renowned for its dramatic landscapes of rocky gorges, vineyards, and Mediterranean garrigue, with excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wild swimming right from your doorstep.
Local Amenities:
• Villesèque-des-Corbières village: small shop, post office, restaurant
• Durban-Corbières (7km): supermarket, bakery, pharmacy, restaurants, medieval castle
• Fontjoncouse (6km): home to the 3-Michelin-star restaurant "Auberge du Vieux Puits"
Tourist Attractions:
• Terra Vinea wine caves (9km): underground wine museum and tastings
• Sigean African Reserve (14km): safari park with over 3,800 animals
• Etang du Doul salt lake (15km): flamingo watching and floating in salt waters
• Abbaye de Fontfroide (20km): magnificent 12th-century abbey and gardens
• Cathar castles including Peyrepertuse and Quéribus (within 30-40km)
Beaches and Water Activities:
• Plage du Doul (17km): nearest swimming beach
• Mediterranean beaches at Port la Nouvelle, Leucate, Gruissan and Narbonne (25-40km)
• River Berre: private access for wild swimming directly from the property
Cities and Transport:
• Narbonne (25km): historic city with Roman monuments, cathedral, canal, extensive shopping
• Perpignan (60km): international airport, TGV station
• Carcassonne (70km): UNESCO World Heritage medieval citadel, international airport
• Montpellier (120km): major city with international airport
• Spanish border (80km): day trips to Barcelona possible
Sporting Facilities:
• Multiple hiking and mountain biking trails in the immediate vicinity
• Horse riding centres within 15km
• Water sports at nearby Mediterranean beaches
• Golf courses at Narbonne (25km) and Saint-Cyprien (45km)
• Winter skiing in the Pyrenees (90 minutes' drive)
The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it perfect for outdoor living and solar energy generation. The combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and excellent food and wine make this an appealing destination for tourists year-round, supporting the property's income potential.

Access
Villa Ripaud benefits from excellent transport connections, combining the tranquillity of a countryside setting with straightforward access to major transport networks. The property is easily reached by road, air, and rail, making it convenient both for permanent residence and for holiday rental guests.
Road Access:
Direct access from the D611 route through the Corbières
A9 Autoroute (La Languedocienne): 13km, connecting to Spain and northern France
A61 Autoroute: 23km, connecting to Toulouse and western France
N9 National Road: 15km, providing coastal access
Airports:
Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport (60km): Year-round flights to Paris and seasonal connections to UK, Belgium, and other European destinations
Carcassonne Airport (70km): Ryanair hub with flights to UK, Ireland, Belgium, and other European destinations
Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport (80km): Seasonal flights to UK, Germany, and Scandinavia
Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport (150km): Major international airport with worldwide connections
Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (120km): International airport with European connections
Train Stations:
Narbonne Station (25km): TGV high-speed services to Paris (4h20), Barcelona (2h), Toulouse (1h30)
Perpignan Station (60km): TGV services to Paris and Barcelona
Local train stations at Leucate-La Franqui (30km) and Port-la-Nouvelle (28km) on the coastal line
Ports:
Port-la-Nouvelle (28km): Commercial and leisure port
Port Leucate (36km): Marina and leisure port
Gruissan (40km): Marina and leisure port
Barcelona Ferry Port (200km): Ferries to Balearic Islands and Italy

The property's location provides the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion. While nestled in the beautiful Corbières countryside with immediate access to nature, major transport links are within easy reach, making weekend escapes from Paris or London entirely feasible and ensuring good connectivity for holiday rental guests arriving from across Europe.

Interior
Accommodation & Layout
Ground Floor (approx. 100 m²):
• Kitchen (20 m²) with oven, electric hob, plus provisioned space for dishwasher and tumble dryer
• Dining/training rooms (45 m²) plus fully enclosed conservatory (27 m²)
• Utility room (7 m²), 2×WC, direct access to rear drying area
1st Floor (approx. 140 m² habitable):
• Open kitchen/dining/living (26 m²) off 11 m² corridor
• 3 bedrooms (11 m², 12.5 m², 14.5 m²) + shower/WC (3.5 m²)
• Master bedroom (32 m²) with en-suite bath (9 m²), private side-garden door & rock steps to rooftop terrace with exceptional views
•. Utility area with steps down to cave storage
1½ Floor:
• Shower & 2 WCs to refurbish, plus door to decked courtyard (BBQ & hot-tub ready)
2nd Floor Holiday Apartment (approx. 110 m²):
• Kitchen/diner (17 m²), corridor (10 m²)
• 4 bedrooms (13.5 m², 16 m², 20 m², 20 m²) each with en-suite shower/WC
• Currently seasonally rented with good occupancy
Detached Garage & Apartment (approx. 100 m² total):
• Apartment (30m2) with separate entrance from outside and inside
• Bedroom 11.5m2, Kitchen/diner 16m2, Shower and WC 2.5m2
• Garage space (70m2) with electric remote door and double glazed patio door with electric blinds
• Large terrace (66m2)

Exterior
Front Garden and River Access
To the front of the property lies a charming terraced garden that meanders down toward the River Berre. This thoughtfully landscaped space features mature fruit trees including figs, apricots, and cherries, interspersed with Mediterranean flowering shrubs that provide year-round interest and fragrance. A guest terrace (approximately 20m²) offers an ideal entertaining space. This area is complemented by a wooden cabin (8m²) that currently serves as a garden storage space but could easily be converted into a summer bar, artist's studio, or meditation space. Stone steps wind their way down through the terraced garden to the well kept potager (vegetable garden) on one side. On the other side, wander down to the property's crowning natural feature—private access to the beautiful River Berre. This pristine river offers exceptional wild swimming opportunities with several natural pools of varying depths. A grassed area provides the perfect spot for sunbathing after a refreshing dip, while the soothing sound of flowing water creates a constant backdrop of natural tranquillity.

Side Garden and Rooftop Terrace
Adjacent to the master bedroom on the first floor, a private side garden offers an intimate outdoor retreat. From here, charming rock-built steps ascend to one of the property's most spectacular features—a rooftop terrace with breathtaking panoramic views across the River Berre and the dramatic Corbières gorge landscape. This elevated vantage point captures the essence of the region's natural beauty and provides an exceptional space for morning coffee, sunset aperitifs, or stargazing under the remarkably clear night skies.

Rear Courtyard and Decked Garden
To the rear of the property is a secluded decked garden area. This thoughtfully designed space is planted with ornamental Japanese maples and other shade-loving plants, creating a tranquil zen-like atmosphere. The deck includes a dedicated dining area with space for a table and chairs for 8 people, perfect for al fresco meals. This area is also equipped for relaxation with a designated area for a hot tub. A gas barbecue has been installed, making outdoor cooking effortless. The entire space is designed for privacy and comfort, offering a peaceful retreat from the Mediterranean sun during the hottest parts of the day.

Paddock and Additional Land
Beyond the immediate garden areas lies a substantial paddock. This versatile space presents numerous possibilities for the new owners. Currently maintained as a meadow, it could be:
• Developed into a boutique campsite or glamping site with eco-pods
• Planted as an olive grove, vineyard, or truffle oak plantation for agricultural income
• Used for equestrian purposes with space for stables and paddock
• Transformed into a permaculture garden or orchard
• Maintained as a natural wildlife haven
The land is fully enclosed and gated, with vehicle access from the main road, allowing for independent development without disturbing the main residence.

Ground floor apartment Terrace
The Ground floor apartment features a substantial terrace (66m²) accessed through double-glazed patio doors with electric blinds. This space offers views across the surrounding countryside and provides another excellent outdoor entertaining area. With ample room for dining furniture, loungers, and potted plants, this terrace could serve as a private outdoor space for guests staying in the garage apartment or as an additional relaxation area for the main property.

Ecological Features
The exterior spaces at Villa Ripaud showcase the property's eco-credentials. The 30 solar panels are discreetly positioned to maximise sun exposure while minimising visual impact. The property's well water system includes a pump house that draws from the natural aquifer, providing water for the property and sustainable irrigation for the gardens during the dry summer months. Throughout the grounds, careful attention has been paid to working with the natural landscape, preserving native plant species, and creating habitats that support local wildlife, from pollinating insects to the birds of prey that soar above the Corbières hills.

Additional Details
Services & Utilities
• Solar Power System: 30 solar panels with 3 lithium storage batteries installed in 2022 with 25-year guarantee, significantly reducing electricity costs
• Water Supply: Private well water system with pump, providing sustainable water source for domestic use and garden irrigation
• Heating & Cooling: Reversible heat-pump air conditioning units throughout main living areas
• Hot Water: Energy-efficient thermodynamic water heaters serving 1st and 2nd floors
• Internet: High-speed fibre-optic connection
• Waste Management: Septic tank system
Taxes & Fees
• Taxe Foncière: €2,800 per year
• Notaire Fees: Approximately 7-8% of purchase price (paid by buyer as per French law)
• No Agency Fees: Direct sale from owner

Revenue Generation
Current Income Streams
• 2nd Floor Holiday Apartment: Currently successfully operated as a seasonal rental with strong occupancy rates during the peak tourist season. The four en-suite bedrooms attract families and groups seeking quality accommodation in this picturesque region. The apartment is fully equipped and ready to continue generating immediate income for new owners.
• Booking Platforms: The property has established presence on major holiday rental platforms with excellent guest reviews, ensuring continued visibility and bookings.
Additional Revenue Opportunities
• Garage Apartment: The separate one-bedroom apartment (30m²) within the detached garage building offers potential for additional rental income once refurbished. This could be marketed as a romantic retreat for couples or as overflow accommodation for larger groups renting the main holiday apartment.
• Restaurant/Hospitality Space: The ground floor's former restaurant areas (72m² total including conservatory) present an excellent opportunity to develop a food and beverage business. The property retains its commercial license and the necessary infrastructure for restaurant operations.
• Events & Workshops: The spacious grounds and versatile indoor spaces could host retreats, workshops, or small events, particularly appealing to the growing market for wellness, creative, and eco-tourism experiences.
• Glamping/Camping: The paddock area (approximately 1 hectare) could be developed for eco-camping or glamping pods, capitalising on the increasing demand for outdoor accommodation with access to wild swimming.
Market Advantages
• Year-Round Appeal: While summer remains the peak season, the region attracts visitors throughout the year for wine tourism, hiking, cycling, and cultural exploration.
• Growing Tourism Sector: The Corbières region is gaining popularity as travelers seek authentic experiences away from over-developed coastal resorts.
• Unique Selling Points: Private river access for wild swimming, solar power, and the property's eco-credentials align perfectly with current travel trends toward sustainable and nature-based tourism.
• Established Tourism Infrastructure: The property benefits from its proximity to popular attractions including Cathar castles, Mediterranean beaches, and the UNESCO World Heritage sites at Carcassonne, ensuring a steady flow of potential guests to the area.
The combination of existing rental income and multiple opportunities for business development makes Villa Ripaud an attractive proposition for buyers seeking a lifestyle change with sustainable revenue streams.