Olonzac

Elegant 19th-Century Maison de Maître with B&B Potential in the Heart of Wine Country

Step into the timeless charm of southern France with this magnificent Maison de Maître dating back to 1800, once part of the historic wine estate Eloi Merle. Located in the lively market town of Olonzac, this exquisitely restored home tells a story of heritage, beauty, and opportunity.

Originally rented to vineyard workers who tended the surrounding vines, this exceptional residence now offers over 497 m² of living space across three floors, blending period elegance with modern comfort. Whether you dream of running a boutique B&B, hosting cultural or gastronomic events, or simply enjoying a majestic family home, this property is ready to write its next chapter.


Ground Floor – Welcoming Elegance & Event Potential

Enter through an impressive 39 m² hall, featuring lofty ceilings with decorative mouldings and a charming bar — the perfect place to welcome guests. To your right, a 25 m² office provides a quiet workspace, while adjacent rooms offer a 19 m² storage area, 22 m² dining room, and a 20 m² kitchen with a functioning fireplace for cozy French breakfasts.

Double large doors lead to the jewel of the property: a 132 m² Mediterranean-style courtyard garden. Adorned with bamboo, roses, and intimate seating nooks, it’s a private oasis ideal for sipping local wine in the sun.

At the rear, a breathtaking 80 m² reception hall with soaring ceilings offers endless possibilities: yoga retreats, wedding receptions, wine tastings, or art exhibitions. Above it lies a further 112 m² mezzanine ready for renovation. A 33 m² storage room completes this versatile space.


First Floor – Private Owner’s Apartment

This fully renovated 131 m² apartment offers peace and privacy, with a 33 m² salon, a stylish 19 m² kitchen, and a sumptuous 24 m² master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and dressing room. Two further 17 m² bedrooms, a separate toilet, and a laundry room ensure comfort and functionality.


Second Floor – Guest Accommodation

Currently run as a B&B, the top floor hosts:

Four spacious ensuite guest rooms (3 x 22 m² and 1 x 19 m²)

One family suite (31 m²) with two bedrooms and a private bathroom
Each room is tastefully decorated and equipped with modern comforts such as reversible air-conditioning and central heating, making the property suitable for year-round hospitality.


A Rich Heritage in the Heart of the Minervois

The house was once part of Domaine Eloi Merle, a name that still resonates in the Minervois wine region. Known for its robust reds and crisp whites, this area is celebrated for its wine tourism, gentle landscapes, and Mediterranean climate.

Olonzac, the “capital of the Minervois,” is a vibrant village with a popular weekly market, cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and essential services. The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just minutes away — perfect for cycling, boating, and leisurely strolls.


Distances to Key Locations:

Canal du Midi: 3 minutes

Minerve (most beautiful village in France): 15 minutes

Narbonne: 35 minutes

Carcassonne (airport + medieval cité): 45 minutes

Béziers Airport: 50 minutes

Mediterranean beaches: under 1 hour

Montpellier: 1h30

The surrounding countryside is dotted with châteaux, vineyards, abbeys, and scenic trails, offering an authentic and immersive southern French experience.


Summary of Rooms – Property Layout

Ground Floor:

Entrance hall with bar – 39 m²

Office – 25 m²

Storage/bike room – 19 m²

Dining room – 22 m²

Breakfast kitchen with fireplace – 20 m²

Pantry – 12 m²

Courtyard garden – 132 m²

Reception hall / activity room – 79 m²

Workshop/storage – 33 m²


First Floor – Owner’s Apartment:

Landing – 2 m²

Living room – 33 m²

Equipped kitchen – 19 m²

Bedroom 1 – 17 m²

Bedroom 2 – 17 m²

Master bedroom – 24 m²

Bathroom – 8 m²

Dressing room – 4 m²

Laundry room – 3 m²

Separate WC – 4 m²


Second Floor – Guest Area (B&B):

Landing – 16 m²

Guest suite 1 with bathroom – 22 m²

Guest suite 2 with bathroom – 22 m²

Guest suite 3 with bathroom – 22 m²

Guest suite 4 with bathroom – 19 m²

Family suite (2 bedrooms and bathroom) – 31 m²


A Unique Opportunity

Whether you are looking for a character-filled family home, a B&B project, or a venue for retreats and events, this exceptional property offers a rare combination of space, history, and charm — all in a prime location in the South of France.

For more information, to receive additional photos or floor plans, or to schedule a viewing (virtual or in person), please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be delighted to help you explore the full potential of this rare gem.