n an old Maison Vigneronne, or winemaker's house, the perfect hideaway has been created: a moment out of place and time, a haven of peace and tranquility but an easy amble from the bustle of the main quaysides. The gem is the swimming pool, the perfect privacy of an oasis in the sky, with high stone walls to protect guests from the Languedoc breezes and prying eyes. Terracota tiles and pots of olive trees as the backdrop to sunloungers and deckchairs. Under the shade of a veranda an outside sitting room, dining area and summer-kitchen with barbecue make this terrace the true heart of the house. On the first floor is a second terrace, a south-facing sun trap for guests who want a private moment under the summer skies. There are three bedrooms in this family home, and an extra sleeping area in the top floor mezzanine salon. The split level reception room - with plenty of sofas and armchairs for relaxing indoors - is bright, open plan and has plenty of corners for hiding with a good book, sprawling with friends over a bottle of Picpoul de Pinet and rambling annecdotes, or settling down at a desk by the window to write postcards home. Up the contemporary spiral staircase to the large mezzanine level, with its single bed, well stocked bookcases and panoramic window with view across your neighbours rooftops to the lagoon and hills beyond. The house itself is bright and sunny, with two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor, the top floor boasting another double bedroom, plus the mezzanine room and an extra shower room. Two of the bedrooms have double beds. The third room, with a sofa bed, doubles as a den. Two of the bedrooms have doors opening out directly to the swimming pool. The house has plenty of special nooks for relaxing, so there is always a corner for private reflection on lazing on the grass with a good book. So do make sure that you stock up on your holiday reading - where better to catch up with all those novels you never have time to wallow in at home. The living room opens out into a fitted family kitchen and there is a washing machine in the utility area of the double garage on the ground floor.