La Forge was built around 1820 as the smithy serving Domaine de Patot, a former winery. It retains many original features including a stone drinking trough for horses and the beam to which they were tethered; the furnace is now an open fireplace. The original building now comprises the dining room/kitchen and lounge. In 2000 a tasteful modern extension was added to form the bedroom wing, two bathrooms, wc and a summer kitchen with covered patio overlooking the large pool (10m x 5m). The house faces east over open fields and vineyards towards the village of Lavalette and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne's Medieval City, which is floodlit in the evenings. The pool and garden are in the sun from dawn until approx 7 pm. The centre of the village is a 10 min stroll; facilities include a restaurant, general store, butcher, newsagent and hairdresser. The airport is 10 mins by car. Lac de Cavayere (Carcassonne Beach), a beautiful manmade lake and beach, is 15 mins' drive.