Mas du Domaine de Montcalm

Le Mas du Domaine de Montcalm sits at Thuir in the Pyrénées-Orientales, fifteen minutes from Perpignan and between the Mediterranean, the Catalan villages and the slopes of the Canigou. It is an old Catalan wine estate — part of the original chais has been kept as it was, immense concrete vats and all — restored by its architect owner into a private venue with accommodation.

The domaine is privatised for your weekend. A drinks reception works in the tree-shaded park or the Mediterranean courtyard, lunch can be served under the trees, and dinner and dancing move into the reception hall, a room full of character with lanterns and warm lighting. Ceremonies are held at the Thuir town hall or a nearby church, with the whole celebration then staying on the estate.

Guests sleep on site: four gîtes and three guest rooms give up to 34 beds, so the party can start the evening before and carry on to a lazy Sunday by the pool. There is a private car park, a large pool open in season, a shaded garden, pétanque, table tennis, a billiard room and even an escape game in one of the outbuildings.

Jean-Claude and Dominique, the owners, run the domaine themselves and are known for a very hands-on welcome. Catering, florals and music are open — you bring your own suppliers, or ask them for local recommendations.