Interview: Philippe and Andonis from Cuq-en-Terrasses

May 10, 2016 Pauline

By Pauline

In Interview, Magazine

Today, we have the pleasure of asking a few questions to Anthony and Philip, the owners of Cuq-en-Terrasses. The place inspires and attracts followers: in 2014, Trip Advisor ranked Cuq-en-Terrasses among the 25 hotels with the «Best Service in France» and The Guardian, in England, has in turn awarded it the title of ’one of the ten best hotels in France.« Attentive, caring, and particularly detail-oriented, Philippe and Andonis have succeeded in creating a unique place, a true haven of peace.

Travellers Society Tell us a bit about the beginnings of Cuq-en-Terrasses. When and how did this adventure begin, and why did you choose Cuq-Toulza to establish your house-hotel?

15 years ago, we were invited to a friend's wedding in Albi. We had chosen to stay in Cuq en Terrasses because the bucolic environment had attracted us. During our stay, we learned by chance that the owner wished to sell the hotel. Having fallen completely in love with the place from the moment we arrived, we decided to make her an offer. It must be said that we had been looking for a hotel to buy for several years, but none had all the qualities we were looking for. That is to say, rural but close to several tourist attractions, with a large park and few close neighbors, an old building with character, a swimming pool, and an unobstructed view of the surrounding countryside. Cuq en Terrasses met all these criteria, with a real soul in addition. The adventure was quite long, as the negotiation and purchase process took over 6 months, but it was worth the wait...

JR: What do you think makes Cuq-en-Terrasses successful? The location, the service, the dinner shows, or a combination of all of them?

It is difficult to single out one element over another, but I believe that success comes from the fact that it is rare to encounter a place where the building, the decor, the welcome, the food, and the wines are all in perfect harmony, and that is certainly the case here. The vast majority of our clients leave telling us, «Don't change a thing!» and feel as though they've stepped out of time. We welcome them here as if they were in their own home, with genuine interest in the people who walk through our door. We are enriched by their discoveries and experiences, and we share our lives and passions with them.

JR: What are the daily difficulties you encounter in order to best satisfy all your guests?

The difficulties are not human, but technical. Ensuring that the Wi-Fi, air conditioning, payment terminal, pool heating... all work at all times, even if some of them are not under our control! So, we need to plan for backup solutions and always be responsive. The important thing is to always put yourself in the client's shoes and ask yourself what you would want if you were staying here.

JR: Since opening, you've made a lot of changes to the property, do you have any more plans?

Each year, during the hotel's closure, we reflect on ways to improve the quality of stay and what would add value for new guests and all our loyal patrons. A significant portion of the changes has focused on the restaurant, kitchen, and terrace. This year, we've decided to install a gym with a sauna, which can also serve as a space for the massages offered at the hotel when the weather doesn't permit them to be done outdoors.

JR: Tell us about the garden, and especially the vegetable garden!

For 15 years, the garden has been constantly expanding. First, by taking over all the undeveloped spaces that were part of the existing property, then by purchasing a field next to the pool 10 years ago. This year, we bought 15,000 m2 behind the vegetable garden. It's an undeveloped woodland. We've started clearing it to enlarge our vegetable garden and significantly increase our fruit and vegetable production. The rest of the woodland will be left undeveloped, as it hosts a great number of birds and animals, and we don't want to drive them away by transforming it into an ornamental garden. Eventually, we might just create a path dotted with sculptures for a peaceful woodland walk.

JR: A must-visit place in the region would be…

If you love nature, the centuries-old ash tree in the Sorèze forest is absolutely incredible, or the Arifat waterfalls, where the water falls from one natural pool in the rocks to another for dozens of meters. If you're more of a city person, the Albi Cathedral remains an extraordinary place.

JR: Finally, can you recommend a hotel or guesthouse in France or abroad that you particularly like?

We don't stay at hotels or bed and breakfasts much in France because we have family and friends all over, so I'm going to suggest a place in Spanish Catalonia. An adorable bed and breakfast in an old ashlar stone former police station. Decor that exquisitely blends antiques and contemporary items. A super hearty breakfast buffet, San Cebrià's Garden to Torroella de Fluvià.