Notes from the host
Tranquil & Spacious Rural Home for Winding Down
Beautifully renovated farmhouse, over 150m living space. The house is great in summer for drinks on the terrace and games on the lawn; while in winter you can enjoy long walks in the local area and return to roaring fire, and my book and board games collection... If you're thinking of a family Xmas, the large open 'barn conversion' at the end of the house allows for one impressive Christmas tree!...
Open-plan fully equipped kitchen (large hob and oven, dishwasher and washing machine), 2 large living / dining rooms (30m2 and 50m2), There are 4 bedrooms (2 double bedrooms, two/three singles in twin room, one double futon on mezzanine) and two fully equipped bathrooms (one whirlpool corner bath), so ideal for family or couples. I have plenty of wood in the barn to heat downstairs (two wood-burning stoves and one open fire), while electric heaters keep the upstairs conversion toasty warm in winter.
Approximately 6,000m2 of land, of which about 1,500 have been landscaped, including pond, large petanque area, and lawn for outside games. The terrace runs the length of the house (30m) and the barn offers an alternative terrace for chasing or avoiding the sun!
The house is ideal for people who want to switch off from hectic professional lives for a week or more. Just bring a pile of books, a jigsaw, an easel and set of paints... And I've a reasonable selection of board games to bring the family together! The house has no TV and no internet (this is my home and I cherish switching off) but the mobile network functions, should you be a complete addict! Moreover, the small village bar (2km) has recently set up a wifi system.
For those who want to be a little more active, the area around the house (no need to get in the car!) is ideal for cycling and walking - undulating and pretty, quiet roads and woods. I would be happy to provide cycling and walking plans to cater for different levels.
The region is popular for fishing and river cruises. There are several 'étangs' (large ponds) close by the house, and fishing permits can be purchased in Cuisery tourist information, while boats can be hired from either Branges or La Truchère (both about 10 km drive). You can also canoe along the Seille from Cuisery campsite...
The village of Chapelle Thècle (2.5km from my house) is small, but there is bakery, a small grocery and a bar with wifi. Slightly further away (about 9km) are i) Romenay - a small historic Bresse town, with the nearest Carrefour, restaurant and bars.. ii) Cuisery, famous for its ancient book shops, where you will find a supermarket and two quality restaurants, alongside an excellent bakery and more bars.
The two closest 'towns' are about 18km away: Tournus is stunning in its historic grandeur (full market every Saturday morning); Louhans is a charming aracaded town (farmers' market every Monday, should you wish to buy a live Bresse chicken)
For those wanting to explore further afield, you can drive to the Macon wine region in about 45 minutes, and I would be happy to recommend places for wine tasting and purchasing. The wine route from Tournus to Cluny makes for a really beautiful 45 minute drive, though it is worth stopping to explore the historic towns and churches en route. I am also about 45 minutes from Beaune, heart of Burgundy wine region for the real connaisseurs... Both Macon and Beaune areas make for interesting day trips
This is my home, so I only let the property when I am not using it, and I will be the one greeting you with keys and clean linen! I have been renovating the house and garden for over 10 years, so I know the area very well, and am happy to provide information and 'top tips' to make your holiday / get-away-from-it-all break, whatever the time of year, a relaxing and enjoyable one.
Please get in touch for more details regarding the house / the facilities / the region / the rates.
