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The best of both worlds: easy access to Paris and genuine French countryside experience
When we first saw "Chantambre", one November evening 7 years ago, we signed on the spot - and have been under under its spell ever since.
This is a 2-story beautiful traditional stone country house (about 150 years old), in unique natural surroundings. The gate opens to a spacious front yard, with flower beds, grass lawn, grapevines on the old stone walls, a pebble pathway leading to the main house.
But the real surprise comes when you walk around the house to our incredible "backyard". Unsuspecting first-time visitors are left speechless by the view: a natural forest of maritime pine, birch and oak trees, on a heather-covered uphill terrain, populated by dozens of great white sandstone boulders of amazing shapes (the "dragon", the "Neanderthal", the "Taurus"). These boulders are typical of the geological formations of the Fontainebleau forest, a well-known haven for hiking and bouldering (rock climbing).
After going up the trail and reaching the top, you are standing on a rock plateau, with a majestic 360° panorama at your feet. There isn't a building in sight, just forest and fields... A great spot for day dreaming, meditation or sipping champagne.
Only one hour away from Paris, and you are in completely natural surroundings, unfenced terrain, heaven for kids... Quite a different experience from staying in an apartment or a suburban house with a fenced-in garden. Yet the house itself is in a small village, with closely neighboring houses, so you are safe and definitely not lost in the woods.
The house retains its traditional character (stone walls, exposed beams, original tiles), but was fully restored with all modern amenities.
On the first floor you will find the living room with fireplace, the dining area, a fully equipped kitchen (with a great view and access to our "backyard”), the guest bedroom, a large shower room and a separate toilet. The staircase in the entrance leads to the 2nd floor, where we created a loft-like atmosphere, with spacious rooms, high cathedral ceilings with exposed beams... A very spacious and atmospheric master bedroom, an open living area used as a study (including broadband internet), a large bathroom with an antique bathtub, a child’s bedroom and a beautiful den/library (lots of English books) also used as music/TV room (hi-fi, DVD, satellite TV).
The house can comfortably accommodate 6 adults (2 double beds, 1 convertible sofa bed in the living room) and 1 child.
As we are quite an international family (French, American, Greek, Asian), the decorative style of the house draws its inspiration from our diverse backgrounds. While respecting the traditional French country house base, we blended in antique furniture, paintings, artifacts of Asian origin. Staying at our house is an "invitation au voyage" to other continents as well!
The house is situated within a protected natural park (Parc Régional du Gatinais), with many interesting villages and sites in the vicinity: Milly-la-Forêt with its 15th century covered market place and home to Jean Cocteau, Chateau de Courance (famous for its water gardens), Barbizon (a well known site for the impressionist school of painters), and of course Fontainebleau, with its famous Chateau and forest (famous for its very scenic landscapes and hiking trails).
We are only one hour away from downtown Paris (70 km ; highway A6), so it is very easy to hop in a car or train (1 hour to the Gare de Lyon Paris station), for a museum or shopping spree! Our house offers the best of both worlds: easy access to Paris and a genuine French countryside experience.
As we live in Paris, we are easily reachable throughout your stay in case you need our assistance in any way. |
