Location: Condom, Midi-Pyrenees, France, Europe (1.5 Hrs NW of Toulouse, 1.5 - 2 Hrs SE of Bordeaux) View Map
Accommodations: Farmhouse, 4 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 4.5 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Keywords: Farmhouse, Gite, villa, house, cottage
Au Chicot, our vacation rental, nestles between Biarritz, Bordeaux and Toulouse, in south-west France. Two hours south of the Dordogne, it's situated in the department of the Gers, stamping ground of the Three Musketeers but more famed now as the center of Armagnac production and of a rapidly growing wine industry.
Once a small farmhouse with adjoining barns and stable, Au Chicot was renovated carefully by US architects to create a spacious, well-planned and light-filled, truly comfortable home, whilst preserving its rustic charm. Sleeping 8 + baby in four large bedrooms, (three of which have private bathroom with shower,) the house has lovely character features such as exposed stone, fabulous beams, solid wood floors, high ceilings and three fireplaces. Complementing these is a careful mix of French country antiques and quality contemporary pieces, aimed at creating a feel of relaxed elegance. A place to rest and unwind ....
The 270° views are really quite exceptional: far-reaching and uninterrupted, reflecting a very pretty, gently rolling landscape dotted with farms and vineyards - and not a pylon in sight! What is even more special about Au Chicot is that these can be appreciated from many of its windows too - and even when you're swimming!
The Gers forms the center of the area historically known as Gascony which, with its gently rolling landscape lays claim to the highest concentration of bastide (fortified) villages in France: a tiny Tuscany minus the crowds! From the house you're only 20 - 30 minutes from four of France's officially listed "most beautiful villages", delightful Fourcès, Montréal, Lavardens, and tiny, moated Larressingle.
This seriously unspoilt area offers an exciting heritage, super climate, great regional food (with the main focus on duck and foie gras) and wine: best appellations of the area Madiran, Jurancon, Côtes de Gascogne plus of course Armagnacs.
There’s heaps to see and do here without it becoming a military exercise - sportsmen, nature lovers, artists, those keen on architecture and Roman remains, sun-worshippers, cyclists, walkers (the main St Jacques de Compostela pilgrim route passes nearby,) everyone's interests are catered for and on tap!
Au Chicot sits neatly at the head of a plateau, on three acres of land, surrounded by fields of sunflowers, maize and vineyards. Just a gentle stroll away is the beautiful Château de Busca-Maniban, a prominent Armagnac producer and the finest example of 17th Century architecture in Gascony. For the uninitiated, Armagnac and Cognac are brandies: Armagnac is made from a single distillation while Cognac has two. It's fun to compare and contrast - from the house you can see the Château de Cassaigne, once the home of the Bishops of Condom and yet another important Armagnac producer. Both will welcome you for tours and tastings, and you'll discover plenty more in your travels.
Traffic noise? What's that? Cars are a rarity here so when chez vous, the only sounds will be those of crickets, bees, the faint whurr of a tractor or closer to home, happy splashes, pages turning or corks being popped! Sunsets are spectacular at Au Chicot, and later, mellow after a good meal, and with the Château de Cassaigne illuminated in the distance, indulge in a litte stargazing ... A glass of Armagnac to send you to bed with, and oh dear, there's more of this tomorrow!
Tucked away yes, but don't be misled: the house is only a short drive from commerce - 5 minutes to crusty bread and croissants, and just 10 minutes to our pretty local town of Condom. All the banks and shops you need are there plus a great choice of restaurants, ranging from Michelin starred to those offering hearty Gascon fare - €15 or less for a rustic three-course meal and the local tipple.
In Gascony the welcome is warm, and the slow pace of life infectious. Try it and see! Toulouse and Bordeaux international airports are a 1.5 and 2 hrs drive away. Or from Paris, why not relax in the high speed TGV (Train Grande Vitesse) to Agen (4 hrs,) pick up your hire car and from there it's just an easy, very pretty run of 40 minutes. We have detailed information and many, many more pictures available at our website (including an interactive floorplan) - the link is provided below. Bonnes vacances!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking : Ample space for several vehicles to park and turn.
- Wood Fireplace
- Wood Stove (2) : Two generous sized Jotuls - very efficient!
- Beds
- King Bed (2) : 160 cm (Continental) width.
- Twin/Single Bed (4) : Each pair can be joined to create a 180 cm wide King bed.
- Crib : An excellent quality drop-sided cot with linen and blankets supplied, plus a travel cot for Baby 2.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Situated in the kitchen/breakfast room.
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) (2) : Superb Sony 40" flat screen TV (new Aug 2009) receives French channels and is situated in the salon. Bliss! NB: iPod Docking Station also supplied. A third TV for playing DVDs is to be found in the downstairs twin room if the kids want to watch something you don't!
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : An extensive collection of videos and DVDs to suit most tastes!
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Ping Pong/Table Tennis
- Private Pool : HEATED. 11m x 5m with Roman steps. It has an easy-to-use electrically controlled cover to meet French safety requirements.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Large Smeg cooker with gas hob.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : The kitchen is ideal for the chef of the family, having most gadgets that you'll need and more besides, plus an excellent range of cookbooks.
- Refrigerator : Two full-sized refrigerator freezers.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available : Several options - please enquire for more details.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Weber Q gas barbecue
- Deck/Patio : There's a large terrace accessed from both the kitchen and salon, with outdoor table and chairs for 8 plus parasol, tubs of geraniums and plenty of herbs for those al fresco feasts!
- Gazebo : It's a fine old, beamed 'hangar' in fact, huge, with beautiful views, close to the pool and open on three sides with a concreted floor for table tennis etc. Storage room for games equipment and outdoor furniture, and retractable clothes line for drying your swimming gear etc.
- View/Location
- Mountain View : They're more like gently rolling hills, but you'll never tire of them, or of the sunsets. A more tranquil, unspoilt scene would be hard to find. Bring your cameras and sketchbooks!
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Free. Please bring your own laptop.
- Other Amenities
- This home is located between two beautiful and architecturally important Armagnac châteaux, one comprising part of the unspoilt, panoramic views, the other being a short level walk away. Tours and tastings (and purchases!) possible. You're also within a twenty minute drive of four of "les Plus Beaux Villages de France": the tiny moated "mini-Carcassonne" of Larressingle, Lavardens with its imposing château, and the delightful bastides of Montréal, and Fourcès. The pretty local town of Condom and its river for boating and canoeing are ten minutes away, with a lovely Cathedral, wide range of shops and restaurants (including one with a Michelin star) and twice weekly market. For a full description of amenities, activities, floorplans and link to our gallery (with masses and masses more pictures of the property and the area), do be sure to check out our website.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : Entrance is without steps and there are two bedrooms on the ground floor, both with ensuite bathrooms and only requiring one to three steps to negotiate. It is suitable for those with independent but limited mobility. There is a gentle slope down to the pool area where those with less confidence might need a guiding hand. For more information on Au Chicot's suitability, check the floorplans on our website. Please note that although the two ground floor bathrooms are wetrooms, grab rails are not supplied.
- Kid Friendly : Suitable for tinies with responsible parents. Do ask us if you have any particular questions on this aspect. A quality cot is supplied plus bedding, a travel cot, baby monitor, steriliser, mini blender, changing mat, highchair, stairgate and baby bath.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- Quad-biking (25 mins,) horse racing/trotting (20 mins,) car and bike racing (35 mins,) paragliding, hang-gliding (40 mins,) and microlighting (10 min.) Those interested in Roman ruins or Romanesque church architecture won't be disappointed, and just a 5 minute drive away is the lovely Cistercian Abbaye de Flaran, with its permanent art collection: small- but perfectly formed! The area is also rich in cultural events (art and musical) throughout the year and the Gers is famous for its Jazz concerts in the town of Marciac, 50 mins south, which attracts many big names and culminates in its lively week-long International Jazz Festival every August. Please refer to our website for further information or contact us.
Rate Details (In Pounds Sterling)
Mar 31-Apr 27, 2012 .. £1100/wk Sep 01-Sep 07, 2012 .. £1800/wk
Apr 28-May 25, 2012 .. £1200/wk Sep 08-Sep 14, 2012 .. £1700/wk
May 26-Jun 01, 2012 .. £1400/wk Sep 15-Sep 28, 2012 .. £1500/wk
Jun 02-Jun 08, 2012 .. £1500/wk Sep 28-Oct 26, 2012 .. £1300/wk
Jun 09-Jun 15, 2012 .. £1600/wk
Jun 21-Jun 27, 2012 .. £1800/wk
Jun 28-Jul 11, 2012 .. £1900/wk
Jul 12-Aug 29, 2012 .. £2100/wk
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Stunning Gascony Farmhouse with Heated Pool and Magical Views
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Condom
I was taken by Gascony, and in particular the main department of the Gers, as soon as I set foot there - it was an area I'd wanted to visit ever since a Brit agent told me on the phone when we were first looking that 'if she were searching (she owned a property further north) she'd focus on the Gers'. It sounded special. Ron was drawn to the idea of a coastal home so instead, we bought a tiny cottage on the Cote d'Azur - very different - but sold to our immediate neighbours after only 4 years when we realised that all that glisters is not gold! We still have a soft spot for that little stretch of the Var, which in comparative terms remains relatively unspoilt but on balance, 'real France' is where we love to spend our time, for the contrast it provides to our lives in the UK. Gascony's good for the soul!
The Unique Benefits at this Farmhouse
Though tucked away in the hills and private, Au Chicot doesn't feel "isolated". We have kind French neighbours behind us, and from its elevated position the unspoilt, virtually 270° views include little hamlets, farmhouses here and there, and the villages of Gondrin and Cassaigne (with its chateau illuminated at night.) So despite absolute silence much of the time, you never get that disquieting sense of being "cut off". And a ten-minute pretty drive brings you to not just one, but three choices of commerce! We saw a lot of properties before finding Au Chicot: its views - enjoyed from most of its windows - character, exceptional lightness and space, plus a layout that really works were what sold it to us - and will to you too!
Owner's Map of Condom
My husband Ron and I live near Cambridge, UK, where Ron works but is looking forward to retiring early, economics permitting. Home here is a small Victorian cottage and fairly compact garden, so when I'm at Au Chicot the sense of liberation, inside and out is fantastic: I never walk if I can run! We bought the property at the end of 2004 and began letting the following May. We need to do so, but sharing our second home and caring for our guests has brought far more fun and enjoyment than worry. Almost all have been delightful, and receiving their feedback after their stay is fantastically rewarding.
Property Photos
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- Au Chicot, proud on its hilltop and surveying the views - Family Friendly, Farmhouse Vacation Rental, In Midi-Pyrenees France.
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- Soak in the the 270° views as you swim! - Family Friendly, Farmhouse Vacation Rental, In Midi-Pyrenees France.
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- A warm welcome to Au Chicot! - Family Friendly, Farmhouse Vacation Rental, In Midi-Pyrenees France.
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- Ensuite Bedroom 1 with gorgeous views on three sides
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- Above Bed 1, bright, beamed ensuite Bed 2 with those views on three sides
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- A typical Au Chicot shot: cheery sunflowers nod from late June to late August
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- The wonderful salon, with dining table seating ten, and opening onto the terrace
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- A glimpse of Gascony magic from the neighbouring Armagnac château
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- Gascony - Tuscany in miniature, minus the crowds
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- You'll find most creature comforts here except, perhaps, the bubbly
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- Our illustrious Armagnac neighbour, the Château du Busca Maniban
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- Fab views from here too so mind your fingers when you chop!
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- From the terrace, early Fall and the distant pretty village of Cassaigne
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- Enchanting Fourcès, one of 4 "Plus Beaux Villages" within a stone's throw
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- Fourcès antique shop, and our favorite!
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- All this and heaven too!
Traveler Reviews (8)
Au Chicot
Guest: Alison and family
(Worcestershire)
Date of Stay: 08/26/11
Review Submitted: 09/13/11
We have just returned from a week at Au Chicot and although we had seen the photographs and read the other visitor's reviews, Au Chicot absolutely blew us away! The house itself is absolutely charming, a real home from home, a wonderful retreat from our busy lives and everything has been thought of to ensure that from the moment you arrive, a wonderful holiday is guaranteed! The views from the house are stunning- from the moment the sun came up to watching the most amazing sunsets we were transfixed! We also spent many nights star gazing ( there is no light pollution here!!), accompanied by the twit twooing of the owl in the tree- the stresses of everyday life quickly dissipated! We had not visited the Gers area before, but we found it be beautiful. The information provided by Ron and Jane was invaluable- and we were delighted to discover the pretty villages and visited local towns and markets. We were pleased how tourist free the area seemed to be and felt that we were seeing the "real France"! We had a really wonderful family holiday here, filled with many happy memories and return somewhat reluctantly to our busy everyday lives with our batteries fully recharged - we would love to return to this very special place one day!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+.
A beautiful holiday home 'par excellence' that you will never want to leave!
Guest: Jacquie Matthew
(Kent)
Date of Stay: 07/28/11
Review Submitted: 08/18/11
We had high expectations of 'Au Chicot' after reading all the many excellent reviews written by other holiday makers and viewing reams of magnificent pictures on the owners very detailed web site. In addition, after hearing Jane's marvellous description of the house and the local area we decided to venture to an area of France, until then pretty much undiscovered by our family and by many others. We were not at all disappointed with what we found in both the Gers and Au Chicot, a truly delightful light airy house with commanding panoramic views over beautiful soft rolling countryside bathed in the most delightful shimmering skies and touched by a warm gentle breeze. A true haven for a relaxing holiday! On closer inspection of the tastefully furnished and decorated house, which felt more like a home, our children had the agonising task of choosing which bedroom to sleep in; one with a balcony and a stunning view or one downstairs with a large walk in wet room closer to the pool! We on the other hand had to pinch ourselves each morning with our unspoilt view from the main bedroom, with doors opening out to the garden, looking across the hills to the local armagnac Chateau de Cassaigne, heavenly! Even at night you could see a little smattering of twinkling lights from afar giving you a sense that french life was out there if you wanted to venture out the next day, or even the next! It was very difficult to be drawn away from lazy days by the beautifully heated pool with breathtaking views where our three girls had so much fun, either perfecting their swimming strokes, performing underwater plays or simply chasing lizards around it! We preferred to relax under the walnut tree in the shade leafing through books of our own and many of the very varied books we found in the house, occasionally looking up and when doing so constantly admiring the views. It didn't seem to matter where you were at Au Chicot, both in and out of the house there was always a different yet fabulous view from sunrise to sunset, which I have to say were spectacular! Armed with Jane's amazing 'bible' of places to see and things to do in the area we did venture out and were bowled over by the number of attractive ancient villages nearby, mostly within twenty minutes drive, marvellous! Our most accessible Chateau was a two minute drive away where we enjoyed an Armagnac tasting and were delighted by two musical evening concerts. Thank you Jane and Ron for sharing your stunning home!
Owner response:I have just read this Jackie and Matthew, and it sounds like something I would write - I promise other visitors to VRBO that M and J were unknown to us prior to their visit and we didn't put them up to this!! Thank you both for your kind and extremely generous comments. We're delighted that you all had such a wonderful holiday; it sounded as if you felt very much at home and that's the ultimate goal as far as we're concerned. Thank you also for having looked after Au Chicot as if it were truly yours, and we hope you'll return - sooner rather than later, for another dose of Gascony Magic!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+.
An excellent summer at the Au Chicot
Guest: French family
(France, Boulogne Billancourt)
Date of Stay: 07/22/10
Review Submitted: 08/17/10
We greatly appreciated this house which provides all comfort we were looking for and which is very nicely decorated and very well maintained. The swimming pool is idealy placed so that you can swim while looking at the country side and the sunflowers. The landlords provide for all information relating to restaurants, places to visit and the house is full of books, DVDs in case the wheather is not that great (seldom). Gers is one of the most beautiful place in France (my word as a French person) and deserves to be better known : this location is particularly suited for kids as there are plenty of castles, farms and water resorts at a short drive distance. I would certainly recommend this property to anyone who wish to have restful holidays in France in one of the most beautiful countryside of this country.
Owner response:Merci Pauline pour votre gentillesse: it is a compliment to have such great feedback from a French family and I hope it will encourage more to visit Au Chicot, to appreciate this very special part of their homeland - and you to return! À bientôt, j'espère!
Recommended for:People with disabilities, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+.
A beautiful holiday home
Guest: Isabelle
(Palo Alto, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/17/10
Review Submitted: 07/07/10
We recently returned from a week's stay at Au Chicot. Upon arrival, we drove into the gravel drive and my sister, who had arrived first, came out to greet us. "How is it?" I asked. "It's incredible," was her reply. And indeed it is. The house itself has been restored lovingly and decorated with taste, classically and beautifully. It is surrounded on all sides by beautiful views of vineyards and fields. It is private and quiet, yet only a few minutes from Condom. Being English-speakers, we appreciated all the English-language DVD's (my kids especially). Everything is impeccably maintained and pristinely clean. Having now returned home, we are all missing our peaceful, beautiful retreat in the Gers. (We're drinking our Busca-Maniban Armagnac to remind us!) Jane was extremely helpful throughout the process, and called while we were in her home to make sure everything was going smoothly. We couldn't have asked for more gracious hosts. Thank you, Ron and Jane, for an amazing stay.
Owner response:The worst part about being a long-distance host,apart from not being able to visit the property physically to check all is as I exactly want it, (though we have a great pair of ladies to look after Au Chicot) is being unable to meet guests face to face. Luckily on several occasions though, this has been rectified later, so Isabelle, the warmest of thanks for your compliments, we're delighted of course that your stay exceeded expectations, and please come again! Failing that, let us know if you decide to visit Cambridge one day!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.
The best holiday accommodation you'll ever stay in!
Guest: Trinky
(Manchester, UK)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10
Review Submitted: 06/15/10
There is so much more to this property than you can ever imagine! We knew from their reviews and the owners website that our stay was going to be something special, but believe me, it has to be seen to be believed! Not only do you never want to leave the house, but to make life oh so complicated there is also such an urge to go and view some of the most beautiful villages in the whole of France. As they're only a few minutes drive away, it's just gotta be done - and so worth it! Jane has been an absolute pleasure from the very first enquiry email I sent. Her attention to detail is second to none and it's true, I feel like we've become the best of friends - although we've never even met! All I can say is that whatever your concern, don't worry - this place is perfect for practically anyone's holiday and nothing has been forgotten. We took our elderly mum who's not too good on her feet, in fact she spent a lot of time in her wheelchair. The chair however only became a problem on the gravel around the property; slightly hard to push on. There are a couple of steps in and around the house but with help she was able to master them relatively easily on foot. We wouldn't hesitate on returning to Au Chicot at the drop of a hat, we'd just have to get in there early; she seems to book up very quickly so be warned!
Owner response:Thanks so much Katrina for your great feedback: very much appreciated. This is our sixth year of sharing our home with vacationers and although it has its worrying side (ensuring we meet everyone's expectations and if possible, exceed them!) it's guests just such as you, and our others below, who make us feel it's all worthwhile. I'll go further: we really enjoy the contact we have with you!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway.
Guest: David Hall
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/31/09
Review Submitted: 07/31/09
We have recently returned from an idyllic 3 weeks at Au Chicot and are already dreaming of our next trip. Gascony was everything we hoped for and the house is absolutely stunning - impossible to do it justice either in words or photos. All I can say is that I really don't think it would be possible to get any closer to the dream we all have of French country living!
Owner response:Thank you David for your generous review, and in particular the last sentence! Here we are, nearly twelve months later and looking forward to welcoming you again, including the latest new arrival!
Recommended for:
Guest: r giebeig/p gscheidle
(st augustine, FL & Cliveden, UK)
Date of Stay: 06/01/09
Review Submitted: 06/01/09
We have rented many houses through VRBO and other websites. It is always a pleasure when a house exceeds its description. Au Chicot was one of the most atmospheric, comfortable, and well-sited houses in which we have ever stayed. The beds were superb and the bathrooms spacious and functional. Evenings at home were glorious with distant villages within the grand view from the terraces. It was hard to leave this magical place within the rural paradise of the Gers.
Owner response:Feedback from lovely guests really makes this a rewarding venture and as a bonus has brought us new friends. Thank you so much.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/09
Review Submitted: 06/01/09
Au Chicot and its amenities were beyond our expectations. It is a lovely property that is exceptionally clean, well-maintained and nicely detailed and organized.This welcoming farmhouse, spacious yet cozy, is full of charming character which is further enhanced with glorious all-day light. The décor is very tasteful and the furnishings are incredibly comfortable. All four bedrooms are very roomy and inviting and the two bedrooms we used, # 1and #2, were delightfully restful. The kitchen, large, bright and well-appointed, is such a joy to cook in, especially when using the fresh herbs growing just outside the French doors, along the terrace! The private and extremely tranquil setting of Au Chicot beckons you to slow down and relax. The panoramic vistas, viewed from the terrace, hangar, and pool, as well as from the kitchen, salon and bedrooms #1 & #2, are absolutely stunning! We enjoyed most of our time outdoors reading on the terrace, sunning around and splashing in the pool, and just drinking in the French countryside and its breathtaking sunsets. We relished watching the varied, active wildlife, while hearing nothing but the soothing sounds of nature. A few rainy evenings during our early Spring visit were equally enjoyed in the comfy salon cuddled up near the fire, sipping Armagnac and sharing stories.There is an entertaining and vast selection of books, DVDs and CDs for you to peruse, and to help guide your visit to the region you’ll find an invaluable reference binder in the kitchen that details all things Au Chicot as well as suggestions and directions for the area’s activities, shopping, restaurants, etc. Jane, the property owner, was a gracious and accommodating hostess, although from afar (United Kingdom). Through many email exchanges prior to our arrival, and her checking-in phone call to us at Au Chicot, she made us feel like we were old friends invited to share her vacation retreat. We look forward to a return and longer visit to Au Chicot …N & R Ronnenberg, Plymouth, MN USA
Owner response:The above comments came from 5* guests who, on booking described themselves as "low maintenance", which immediately warmed me to them! We love to take care of our visitors however and will do whatever it takes - well, almost! Thanks N and R and please come again.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #198422
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