Beautifully Renovated 1870's Home in Breathtaking Burgundy!

This family home was renovated in 2007 by the great grandson of the original owner. He took great care and love to preserve the 'joie de vivre' of his childhood and his ancestors. It was built around 1875 next to a stone quarry that was operated by the family. The ground floor at times was a cafe where the locals gathered to discuss politics and the daily affairs of the town.

Nowadays the ground floor of the house has a large living area with a fireplace. It is tastefully decorated with antique furniture that has been modernised with contemporary upholstery. There is also a personal touch with family photos placed around the room. The modern kitchen has a Lacanche gas stove. There are all the kitchen appliances you'll need to create memorable meals. A full set of interesting cookbooks, tableware, fine wine glasses and china make this home a gourmet's paradise. The adjacent dining room has an old fireplace and the dining table can seat up to 12 people. By demand and for special occasions the dining table can be converted to seat up to 18 people. On the ground floor there is a bedroom with 2 single beds and an en-suite bathroom that can accommodate a special needs person. The bedroom has a large flat-screen television. The laundry room and an additional 1/2 bathroom are also located on the ground floor.

Two large double bedrooms are located on the first floor. One of these bedrooms has a smaller (2 single bed) room adjacent and they both share a bathroom. This would be great for a family or could be utilized as a suite. The other large bedroom has it's own bathroom nearby. It also has a connecting door to a smaller bedroom. Enjoy the fireplace in this room and its lovely antique furnishings. There is a 3rd bathroom on this floor which has a bathtub.

The front of the house has a terrace with teak furniture and is the perfect place for casual dinners 'al fresco'. In the garden there is a barbecue and another set of table and chairs for one to sit and enjoy their surroundings.

This house is in the middle of the French countryside (La France Profonde) in the confluence of several regions that are rich in history, forest, natural reserves, reputed wines, rivers and waterways. It is the ideal place to enjoy fresh air and authentic country French lifestyle. It is located in Burgundy and day trips to La Cote d'or, Sancerre and Poully are recommended.

With the Loire River 15 minutes away in Decize, a short boat tour to see the city from the river is possible. Kayaking is also available there.
Numerous small roads go in all directions to beautiful green hills adorned here and there by castles, farms and maisons de maitre. The road of Saint Benin the Asis, and Vernuil et Imphy are just a few and are less than 30 kilometres from the house. You could enjoy these by bicycle or by car.

Should you like to enjoy the local markets, fresh fruit, vegetables and regional products can be obtained at the Saturday morning market in La Machine or the Friday market in Decize. On Tuesday morning in Vernuil there is a very small market with a vegetable stand and a butcher. In Decize there is a small store on the main road called The Petite Marche that has quality produce and great cheese. You could also drive 20 minutes to Jardin de Marigny to pick your own fruit, vegetables and flowers. Driving around you will see white cows everywhere. They are white Charolais cattle, a hallmark of the Burgundy landscape. This meat is well-known in France and recognised worldwide so don't forget to taste it. You will be able to buy it from one of the several butchers in Decize.

In this region our museums include La Machine's 'Le Museum de la Mine' and 'Centre National du Costume de Scene' in Moulin. There is also the 'Museum de la Faience' and 'Saint Bernadette de Lourdes' located in Nevers. The exhumed body of Saint Bernadette rests in a shrine in the Chapel of St. Gildard. Additional worthwhile places to visit include Magny Cours, the former home of the Formula 1. It is still an active circuit to international races. And beautiful rural areas such as Bourbon Lancy and Apremont sur Allier. Bourbon Lancy is a spa town with thermal springs. Apremont sur Allier is a member of the association of 'The most beautiful villages in France'.

So much to do, or just sit, relax and enjoy the Gite!

 


Keywords: Gîte de l'Etang Jaune