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Thirteen years ago, when we first saw “Le Clos,” it was love at first sight! This is a stone double-cottage surrounded by gardens, with all of its historic charm intact, but beautifully restored and with all the modern conveniences added (including new plumbing, all-new electric service, and new, state-of-the-art central air and heat).
Overlooking the Loire River in a picturesque hamlet, in the zone recently listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, this is the perfect starting point for an enchanting visit to France’s glorious historical past. The “royal river” flows majestically through its castle-studded valley and past the foot of the hillside where “Le Clos” nestles among the vines and flowers.
Inside this non-smoking cottage, you are greeted by the cheerful, fully-equipped kitchen and the ample dining area (seating up to eight). The stairway leads up to the loft bedroom with a double bed (and its very good, firm mattress) and dormer windows looking out over the Loire valley to the north and the secluded courtyard to the south.
Adjoining the dining area is the living room with fireplace, convertible sofa which sleeps 2--but remember, it's just a sofa bed!--, and French doors opening onto the courtyard on one side and onto a stone staircase leading to the lower garden on the other. From the living room, the stairs lead to the twin-bedded upper bedroom (again, 2 new, firm mattresses) and its connecting bath with shower.
Outside, we have planted the garden with roses, fruit trees, herbs, flowering shrubs and annuals. Depending on the time of year, you can help yourself to cherries, plums, grapes, apples or figs. We love to relax under the rose arbor while enjoying some of the local specialties which abound here in the “Garden of France,” and which you can choose at the twice-weekly Amboise farmers’ market (one of the most popular in the area).
Discover the sparkling white wines of Vouvray and Montlouis, the full-bodied reds of Chinon and Bourgueil, the cheeses and charcuterie for which the area is famous. An on-site “tasting” visit to some of the many producers is a rewarding and delightful experience.
The area is also famous for its wonderful restaurants in all price ranges, from the deliciously simple to the gastronomical splurge.
Culture and history buffs might like to know that our little hamlet was once a refuge from the hectic Paris art scene. Picasso, Matisse, Marie Laurencin, Cocteau, Poulenc, and others spent time in the houses on either side of us, visiting with Guillaume Apollinaire's widow ("La Jolie Rousse," from the poem by the same name), and the painter/sculptor couple, Paul & Gertrude Bret,
We’ve totally succumbed to the enchantment of our little corner of Touraine and all it has to offer, and we think you’ll love it, too.
Michael & Lenita Locey |
Pet Friendly: Large garden, fully enclosed.
