Courtyard with wisteria over kitchen door, welcoming you to your vacation home.
Location: Amboise, Centre-Loire Valley, France, Europe (47°24'02.30“N 0°56'41.13”E) View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
Keywords: Stone Cottage
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, new, state-of-the-art central air and heat, new granite countertops and appliances).
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 queen-size 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
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : state-of-the-art central heating and air, installed in Spring, 2007
- Linens Provided : luxury high-thread count sheets, down pillows and comforters, oversized bath towels
- Washer : in home
- Dryer : in home
- Off Street Parking : parking within the enclosed property
- Wood Fireplace : With glass door.
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : with firm mattresses
- Convertible Bed : with mattress topper available
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (3) : satellite with CNN, Sky News, plus French channels French TNT channels
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Various movies in English on DVD. Several children's movies included.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : with new granite counter tops and induction cooktop
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator : full size fridge with freezer
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : Weber grill available
- Deck/Patio : with tables and chairs for picnicking
- Gazebo : The rose-covered "gloriette," with its view of the Loire river, provides an excellent spot for a relaxing aperitif.
- View/Location
- Water View : House overlooks the Loire River and flood plain
- Monument View
- Communications
- Telephone : Free local and national calls (to fixed phones only)
- Free Long Distance : Free calls to fixed and cellular phones in USA (except Hawaii and Alaska) and Canada, and to fixed phones in other EU countries, Australia, Singapore
- Computer : HP laptop if you don't have your own laptop with wi-fi
- Broadband Internet : DSL for your WiFi enabled lap-top
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : High speed wi-fi throughout the cottage--with some reception from courtyard.
- Other Amenities
- TV with parabola receiving CNN and BBC, DVD (with various movies in English), Full gourmet Kitchen, Freezer, Cuisinart, Toaster, Kettle, Luxury linens provided, high-speed internet connection for your wi-fi laptop, many guidebooks and documentation of local attractions, secluded patio with garden furniture, Optional housekeeping service available at extra charge
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Large garden, fully enclosed.
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : There are many stairs in and around the cottage. If any in your party can't handle stairs, this is not a good choice for you.
- Not Suitable for Children : Not suitable for very young children (toddlers) because of steps and stairways.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Kayaking
- Biking
- Antiquing
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- Besides the well-documented cultural outings (castles, many with sound and light shows, of Amboise, Chenonceau, Chambord, Blois, Chaumont, Azay-le-Rideau, Usse, Villandry, to name a few, the home of Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise, numerous museums, monuments, and open-air markets in Tours), there are many recreational attractions as well, the aquarium, the mini-chateaux, Fantasy Forest (an amusement park for children), and swimming within fifteen minutes of the house, Dining out becomes a fine art with many nearby restaurants in all price ranges, from the deliciously simple to the gastronomical splurge, For the shoppers, there are many gift and specialty shops in town and large department stores in Tours, plus regular flea markets and special town fairs with their parades, medieval jousts, or vide-grenier (village-wide flea markets) in Spring and Summer For locating the cottage on your GPS, our coordinates are 47°24'02.30“N 0°56'41.13”E
Rate Details (In Euros)
Weekly prices (including a bottle of sparkling wine) for up to four guests:
Low Season ..... Oct 01-Mar 31 .. 850 EUR/week (minimum 1 week)
Middle Season .. Apr 01-May 15 .. 900 EUR/week (minimum 1 week)
High Season .... May 15-Sep 30 .. 950 EUR/week (minimum 5-6 days at 850 EUR)
25 EUR supplement each for 5 or 6. Ask us about reductions for longer stays.
Pay by check or PayPal in dollars, or in euros by bank transfer or check.
There is a $200 security deposit,entirely refunded with no loss, damage,
deterioration of equipment, or non-included phone usage
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Le Clos: Charming Centuries-Old Wine Maker's Cottage
Year Purchased: 1995
Why the Owner Chose Amboise
Amboise is such a charming place. Big enough for all the amenities, but small enough to be friendly and unhurried.
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage
We love to sit under the rose-covered “gloriette” in the evening enjoying a glass of wine and the beautiful view. Sunset in the summer lingers until after 10:30 pm. There are changing parades of flowers to keep you company as the seasons change from Spring to Summer to Fall, and you are welcome to enjoy our cherries, figs, damson plums, and apples as they ripen.
Owner's Map of Amboise
After 25 years of directing our university's programs abroad in Tours, we couldn't imagine not having our own place in Touraine. Our daughters, shown with us here, attended school in Tours and Paris, and they love to bring their families here, too.
Property Photos
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- Courtyard with wisteria over kitchen door, welcoming you to your vacation home. - Tours/Amboise, Centre-Loire Valley, France Holiday in this Stone Cottage Overlooking the Loire River!
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- Living Room - Tours/Amboise, Centre-Loire Valley, France Holiday in this Stone Cottage Overlooking the Loire River!
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- View of fireplace in living room-TV, DVD, CD, Stereo in armoire - Tours/Amboise, Centre-Loire Valley, France Holiday in this Stone Cottage Overlooking the Loire River!
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- Kitchen from dining room
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- View of the Loire and the house from the rose arbor
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- View of house and Loire from parking area
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- Loft bedroom with double bed and views over courtyard and Loire
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- "Tower" 1 or 2 twin beds, third floor with adjoining shower, lav, and wc
Traveler Reviews (19)
Guestbook Comment
Guest: John and Judith Grant
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06
Review Submitted: 06/28/06
We found Amboise an excellent base for visiting the Loire, and the Loceys' cottage, both atmospheric and practical, was a delightful choice for 3 weeks in May and June. Our sons and their wives joined us for a week each and we all enjoyed the profusion of roses, irises, poppies and (toward the end) the cherry tree!
Recommended for:
Charming and Delightful Vinters Cottage
Guest: Sherie
(Valley City, ND USA)
Date of Stay: 08/29/10
Review Submitted: 10/07/11
Le Clos met all of our expectations as described in VRBO, and more! It had all of the amenities including washer and dryer, TV, internet, and the American owners were very helpful in our emails with them prior to arrival. The only tricky part was driving the car down to the area by the cottage where one parks. The photos accurately reflected the property which was most attractive, as well as clean and easy to use. There are over 200 wineries and chateaus in roughly a days drive, lovely walks through the countryside, bike rental is easily available in Amboise. The only problem we had was not enough time to enjoy all the opportunities.
Owner response:We're so glad you enjoyed your stay. Amboise is such a great place, and we are very proud of the city and entire region. And thanks for sending the bird book which arrived just as we were leaving for Amboise ourselves. Ahh. Home. Lenita and Michael
Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Wonderful!!
Guest: Arlene
(El Paso, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11
Review Submitted: 07/26/11
We stayed at Le Clos for 6 nights in July 2011. What a charming and uniquely French home! We were delighted with the amenities, view and grounds. The owners were terrific to work with and provided exceptional information on the property as well as great ideas of what to do in Amboise and nearby villages! The updated kitchen was a dream!! We would definately stay there again. (One note of caution: the attic bedroom and bathroom are a bit difficult to negotiate for a tall person, however the owners did make this clear from the beginning. You definately need a car to get around.)
Owner response:We are so glad you enjoyed our wonderful area. It is such a great place for eating--and cooking. All the best ingredients!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
Delightful base in Loire
Guest: Bernie
(Alexandria, Va)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11
Review Submitted: 06/18/11
We spent a delightful week at this interesting cottage. While there are a lot of steps, we found the Cottage very comfortable, the garden and views beautiful, and it was a location perfect. It was nice to come back to this peaceful spot each night after a day of touring the chateau. The owners are very gracious & provided lots of useful information about the area. Amboise is so close and has lots of good restaurants so it was very convenient to eat out. We would love to visit here again. Bernice & Bob
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
Summer sejour in Amboise
Guest: Peter
(Brisbane)
Date of Stay: 06/27/10
Review Submitted: 07/28/10
We had a most enjoyable stay at Le Clos Locey. The house itself was very comfortable, and was an excellent base not only for exploration of Amboise itself and the other attractions of the Loire, but also for the simple pleasures of a walk in the country and a vin rouge in the garden.
Recommended for:Sightseeing.
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/23/09
Review Submitted: 08/23/09
We spent an idyllic week at "le Clos" du Haut Chandon. We were so content in the house that we lingered there most of the day and did our sight-seeing in the late afternoon and evening when the tourists had left and avoiding the heat of the day. A good plan for August! Figs, mirabelles, apples & roses....wish I had had time to make some jam! Market in Amboise, Chenonceau by boat, then almost alone in the chateau in the evening, a magic trip in a hot-air balloon, everything from a Ferme-auberge to a Michelin one star for dinners, but also whole days "at home" with breakfast & lunch in the rose arbor, soft lingering evenings in the garden though we loved the coziness of the house. Hope we will be back!
Recommended for:
Guest: Don Rinehart
(Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 07/04/09
Review Submitted: 07/04/09
My wife and I spent two weeks in June '09 at Le Clos. It was precisely the kind of small town countryside place in the Loire that we were looking for. A real trip back in time. We had a great vacation and were impressed with the considerable help of Lenita Locey.
Recommended for:
Guest: yoddi
(Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 08/23/08
Review Submitted: 08/23/08
Perfect location ...just on the outskirts of Amboise ..excellent for castle hopping. The cottage is romantic yet practical. Well equipped kitchen great patio for alfresco dining. I offered to buy the place if the owners were willing...no such luck.
Recommended for:
Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08
Review Submitted: 07/16/08
My husband and I and our two grown sons had a wonderful time visiting the Loire Valley while staying at Le Clos. We found the cottage to be comfortable, charming, and well appointed. Pascal and Pascale were very helpful and personable as well. We hope to be able to return for a longer stay sometime.
Recommended for:
Guestbook Comment
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08
Review Submitted: 05/16/08
Our family had a wonderful rural France adventure courtesy of Michael and Lenita's lovely villa. It was everything I'd hoped and dreamt about. After 7 years in Europe in the service my family and I longed to once again enjoy Europe. France was never so lovely; the Loire valley never more beautiful, and all via the quaint cottage perched upon a hill in a small little village full of charm. Go and you will not want to leave...we didn't.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #35061
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