Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
The great outdoors
Guests love the outdoor space here.
6 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 16
Popular amenities
Private pool
Garage parking available
Dogs and cats allowed
Kitchen
Washing machine
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Saint-Malo-En-Donziois, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
House Mill of the Island
Place, House Mill of the Island
21 min drive
Vinitour Centre-Loire
Place, Vinitour Centre-Loire
33 min drive
Medieval Site of Guedelon
Place, Medieval Site of Guedelon
57 min drive
Rooms & beds
6 bedrooms (sleeps 16)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 5
2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Single Bed
Bedroom 6
1 Queen Bed
Living room 2
1 Double Sofa Bed
Living Room 2
1 Double Sofa Bed
4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Bathroom 3
Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Bathroom 4
Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Bathroom 5
Towels provided · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Beautifully Converted Farmhouse, family friendly with heated pool, huge garden
Our renovated farmhouse with large outdoor swimming pool (with safety fence), heated and available for use from mid-May to mid-October - is set in a tranquil hamlet surrounded by countryside, and is situated at the heart of the hamlet behind the old lavoir, where the people of the community used to come to wash their clothes. The only noise you are likely to encounter will be from the passing tractors and cows. At night you can sit on the beautiful terrace under the pergola and enjoy star-gazing, undisturbed by any competing light. The terrace benefits from outdoor dining and lounging furniture and lighting, and a barbecue. In the daytime keep a lookout for the buzzards, rabbits, and deer that appear both in the garden and in the surrounding fields. The house, formerly two farmhouses and two barns, has been renovated to a high standard with original features throughout but all modern conveniences such as underfloor heating and quality fittings in the spacious and well-equipped kitchen and four bathrooms and downstairs toilet. The kitchen has a double-oven and grill, plate-warming oven, dish-washer, food-mixer, two coffee machines (capsule style and filter), Raclette machine, extensive cooking and baking equipment and a large dining table and chairs, plus two high chairs. In the separate utility room, there is a washing machine and dryer plus an iron/ironing board. The house has six bedrooms. These consist of four doubles, one quadruple (double bed with two single beds (one more in the nature of a child's bed), one room (through which access to two of the double rooms is necessary) with bunk beds and a single folding bed, a downstairs bedroom with a double bed and two rooms (the TV room and playroom) also benefit from double sofa-beds for the larger groups. The TV room has a television and a DVD player. In the playroom there is a desk and a children's table and chairs, with lots of toys, puzzles, table football and board (and other) games. The house has one fixed cot and one travel cot for guests' use. The three upstairs double bedrooms are all en suite, with bathroom 3 benefiting from a large corner bath, separate shower and two sinks. Both of the other en suite bathrooms have a toilet, sink and bath with integrated shower, and heated towel rails. The quadruple bedroom is located near the fourth full bathroom, down a small staircase: that bathroom has a toilet, sink and bath with shower.
In the very large sitting room, which is open to the beamed roof above and with a galleried landing around, is plenty of space for relaxing and, in the colder months, enjoying the lovely open log fire. In the mezzanine gallery above, is an additional relaxing area with TV/Wii, a DVD/video player and PlayStation 4. The very large garden and terrace with large heated swimming pool (open for use mid-May through to mid-October), is perfect for enjoying a barbecue and relaxing in total calm, or for watching the children playing on the climbing frame/swing set.
The house is in a lovely location for gentle or longer, more challenging, bike rides (we have some bikes available for borrowing though they are basic and old; we try to keep them maintained but no promises!), for trips into the wine country of Pouilly and Sancerre or simply for relaxing! Day trips to Vezelay and into the Morvan forest are also highly recommended for nature and food lovers alike!
In the winter months, the house is very atmospheric, when you have a blazing log fire and brisk walks in the countryside. Lots of fun indoors but also for the children making camps outside in the garden. We have an artificial Christmas tree (albeit a bit old!) for guests to borrow, together with some ornaments but feel free to bring more. This is a house that you can make look like a Christmas movie :)
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please take your glass recycling with you to the local collection points.
Please clean the barbecue and chimney if used.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No noise outside that could carry after 10pm...
All bins to be emptied into outside dustbins, and all recycling taken by guests to recycling stations before leaving
Used bed linen and towels to be removed and left in utility room on departure
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1069845
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Saint-Malo-en-Donziois
Located in Saint-Malo-en-Donziois, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Vauvert Park and Étangs de Vaux et de Baye, while House Mill of the Island and Museum of Art and History Romain Rolland are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby kayaking, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.
Sanctuary of St. Bernadette Soubirous of Nevers - 52 min drive - 56.5 km
Medieval Site of Guedelon - 57 min drive - 56.0 km
Getting around
La Charité-sur-Loire Station - 23 min drive
Restaurants
Menou Rocking Place - 7 min drive
Le Tivoli - 4 min drive
La Patte D’oie - 9 min drive
Café de la Paix - 8 min drive
Le Ti Chasne - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Beautifully Converted Farmhouse, family friendly with heated pool, huge garden have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Beautifully Converted Farmhouse, family friendly with heated pool, huge garden?
As of 28 Jul 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beautifully Converted Farmhouse, family friendly with heated pool, huge garden on 4 Nov 2026 start from £713, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Beautifully Converted Farmhouse, family friendly with heated pool, huge garden pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 4 total).
How much is parking at Beautifully Converted Farmhouse, family friendly with heated pool, huge garden?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Beautifully Converted Farmhouse, family friendly with heated pool, huge garden?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Beautifully Converted Farmhouse, family friendly with heated pool, huge garden?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Beautifully Converted Farmhouse, family friendly with heated pool, huge garden located?
This family-friendly Saint-Malo-en-Donziois holiday home is located in a rural location, 11.7 mi (18.8 km) from House Mill of the Island, and within 20 mi (32 km) of Vauvert Park and Museum of Art and History Romain Rolland. Eglise Notre-Dame de La Charité-sur-Loire and Saint-Martin's Collegiate Church are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
An amazing Gite, myself and my family had a simply superb time! The Gite was so well equipped with everything from games for children and adults to pool toys, the kitchen was amazing, my daughter who had decided to be chef for the week was able to find absolutely everything she needed. The beds were comfortable and the bathrooms clean and with plenty of hot water. The Gite is situated in a beautiful hamlet and one of my daughters walked back from the nearest bar, the local village had a boulangerie and a well equipped supermarket about 10 minutes drive. The undercover eating area was amazing and was used every meal time. We were all so sad to leave this gorgeous place. Vikki was a fabulous host and dealt with any enquires very promptly.
Bridget C.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jun 2026
Thank you Bridget for your stay, it was a pleasure to host you and your family!
We had a fantastic holiday at this lovely property. The photos certainly don’t do it justice. We loved the swimming pool and with young children appreciated the reassurance knowing it was surrounded by a fence. I would throughly recommend this property with its huge garden; comfortable beds; children’s toys and play equipment and great outside covered seating area. We would book this property again.
An awesome villa!!! spacious bedrooms, comfortable beds, soft towels, fully equipped kitchens-with 'top of the line' equipment-every thing that you need (and more...), parking space. The villa is beautifully maintained and provides the best atmosphere to enjoy the charms of Loire valley. We stayed for 4 nights and It is a perfect place. We highly recommend it and really hope to be back.
Ziv A.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2022
Thank you for your lovely words and we are delighted you enjoyed your stay. Similarly we would be delighted to host you should you choose our house again in the future - it would be a pleasure!
L’Autre Vie was perfect in every way for our three generation holiday. Extremely elegant and comfortable house with excellent facilities. Great bedrooms! It would have been a bonus to have an en-suite with the downstairs bedroom though. Amazing kitchen! We loved the pool and enormous garden so much so we only left the house twice to go on outings. So lovely to eat outside and enjoy the terrace. Thank you Vikki
George S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
John T.
10 Sept 2018
Beautiful barn conversion in a peaceful location
We were after a large property for 16 (8 adults and 8 children). This property was absolutely ideal with room to spare. Located in a lovely part of France well away from everything in a small hamlet yet not too far from shops and amenities. The house is well equipped and ideal for young children with their own play room equipped with masses of toys and games. Huge well equipped kitchen with large fridge and freezer. We were lucky with the weather and able to make full use of the massive patio for evening meals every night; though had we needed to be inside there was a large lounge to relax in.
The owner was most helpful and responded quickly in answering any queries and questions throughout.
John T.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Thank you very much for choosing to stay at our house and for your kind words. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it!
We stayed at this property for a week this August as an extended family group of 10. It is very spacious with bedrooms spread over 3 floors of the house. It is very well modernised with four bathrooms which are all on the first floor. The lounge is beautiful and stylish; the kitchen is very well equipped with a farmhouse table which comfortably sat all ten of us.
The grounds are extensive with plenty of room for games. The children loved all the outside facilities and used the swimming pool every day.
We loved the peace and quiet of the countryside, it is approximately 3 miles to the nearest boulangerie and small Spar, about 10 miles to Donzy where larger supermarkets can be found.
While staying at the property we enjoyed day trips to Vézelay, Sancerre and Pouilly sur Loire, all within easy driving distance.
We had a wonderful week!
Susan H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept 2022
Thank you Susan for your kind words and it make us very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for choosing to stay with us, it was a pleasure to host you.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Adele M.
21 Sept 2016
Excellent property - has everything
We stayed for a week, extended family holiday which included 6 adults & 4 children ages 10, 7, 4 & 18months. The house was excellent. All rooms were clean, facilities were great & very modern. Owners have considered everything which meant the kids had plenty to keep them busy, both inside & out, while us adults could relax in the very quiet garden. We took a paddling pool so the kids had somewhere to splash about - a good idea as we had temperatures over 35 degrees for most of the week! The kitchen was great - very large so we could all eat together round the table & it had everything you'll need & more. One of the best parts of the holiday was star gazing at night (no light pollution so this was unbeliverable) with the fire pit going & hot chocolate. We all came home very relaxed indeed!!!
There are some excellent areas to explore fairly close by if you want to get out & the lake nearby keep us busy one afternoon - a nice change to a swim in the sea.
An excellent holiday, in an excellent house - would not hesitate recommending this house to anyone.
Adele M.
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Thank you very much for your lovely words - it always make us extremely happy when someone enjoys our house and the area as much as we do (and yes stargazing is one of our own favourite evening activities there too!!)
Maison de vacances idéale pour les grandes familles, avec enfants. Maison fonctionnelle très bien équipée, jardin très agréable avec piscine et jeux pour enfants. Excellent contact avec les propriétaires, très conciliants et réactifs.
Nous avons passé un très bon séjour (4 jours) entre amis (10 adultes et 8 enfants), la maison est très grande et bien équipée, le jardin est immense et nous avons pu profiter de la piscine qui est très agréable. La terrasse et le barbecue permettent des repas et soirées agréables
Nous avons passé un excellent week-end. La configuration du gîte est idéale (grands espaces à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur). La procédure d'arrivée est très simple grâce à la boîte à clé.Merci beaucoup aux hôtes.
Het huis zelf,keuken,terras,zwembad, tuin,waren zeer net, ruim, aangenaam ingericht,goed uitgerust voor groot aantal personen.
Bij aankomst was er geen warm water, geen tv, geen spelconsole...gelukkig snel opgelost door zeer vriendelijke lokale dame en klusjesman.
Tijdens koken viel electriciteit uit. Blijkbaar zijn de leidingen niet zwaar genoeg. Ook hierbij werden we snel geholpen.
Wifi liet te wensen over!
3 parasols, slechts 2 parasolvoeten.
Het buitenspeeltuig was versleten en zelfs gevaarlijk: groene schommel in flarden, dubbele schommel waar planken ontbraken maar de vijzen nog 1cm uitstaken, glijbaan zelf met duck tape hersteld, meerdere vijzen die uitstaken boven het broze en versleten houtwerk. De trampoline is ook aan vervanging toe. Middenin dreigt een scheur; bescherming voor de ophangingsveren gescheurd en los...gevaarlijke toestand.
Al bij al zeer fijn verblijf gehad, maar voor die prijs hadden we toch meer kwaliteit verwacht
luc t.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback - we are always looking for ways to improve and so this helps! It was unfortunate that the hot water was off when you arrived and I agree that our local house managers are lovely and I’m glad they were able to correct that and also show you how the TV and games console work. The outdoor swing-set and trampoline are on our list for this year - though checked as safe, I agree they are tired and time to upgrade both! Thank you again and also for leaving our house so wonderfully clean and tidy.
Nous avons adoré notre séjour en famille dans votre superbe maison.
Équipements au top, maison spacieuse et propre, rien a dire !
Superbe adresse pour vos vacances en famille
Schöne Unterkunft für Familien mit kleinen Kindern
Es hat alles reibungslos funktioniert. Es gibt viel Platz und Spielsachen für die Kinder und einen schönen Pool.
Besonders viele Attraktionen gibt es in der Umgebung nicht aber man kann gut Fahrrad fahren und laufen.
Carl-Jakob U.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2022
Thank you for your visit and for your kind words about our house!
A wonderful, large farmhouse for our family get away. Superb swimming pool, garden area and equipment.
The bedrooms were substantial and the kitchen area adequate for our needs. Outside bbqs we’re very welcome too as we’re the table seating areas .
Une propriété très bien agencer pour que chacun ai son endroit personnel vu le nombre de chambres et de salle de bain , wc. Un espace vert énorme pour nos petits enfants. Nous aurions aimer que la terrasse soit nettoyée. Ainsi que le barbecue à gaz dans un état pitoyable.. la poussière aussi était présente.. mais tout était disponible pour les enfants dans la salle de jeu et pour les parents avec une télévision qui malheureusement arrivait à son terme d'abonnement le jour du défilé du 14 juillet.
Dominique m.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2022
Many thanks Dominique. Unfortunately our usual gardien/ cleaner was (very unusually!) away and it seems from what you are saying that the replacement was not able to keep up to the usual standard/forgot to check some of the usual matters after the previous guests. Now that we know, we can ensure any replacement the next time they go away checks the terrace/barbecues and the standard of the dusting. I’m not sure what the problem with the TV was/is as I haven’t been made aware of this and it is pretty new/on a continuous contract, so am not sure what is meant but we will investigate now that we are aware! Thank you for signaling these issues to us and I am very happy you otherwise had a good stay, thank you again for your visit
Gite très agréable. Maison magnifique et complètement équipée.
Séjour de 3 jours avec un temps parfait et une piscine a bonne température. Maison spacieuse et très bien équipée. Les chambres sont agréables. Mention spéciale pour la cuisine immense, parfaite pour cuisiner avec tout ce qu'il faut (même pour les enfants)
Très belle maison, idéale pour weekend entre famille ou amis. On a ador é la salle de jeu et l'extérieur qui ont enchanté les enfants. Les chambres sont espacées les unes des autres (nous étions 6 adultes), la cuisine tout équipée, le sejour très grand. Vue entièrement dégagée sans voisin. Je recommande les yeux fermés et j'y retournerai avec plaisir.
Tres belle demeurre tres bien equipee pour vos enfants et les grands !!!
Grande piscine et le trampoline on fait des heureux .. ainsi que les grandes parties de caches caches dans la maison ...
Pr les adultes la terrasse est tres agreable et les chambres avec leur salle de bain sont vraiment bien!!!
En synthese un tres bon break a 2h de Paris et une tres belle region.
This home so fabulous ! I have told friends and family about it. Perfect for family get together!
Vikki is very well organized and everything you need it there and ready for you. The home is very clean and the location is great. We want to go back! Bravo!
Nous avons passé un très bon weekend en famille. La maison est très agréable et spacieuse. Elle est parfaitement aménagée (une mention spéciale pour la cuisine !!). Il a fait très chaud ce weekend et il n'y a pas de zone d'ombre à l'extérieur donc nous n'avons pas beaucoup profité du grand terrain. Nous n'avons pas mangé non plus à l'extérieur sur la grande table car le parassol est en mauvais état. C'est dommage! Merci et bonne continuation
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
About the host
Hosted by Vikki Luijkx
We are a Dutch/English family, who lived for a long time in Paris, France. When we started a family we decided to buy and renovate a house in the country so that our children would have somewhere to run around outside, as we lived in an apartment. That renovation idea turned into a labour of love when we stumbled across a completely rundown farmhouse with attached barn(s) that were in the process of being reclaimed by nature and at the time were totally uninhabitable. 7 years later the buildings became one, and now boast the luxuries of a roof, windows and electricity to name a few that weren't there when we first fell in love with it! And our two children are now old enough to run around and truly appreciate the space and freedom that the spacious house and huge garden (or field, rather) provide!
Why they chose this property
We chose to look for a property in this region as it was only 2 hours drive from Paris, so easy to access, but all the same completely 'away from it all' and truly within unspoilt French countryside. We then fell in love with this house as it has such great space and character, and we loved the tiny hamlet within which it lies and the lovely neighbours we met there - unobtrusive but super-friendly and helpful.
What makes this property unique
We wanted to make this a home-away-from-home for our family, and worked on the basis that it should be at least as luxurious as our main home, else we wouldn't use it as much as it deserved. It's in a quiet non-touristy area so you make your own entertainment - hence we have our own pool, swing/slide-set and climbing frame for the children, plus DVD, TV and Wii for rainy days. We also love just lounging on the enormous terrace staring up at the starry sky which is unaffected by light pollution, whilst drinking the local wines and eating the local produce, or relaxing indoors in front of a roaring log fire in the open-to-the-rafters living room.
Languages:
English, French, Dutch
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests