Beautiful large Manor, perfect for families, close to Versailles and Paris

Our family experienced a most memorable and really, magical, summer in the Quennells' very special home and gardens. My husband and I were there for the whole summer. Our family, 10 of us in all, including grandchildren ages 5-12, joined us for 3 weeks. Other family members and friends joined us at different times. Everyone who came loved this special place which inspired creativity as well as many great conversations---even some dancing in the kitchen/dining room! Sharing this kind of experience of France with our children and our grandchildren, who had a fantastic time, meant a lot to us. We loved these times with family and friends, but my husband and I were also thoroughly enriched just being in the house ourselves. The character and charm of the house and gardens created a setting that allowed us to slow down, reflect and be in touch with the beauty of life and of France, the past and present. We had delicious food easily available for cooking "at home" and there were many wonderful restaurants in Neauphle and the wonderful old villages and towns nearby. Trips to Paris, Giverny, Versailles and Chartres were easy and wonderful. The Quennells provided many helpful ideas. We have always loved France, but this experience was truly unique and greatly enriching.

We had a wonderful time in this spacious family house. With 4 adults and 5 children we stayed in the house for one week during our Christmas holiday. The house is full of perfectly chosen details and has a great atmosphere. There is a huge fireplace in the living and a nice wood-stove in the kitchen. Because we love cooking, we enjoyed the very well equipped kitchen. The house is perfectly located near Paris, the train station is nearby, and brings you in half an hour into the center of Paris. We absolutely like to come back in a different season to enjoy the garden as well.

My family and I stayed at the Quennells' captivating house for two weeks in August. The beautiful exterior was the precursor to the wonderfully intriguing interior which exuded the feeling of a family home. There were so many interesting features from the amazing chandelier in the kitchen to the huge selection of books found all through the house - many reflecting the history of the Quennell family and the people they knew.

Outside the extensive garden allowed plenty of space for my grandsons to play in. We also enjoyed being able to eat outside and to use the BBQ. We were able to pick tomatoes and herbs from the pots on the balcony outside the kitchen. Friends, who were only able to stay for one night, did not want to leave as they said they felt very at ease and relaxed in the house and garden and would have loved to have stayed longer.

The short walk up the hill to the square was a daily treat. I enjoyed shopping at the boulangerie, which even sold gluten free bread which was a bonus as one of us is a coeliac, at the boucherie with its fabulous tasting meat, especially the pork and also at the small supermarket which sells virtually everything one might need. However I must mention the two proprietors of this small supermarket who were both charming and very helpful. On my first visit I bought more than I expected but they packed it all into a box and, although I explained I was staying at the bottom of the hill, one of them carried it all the way to the house. After that we helped each other with speaking French and English. I was genuinely sorry to say goodbye to them. At the house Ludmila was very kind, always ready to help if needed.

We visited Giverney, Chatres, France Miniature, the Playmobil Fun Park at Fresnes, the local lake and beach, Versailles and Paris.

And so to Alexander and Carine. Thank you so much for putting your home into our care. Although we were unable to meet you personally the email contact I had with you, Alexander, from arranging the booking through the intervening months to the holiday itself and beyond was so kind, helpful and patient. I could not have wished for a better host and I thank you for that.

I would certainly return for the house itself, for the friendliness of those we met, for the peace and quiet, the stunning views and the nearness to other interesting places to visit.

All in all a wonderful experience. I thoroughly recommend L'Ancien Hotel Dieu.

My wife and I invited our grown up children to France to explore Paris, and the surrounding countryside. This house suited us so perfectly, the beautiful rooms, so well decorated, and enough space for everyone. The house is great for day trips into Paris, with a blessed feeling of relief to get 'home' after all the heat and the crowds, and jaunts to the Normandy beaches , Giverney, and the forests that surround the house. The garden is ideal for lounging about with a glass of wine admiring the view, or bouncing on the trampoline with the kids. We very much hope to be back next year. Thank you to the Quennell's for being such perfect hosts. We loved it!

One of the most unique and enchanting properties I've had the pleasure to stay in - the addition of the warm and welcoming Quennells and the merits of the house's ideal location make this a 'total package'. I and my family stayed here for 3 months, from Jan-Mar 2015, and indeed found it very hard to say goodbye when it was time to go. Highlights of the house for us included: the wonderful view of the valley; the romantic ambiance of the courtyard; the extensive and eclectic collection of books; and the large claw-foot tubs. Easy access to Paris (a 3min drive to the train station - a 30min trip to Montparnasse from there). Neauphle itself has a great bakery and butcher, an excellent cheese shop, a farmers' market, and all the necessities (bank, pharmacy, Carrfour) within a few minutes' walk or a 1-2min drive. Farther afield, the general region has a lot to offer. Plenty of farm-direct or organic markets and rewarding restaurants, and things to explore like antique shops and chocolatiers.

Whether as a long-term rental or a weekend getaway, I highly recommend the Quennells and their beautiful home.