Renovation of this house started in 2017, retaining the charm of the original building but offering the comforts of modern living. This house offers plenty of space, enabling families or groups of friends to have a good time together, in a laid-back and in a peaceful setting. The property includes a private pool and a large private garden with shaded areas for alfresco dining. If you tear yourself away from the property during your stay, you will find a large selection of activities nearby.
The space
9 bedroom house accommodating up to 18 adults or a mix of adults and children. Ideal for multi-generational families or groups of friends looking to spend time together.
The dining room is equipped with a large table (seats 18) and a wood burner. The dining room leads to a living room with sofas and armchairs, and a door to the garden. On the other side of the dining room is the kitchen equipped with a 5-burner gas hob, a large electric oven, a standard electric oven, a dishwasher, a fridge, a fridge freezer, a kettle, a toaster, a coffee maker, a blender, etc.
The dining area also opens to another living room with TV, from where you can access the staircase leading to the first floor.
On the 1st floor is a seperate toilet, a large bedroom with a double and single bed. From the first landing two steps lead to another landing with 3 further bedrooms: a double bedroom (140 cm), two twin bedrooms (all 90cm), and a family bathroom (shower, toilet, double sink). Another staircase leads to two other double rooms (160cm, 140cm), each with their own ensuite (shower, sink, toilet)
Back out the front of the house, a few meters from the dining room door, is the annexe which includes on the ground floor a large bedroom with two beds (both 120 cm) with its wheelchair friendly bathroom (shower, sink, toilet). On the first floor are two other double rooms (140 cm), each with their own ensuite (shower, sink, toilet). One of these bedrooms also has a toddler bed.
The house was built over a hundred years ago with stone walls that allow it to stay cool during the summer months, as long as the windows, doors and curtains remain closed during the day.
The large private garden has shaded places to eat outside, relax in a lounger with a book or take a nap, as well as sunny spots for sunbathing by the pool or elsewhere. We also have a trampoline for children, and there is plenty of space within the 2 hectares, including a riverbank stroll towards the back of the property.
The property is on a quiet cul de sac, surrounded by fields and trees which ensures privacy and quiet during your stay. To the back of the property, on the other side of a small field, is the Oudon River. It is far enough from the house so as not to be a temptation for young children. There is also an empty pond on the property that is overrun by vegetation and home to local wildlife. The calm and tranquility of the countryside attracted a large number of animals in the area, such as squirrels, many singing birds, rabbits, hares, badgers, deer, foxes, martens, etc.
We can supply 3 cots, 3 high chairs and 2 baby bathtubs that can be requested at no extra cost.
Guest access
You have full access to the house, pool and garden area, as well as to the riverbank walk during your stay. We may visit once or twice a day (morning and evenings) to do the pool maintenance.
There are 2 outbuildings within the gounds which are currently undergoing restoration (no works will be going on during your stay), these are out of bounds. We have some hens in an enclosed area (and away from the house), we ask you not to go into the chicken run.
The closest village (2km away) has a baguette dispenser (supplied by a local quality baker) and a tennis court to which you have free access during your stay. For the respect of the village inhabitants, we ask that no loud music is played whist using the tennis court.
The nearest town (Craon 5km away) has a selection of butchers, farm shops, boulangeries, supermarkets, as well as a typical French village market every Monday morning.
Within a short drive there is access to 2 old railway lines which have been converted into 130km of cycle/walk/horse riding tracks. Many looped circuits are available off the railway lines, making for lovely walks and cycles of varying lengths. There is also 80km of gravelled towpath along the banks of the Mayenne river.
There are lots of things to visit in the area depending on your interests: museums, medieval villages, chateaux, animal refuges and zoos, as well as river/lake based activities (La Rincerie, Pouancé, Daon).
The bustling towns of Angers and Rennes are within a hours drive as well as a selection of Loire valley vineyards.
Within a few hours' drive you could also visit the D Day landing beaches and WW2 cemeteries in Normandy or the beautiful Chateaux of the Loire
Other things to note
Bed linen and house towels are supplied. Pool towels are NOT supplied. House towels are NOT to be used at the pool. Beds will be made prior to your arrival, so please confirm if you would like the twin bedrooms made up as doubles (where applicable) or twins.
**You will also be charged a contribution towards electricity/water usage/hot water/bed linen/house towels: May - September €30 per day ; October - April €35 per day. This contribution will be payable directly to the house owner with the security deposit prior to arrival. Prices quoted for the contribution are applicable for bookings for the 9 bedrooms and up to 20 people (not including babies).
** Final clean: €10 (12STG) per person, this is to be paid at the same time as the security deposit. Should your group be 15 people or less, there is a minimum charge of €150 for cleaning.
In some cases it is possible to vacate the property in the evening (up to 18:00 /6pm) instead of the morning 11:00 for an extra €20.
**Pool towels are NOT supplied and you will need to bring these with you.
House towels are NOT to be used at the pool.
**Pets**: 1 medium/large dog is welcome (or 2 small dogs) by prior arrangement. They must be house trained, well behaved and under control at all times. The are not allowed on soft furnishings, upstairs and are to sleep on the ground floor. An extra cleaning charge may apply.
** Pets are NOT allowed in the pool or the pool area.
** Security Deposit: there is a security deposit of STG1200 or €1000 payable by bank transfer directly to the house owner prior to your arrival. Please check with your insurance company that you are covered for accidental damage (this is standard in France). The security deposit will be refunded to a nominated bank account within 2 weeks of departure.
**Booking deposit: 25% of value of booking (non refundable). Balance (75%) due 10 weeks prior to arrival with the damage deposit, contributions and final clean.
We expect you to leave the house tidy (bins emptied) and all furniture in its original place.
Outside of the summer season, the house will be heated to 19C. Any extra heating will be charged as per usage. We can supply firewood for the woodburner at cost.
Cooking and cleaning can be arranged by request (must be booked prior to arrival).
