Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or less) Hen or stag parties Corporate bookings House-swap
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car advised Nearest amenities: 0.1 km
Notes:
Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
La Retraite translates as “the retreat” in French and that is exactly what it is on offer at this beautiful house in the heart of the Parc D’Amorique in Brittany.
Nestling in its own large and attractive gardens, the house exudes peace and calm. Situated right on the edge of the pretty village of Huelgoat (pronounced 'Welgwat'), La Retraite is only a short walk from village shops, restaurants, swimming pool, tennis courts, and of course the famous picturesque lake and boulder-strewn forests that border it.
The house itself is full of character and has been furnished and equipped to a very high standard to ensure a comfortable, hassle-free stay. For those staying with little ones, we have endeavored to make it as child-friendly as possible with stair gate, travel cot, toy box and games.
There is also a small enclosed garden to the rear of the house leading from the games room where small children can play safely. Plenty to do and see in an area renowned for its natural beauty and forest walks.
La Retraite
Lounge
Dining room through to the lounge
Gardens
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/53241
The Brittany / Finistere region
The climate in Brittany is mild to hot summers and temperate winters. The area is full of historic interest and many of the villages and towns have delightful old buildings and village squares. Around Huelgoat in particular the scenery will remind you of the English lake district with its abundance of forests and the picturesque lake.
The area entices many tourists each year, often intrigued by the mysterious boulders which are to be found everywhere. The 15 hectare lake was created between the 16th and 18th centuries to supply water to local silver-lead mines by means of a 3 km canal. It is popular with tourists and holidaymakers as much for its picturesque setting as its impressive natural location among the vestiges of the ancient forest that once covered inland Brittany.
Once part of royal and ducal lands, the 600 hectare forest is now overseen by the French forestry commission and covers an area of over ten square kilometres. Interestingly, the legend of King Arthur began here. A number of geological and prehistoric curiosities can be found by following the trails in and around the village and forest. The tourist office, next to the little bridge that traverses the lake, is just a few minutes walk from the house and will give you all the information you need however some of the local forest attractions are listed below:-
Le Chaos de Rochers, the Chaos of Rocks, is a jumble of hundreds of large boulders below the dammed lake, into which the river vanishes. A 10 m descent down ladders is required to see it again, running rapidly below a dark cave called the Devil's Grotto. La Retraite has one or two of these large boulders in its garden!
La Roche Tremblante or Trembling Rock, is a 137-tonne boulder nearby, pivoted so it can be made to rock by a person pushing against one point – no one has so far managed to push it over.
Le Champignon, or The Mushroom, is a large rock balanced on a smaller one to give the eponymous appearance – definitely worth a visit!
There is also La Mare aux Fées, the fairies' pool and La Mare aux Sangliers, the wild boar pool, not to mention Le La Grotte d'Artus, or Arthur's Cave, is a natural shelter formed under a roof of jammed rocks.
Many of the walks start near to the house and along one of them you will uncover the “Miroir Aux Fées”, a quaint crêperie in the forest featuring some interesting artwork as well as tasty food.
Huelgoat area
The area around Huelgoat is renowned for its natural beauty. Of the many places of interest 'The Arboretum du Poerop' is a large area of managed woodland which has been landscaped, on the edge of Huelgoat with delightful walks, but be warned some are quite steep in places.
After visiting the Arboretum you could then head to the 4 Seasons, a huge farm shop that sells locally produced products, including jams, honeys, breton beer, ciders, soaps and much more. English is spoken and all your gifts will be beautifully wrapped. There is also a children’s play area a few minutes walk from the house and in the village there is a swimming pool and tennis courts.
There are also many beautiful safe sandy beaches within easy reach of Huelgoat including Primel-Tregastel and the surrounding coast, Carantec and Loquirec all on the north coast. To the south there are the beaches around Fouesnant and on the west there is a wonderful expanse of beach at Pentrez. All have cafes, bars and restaurants close by.
During your stay we would also recommend that you take one (or all) of the many walks through the forest. Take the canal path and walk to the ancient silver mine, from there follow the path to the 'Fairy Glen' and onto the waterfall; this is a circular walk of approximately 2 hours duration. All of the walks are within easy reach of the property and are suitable for all ages." Other places of Interest' include Château Trevarez and its lovely gardens. There are displays of flowers and shrubs virtually all year round and there are frequently exhibitions on in the grounds.
It is a perfect place for a picnic on a warm sunny day, alternatively there is a delightful teashop. Château Trevarez is situated high on a hill above the beautiful town of Châteauneuf-du-Faou which is on the banks of the Nantes-Brest Canal. The canal itself is delightful if you want a tranquil walk and picnic. Markets and Shopping
'Huelgoat & Carhaix Markets': Huelgoat hosts its market day on a Thursday in the village square (see photos below). Carhaix, only fifteen minutes away, also has a terrific market on Saturdays. Don't miss the spit roasting van - the pork with prunes goes down very well with a warm baguette and a glass of vino! Markets include:
'Guerlesquin Market': A large market held on a Monday, lots of fresh local produce and includes sale of livestock - chickens, rabbits etc. The town is also worth a visit. There is also a market in St-Pol-de-Leon on Mondays.
'Morlaix Market' : On the way to the coast why not stop and spend the morning browsing around the market held every Saturday in Morlaix. The market is one of the largest in the area. Whilst in Morlaix it is well worth spending sometime to explore the old quarter; a climb up to the site of the old castle is also worth it for the splendid views across tthe town to the viaduct
How to get there
How to get there - Fly to Brest - 50 minutes by car to Villa. - Cheap flights available from www.Flybe.com from Birmingham, Southampton, and Exeter to Brest. - Cheap flights available from www.Ryanair.com from Luton to Brest and Dinard, Stansted to Dinard - Brittany Ferries go from Plymouth or Cork to Roscoff, and Portsmouth to St Malo. www.brittanyferries.com - Condor Ferries go from Jersey, Guernsey, Poole or Weymouth to St Malo. www.condorferries.co.uk - HF Ferries go from Jersey to St.Malo - Speed Ferries go from Dover to Boulogne. A really cheap crossing. www.speedferries.co.uk
- Car Hire available from Avis.com Hertz.com Europcar.com - There are local Taxis available from the airport.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Brest: 76.6 km
Railway:
Roscoff: 61.3 km
Ferry:
Morlaix: 28.9 km
Activities near Huelgoat
Sports: Tennis in town Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation A winter sun break Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, Internet access, DVD player
General:
Central heating, TV, CD player, Telephone, Pool / Snooker table, Games room, Safe, Satellite TV
Single beds (4), Double beds (4), Cots (2), Dining seating for 12, Lounge seating for 12, Sleeps maximum of 12
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: La Retraite is a substantial five bedroom, two bathroom property possessing a wonderfully unique character all of its own happily ensconced in amongst large, well laid out gardens. Add to this a cosy, welcoming atmosphere and guests are sure to feel instantly at home!
The entrance to the house brings you into the long, split level hallway with staircase to the upstairs. Under the stairwell an arched door leads into the games room which has its own door out to a small garden enclosed by a white picket fence.
Also on the ground floor is the cosy lounge dominated by a granite fireplace and again the room is split level leading up to the dining area and twelve-seater dining room table. French doors open from here to the patio which runs the length of the front of the house and steps down to the gardens.
The dining room leads through to the large kitchen which also opens out onto the patio and gardens at the front of the house. It is very well equipped and has a microwave, dishwasher and large fridge-freezer with ice making compartment and well as all the usual facilities. A stairwell leads down from the kitchen to the cellar which houses the washing machine and clothes drying area. There is also a downstairs cloakroom/W.C and second lounge/games room with a snooker/pool table.
Upstairs you will find five double bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate shower room. All the bedrooms are large and nicely furnished and currently arranged as three doubles, one twin and one treble room. Full size cot, travel cot, crib and other baby equipment at your disposal including baby bath, chair and high chair. All bed linen is provided.
Outside there is a double garage and woodstore. Plenty of garden furniture including outside table and chairs and sun loungers. A picnic basket is also provided. For entertainment you will find Satellite television, a DVD player with DVDs, Hi-Fi and a large selection of board games.
Further details outdoors: The gardens are large and very attractive. A drive leads to the house entrance and the gates can be closed to create a fully enclosed park.
A wide terrace runs the entire length of the south-facing frontage of the house and double french doors lead out from the dining room onto it and also a door leads out from the kitchen.
BBQ available and plenty of garden furniture including table and chairs and sun loungers.
Further details
An exciting welcome pack is provided on arrival with wines and champagne.
There is also a stocked bar and mixers for guests. All the bedding, crockery, glassware and kitchen items are of a high standard and will add a touch of luxury to your stay.
Conditions
Deposit 25% Balance due 8 weeks prior to arrival. £100 security deposit - refundable within 2 weeks of departure.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
April and May
5 Apr 08
31 May 08
700£700
0-
0-
1 Week
June
31 May 08
28 Jun 08
950£950
0-
0-
1 Week
July and August
28 Jun 08
30 Aug 08
1250£1,250
0-
0-
1 Week
September
30 Aug 08
4 Oct 08
950£950
0-
0-
1 Week
October
4 Oct 08
1 Nov 08
700£700
0-
0-
1 Week
41
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Rates for 2008.
Other months negotiable.
Guestbook
This is our very first season so we will keep you posted!
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/53241
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