Sorry - no pets allowed Not suitable for children Not suitable for elderly or infirm No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Anjou Cottage is one of three stylish cottages in the charming grounds of the owners historic Manor House in a rural hamlet near Saumur, in the glorious Loire valley. With easy access to all amenities and sights including the local markets and chateaux and several excellent restaurants, the cottages are perfect for couples seeking a relaxing sightseeing experience in the Loire valley. Situated in a wine making area it is also an ideal base for touring the vineyards, attending wine tastings and purchasing local wines direct from the domaines.
The cottages are light and attractive, tastefully decorated and furnished to a high standard. The sitting rooms open onto an enchanting terraced courtyard with fountain, perfect for the long lazy lunches so loved by the French or merely enjoying a glass or two of the local wines.
The secluded shared pool area with its walled terrace provides a stunning location for sunbathing or just relaxing with a good book.
The stunning secluded pool area
Exterior of the beautiful stone former coach house
Comfortable sitting room of Anjou Cottage
Lovely bedroom with exposed beams of Anjou Cottage
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/31314
The Loire Valley / Maine-et-Loire region
There is so much to do in this region of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Within the Loire Anjou Natural regional park, the landscape is unspoilt and an abundance of charming villages and towns add to the attraction of the area. The unusual troglodyte dwellings, dug into the tuffeau rock ,often house mushroom caves that will surprise you. The region is perfect for walking, cycling, fishing, bird-watching and horse-riding.
The area is steeped in history, the Loire being the playground of the Kings and Dukes of France. Saumur Chateau was once the summer residence of the Dukes of Anjou. The plantagenet monarchs, Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Acquitane and their son Richard the Lionheart are buried at Fontevraud Abbey southeast of Saumur. The many Chateaux, Churches and Abbeys ensure some fantastic sightseeing.
Naturally being a wine making region and having around 28 appellations within a relatively small area there are many diverse wines to taste. Exploring and visiting the vineyards for wine tasting is huge fun and the owners can arrange tours for you.
The temperate climate results in warmer seasons and less rainfall than the UK. In addition to the hot summer months, spring and autumn are often wonderfully mild.
Saumur area
Five miles north of the cottage is the market town of Doue La Fontaine with good shops, cafes and restaurants. The town is famous for its splendidly unusual Zoo where animals are housed in a troglodyte environment. Doue is also the main centre of rose production in France and is known as "the City of Roses". It hosts a Rose Festival every summer when local caves are majically transformed by elaborate and exquisite displays. This year the rose festival takes place from 11 to15 July. Monday is market day when the town comes alive with roadside stalls selling everything from local produce to French berets!
The charming medieval town of Montreuil Bellay with its fairytale Chateau, antiques market, pretty squares and fortified walls is 5 miles east and well worth visiting.
Saumur, on the banks of the majestic Loire, and its surrounding area, with its wealth of Chateaux, Museums, Art Galleries, chic shops and Michelin star restaurant is a tourist paradise. It is the National Equestrian Centre of France and home to the Cadre Noir Regiment. During the season the Cadre Noir present regular shows of outstanding horsemanship and offer guided tours of the school.
Throughout the summer months annual events are held to celebrate local produce and customs including Art, Music and Wine Festivals. The superb fete Grande Table de Saumur Champigny, a wine and food evening in Saumur with music and dancing is held in July. Locally, on July 27 is a quite unique, classic car "Grand Prix" race through the ancient streets and around the beautiful old church of Le Puy Notre Dame. A marvellous and enjoyable spectacle. Please contact the owners for more information on dates etc. of these and other events.
There is a Paragliding and Microlight Club close by for any enthusiasts out there.
How to get there
Budget airline Ryannair flies from Stanstead to Tours and to Poitier airports. Both airports are approx an hour's drive away. Flybe fly from Southampton to Angers airport which is slightly nearer. Cars may be hired from the airports and details can be provided to you.
By car from Calais the route is simple, by motorway via Rouen all the way to Beaufort en Vallee, 29 miles from here.The journey should take between 5 or 6 hours allowing for refreshment and fuel stops.Detailed travel directions noting service stations (Aires), toll booths (Peage) and junctions will be provided with your confirmation of booking.
P&O and Sea France have frequent sailings from Dover to Calais. Speedferries operate from Dover to Boulogne.
Eurotunnel have half-hourly crossings from Ashford (Folkstone) to Calais and the owners find this the quickest way to get here.
Eurostar from St Pancras London to Lille or Paris and then TGV to Angers /Saumur is another good way to travel. Again a car can easily be hired from the stations.
Brittany Ferries have regular crossings from Portsmouth to Le Havre and a speed ferry from Portsmouth to Caen.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Angers, Tours, Poitiers: 55 km
Railway:
Saumur: 22 km
Ferry:
Caen, Le Havre
Activities near Saumur
Sports: Tennis in town Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats A winter sun break Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
DVD player
General:
TV, CD player, Satellite TV
Standard:
Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer
Utilities:
Clothes dryer, Cooker, Fridge, Washing machine
Rooms:
Bedrooms (1), Shower rooms (1)
Furniture:
Double beds (1), Dining seating for 2, Lounge seating for 3, Sleeps maximum of 2
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Shared garden, BBQ, Shared outdoor pool (heated)
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: Anjou Cottage retains the character of the former coach house with painted wooden floorboards, honey-oak exposed timbers and a galleried first floor bedroom. The sitting room is spacious with contemporary furniture, flat screen tv. dvd and cd players. A selection of dvds, cds, books, magazines and board games are provided for relaxation.
The stylish fully fitted kitchen area is equipped with fridge, hob, extractor and oven. The downstairs shower room has a large shower and towel rail and is supplied with luxurious white cotton bathsheets.
The lovely bedroom on the first floor has a comfortable, king-size bed with crisp white cotton linen, duvets, large pillows, cushions and throws. If desired twin beds can be arranged.
Further details outdoors: The beautiful coach house within the grounds of a 19th century manor house has been lovingly renovated by the English owners into three one bedroom cottages. Each cottage sleeps 2 adults and are perfect for couples seeking a relaxing holiday without children.
The sunny pool area shared between the three cottages is furnished with stylish wooden loungers and cushions,with tables and umbrellas and has a lovely roofed seating area in the shade for most of the day.
Boules or badminton may be enjoyed in the rear garden.
The shared courtyard is equipped with tables, umbrellas and chairs for al fresco dining whilst listening to the relaxing sounds of water trickling from the charming fountain set in one corner.
Guests may use the barbeque area in the rear garden with benches and tables.
Secure parking is provided within the grounds entered through a gated drive.
The owners will be residing in the Manor house and will be on hand during your stay to offer assistance if required.
Further details
Sorry no pets. We regret the cottages are not suitable for children. Strictly no smoking inside the cottage and courtyard. There is an additional charge for use of the washing machine.
Conditions
A deposit of 25% of the rental is payable on reservation. The balance is to be paid 8 weeks before your arrival date. We recommend you take out holiday insurance to cover cancellation. A £200.00 security deposit against damage or breakages is payable on booking. An arrival pack can be provided to your order.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
February March April
2 Feb 08
3 May 08
375£ 375
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1 Week
May and June
3 May 08
5 Jul 08
435£ 435
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1 Week
High summer
5 Jul 08
6 Sep 08
495£ 495
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1 Week
September and October
6 Sep 08
1 Nov 08
435£ 435
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1 Week
November and December
1 Nov 08
13 Dec 08
350£ 350
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1 Week
41
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Includes quality bedlinen and bath towels and general cleaning pre and post departure.
A discount is offered on a second week.
If there is no availability for Anjou Cottage there may be availability for one of the other cottages. Please check with owners direct.
Payment to be made in sterling directly into UK bank account.
Guestbook
June 2008 "Thank you Karin and Simon for a superb holiday here in Montlouis Cottage. Everything has been perfect from your welcome when we first arrived ( wine and chocolates) to your advice on places to visit etc. We have seen so much & found this to be the ideal base for the chateaux & gardens in the surrounding beautiful countryside. Our times spent around the pool have been very relaxing too." Beryl and Ken Delgado, Essex, England
June 2008 Karin and Simon, we,ve had such a lovely 10 days in the Loire. Anjou cottage was perfect for our stay - comfortable and homely. And the grounds are so beautiful ! Thank you for always being so helpful and approachable and for making us feel so welcome. Jo and Paul, London, UK
05 July 08 Thank you Karin and Simon for your very friendly welcome and advice. It has been a pleasure to meet you and stay in your beautiful cottage. It's been a very relaxing time and we go back refreshed and with a car full of wine. Diana and Alasdair Cooper, Cheltenham, England
21 06 08 to 05 07 08 Karin and Simon Thank you for such a lovely two weeks. The gite was absolutely fantastic and the location was ideal. We feel that we got to enjoy the best that this region has to offer. We particularly enjoyed your wine tour and we've got 54 bottles to prove it! We both feel sure that we will visit again and until then take care. Hilary and Anthony, London
18 07 08 Dear Karin and Simon We had a great stay at Anjou cottage which is perfectly placed to explore the Loire - thank you for your great hospitality. Mel & Rich Loxley, Colchester, Essex. England
19 07 08 Thank you for a lovely week at Montlouis Cottage. A day out at Rochmeinier Troglodyte village is well worth a visit. Altogether a lovely area of France with great food and wine. A good time had by all. Mark and Janet, Manchester UK.
01 08 08 Dear Karin and Simon We very much liked our stay in hot France! The cottage was lovely and your help fantastic. Maybe we see each other next year, until then we are going to tell everyone about your great place! Thomas and Juultje, Netherlands.
02 - 09 08 08 We had a wonderful time in Anjou cottage - it is a lovely place to stay. Lovely pool, lovely surroundings and lots of exciting places to explore. Am sure we will be back; hopefully next year. Many thanks and best wishes. Kirsten and Rob, Brentford, Middlesex. UK
02 08 08 We spent a very relaxing week enjoying Montlouis Cottage, surrounding area and occasional game of badminton. Would really recommend the Doue Zoo - better than London Zoo, in our opinion, with excellent views of giraffes and baby monkeys. Kate and Kielan, London, UK
09 08 08 Have had a very relaxing week in Montlouis Cottage in a lovely part of France. Fontevraud Abbey is beautiful, the Zoo in Doue is well worth a visit and Chinon too. Thank you for all your help and welcome. Kathy and David Burford, London.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/31314
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/31314
Contact details for home 31314
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Simon & Karin Grainger
Tel:
+44 (0)29 20218398
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: E mail preferred as we may be in France
Advertiser joined: 19 Nov 2007 This property added: 19 Nov 2007
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