Saumur holiday gite rental with walking, balcony/terrace, internet access, rural retreat, TV, DVD

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Anjou Cottage (gite)

Home description

Anjou Cottage is one of three stylish attached 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 cottage is perfect for couples seeking a relaxing sightseeing or wine tasting experience in the Loire valley.

Situated in a wine making area it is an ideal base for touring the vineyards, attending wine tastings and purchasing local wines direct from the domaines. Half or full day escorted wine tours with Simon and fabulous wine tasting Dinners in the manor House can be pre-booked with the owners.

Anjou cottage is light and attractive, tastefully decorated and furnished to a high standard. The sitting room opens onto an enchanting terrace courtyard with fountain, perfect for the long lazy lunches so loved by the French or merely enjoying a glass or two of the local Saumur or Anjou AOC wines.

The secluded shared pool area with its sheltered terrace provides a stunning location for sunbathing or just relaxing with a good book.

The stunning secluded pool area	Modern kitchen area of Anjou Cottage
French doors to Anjou cottage	Entrance to courtyard and 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 see and 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 land is fertile and used extensively for market gardening nurseries and fruit orchards. The area is known as 'the Garden of France' and has obvious appeal for keen gardeners.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. The many Chateaux, Churches and Abbeys ensure some fantastic sightseeing. 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.

Naturally being a wine making region and having 29 appellations within a relatively small area there are many vineyards to explore and diverse wines to taste. A great place for wine enthusiasts.

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

The charming village of le Puy Notre Dame, noted for its beautiful limestone houses and 13th century church, is 2 miles away. Here you will find a bakery for your baguettes and croissants, supermarket, pharmacy, bar/tabac, wine bar and a typical french restaurant. It is traditionally a wine growing region and the leading French commune for the production of AOC Saumur wines.

Touring and visiting the vineyards for wine tasting is huge fun. Please request details of the current escorted wine tours, tastings and dinners run by the owners. Due to the popularity of the tours we recommend booking a tour on reservation of your holiday. Prices for 2 persons start at £50.00.

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. 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. It is a picturesque place offering interesting walks and has several places to eat. The river Thouet skirts the town with delightful picnic areas along its' banks. There is a club where canoes / kayaks may be hired.

Just 14 miles away is the beautiful town of Saumur, on the banks of the majestic Loire. Saumur, and its surrounding area, with its wealth of Chateaux, Museums, Art Galleries, chic shops and gastronomic restaurants, 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 de Saumur Champigny, a wine and food evening in Saumur with music and dancing is normally held during the first week of August.

Locally, on the last weekend in July, 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. The area is suitable for cycling; so bring your bikes for an active holiday.

How to get there

Manoir de Gourin is located in the Maine et Loire department of France in the commune of St. Macaire du Bois, some 15 miles south west of Saumur, on the D77 between the villages of Le Puy Notre-Dame and Nueil sur Layon. The towns of Montreuil bellay and Doue la Fontaine are both 5 miles away.

By Ferry
P&O and Sea France operate crossings between Dover and Calais. Britanny Ferries operate crossings between Portsmouth and Caen (high speed service), St Malo and Cherbourg AND between Plymouth and Roscoff.

LD Lines operate crossings between Portsmouth Le Havre AND a speed service between Dover and Boulogne.


The Channel Tunnel
Quick, half hourly crossings through the channel tunnel between Folkestone and Calais.


By Road
From Calais and Boulogne by autoroute to Rouen and from Rouen to Saumur. This includes two sections of toll roads. Generally the motorways are less congested than in the UK and are generously served by services and rest areas for refreshments and fuel.
From Caen and Le Havre you join the motorway system between Rouen and Allencon.
From Calais and Boulogne details of route, tolls, rest areas, fuelling and mileages will be supplied.

By Air
Ryanair flights from London (Stanstead) and Dublin Airport to Tours.
Ryanair flights from Stanstead Edinburgh and Birmingham to Poitiers.
Ryanair flights from Stanstead London Liverpool East Midlands Dublin and Bournemouth to Nantes.
Current flight information is subject to change. From Nantes airport you may hire a car or travel by train to Angers or Saumur.

By Train
Eurostar from St Pancras, London to Lille and Lille to Angers or Saumur.

Car Hire
Cars may be hired from the airports and stations.

Activities near Saumur

Facilities

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 and magazines are provided for relaxation.

The stylish fully fitted kitchen area is equipped with fridge, hob, extractor and oven. The downstairs shower room is modern with a large shower wc and wash hand basin with cupboard and large towel rail.

The lovely bedroom on the first floor has a comfortable, king-size bed with crisp white cotton linen, feather duvets, large pillows, cushions and throws. If desired twin beds can be arranged.

The cottage has Wi-fi internet access enabling you to keep up with your emails!

Further details outdoors:
The beautiful coach house within the grounds of a 19th century manor house has been lovingly renovated by the owners into three one bedroom cottages . Each cottage sleeps 2 adults and is perfect for couples seeking a relaxing holiday without children.

The beautiful pool area is cleaned daily and maintained by the owners. It is furnished with stylish wooden loungers, lounger cushions, umbrellas, tables and chairs. The use of the pool is shared with the owners' occasional use and other guests in the cottages and apartment. The heated pool is available from the beginning of May to the end of September, weather permitting.

The shared courtyard style terrace 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 have use of the rear garden with benches and picnic table and may enjoy a game of boules or badminton.

Secure parking is provided within the grounds entered through a gated drive.

The cottages do not cater for children as we wish to provide a tranquil environment for all our guests.

Further details

Sorry no pets.
We regret the cottages are not suitable for children.
Strictly no smoking inside the cottage, courtyard and pool areas.
An arrival pack can be provided to your order.
Secure parking within the grounds of the manor house is provided.
An additional charge is made for the use of the washing machine.
The British owners, Simon and Karin will be residing in the Manor house during your stay and will be pleased to provide assistance if required.

Conditions

A deposit of 25% of the rental is payable on reservation.
The balance is payable 8 weeks before your arrival date.
We recommend you take out comprehensive travel and holiday insurance to cover cancellation etc.
A £100.00 security deposit against damage or breakages is payable with balance.
Escorted wine tours and wine tasting dinners can be booked on reservation. Please request details.

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
	17 Apr 10	22 May 10	425£ 425	0-	0-	1 Week
	22 May 10	12 Jun 10	450£ 450	0-	0-	1 Week
	12 Jun 10	10 Jul 10	475£ 475	0-	0-	1 Week
	10 Jul 10	4 Sep 10	550£ 550	0-	0-	1 Week
	4 Sep 10	25 Sep 10	475£ 475	0-	0-	1 Week

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Quality bedlinen and bath towels and a general clean pre arrival are included.

Payment to be made in sterling directly into UK bank account.

A local visitors tax of 1euro per person per night is payable on arrival.

SPECIAL OFFER:

Book 2 weeks and receive a £40 reduction in the rental rate for the second week.

Guestbook for Anjou Cottage

29 Aug - 05 September
"We have enjoyed our stay in Anjou - what a lovely holiday home you have made it. Your hospitality has been so nice, the wine tour with Simon and lovely dinner with lovely company was a delight. We shall recommend you to friends and family."
Chris and Sandra Ball, Truro, Cornwall,England.

08 - 15 August 09
"Thank you so much for a wonderful week. having previously stayed in french gites we were completely unprepared for the superb accommodation .The location is an excellent base to tour the countryside - some of our happiest days were spent driving to a town and walking through the woods and parks, discovering the real beauty of rural france. The wine tour and gourmet dinner evening were very much the highlight of out trip and we will always think fondly of your warm hospitality."
Gena and David, West Parley Dorset UK

01 - 08 August 09
"We had a wonderful time here in Anjou Cottage. It really is a peaceful location with lots to do. We especially enjoyed canoeing down the Thouet river and the zoo in Doue was great."
Phil and Sarah O'Connell, Isle of White, UK

24 -July - 01 August 09
"Thank you for a lovely relaxing stay in Anjou cottage. We have really enjoyed ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed your lovely pool. The zoo at Doue la fontaine is excellent and well worth a visit"
Carol and David Carrier, Northlew, Devon, UK

11 - 24 July 09
"Dear Karin and Simon. We have had a wonderful 2 weeks. The cottage has been very comfortable and we have enjoyed the pool and sunbathing. Over the 2 weeks we have explored the local area, visited several chateaux (Breze was amazing and the gardens at Villandry were fantastic - really recommend these to future visitors). We hired bikes, drove to La Dagueniere then followed the cycle path to Gennes. The experience was great but hurt the derriere a little the next day! Thanks for everything."
Simon and Rachael, York, UK

05 - 11 July 09
"Karin and Simon, we came for a relaxing week and achieved exactly that! Somewhere along the way we've learned a lot about wine and wine-making - a really good afternoon wine tour - thank you Simon (we'll never forget Chaintres!) and enjoyed a delightful wine tasting evening in your home - delicious dinner, wines, of course and such good company! We've explored a little and relaxed by the pool and in our very comfortable and so well appointed gite. Anjou cottage has exceeded expectations. Do'nt really want to go home and are already planning our return visit. Thank you for all your help and advice."
Helen and Norman, Herts, UK

23 June - 05 July 09
Many thanks for a fabulous stay. The cottage is idyllic in a beautiful setting. It gave us the perfect base to explore all the wonderful sights, whilst still being able to enjoy the pool and grounds. Your help and advice was much appreciated and we thoroughly enjoyed the wine tasting dinner, a highlight of our trip. We are sorry to leave but are already talking of coming back!
Mark and Amber, Clitheroe, Lancashire UK

06-13 June 09
We've had a lovely week here in Anjou Cottage. It's been very comfortable and a great location for exploring the Loire valley. We particularly enjoyed visiting Montreuil Bellay and Montsoreau. really enjoyed the wine tour. Thanks Simon. We would love to return to enjoy your gourmet wine tasting and dinner one day.
Martin and Louise, London.

11-18 April 09
We have had a wonderful week staying in Anjou Cottage & exploring the Loire Valley. There are so many lovely places to visit, chateaux of course plus lots of history, architecture,pretty towns and villages and of course the wine!!
Would definitely recommend Montreuil-Bellay, Breze, Saumur and the lovely town of Chinon. Our tour of one of the sparkling wine producers was brilliant and of course we had to buy some bottles to take home.
Anjou Cottage is superb, really clean, comfortable and peaceful. Do hope we can return sometime.
Helen Ray and Roger Venables, Birmingham, UK.

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

21 06 08 to 05 07 08
Karin and Simon
Thank you for such a lovely two weeks.Anjou Cottage 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

01 08 08
Dear Karin and Simon
We very much liked our stay in hot France! Anjou 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

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/31314

Contact details for the advertiser of home 31314
Name:	Simon & Karin Grainger
Tel:	+33 (0)241 593121
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
Languages:
Contact Notes: E mail preferred as we may be in UK
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Advertiser joined: Nov 2007

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