Garden Cottage
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About the home
Recently renovated, the lovely Garden Cottage with private entrance and garden is a stylish one bedroom cottage in the charming grounds of an elegant 19th century Manor House. With easy access to all amenities, sights and excellent restaurants, the cottage is perfect for couples seeking a romantic, relaxing, sightseeing holiday in the wonderful Loire valley in France.
In the rural village of St Macaire du Bois, surrounded by vineyards, the cottage is close to the delightful towns of Puy Notre Dame, Montreuil Bellay, Doue la Fontaine and Saumur. Take a stroll around a different local market every day and eat in excellent bistros just 2 miles away.
The fairytale Chateau of Montreuil Bellay and the chateaux of Breze, Saumur, Angers, Chinon, Villandry, Usse, Brissac (and more) and the Abbey at Fontevraud are all easily accessible.
The area around St Macaire du Bois is ideal for rambling, cycling and bird-watching. The roads are quiet and the terrain quite flat. Tootle around the local villages on one of our bicycles or bring your own for more serious cycling.
Situated in a fantastic wine making region, Garden cottage is an ideal base for touring the vineyards, wine tasting and buying wines direct from the cellar doors. Have fun on a half or full day escorted wine tour with Simon, your jovial and informative host. Simon and Karin also host lively wine tasting Dinners and informal suppers with fellow guests in the recently renovated winery at Manoir de Gourin.
The one bedroom cottage is light and attractive, tastefully decorated and furnished to a high standard. The large, spacious sitting room (6m x 4m) has French doors opening onto an enchanting private, sunny terrace and garden; perfect for long lazy lunches and enjoying a glass or two of the local wines. Garden Cottage is freshly cleaned before your arrival and the large double bed made up for you with crisp white cotton bed-linen.
Relax as soon as you arrive, sit out on the terrace, and enjoy the complimentary bottle of wine chilling in your fridge. Let Karin book a table for you at one of the two great restaurants in Puy Notre Dame just a few minutes drive away. We'll even deliver your bread and croissants in the mornings - and in time for breakfast too!
The inviting Heated Pool awaits. Relax, swim and sunbathe in the secluded, swimming pool area. The shared pool has a sheltered, south-facing terrace, a stunning location for lounging around with a good book in a child free environment.
For full information and for links to the attractions or to read Simon and Karin's blogs please visit the owners' website manoirdegourin.co.uk via direct link from the Contact Section below.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 2, 1 bedroom |
|---|---|
| Will consider: | Corporate lets Short breaks |
| Access: | Car essential Nearest amenities: 4km |
| Family friendly? | Not suitable for children Unsuitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | No pets allowed No smoking at this property |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Internet access, DVD player |
|---|---|
| Pool: | Shared outdoor pool (heated) |
| General: | TV, CD player, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Clothes dryer, Cooker, Fridge, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 1 Bedroom, 1 en suite |
| Furniture: | Double beds (1), Dining seating for 4, Lounge seating for 4 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided |
| Outdoors: | Shared outdoor pool (heated), Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available |
| Access: | Secure parking |
Further details indoors:
Having been sympathetically and extensively renovated, the garden cottage provides spacious, comfortable and immaculate accommodation, all on ground floor level, with private entrance, parking space and sunny secluded garden.
The cottage interior is finished to exacting standards and contemporary in style whilst retaining the character of the adjoining Manor house with hardwood oak floors, high ceilings and exposed timbers.
The living room is stylish, spacious and comfortable with an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary furniture, cushions and throws, flat screen tv, dvd and cd players. A selection of dvds, cds, books and magazines are provided for relaxation. Sky Freesat TV box with all the standard UK channels including regional channels.
The chic, modern fully fitted kitchen area with fridge, hob and oven, is open plan and well equipped .
The lovely bedroom, off the living room has a window overlooking the garden. The comfortable large-double bed has individual duvets, quality white cotton bedlinen, large pillows, cushions and throws. The en-suite shower room has large shower, wc, wash hand basin, mirror and heated towel rail. White fluffy Egyptian cotton bath sheets and hand towels are provided.
The cottage has free Wi-fi internet access enabling you to keep up with your emails!
Heating is included during the colder months.
For further details please visit the owners website www.manoirdegourin.co.uk - See Contact details below.
Further details outdoors:
The cottage is one of four one-bedroom cottages in the grounds of Manoir de Gourin. It is set apart from the other 3 cottages and has a private entrance and secure parking within its own private garden.
The private garden is enclosed and secluded with a large sunny terrace perfect for eating or relaxing outside. Garden table, chairs and parasol, loungers, cushions and a barbeque are provided for your enjoyment. Help yourselves to the many herbs grown for your enjoyment.
The beautiful pool area is cleaned regularly and maintained by the owners. It is furnished with stylish wooden loungers, lounger cushions, umbrellas, tables and chairs. The swimming pool is for the use of all our cottage guests. The pool is heated from beginning of May to end of September.
Laundry facilities are available for a small additional charge.
We have bicycles available, free of charge, for trips around the locality.
Further details
Sorry no pets.
We regret the cottage is not suitable for children.
Strictly no smoking inside the cottage.
An arrival pack can be provided to your order.
The British owners, Simon and Karin, reside in the Manor house and will be pleased to provide assistance if required during your stay.
Simon would be delighted to arrange a wine tour / wine tasting for you. Log on to our website via contact section below and click on half day or full day wine tours for further details.
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 insurance to cover cancellation etc.
A £100.00 refundable security bond against damage or breakages is payable.
Photos
The Loire Valley / Maine-et-Loire region
One of the most popular holiday destinations in France, The Loire Valley conjures up romantic images of grand majestic castles and enchanting gardens. The area is steeped in history, the Loire having been the playground of the Kings and Dukes of France. The many Chateaux, Churches, Abbeys and ancient towns and cities such as Saumur, Angers, Chinon and Tours ensure some fantastic sightseeing.
Known as 'the Garden of France', the Loire valley's fertile land is used extensively for market gardening, nurseries and fruit orchards with obvious appeal for keen gardeners. With its gentle landscapes and temperate climate, warmer seasons and less rainfall than the UK, the region is perfect for walking, cycling, fishing, bird-watching and horse-riding.
Add to the mix the fact that the Loire valley is the third largest wine making region in France and you will have some idea of the wonderful diversity of the place.
This rich heritage and the natural beauty of the area have contributed to the Loire valley being declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
It is an area of diverse attractions and un-spoilt landscapes. It has something for everyone - little wonder it's so popular. A great place for lovers of history, sightseers and wine enthusiasts too!
The Saumur / St Macaire du Bois area
The following Chateaux are all within easy reach of Manoir de Gourin:
Saumur, Breze, Chinon, Villandry, Brissac, Angers, Usse, Azay le Rideau, Chateau d'Oiron, Langeais and Fontevraud Abbey.
Manoir de Gourin is surrounded by charming towns and villages:
LE PUY NOTRE DAME
Just 2 miles away is the charming village of Le Puy Notre Dame, on one of the pilgrimage routes from Cantebury to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. A recognised 'village of charm' noted for its beautiful, old limestone houses and 13th century church. Here you will find a bakery for your baguettes and croissants, supermarket, pharmacy, bar/tabac and two good bistros. It is traditionally a wine growing region and is the leading French commune for the production of AOC Saumur wines.
DOUE LA FONTAINE.
Five miles north is the bustling 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 magically 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!
MONTREUIL BELLAY
The charming medieval town of Montreuil Bellay, with its fairytale Chateau, monthly antiques market, pretty squares and fortified walls is 5 miles east. It is a picturesque place offering interesting walks and several places to eat. The river Thouet skirts the town with delightful picnic areas along the banks. Canoes/kayaks may be hired.
SAUMUR
15 miles away is the beautiful town of Saumur. On the banks of the majestic Loire, Saumur and the surrounding area has a wealth of Chateaux, Museums, Art Galleries, chic shops and gastronomic restaurants - a tourist hot spot.
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. There are links on our website below.
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 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 look at our own websites for more details and dates of these and other events.
There is a Paragliding and Microlight Club close by for any enthusiasts out there.
The area is suitable for rambling and cycling.
Touring and visiting the vineyards for wine tasting is huge fun. Please log on to our own website via the contact section below for details of the current wine tours / tasting courses run by Simon and for links to the attractions.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Angers / Tours / Poitiers: 55 km |
| Railway: | Angers / Saumur: 45 km |
| Ferry: | Caen / Le Havre / Calais: 280 km |
Manoir de Gourin is located in the Maine et Loire department of France in the hamlet of L'Humeau de Bray in the commune of St. Macaire du Bois, 15 miles south west of Saumur. L'Humeau de Bray is situated on the D77 between the villages of Le Puy Notre-Dame and Nueil sur Layon. The charming medieval town of Montreuil Bellay and the market town of Doue la Fontaine are both approx 5 miles away.
By Car and Ferry
Travel with P&O Ferries from: Dover to Calais
Travel with Britanny Ferries from: Portsmouth to Caen (high speed or cruise service) / Portsmouth to St Malo or Cherbourg / Plymouth to Roscoff or St Malo
Travel with LD Lines / DFDS seaways from: Portsmouth to Le Havre / Newhaven to Dieppe / Dover to Calais / Dover to Dunkirk
By Car through the Channel Tunnel
Quick, half hourly crossings through the channel tunnel with Eurotunnel between Folkestone and Calais.
Generally the motorways are less congested than in the UK and are generously served by services and rest areas for refreshments and fuel.
The route
From Calais by autoroute to Rouen and from Rouen to Saumur. This includes two sections of toll roads.
From Caen and Le Havre you join the motorway system between Rouen and Allencon.
Full details of the route will be supplied with confirmation of your booking. From Calais details of tolls, rest areas, fuelling and mileages will be supplied.
By Air
BA flights from London City to Angers operate during the summer only.
Ryanair flights from London (Stanstead), Dublin and Manchester Airports to Tours.
Ryanair flights from Stanstead and Edinburgh to Poitiers.
Ryanair flights from Dublin and Shannon to Nantes.
If you are flying into Paris, then take TGV to Angers St Laud station and hire car there.
Current flight information will be updated on enquiry as it is subject to change. From Nantes and Tours airports you can travel by train to Angers and hire car there.
By Train
Eurostar from St Pancras London to Lille and Lille to Angers St Laud station and hire a car from there. Or alternatively via Paris Gard de Nord station to Paris Montparnasse station to Angers St Laud.
Car Hire
Try Avis, Hertz, Europcar.
Activities near Saumur
Tennis in town
Watersports
Horse Riding
Golf within 30 mins drive
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Cycling holidays
Reviews
 21 Sep 2012 |
We were delighted with the Garden apartment it was just as described on the owners website. It was secluded with its own courtyard and facilities of for eating outdoors. The pool was clean and very well maintained. We shared a meal with Karin and Simon and other guests on two occasions both of which were a great experience, the food, the wine and the company. It is well located for Saumur, Angers and some of the charteaux.We would have no hesitation in recommending the Garden apartment to our family and friends |
15 Sep 2012 |
The Garden Apartment is the best on offer at Manoir Gourain. The garden (with parking for your vehicle) is very private affording a peaceful outside space day and evening. The hosts were very welcoming, providing excellent accommodation along with a set of "house rules" which required the standards on arrival to be maintained. Which we thoroughly agreed with. The hosts also provided wine tours, evening buffets/barbeque of which you could involve yourself as much as you wished, or you could do your own thing. A nice touch was the delivery of fresh bread and croissant to your door each morning. There was also a booklet provided with maps showing places of interest, grocery shops and local restaurants etc. Although located in a hamlet, the position of Manoir Gourain is perfect for visiting surrounding chateaux and towns in the Loire region |
24 Aug 2012 |
We stayed at the Garden apartment for seven days this August in Oder to relax and explore some of the beautiful Loire Region. Firstly, the greeting by Simon and Karin is warm and friendly. The... more |
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: British £ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 2 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Spring | 27 Apr 13 | 25 May 13 | £ 350 | £ 70 | £ 75 | 4 Nights |
| Late Spring | 25 May 13 | 8 Jun 13 | £ 500 | £ 80 | £ 85 | 5 Nights |
| Early Summer | 8 Jun 13 | 29 Jun 13 | £ 500 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer | 29 Jun 13 | 6 Jul 13 | £ 575 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Peak | 6 Jul 13 | 24 Aug 13 | £ 650 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Late summer | 24 Aug 13 | 7 Sep 13 | £ 495 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer's end | 7 Sep 13 | 28 Sep 13 | £ 475 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Spring 2014 | 18 Apr 14 | 24 May 14 | £ 450 | £ 70 | £ 75 | 4 Nights |
| Late Spring 2014 | 24 May 14 | 7 Jun 14 | £ 500 | £ 80 | £ 85 | 5 Nights |
| Early Summer | 7 Jun 14 | 21 Jun 14 | £ 550 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer 2014 | 21 Jun 14 | 5 Jul 14 | £ 575 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Peak 2014 | 5 Jul 14 | 30 Aug 14 | £ 650 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Late Summer 2014 | 30 Aug 14 | 13 Sep 14 | £ 550 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer's End 2014 | 13 Sep 14 | 27 Sep 14 | £ 475 | - | - | 1 Week |
The property's weekend rates apply to: Saturday and Sunday nights
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.
A small additional charge is made for the use of the laundry facilities.
For 2013 a local visitors tax of 1.50euro per person per night is payable on departure.
Payment in GB£ sterling preferred. Payment in euro will be considered.
Enquire nowAvailability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
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Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 5 years listed You are contacting Simon & Karin Grainger
Languages spoken   The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2007. This gite has received 11 reviews from previous guests.  |
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