Garden Apartment

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Gite |1 bedroom |Sleeps 2

Saumur in Loire Valley

From £425 per week

7 nights minimum stay

Changeover Saturday

4 out of 5

1 review | Write a review

Key info  Swimming pool, balcony/terrace, car essential, private garden, no pets allowed

About the home

Extensively renovated in 2009, the lovely garden apartment with its own private entrance and secluded garden, is situated in a rural hamlet near Saumur. With easy access to all amenities and sights, including the local markets, chateaux and excellent restaurants, the apartment is perfect for couples seeking a romantic, relaxing, sightseeing holiday in the wonderful Loire valley in France.

There are many designated walking and cycling trails around and close to the cottage, some through the vineyards, others through the forest and along the canals, and we have the maps to assist you. The roads are quiet and the terrain quite flat - ideal for walkers and cyclists.

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 cellar doors. Half or full day escorted wine tasting tours with Simon and lively suppers with fellow guests at le Manoir are on offer. For further information about the winemakers and wines of the region and the musings of Simon read grainger's wine blog - www.gfwineblog.co.uk

The one bedroom apartment is light and attractive, tastefully decorated and furnished to a high standard. It is fully cleaned before your arrival so you can relax and enjoy the complimentary bottle of wine left in your fridge as soon as you arrive. The spacious sitting room (6m x 4m) has large French doors opening onto an enchanting private, sunny terrace and garden; perfect for long lazy lunches and for 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.

For further information please visit the owners' website www.manoirdegourin.co.uk - see the contact section below

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Having been sympathetically and extensively renovated, the garden apartment provides spacious, comfortable and immaculate accommodation, all on one level, with private entrance, parking space and sunny secluded garden.

The apartment interior is finished to exacting standards and contemporary in style whilst retaining the character of the Manor house with hardwood oak floors, high ceilings and painted exposed timbers throughout.

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.

Large French doors open out onto a charming garden with substantial paved secluded terrace and lawn.

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 king-size 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 with cupboard, mirror and towel rail. White fluffy Egyptian cotton bath sheets and hand towels are provided.

The apartment 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. See contact details below.

Further details outdoors:
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.

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 swimming pool is for the use of our apartment and cottage guests. The pool is heated from mid May to mid September.

There is an exterior laundry with washing machine for shared use.

The apartment has a private entrance and secure parking within the private garden. Cycle hire is available locally for longer rides or feel free to borrow one of our cycles for shorter trips or to collect your croissants in the morning!

Further details

Sorry no pets.
We regret the apartment is not suitable for children.
Strictly no smoking inside the apartment.
With your comfort in mind a general clean of the apartment prior to arrival is included in the rental.
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

 

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Clear blue skies over the apartment

 

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The lovely swimming pool area

 

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Private and sheltered dining area

 

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Chic kitchen area

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.

The 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 excellent french country 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 wine tours / tastings courses run by the owners or log on to our own website via the contact section below. Due to the popularity of the tours we recommend booking a tour on reservation of your holiday.

Five miles north of the apartment 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 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!

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 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.

A 20 minute drive 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 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.

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 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 cycling; so bring your bikes for an active holiday.

How to get there

Garden Apartment What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

Reset Map

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 full details of the route with details of 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

Reviews

Review: 1 to 1 of 1

06 Aug 2011

“Great location, wonderful hosts and fabulous cottage” The cottage and garden were superb. The heated pool was a great way of enjoying sun, unwinding and relaxing. Karin and Simon were wonderful hosts. Make sure you participate in their evening... more

Review: 1 to 1 of 1

Reviews powered by

Guestbook for Garden Apartment

27 Aug - 09 September 11
"A lovely relaxing 2 weeks in the Garden Apartment. Great area for cycling. 2 fantasic routes from
1) Montreuil Bellay to Saumur
2) Montsoreau to Chinon
and loads of other great flat routes. We have loads more to explore and can't wait to come back. A great holiday - many thanks"
Ness & Lloyd Kersh, Newquay, Cornwall

20 - 27 August 11
"Our first visit in the Loire and not the last. Lovely area for exploring. Great accommodation. Hope to be back. Thanks"
Ian & Jo Tidman, Penrith, Cumbria

14 - 20 August 11
"Had a lovely stay in this very comfortable Garden Apartment. Weather was up and down but so much to do... would recommend Chinon / Amboise / Chenonceau for Chateaux. Very good caves in Vouvray. Amboise town is beautiful. 'La Roma' restaurant in Doue la Fontaine is great for a pit stop after long day drive. Food v good. Overall we had a great stay. Many thanks"
Ma & Ed Clinton, Ireland

06 - 13 August 11
"First time in Loire. Enjoyed the wine tour with Simon and Karin's fantastic cooking! (esp. raspberry and strawberry tart)! Loved the Garden Apartment and the pool. Couldn't ask for anything more. Chinon definitely worth a visit. We will recommend it to all our friends & family and try to visit Manoir de Gourin again very soon. Thank you very much."
Simon and Sonja Matic-Langford, West Moseley, KT8 2PG

30 July - 06 August 11
"Our first time in the Loire and it has been fab! The apartment is wonderful and the holiday has been so relaxing. Thanks for your hospitality. Hope to see you next year!"
Janet and Howell Williams, The Wirral. UK

23 - 30 July 11
"Another lovely holiday! Thanks!"
Julie Freel and Adrian, Maidstone, Kent, UK

16 - 23 July 11
"A very beautiful, comfortable apartment, lovely garden, very tranquil setting, lovely area, vineyards, chateaux and rivers to explore. Thanks to Karin and Simon. We will recommend to our friends. Au revoir!"
Rowena and Les Stringer, Leics, UK

09 - 16 July 11
"We have had a truly fantastic week at Manoir de Gourin. The garden apartment exceeded our expectations, the pool and the grounds lovely. Karin and simon were the perfect hosts. We enjoyed the supper night. The food was delicious & the wine was excellent. Thank you for making our first visit to France so memorable. We will recommend our friends to come over. Hope to come again."
Ken & Barbara Cronin, Croydon, Victoria, Australia

02 - 09 July 11
"Our third visit here...so relaxed and the apartment very comfortable - just the battery-recharging week we needed! Simon and karin are the best hosts anyone could wish for - we feel very much at home here. This time we got to see the chateau at Chinon - closed last year - well woth a visit. Otherwise a week of good food, great company and of course fabulous wine! THANK YOU and we'll see you next year...."
Helen & Norman, Hertfordshire, UK

25 June to 02 July 11
"Our second visit to Manoir de Gourin and just as wonderful as the first. Fantastic apartment with the best hosts possible. Perfect!!"
Johan and Alan Bruce, Lower Combe, Devon, UK

18 - 25 June 11
"Tranquil apartment! Great wine! Excellent hosts!! Only one problem - NOT ENOUGH TIME!!!"
Jackie & Ray Good, Ipswich, Suffolk, UK

04 - 18 June 11
"Had a lovely 2 weeks exploring in and around the Loire chateaux, troglodytes, gardens & river"
Celia & David King, Scotland.

11 - 18 Sept 10
"Truly wonderful experience. fabulous apartment & hosts. Loved the wine tours. Will be back!!
Graeme & Irene McFarlane, Glasgow / Newcastle, UK

04 - 11 Sept 10
"Lovely relaxing week in this comfortable apartment. Recommend Saumur, Fontevraud Abbey & Chateau Brissac."
Susan & Mike Stevenson, Newbury, Berkshire, UK

28 Aug - 04 Sept 10
"Had a lovely week - weather was superb: Apartment perfect and relaxing. We can recommend Villandry chateau and also Karin and Simon's Friday night's dinner was excellent"
Lucien & Helen Hills, Cotswolds, UK

21 - 28 Aug 10
"Had a lovely week despite a drop or two of rain. Plenty of chateaux to see, enjoyed Villandry and Chenonceau. Friendly hosts - thanks Karin and Simon for an excellent week!"
Simon & Isobel Trevelyan. Lichfield, Staffs, UK

14 - 21 August 10
We've had a fantastic week! A great apartment in a lovely location. Simon and karin made us feel very welcome - great hosts! Wish we could stay for another week, Au revoir et a bientot peut-etre!!"
Valerie & James, Stratford upon Avon. UK

07 - 14 August 10
"Beautiful spot, lovely apartment with private garden. Good spot to visit many places . The chateaux: Rideaux, Breze. Villandry, Angers, Saumur & Chinon - all worth a visit. Saumur has good cafe life particularly near the church - Place St Pierre. Friendly, helpful hosts. Thanks Karin and Simon. Will recommend to friends and family and hope to be back."
Steve and Janet Passey, West Yorkshire, UK

31 Jul - 07 August 10
"A fabulous apartment in a great location. We are going home feeling very relaxed and wish we were staying another week! The manoir is beautiful and thanks to Simon and karin, very well run. We appreciated the few house 'rules' ensuring a high standard of guest care and accommodation. Thank you Simon and Karin and we hope to be back again another time."
Suzie and Michael, Jersey

17 - 31 July 10
"We've been here for 2 weeks and can't imagine feeling more relaxed! The surrounding areas are beautiful and we've been relaxing in the garden whilst enjoying the excellent facilities in the apartment. We also heartily recommend Simon's wine tour - fantastic wine at amazing prices. Don't miss Chinon, Breze chateau and Angers. All in all a fantastic two weeks. Thank you Simon and Karin."
Matt and Sally, Hertford, UK

03 - 10 July 10
"Here we are again - stayed in Anjou Cottage last year - this has been just as comfortable and relaxing! Karin and Simon gave us such a warm welcome and have been really helpful. We've enjoyed supper and a bbq in their beautiful home - great food, wine and good company. Breze chateau great for a hot day - really recommend a visit; Chinon quaint. Villandry wonderful - the gardens are amazing. We love it here and we will be back!! Thank you!"
Helen and Norman Nicholls, Birkhamsted, Herts, UK

26 June - 02 July 10
"Weather mega hot!! so relaxed in the garden of the garden apartment - very private & a sun trap - gorgeous. Fabulous manor house. Visit Chenonceaux for chateau and Monsoreau & Cande St Martin for salon de the- wine cellar & pottery & furniture - gorgeous garden and gorgeous wine galore!"
Rosie & Adam Wood, Brussels, Belgium

12 - 19 June 10
"Thanks, lovely place and swimming pool, some great cycling routes to Thouars, very pretty route along river with picnic spots, also cycle path along Loire recommended....lovely chateaux to visit."
Julie & Eric Holes, East Sussex, UK

04 - 11 June
"The many, many quiet roads around st Macaire du Bois are virtually traffic free and make for a delightful and peaceful walking and cycling environment. This, together with the excellent accommodation & very warm welcome and help we have received from Karin and Simon, made our holiday a great success. Trips to Villandry to see the amazing formal gardens and to the market in Saumur & other places of interest make this a very good holiday location."
Colin and Anita Howells, Wales, UK

2009
19 - 26 September
"Just what we needed - a lovely apartment in a wonderful area for visiting the chateaux and Abbey. A trip to the zoo is also a must. We will return to try and visit the remaining 600 chateaux!
Bob and Diana Clarke, Melton Constable, Norfolk, UK

05 - 12 September
"the garden apartment has proven to be perfect for touring the region and for relaxing evenings in the garden along with a bottle of the local wine. we would recommend anybody to visit. Thank you Simon and Karin"
John and Lynn O'Sullivan, Crawley, West Sussex UK

16-23 August
"What a fantastic place! So much to see and do. Thank you for making us feel at home.
Donald and David, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

08 - 15 August
"Had a lovely time, the apartment is gorgeous. Will be back"
Tracey and Julian, Hampshire, UK

01 - 08 August
"We have had such an enjoyable holiday. A beautiful, comfortable Garden apartment. A wonderful place to celebrate my 40th birthday. Many thanks."
Richard and Dawn Pugh, Middlesbrough, UK

22 - 29 July
"A wonderful relaxing location to enjoy the delights the loire valley has to offer. We will certainly be recommening it to friends and family"
Tim and Fiona Cheshire, Basingstoke, UK

11 - 18 July
"Very restful accommodation and location. We will return to spend much longer in this lovely area."
Michael and Sarah King, Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

04 - 11 July
"First class accommodation - thoughtful and helpful hosts - special thanks to you both."
Michael and Valerie Wright, Cambridge, UK

13-20 June
"The Garden Apartment was just fantastic. Private and peaceful - the perfect accommodation - everything we thought it would be! Had a great time!
Eugene and Carmel McGilloway, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

Rental prices

Prices for group size 2
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Spring	28 Apr 12	26 May 12	425£ 425	0-	0-	1 Week
Late Spring	26 May 12	9 Jun 12	475£ 475	0-	0-	1 Week
Early Summer	9 Jun 12	23 Jun 12	525£ 525	0-	0-	1 Week
Summer	23 Jun 12	7 Jul 12	550£ 550	0-	0-	1 Week
Peak	7 Jul 12	1 Sep 12	600£ 600	0-	0-	1 Week
Summer's end	1 Sep 12	15 Sep 12	525£ 525	0-	0-	1 Week
Early Autumn	15 Sep 12	22 Sep 12	450£ 450	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.

A small additional charge is made for the use of the laundry facilities.

For 2012 a local visitors tax of 1.30euro per person per night is payable on arrival.

Payment in GB£ sterling preferred. Payment in euros will be considered.

Availability

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

Contact the owner

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anway No. of adults No. of children Message * Email me special offers and holiday ideas T&Cs

4 years listed You are contacting Simon & Karin Grainger Landline +44 01303 226692 Mobile n/a Web Visit site Languages spoken The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2007. This gite has received 1 review from previous guests.

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