Layon Cottage
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About the home
Layon Cottage is a stylish one bedroom cottage in the charming grounds of an elegant 19th century Manor House. With easy access to all amenities and the sights, 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, Layon 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, the chateaux of Breze, Saumur, Angers, Chinon, Villandry, Usse, Brissac (and more) and Fontevraud Abbey 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 area, Layon cottage is an ideal base for touring the vineyards, wine tastings and purchasing local 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.
Layon cottage is light and attractive, tastefully decorated and furnished to a high standard. The sitting room opens onto an enchanting courtyard style terrace, perfect for the long lazy lunches so loved by the French. Arrive to an immaculate, freshly cleaned cottage with the king size 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 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: 3km |
| 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, Table tennis, 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 2, Lounge seating for 3 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided |
| Outdoors: | Shared outdoor pool (heated), Balcony / Terrace, Shared garden, BBQ, Bicycles available |
| Access: | Secure parking |
Further details indoors:
Layon Cottage retains the character of the former coach house with painted wooden floorboards and honey-oak exposed timbers and beams. The sitting room is charming with window to the side overlooking the front garden and door to the courtyard.
The cottage is immaculately presented and tastefully decorated and furnished. The furniture is contemporary and comfortable with cushions and throws. The cottage is equipped with satellite flat screen TV. DVD and CD players. A selection of dvds, cds, books, magazines and board games are provided for relaxation. Freesat TV box with all the standard UK channels, including regional channels.
The stylish open plan fully fitted kitchen area is well equipped with fridge, hob, extractor and oven.
The lovely bedroom on the first floor has a comfortable, king-size bed -160cm, with crisp white cotton linen, feather duvets, large pillows, cushions and throws, wardrobe, dressing table and chair. The en-suite shower room has a large shower, wc, wash hand basin and heated towel rail and is supplied with luxurious white cotton bathsheets. Please advise if sensitive to feathers.
The cottage has Wi-fi internet access enabling you to keep up with your emails! Heating is included during the colder months.
Further details outdoors:
The beautiful coach house within the grounds manoir de Gourin, has been lovingly renovated by the owners into three, adjoining one bedroom cottages. Each cottage sleeps 2 adults and is perfect for couples seeking a relaxing holiday without children.
Each cottage has a screened outdoor dining area furnished with tables, parasols and chairs in a delightful shared courtyard. Relax whilst listening to the relaxing sounds of water trickling from the charming fountain. Help yourselves to the many herbs growing outside your door.
Guests have use of the picnic / barbecue area in the rear garden with benches, chairs and tables. Lots for active guests to enjoy as we have boules and badminton solely for our guests. Cycle hire is available locally for longer rides or feel free to borrow one of our cycles for shorter trips around the locality!
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 between all our cottage guests. The pool is heated from beginning of May to end of September.
The rear garden is a mecca for birds with one guest, at the end of June, recording a total of 38 types, some breeding on or near the property. We have a list available on enquiry.
Secure parking is provided within the grounds entered through remote controlled gates. We regret the cottages do not cater for children as we wish to provide a tranquil environment for all our guests. Laundry facilities are available for a small additional charge.
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.
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.
Simon also conducts the wine tasting and wine tours and will be delighted to arrange a wine tour for you. Please 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 holiday insurance to cover cancellation etc.
A £100.00 refundable security bond against damage or breakages is payable.
Escorted wine tours and wine tasting dinners can be booked on reservation.
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 Canterbury to Santiago de Compostela. A recognised 'village of charm' noted for its beautiful, old limestone houses and imposing 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. Follow the links on our own website via link 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 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 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 links to the attractions and restaurants and for details of the current wine tours / tasting courses run by Simon.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Angers / Tours / Poitiers / Nantes: 55 km |
| Railway: | Angers / Saumur / Tours: 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
 04 Dec 2012 |
We had a very comfortable stay at Layon Cottage at the beginning of September. The cottage is located near the very pretty village of Le Puy Notre Dame and within driving distance of some wonderful... more |
06 Aug 2012 |
A lovely time had at Manior Gourin, the accommodation is to a very high standard, with all you need packed into this compact but adequate cottage. The decoration is tranquil and modern but cosy and comfortable at the same time. The hosts Simon and Karin were perfect hosts answering many of our questions. The folder of things to do was excellent, we tried many of the recommended restaurants which were to a high standard and would re recommend on to other travellers. Sad to leave would recommend to friends looking for a relaxing secluded retreat. |
05 Aug 2012 |
We spent a lovely week in glorious sunshine at Layon Cottage. The apartment is small but comfortable and beautifully furnished. The grounds are very welcoming and Simon and Karin are always on hand to offer advice and help as well as for a friendly chat. We were especially glad of Simon's early morning trips to the local bakers to bring us fresh croissants and French bread every morning! The swimming pool is a little slice of heaven - the perfect place to relax after a hot day! The apartment is in a beautiful location in the Loire Valley, with plenty of interesting places to visit within a short drive, and is surrounded by picturesque countryside. Overall, a lovely, peaceful holiday in a beautiful area. |
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 | 20 Apr 13 | 25 May 13 | £ 300 | £ 65 | £ 70 | 4 Nights |
| Late spring | 25 May 13 | 8 Jun 13 | £ 425 | £ 70 | £ 75 | 5 Nights |
| Early summer | 8 Jun 13 | 22 Jun 13 | £ 475 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer | 22 Jun 13 | 6 Jul 13 | £ 525 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Peak | 6 Jul 13 | 31 Aug 13 | £ 575 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Late summer | 31 Aug 13 | 7 Sep 13 | £ 475 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer's end | 7 Sep 13 | 22 Sep 13 | £ 425 | - | - | 1 Week |
| End of season | 22 Sep 13 | 28 Sep 13 | £ 350 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Spring 2014 | 19 Apr 14 | 24 May 14 | £ 375 | £ 65 | £ 70 | 4 Nights |
| Late Spring 2014 | 24 May 14 | 7 Jun 14 | £ 450 | £ 70 | £ 75 | 5 Nights |
| Early Summer 2014 | 7 Jun 14 | 21 Jun 14 | £ 475 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer 2014 | 21 Jun 14 | 5 Jul 14 | £ 500 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Peak 2014 | 5 Jul 14 | 30 Aug 14 | £ 575 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Late Summer 2014 | 30 Aug 14 | 13 Sep 14 | £ 500 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Summer's End 2014 | 13 Sep 14 | 27 Sep 14 | £ 425 | - | - | 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 white bedlinen and bath towels and a general clean pre arrival are included.
A small additional charge is made for use of 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 may 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 8 reviews from previous guests.  |
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