1 Bedroom Holiday Home in Allier

This holiday home is in a wonderful location with great views, very quiet and ideal for chilling out, walking and birdwatching. It is great for Autumn, Winter and early Spring holidays as it has double glazing and a wood burning stove that keeps the whole house warm and cosy. It is only 30 mins away from the F1 circuit and 18 hole golf course of Magny-Cours. We have converted this gite from part of a barn, retaining all the original features and as far as possible using traditional materials. 
 
It is set in 2 hectares (5 acres) of meadow with only the owners on the same site. The owners’ house is on the opposite side of the large courtyard making the gite very secluded and private. Access is from a lane leading off a quiet road and you can walk for miles without having to do more than cross a metalled road. The accommodation comprises a large open plan living room of 50m2 with corner kitchen, and a huge bedroom of 48m2 with en-suite bathroom. Games room with table tennis & darts. 
 
 
Notes on accommodation: 
 
Telephone calls to most parts of the world are free as is unlimited wireless broadband internet connection. We provide a selection of bicycles free of charge, table tennis, darts, badminton and pétanque (boules). Guests with toddlers should be aware that there is a large unfenced pond about 50 metres from the house which could constitute a danger. We can provide a gate at the top of the stairs to prevent toddlers falling down them. 
 
 
Outside: 
 
In front of the house there is a space for parking 1 or 2 cars, a table and chairs for breakfast in the sun. On the other side of the house, accessible through the French window or around the house there is a large private terrace surrounded by flower beds and a large area of grass which overlooks the pond and meadows. Two more tables and chairs are provided as well as 2 loungers. We provide 2 all terrain bicycles in good condition free of charge. Road bikes are also available if required. Table tennis, darts, and canoeing on the river Allier. There is a charge of 25 euros a day for the canoe for 2 adults including all transport, life jackets, etc. We have just added a 180 metre driving range for golf enthusiasts. Bring your own practice balls.

The corner kitchen has a gas oven and gas hob, a fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave with oven and grill, electric kettle, toaster, coffee maker, extractor fan, large work surface, lots of stainless steel pots and pans, crockery, etc. Living Rooms: The living room is huge and comprises a sitting area with sofa, easy chairs, large coffee table, radio and CD player. The dining area has a round table and a cabinet for glasses etc. There is a 24hr wood burning stove which heats the bedroom as well. Other: Part of the living area comprises and entrance area with table, mirror and an area to hang coats. Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: Towels and bedlinen are provided free of charge and changed weekly. There is a vacuum cleaner, cleaning materials, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and smoke detector. We clean the cottage thoroughly between lettings, including the windows.

Golf: There are two excellent 18 hole golf courses. Magny-Cours, which is 30 mins from the house is very open with fantastic views with fairways & greens in excellent condition. 
 
Skiing: Downhill and cross country skiing is available in the Puy de Dome area which has become very popular with the French as it is cheap & easily accessible. The ski stations are 2 hours or less from Les Houlins. 
 
Further details: 
 
There are many local restaurants that we can recommend. One in particular is set in a converted sheep barn & run by a young couple who do the cooking & front of house themselves. The food is marvellous, inexpensive, & includes lots of fresh vegetables, salads, meat from the family farm, vegetarian dishes, etc. People come from miles around for the set lunches during the week at 13€ per head, including 4 courses, wine & coffee. Marvellous! & only 8kms from Les Houlins. So you can walk or cycle there without having to worry about drinking.

• Nearest Airport : Limoges at 180 kilometers distance;
• Nearest Train Station : Moulins at 34 kilometers distance
• Nearest Town : Lurcy-Lévis at 6 kilometers distance
• Travel Info: The nearest airports with low cost flights are Tours and Limoges, both about 2.5 hours from Les Houlins. We are only 6 hours drive with stops from all of the channel ports except the extreme westerly ones. The other method of reaching us is by Eurostar to Paris and then train from Gare de Lyon to Moulins (2.5hrs) or Nevers (2 hrs). You will need a car while you are here so it is best to hire at the station.