Vacation Rental Description
The house has undergone extensive transformation and enlargement in recent years. There are two kitchens, two living rooms, two shower rooms and a total of six bedrooms, so the house can be rented either as a whole for approximately twelve people, or as two separate houses: ‘La Grange’ – the new barn conversion; or ‘La Pierre Creusoise’ – the old farmhouse.
The farmhouse is traditional Creuse – polished oak floors, cool and shady rooms, high ceilings and oak joists. It has a period comfortable feel, with a lounge in which there is an enormous fireplace with a wood-burning stove and an entirely separate kitchen. Set into the roof beams at the top of the farmhouse is a just-renovated attic with Velux roof picture window. A few years ago, the original fifties kitchen was replaced with up-to-date cupboards, work surfaces etc, whilst retaining the wood burning cuisiniere alongside the new gas cooker.
The barn conversion with its spacious combined kitchen/diner has modern plaster to the walls and ceiling. Though it has well-insulated 'mod con' standards of building and finish, it still manages to preserve its traditional appeal so it feels ‘spacious yet cosy’. Both houses can be combined as one via a through door, which is locked when each is rented separately. In both houses, the beams and staircases are made of oak and there are new gas cookers in each.
The back garden forms the focal point of the property. Framed by massive stone walls on either side, it is today dominated by the large swimming pool. This measures 10x8 meters all round, sloping gently from a shallow end to a diving area depth of 2.5 metres – as big as many campsite swimming pools. Nevertheless, the beauty of the original garden is largely intact. There are copious rose bushes, in bloom throughout the summer, hydrangeas and fuchsia. Towards the lower part of the garden, the orchard yields many plums and apples in the season. We sometimes use the fruit, which is delicious when used to cook fresh tarts and jam. In full summer (and for the more hardy, winter too), guests have never failed to be impressed by the peace and privacy affordable here. It is the ideal spot to while away hot summer days, swimming, playing or reading
The Creuse valley is truly one of the most unspoilt and beautiful areas in Europe. Cycling, or driving, along the country road into Aubusson is to return to the world of 50 years ago and beyond. There is very little traffic where the birdsong frames the sound of the river. There are few areas, even in France, where it is so perfectly safe to cycle as it is in this region. Cycles can be hired in Aubusson from the Tourist Office. Tel: 05 55 66 32 12
You can canoe using the kayaks to be found in the barn, or phone to book a descent with Canoë-Kayak Club Aubussonnais, in Aubusson Tel: 05.55.66.37.02
Fishing - for trout and coarse fish - is possible on the Creuse except in Aubusson itself. For those who prefer small streams there is plenty of variety. All methods allowed.
Standards of food and hospitality remain high, and excellent value for money, despite the poor exchange rate. We would particularly recommend the following:
Le Douce Amer Tel: Midday only, but a real bargain.
Le Papillon Rouge Tel: A Table d’Hote. Phone in advance to discuss your requirements. Excellent value in a real country setting
And there is so much to explore, from the hills and valleys in the immediate neighbourhood to the ancient volcanoes and mountain ranges in the Auvergne – for example the ski resort of the Mont Dore
Additionally, he area is becoming better and better served by the road network, and it is now almost possible to go motorway door-to-door from England. This means driving times are well down on even a couple of years ago, and it is now a moderately easy day’s drive from the South East.
Facilities
Cable Satellite
Cleaning Service
Cooking Utensils
Dishwasher
Dryer
DVD
Heating
Kitchen
Linen Service
Microwave
Open Fire
Amenity Parking
Private Pool
Refrigerator
TV
Washer
The kitchens are both fairly recently modernised, and include a fridge, gas cooker, dishwasher and microwave. Sky TV in both houses. Linen provided, cutlery, gas, crockery etc. Hot water is by electric heater. There's a brick built barbeque, table tennis, outdoor tables chairs in teak, deckchairs and plenty of space. The garage features a washing machine and some rather old bikes.
The farmhouse bedrooms include a large double bedroom; a small twin-bed room, cosy and comfortable and a double bed in the converted attic with more beds if needed; and a shower-room/toilet, also recently modernised
The barn features a huge kitchen/diner area, well-equipped with gas cooker, wood-burning fire, large fridge/freezer, dishwasher and comfortable sofa round the fire. Upstairs, the accommodation includes two spacious double bedrooms, a twin bedroom and a lounge for relaxing. Electric radiators in all upper rooms, wood heating downstairs.
Activities
Adventure Sports
Biking
Boating
Cinema
Fishing
Horse Riding
Hunting/Rock Climbing
Kayaking
Restaurant
Sailing
Shopping
Rafting
Zoo/Wildlife
Shopping: The local shop (Vival) in St Sulpice (1 mile) can deal with many immediate needs, nearest supermarket (Ecomarche) in Ahun (6 miles); then Aubusson (8 miles) for all your wider needs – more choice on supermarkets, clothing etc.
Best place to take the canoes in the barn: Moulin de Breuil (about 7 km) but you will need something to transport them in. Apart from this, there are two main water activity centres:
1. Lac de Vassiviere – about an hour due south, includes pedaloes, beaches (etc.).
2. Dun le Palestel - about an hour north includes more exciting activities such as rafting etc.
The horse riding schools have varying standards, the nearest is at Chavanat – about 5km - being cheap and cheerful, to say no more. The staff will make every effort to communicate with you
Restaurants: One of the best is the Papillion Rouge, a 'table d'hote'.The Amer Douce in Ahun is excellent value for only at lunchtimes only.