DETAILS

 

 You will find the entrance to “La Chaufournaie” along the D770 between the villages of Vern d’Anjou & Angrie, up a 1,000’ private drive. It is an 1850’s farmhouse, which we have converted to a very high standard. There are three front doors, we are told that this maybe because it was originally 3 dwellings for the farm workers. However, now the first door is the main entrance and it opens into the: -

KITCHEN which is 16’ x 20’, bright and airy fully fitted with a corner taken up by a walk in larder, the decoration theme being that of sunflowers. Taking pride of place is the cast iron cooker made to the design of an old kitchen range. It has two electric ovens with a grill and a rotisserie in each, 4 gas burners and an electric griddle. In the centre stands an old farmhouse table with seating for 10 and in another corner a purpose built, open treads oak spiral staircase that leads to the first floor. The kitchen floor is quarry-tiled and the oak and chestnut beams have been exposed. The general facilities include a double sink, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, toaster etc all crockery and cutlery. Off of there is the: -

LOUNGE, this is 18’ x 20’ and dominated by a fireplace 7’ high and 8’ wide, the original arched brickwork above the oak mantle piece has been exposed. A room in which to relax, there being ample seating (including a bed settee, bedding NOT supplied), TV with digital satellite receiver (English free to air channels), video player with a selection of films and a Bang & Olufsen Hi Fi system with extension speakers to the kitchen and garden. Again there is the quarry-tiled floor, ceiling of exposed beams, which are now covered mostly by Susan’s collection of plates. The marble-topped sideboard contains plenty of glasses and ample space to keep your bottles of whatever.

The third room downstairs is the DINING ROOM, with a highly polished birch wood dining table and matching sideboard which are nearly 100 years old. The table seats 12 with comfort. There is also a French armoire that has been converted to a glass fronted glass cabinet. This room was, when we purchased the property, the main entrance and the kitchen/dining room. Although there is still an exterior door it is not usable.

All the BEDROOMS and the toilet facilities are on the first floor. There are two rooms with a double bed, two with 2 single beds and one with a double and a single. Each room is fully carpeted and furnished and will also accommodate a cot should you need to bring one. Views over surrounding farmland can be seen from each window and all rooms have exposed beams. A shower room with WC and washbasin is ensuite with each. The beds will be made up for your arrival and a change of linen will be available if your stay is for more than one week. There is also an exterior entrance to the upstairs, in fact it is much easier to bring ones luggage into the house this way.

The house is centrally heated downstairs with wall mounted electric convector fires in each bedroom, therefore, it is available all year.

The garden is just under one acre and faces South so it captures the sun all day long. There is ample space for sporting activities and for children to play safely. You will find a boules court, giant draughts and swings for ALL ages. Garden furniture is provided as is a BBQ and to make outdoor eating more comfortable, a gazebo. For balmy summer evenings the garden can be lit up and you can use those outside speakers from the Hi Fi. As the house stands on its own 44 acres, you will appreciate that neighbours do not overlook you, therefore a very high level of privacy is obtained.

The converted barn adjacent is a games room cum lounge. It now has a fitted carpet, seating, pub type tables and chairs, various board games, plenty of books, shove h’penny board, exposed rafters and generally decorated in a sort of “den” manner. There is even an old grain sifter used as a bar, with a little fridge behind for drinks to keep chilled. Of course, centre of attraction goes to the full size snooker table, HOWEVER, this is not a toy and we trust you not to let children play on or around it, overall, treat it with care. The security deposit of £200 we have asked for could be forfeited by damage to this one item – a new cloth will be needed no matter what size a tear may be.

Because of the change in law, we do appreciate that some people may now wish to bring their pets, we have no objection to this, but please do take into account that we do have a cat and some ducks, furthermore, under no circumstances must pets be allowed upstairs.

For the comfort of the next guests we ask you all to operate a NO SMOKING IN THE HOUSE RULE PLEASE.

Remember that the rental price includes all bed linen, gas and electric, there are no extras to pay. We live on site therefore if we are needed for any reason we are on hand, but you will not see us unless you choose to. We think we have covered most relevant points, but if you require any further details do not hesitate to ask. We do confirm that when the property is let as a Gite, B & B facilities are not available

 

 ACTIVITIES & Location

 

 The nearest village of VERN d’ANJOU is 3 km away, where there is a heated outdoor swimming pool, two bakers, bank, chemist, supermarket, and bars. SEGRE is the next largest town with its weekly market (Wednesday) and only 13km away. There you will find a varied choice of restaurants, a bigger selection of shops, bars and two large supermarkets. Also it has a large indoor swimming pool, as does CANDE in the opposite direction.

The Anjou region is renown for the Chateaux, waterways and of course, wine. Besides these there are plenty of other things to see and do nearby, including a fine selection of golf courses, of which full details are available. We are only 2 hours drive from the coast or in the opposite direction, Futuroscope. You will find various tourist leaflets in the house giving fuller details. However, you should not miss out on a visit to ANGERS, with the castle and Apocalypse tapestry (largest in the world). Also, this is the only place in the world where Cointreau is made. Visits to the distillery can be made, with tasting, of course.

The region is very famous for its waterways, there being the Rivers, Oudon, Mayenne, Maine, Loir and of course the mighty Loire. There are various activities available on the rivers including day cruises where you can see the many Chateaux from the comfort of a boat. Some have areas for swimming and other water activities.

 

Of course if Chateaux are your “thing” then you could not be in a much better area, there are loads for you to visit within the area, too many for us to try to name.

 

Our local Chateau, Chateau de Raguin, has been described as one of the rare jewels left by the Renaissance, even though it is fairly small by comparison to others. It is still privately owned and lived in. The garden/park is home to many rare birds whom roam completely free.

 

Anjou’s history is closely tied with the history of England. It was in the early 11th century that the region really began to take shape. It was during that period that the count of Anjou, known as Geoffrey the Fair, founded the Plantagenet dynasty. He married Matilda, daughter of the King of England, and their grandson, Richard the Lionheart is buried in the Fontevraud Abbey alongside his parents, Henry 2nd and Eleanor of Aquitaine. In fact 15 princes and princesses of this family are buried here. This abbey is very impressive and well worth a visit.

 

Domaine de la Petite Couere is rather unique in France. A natural park of 80 hectares, in which over 300 animals are on view, most of which are free to roam as they want. Many of which are quite unusual, like their mascot a very large headed “donkey” called Le baudet du Poitou, a rare survivor of an endangered species. In the grounds is also a reconstructed village of the early 19th century with a school, church, house and shops - a real step-back in time. In addition, there is on view means of transport and household machines through the ages, a vast collection of Dinky toys and much more. There are plenty of picnic areas available both in the open and under cover (get out of the sun) so take a picnic and enjoy a full day, with or without the children!

A real treat for the children is the park L’Arche. This has a cowboy town, mini golf, swimming pool with water chutes plus much more for a really fun day. Again there are picnic areas available for you to use.

For a real taste of France “La Guinguette” is a must. These are open-air restaurants that can be found on the banks of the river Mayenne. Meals are served both at midday and the evening, often accompanied by music and singing.

Fancy a day out on the beach for the children but do not want to drive to the coast? Just go towards Angers and before you reach the town turn off to Lac de Maine where you will find a swimming area with a beach and pedalos. This also has picnic areas and even places for you to do a BBQ – take your own charcoal though.

Saumur has much to offer, besides it grand Chateau, troglodyte caves, the mushroom caves, the first underground miniature town in the world sculpted from limestone and of course the famous Cadre Noir horses. It is said that the stone for the construction of St. Paul’s Cathedral came from here.

The zoo of Doue La Fontaine is based around the underground caves typical of the area. A lush tropical environment with over 500 species living in partial captivity. The zoo also has a programme for the conservation of endangered species.

Close to this zoo is “the” garden of roses, where there are innumerable different plants on view.

 

 

 HOW TO GET THERE

 

 Exact details as to how to find the property will be sent following receipt of payment.

 

 PRICES

 

 

RENTAL CHARGES 2004

 

 

 THESE PRICES INCLUDE ALL GAS, ELECTRIC, LOGS AND BEDDING, THERE WILL BE NO EXTRAS TO PAY

WHATEVER TIME OF THE YEAR

 

 

 4th  January until 3rd  April                            £600 per week

 

 

 3rd  April until 1st  May                                 £775 per week

 

 

 1st  May until 10th July                               £850 per week

 

 

 10th July until 11th Sept.                              £1100 per week

 

 

 11th Sept. until 2nd Oct.                             £850 per week

 

 2nd Oct. until 18th Dec.                              £750 per week

 

 18th Decem. until 8th January 2005         £1100 per week

 

 

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGE OVER DAY IS A SATURDAY IN JULY & AUG. HOWEVER, IT MAY BE

POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THIS IN OTHER MONTHS – PLEASE ASK

An imposing 1850’s farmhouse standing on it’s own 44 acres of land. The property has been renovated to a very high standard. There are 5 double bedrooms each having ensuite shower, toilet and washbasin. In an adjacent barn is a separate games room with a full size snooker table and bar billiards. The safe garden is just under 1 acre giving plenty of room for outside games. The property is 35k west of the historic town of ANGERS, which houses the largest tapestry in the world and the only Cointreau factory. The area is renown for its rivers and lakes, both being used for fishing and swimming. Local shopping facilities are only 3k away as is an open-air swimming pool. There are 8 golf courses in easy reach.

Bedroom view

Games room

Kitchen

Partial view of lounge

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