Fermette Le Châtaignier

comfortable farmhouse with authentic charm

Jos en Anneke Tuinman
Cubes
63390 St Gervais d'Auvergne
tel/fax 00 33 473 85 84 37
info@bonsejour.net

Le Châtaignier lies in a small hamlet (hameau) a few minutes away from the pleasant village of Saint-Gervais d'Auvergne. This authentic french fermette ('small' farmhouse) has recently been completely renovated with care and with an eye for original detail.
More contemporary needs have also been taken in account such as a new bathroom, a large and well-equipped country-kitchen and - very important - comfortable beds.
The house is surrounded by a closed garden of about 2000m2 (6000 sq.ft.). This means that it is possible to find 'a place in the sun' at every moment of the day. There's a terrace in the front and the back of the house and there's also an open verandah with garden furniture for those who are looking for a bit more shelter. The garden is dominated by a small orchard with appletrees, cherrytrees, plumtrees and several nuttrees. However, it is the large ' Châtaignier ' (sweet chestnuttree) that is watching over the house. Besides playing 'hide and seek' among the dozens of trees, you can also have fun with a swing, a climbing-rope and a slide.



Geography of the house:
Groundfloor: Through the entry with original staircase you come into the large kitchen area (25m2-80sq.ft.). The old oak beamed ceiling shows the 19th century origins of the house. The kitchen is equipped with all the contemporary modcoms. A modern gas/electric kitchen-range with electric furnace, a microwave-oven, a coffee/espresso-machine, an electric kettle and a real Godin woodburning stove. French doors bring you in the verandah and the garden.
Next to the kitchen lies the utility room/washing room (buanderie) where the electric boiler is installed that provides the house with warm water. Here you also find the washing machine.
There's a modern bathroom with a large bath-tub, a multi-functional shower with thermostatic tap, a wash-bowl and an electric heating panel with drying-function. You'll find the separate toilet next to the bathroom. The barn with old stable is also reached through the buanderie. Here lies the wood supply for the woodburning stove and the open fireplace.

On the other side of the house, left of the entry, lies the large living room (26m2-82sq.ft) which is dominated by the open fireplace and the oakwood floor. There's a large comfortable 3-seeter couch, an ideal spot for an exciting book and a good glass of wine. The living room, as the rest of the house, has been decorated with antiques and brocante furniture found on the local markets and 'vide-greniers' (car-booth-sales) in the area. Through two french doors you reach the garden.

First floor:
On the first floor you will find the three bedrooms. Two bedrooms have a double bed with box-spring mattresses. The third bedroom has a battery bed. There's also a baby-cot present for the little ones. Pillows and (summer)duvets are present. Linnen goods for bed, bathroom and kitchen are to be taken along but it's also possibly to hire them. Please check with Bonsejour if necessary.

Facilities:
The house is heated with electric heating panels. Therefore you can have a comfortable stay all year long. The more so if you also use the woodburning stove and the open fireplace. Wood can be ordered by 1/2 m3.
8 kwh electric power per day is included in the rent. Generally this covers the normal daily use. Extra costs ( for heating ) will be charged according to the rate of the supplier.
In the kitchen you'll find the telephone.
There is a radio and televisionset with dvd-player.

In the verandah you find garden furniture and a barbeque.

There is an information guide with useful (household) info and all the important phone numbers. It also contains the manuals of all the appliances. There's information on the Auvergne and our region 'the Combrailles'. You'll find regional maps, tourist information (excursions), gastronomical guides, walking and bicycle guides, fishing information, canoe hire etc. Le Châtaignier is a spot for the 'active peace-seeker'.

The pleasant village of Saint-Gervais d'Auvergne lies a few miles (5 min.) away from our hamlet. Here you'll find all the major supplies. There are 3 bakeries, 2 supermarkets (open every day), 2 butchers, a chemist, a few good restaurants and hotels, a post-office and 2 banks (1 with cash dispenser). Every Monday morning there's a small market.

The other nearby village is Châteauneuf-les-Bains. For centuries it is known for its hot springs and naturally sparkling water. One of France's cleanest rivers 'the Sioule' flows through Châteauneuf-les-Bains. This is why the Sioule is famous for its fishing (also fly fishing) for trout and even salmon. In the village you can also rent canoes and kayaks.

In our hamlet Sainte-Linge itself, about 200m from the house, lives a farmer/miller who bakes bread and brioches the traditional way. Just let your nose follow the nice smell and the fumes of the old mobile furnace.

For the little ones there's a baby-cot present, a baby-chair, toys etc.

Le Châtaignier is suitable for max. 6 persons and is a non-smoking house.

If you want the house to be cleaned by us, we will charge 37 € for this house.

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