Les Rossignols is a traditional cottage dating from around 1895, originally built as a separate dépendance to the farm. Today it is a completely independent holiday cottage next to our own home, with its own fully private enclosed garden.
Les Rossignols is in a tranquil valley in a tiny hamlet of just four houses, about 3 km from the small market town of Châteaumeillant. We are in the heart of the historic Berry region, now part of Centre-Val de Loire. The surrounding countryside is a mixture of rolling farmland, woods and vineyards, with plenty of quiet lanes and waymarked paths to explore. The Saint-Jacques de Compostelle long-distance trail passes nearby, and there are many good walking and cycling routes around the cottage. We keep a folder of local maps and information in the house to help you find them
The property is part of an old farm holding which we bought in 2005. The farm consists of our house, the original farm buildings, with the gîte occupying its own separate building and garden. We moved permanently from England to France in 2015.
The cottage has been fully modernised to today's standards while retaining its traditional character. It has three bedrooms and is suitable for up to six guests.
Dogs and children are very welcome. The private garden is fully enclosed and we've tried to make it as dog-proof as possible. The hedges are reinforced with stock fencing, with solid fencing and a wall at the front. We have escape-artist dogs ourselves, so we know the importance of a secure garden. We also provide extra throws and old towels for dogs, and a paddling pool for them to cool off in during the warmer months.
For younger children we have a cot/toddler bed and high chair available. We provide all bed linen and towels, with the beds made up for your arrival, as well as kitchen towels and pool towels. For younger children, a cot/toddler bed and high chair are available.
All bed linen and towels are provided, with the beds made up ready for your arrival, as well as kitchen towels and pool towels.
There is plenty to see and do in the surrounding area. Local markets are a regular favourite, with the Friday market in Châteaumeillant and the larger Saturday market at La Châtre, as well as the shops and market in Saint-Amand-Montrond.
There are several interesting châteaux to visit, including Sarzay and L'Ainay-le-Vieil, as well as George Sand's house at Nohant and the beautiful gardens at Orsan. The Abbey of Noirlac is another popular day out.
For days out on the water, Lac de Sidiailles has a sandy beach, swimming, canoeing and boating, as well as a large high-ropes course and zip wires for the more adventurous. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing locally. Horse riding and golf are available nearby, and during the summer there are local brocantes and fêtes to discover.
Châteaumeillant is also at the heart of a small local wine-growing area, producing AOC Châteaumeillant wines. There are several local vineyards and wine producers to discover, and you can sample the local wines in the town and surrounding area. We leave a bottle of local Châteaumeillant wine for you to try when you arrive, and quite a few guests have gone on to seek out the local producers and take some home with them.
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