LA GRANGE
The Setting
An old chai, on the cusp of a hill with superb views over a large valley and vineyards which encircle the pool, reached by a lane that goes on to the Chateau Thebot wine chai. Just a few minutes from the famous market town of Ste.Foy la Grande, which offers many restaurants and shopping. Tennis, riding, golf, canoeing, fishing, boat and bicycle France are all nearby. Wine tours of the Chateaux of the Medoc or locally may also be arranged upon request. Note that photos show the pool before a securitsing fence was installed. A superb private restaurant (Table d'Hôte) owned by our chef, in an idyllic setting with a dining terrace right on the banks of the Dordogne, is within easy walking distance.
The House
La Grange was restored in 1998 to provide an exceptional holiday experience. La Grange is large (4,000 sq.ft), it is old, (18th century origins) and it is superbly positioned facing southwards over vineyards and a lovely valley.
There are six bedrooms (4 twin, two double), located on the ground floor, each with a modern, fully-equipped en-suite bathroom or shower-room. All the rooms are tastefully furnished with modern and antique furniture and designed for comfortable holiday living. There is also a laundry room equipped with washer and dryer, and a separate WC on the ground floor. All linen and towels are provided.
A grand stone staircase takes you upstairs to the kitchen and living rooms. The luxury kitchen has attractive oak units, electric/halogen hob, twin electric ovens, extractor, dishwasher, microwave and American fridge with ice-maker. Coffee maker, toaster, food-mixer are part of a well-stocked kitchen. The appliances are stainless steel, the worktop granite.
The top of the stairs is dominated by the wall-to-wall picture window with sliding doors providing access to the 15 ft. balcony. Both the landing and hall are bathed with light and there are marvellous views southwards.
There are two large sitting rooms (38ft by 30ft average) on either side of the house. Both rooms are characterized by vaulted ceilings, oak beams, stone walls and huge open fireplaces, giving you glowing fires on cooler nights. Full-length double window french doors, equipped with safety railings, provide spectacular views southwards over the garden and valley. The rooms are tastefully furnished with modern and antique furniture, large sofas and armchairs. A large dining table sits 12 comfortably in the dining salon, which has additional sofas and a large desk.. There is a 10ft by 6ft large screen cinema system with DVD player, for unbelievably realistic film and music enjoyment in the other salon. Large bookcases in each.
Behind the staircaes there is the entrance to the cellar, approached by a helicoidal staircase - ideal for wine-tasting by candlelight.
Housecleaning, babysitting, musicians and a chef are available as optional extras at separate cost upon request. Our option list includes hire of 9-seater VW Transporters (with airport pick-up and delivery), our own 4 seater canoes. Wine tours to the chateaux of the Medoc or locally may also be arranged upon request.
The house has full oil-fired central heating, oil is a separate charge between 15th September and 15th May.
Outside
Marvellous views southwards over the vineyards and valley, northwards over the vines and orchard. Large, landscaped, shady gardens. Pool, 10 metres by 5, 1 metre deep for half its length, deepening to 2.2 metres, overlooking the valley and next to the vineyard. Barbecue, table, chairs, parasol on the terrace beside the pool. 12 sunloungers are provided for sunbathing. Table tennis, parking for 6 cars. Access to a friend's tennis court, within easy walking distance, can be arranged.