Jura house in glorious countryside.

Our house is on the edge of a friendly village with very little passing traffic. It is situated in a beautiful eco valley in a peaceful situation beside the little river Seille. The house is on three floors and is spacious, light and airy and recently modernised. The kitchen opens onto the sunny garden at the front and to a covered patio to the side. A car can be parked near the kitchen door. There is a well stocked supermarket, pharmacy, bank, restaurants, bar etc. 4 kms away in Voiteur. The well equipped kitchen is geared to catering for our large family. There is a sofa and chairs at one end which make a social space beside the Godin, a lovely french work burning stove which makes the whole house cosy when it is on. The first floor has two sitting rooms - one with a modern TV which get British programmes. There is one bedroom and a bathroom on first floor and two bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor. The rooms are all spacious. The covered terrace to the side of the kitchen is invaluable when it is very hot or if it rains and a lovely place to swing a hammock (in the barn) to relax and read. The house has three more bedrooms which are not normally let. We live in England but are available to answer any queries at most times. The changeover of guests is managed by a local lady who lives 5 kms away and copes with most queries. Franche Compte is a land of beautiful valleys, rivers, lakes and stunning villages. The area is famous for cheeses, wines, walnuts and fruit. The local markets are a delight. Some of the most famous villages of France are within cycling and walking distance. Chateau Chalon and Baume les Messieurs. Some of the lakes are well managed and have beaches and lifeguards so children are safe. Lac Chalain is very well cared for and about 20 minutes away in the car. A small fee has to be paid -3.50 euros for a day pass - the beach is clean, surveyed by lifeguards and very safe for babies and toddlers. The premier plateau of the Jura mountains is just behind the house and Mont Blanc can be seen from high points nearby. Geneva is about 90 minutes away. Lyon about the same. A car is the easiest way to access the house as it is in a rural location and bus and taxi services are few and far between. The area is a haven for walkers and cyclists and many people come to the region to train for great cycle races. The little river runs round the garden without a barrier so care needs to be taken with small children. Garden furniture is stored in the barn which is an integral part of the house. Firewood (which is included in the rental) is stored there for the Godin and the fire. The fire has a pull down glass front which allows for the room to be left unoccupied without any risk of embers escaping. The entrance gate is shared with the neighbours next door who can park their car in front of their house - seen on the photo with a blue door. There is a private garden to each house. The house is large, spacious, half new half old and at the far corner of a very special little village. The site is spectacular in many ways as the river meanders round the garden the sound is soothing as it burbles over the rocks. The cliffs reflect the sunlight as the sun dips behind the hill at dusk and the donkeys in the field opposite then track their way to their dormitory. Wildlife abounds in this amazing eco valley as do wild flowers both in and out of the surrounding forests. The best walks and cycle tracks from the house involve a steep climb to the premier plateau above but from there the terrain is easy and interesting. Stone built shepherds’ huts, ancients tracks for drovers and for salt wind through the woods to Baume les Messieurs and Lons le Saunier. The whole area is steeped in history. There are Chateaux, caves, restaurants, markets, rivers and lakes to explore. Chateau Chalon is truly one of the most amazing villages in France and home to the famous vin Jaune and vin de paille. Degustations are offered by most of the vignerons.