Domaine Richot - La Tonnellerie sleeps 4

Chic, self-catering 2-bedroom cottage in quiet French village on Champagne/Burgundy border, sitting in France's latest national park - 'Parc National de Forêts en Champagne et Bourgogne', only 320 miles (4 hours' easy drive) from Calais. Relax in stunning garden or beside large pool, discover countryside by foot or bike, or visit nearby historic Dijon, Troyes, Beaune for culture and wine tasting! (Sister property L'Entrepôt sleeps 5/6) NB 7-day minimum rental Sat-Sat during July and August La Tonnellerie sits along with its sister property (L'Entrepot) within the walled grounds of a former wine merchant’s property in the centre of the village. It is the building where oak staves were made for the barrels, hence its name! There is plenty of space for secure parking, with 2 acres of communal gardens, an outdoor 12m x 6m secluded pool, grass badminton court, TT table and a large "Treetops" climbing frame. Both houses are some distance apart, with their own privacy, and so can be rented either individually or together if two families are holidaying at the same time. The house has been tastefully renovated with a vintage French feel and authentic (child friendly) furniture. It comprises a large, open-plan kitchen-dining room with a woodburner for the cooler months. The kitchen is fully equipped with simple white crockery and practical cooking pans. The living area is kitted with Bose ipod speakers, TV, DVD player and radio/CD player. Wi-fi is fast and reliable. The thick walls keep the house cool during the summer and the back door opens out onto the back terrace and al fresco dining area. On the first floor is the bathroom and twin bedroom which can very comfortably sleep two, three at a pinch; on the top floor is the large double bedroom and spacious, airy shower room. Beds are all made in crisp white linen ready for your arrival, along with large luxury towels. We have aimed to make the houses as we would like to find a holiday home ourselves: with quality bedding and towels (NB pool towels are not included) and a practical feel to the everyday running of the kitchen and bathrooms. There are always teabags, sugar and milk on your arrival to ensure the beginnings of a comfortable stay. Pets allowed by arrangement. Guests are invited to drive through the white gates beside La Tonnellerie, and park in the grounds, shutting the gates behind them. La Tonnellerie has a terrace shaded by wisteria at the back of the house (equipped with seating for dining al fresco and a bbq). Guests also have access to the rest of the grounds including the outdoor pool, gardens, fields, climbing frame, TT table and badminton court. These facilities are shared with L'Entrepôt and the owners, when they are in residence. Our neighbour and caretaker, Catherine, lives very close to the house in the village and is on-hand to answer any immediate questions. We are always at the end of the phone and/or email for any further assistance. The village of Aubepierre-sur-Aube is nestled in a part of rural France that time has passed by. Surrounded by rolling countryside, forest and farmland, it is an ideal place for lovers of the outdoors, with close proximity to historic towns and sites of interest, as well as local vineyards. Being placed on the Champagne/Burgundy border, you can enjoy what both wine regions have to offer in terms of visits and degustations; and the historic towns of Chaumont and Langres (the 'Carcassonne of the North') are only half an hour away. The beautiful old towns of Troyes, Beaune and Dijon are an hour away, and well worth a visit. It is undeniably a fantastic region for cyclists of all levels, with a vast range of possible routes of all distances on ridiculously quiet roads and forest tracks. Guests are welcome to borrow from a selection of old bikes at the property but we highly recommend you bring your own if you enjoy cycling! Guided rides can be arranged with a local triathlon enthusiast. Mushroom foragers and birdwatchers will not be disappointed either! During the summer, there are 'brocantes' in local villages where you will be sure to find plenty of 'treasures' as souvenirs. There is also a tennis court & fishing in the village, with a wider range of services (& excellent golf) in neighbouring Arc-en-Barrois. There is a small cafe/épicérie in the village for emergency provisions and where you can order croissants and baguettes for the next day, and various local vans pass through the village selling fresh fruit & veg and bread. There are more facilities - restaurants, doctors & dentists - in the local town of Arc-en-Barrois (5 mins) and yet more in Chaumont and Langres. The nearest station is Chaumont (30mins drive), where trains take you into Paris in a couple of hours, but you will ideally need a car in order to fully appreciate the surrounding area.