The cottage.
La Maison des Amis accommodates 2 to 4 people in comfort and privacy, a perfect hideaway for a family or a couple. It dates back to 1785, 4 years before the French Revolution, and displays many traditional features such as oak beams, tiled floors and external walls constructed from regional limestone rendered in the local style inside. The cottage nestles in a tranquil corner of the Loire Valley in between a productive orchard and open countryside. Its southerly aspect offers guests unlimited views of the surrounding panorama and uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day. In late summer, 20 vines in the cottage’s enclosed garden offer, in conjunction with the orchard, an abundance of organic apples, grapes and pears. La Maison des Amis is, all in all, a perfect location from which to explore France.
Living room/sitting area: Living room.
Downstairs there is a large combined living room/dining room/kitchen area. The entire floor in this area is tiled with the original tiles which still retain their beautiful old terracotta colour despite being 240 years old. The kitchen section of the room has a fridge/freezer, a microwave oven, a hob and oven as well as a dishwasher. This charming room has three windows with garden views.
Sitting area.
The sitting area has an open wood-burning fireplace, complementing a large sofa with two comfortable arm chairs. There is also electric central heating although you only need it in the winter. There is a TV/DVD player and Hi-Fi system. Plenty of books to relax reading as well as games for all.
Dining area: Dining area
A dining table with four chairs sits in front of an old French dresser which houses all the cutlery, crockery and necessary utensils. Other essentials such as washing up liquid, soap, kitchen towels and table-cloths are provided as well.
Kitchen area
A confortable area where one can prepare food.All necessary electrical appliances such as an electric hob, an electric oven, microwave oven and a dishwasherare in place to make the visitors time as confortable as possible.
There are plenty of saucepans, oven trays and kitchen utensils.
Local area: The local restaurant, La Rénaissance, in Saint Hippolyte opens daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is famous for its foie gras. Booking a table at the weekend is essential. The boulangerie in the centre of the village has everything one needs, from fresh bread and croissants to vegetables and wine.
Nearby, excellent walking routes, equestrian schools, a golf course and fishing lakes provide scope for a range of activities. 9 km up-river is the medieval town of Loches, which hosts a bustling market around Le Café des Arts twice each week and hosts a literary festival in the summer. Major châteaux and vineyards can be found within a 40 km radius.
Markets.
Amboise: Sunday.
Ligueil: Monday.
Loches: Saturday and Wednesday.
Tours: Saturday and Wednesday.
Chinon: Flea market every third Sunday of the month
