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This delightful modern house is set on a hillside in a medieval village overlooking the Burgundy Canal, with stunning views all round. The house sleeps six in three twin-bedded rooms, is fully equipped and furnished. There is a large garden with plenty of furniture, terraces back and front, a built-in barbecue,
The village is very old, the chateau and the church dating from the 13th century. Built on a hill, it overlooks the Burgundy Canal, which provides fishing, leisure boating, and easy walking. The River Brenne flows nearby. The house is modern, light, comfortable and easy to run. The garden gives plenty of space, and the views from all the windows are quite superb.
The living accommodation is on one floor, with a fully fitted and equipped kitchen and a separate eating area. The sitting/dining room has a large table and seating for six next to the kitchen. At the other end, there are comfortable couches, easy chairs and a stereo CD/cassette player with radio.
Large French doors lead onto the east terrace, with superb views over the valley. Garden furniture means meals can be eaten outside. The west window of the sitting room has awnings, overlooks a very large terrace with garden furniture and a built in barbecue.
One twin bedroom with an en-suite shower and toilet leads off the sitting room. Two twin bedrooms are off a short corridor that leads to the toilet. The bathroom at the end of the corridor has a shower over the bath. A boiler in the sous-sol (basement) provides hot water, and also gives central heating in the winter. The washing machine and tumble dryer are there too, with easy access to the garden.
There is a boule court in the garden, and the neighbours are happy to play (and beat) you. The garden has large trees for shade, plenty of ornamental and fruit trees and permanent table and benches with a wonderful view of the chateau. Cows sometimes visit the field next to the garden.
Parking is beside the house. The property is fully fenced, large gates closing off the drive.
The name of Burgundy makes us think first of the great wines produced there – Chablis, Meursault, Nuits St Georges, Gevrey-Chambertin among the best-known. Just to consider Burgundy as only a wine growing region, however, is to miss much. The history of Burgundy can be found in the landscapes, buildings secular and religious, art and food, naturally all complemented by the wines produced so abundantly.
The Dukes of Burgundy, whose power at times rivalled the Kings of France, have left a legacy of fine buildings, great art and outstanding architecture. Visit the beautiful cities of Dijon, Auxerre and Beaune to see marvellous examples. Burgundy gave rise to new monastic orders, and the many Romanesque churches, especially Fontenay, Cluny, Vezelay, Paray-le-Monial, and grand cathedrals bear witness to the faith and vision of the monks. There are many outstanding chateaux to visit, among them Bussy-Rabutin Bourbilly, Tanlay, all nearby.
The Celts and the Romans were both here – nearby Alesia is the site of the battle between Julius Caesar and Vercingetorix which ended the power of Gaul. The Romans left their mark at Autun and Sens, the Celts at Alesia and Bibracte. The latter is on the edge of the Morvan, an area of hills, forests, lakes and streams which provides plenty of outdoor exercise.
The way of life here is relaxed, and the people are friendly and welcoming. The many restaurants offer a wide choice of menu, from simple to gourmet, all at prices we've forgotten.
The Burgundy Canal gives plenty of opportunity for letting the world float past, or taking a walk or bike ride along the towpaths. Fontenay woods are on the opposite side of the valley - mainly oak forest which give a change of colour throughout the year, often quite spectacular in autumn. Weather at all seasons is very good – mild springs give way to warm summers, followed by pleasant autumns and crisp, sunny winters.
With two of the main autoroutes, A6 from Paris, A26 from Calais, getting here by car is easy too. The splendid rail links, either TGV or the local trains, offer the prospect of a visit to Paris, Dijon, Lyon for a day trip.
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