Accommodation in Descartes, Loire Valley, France
French House - Peaceful Location, Features Picturesque Garden
Sleeps 6/8 (3 Bedrooms)
|
|
This is a traditional house that that sleeps up to eight in historic Descartes, birthplace of the philosopher. 'Les Bananiers', named after the banana grove in the garden, is situated on the edge of the town, 5 minutes in each direction, into the town and leisure centres on the banks of the River Creuse. The house (Bananiers 1), is a large, timber framed stone house, featuring two-foot thick walls and massive oak timbers, and is at least 500 years old. It is situated on the corner of the main road, the residential rue Descartes, and the narrow side street, rue de la Liberte, along which are situated the wall of the patio area, the cottage (Bananiers 2), the stone garden wall and finally the large garden gates, with lock, which lead into the gravelled area for parking three cars comfortably. As far as possible all the old features and architectural quirks have been preserved. There is full central heating throughout. Book now and get 10% off advertised prices!
|
|
Prices Currency Conversion
| Rental periods | Prices per week (2007 - 2008) |
Night price (extra nights or if under 1 week) |
| 28 October - 22 December | £149 | £30 |
| 23 December - 6 January | £249 | £50 |
| 7 January - 20 March | £149 | £30 |
| 21 March - 4 April | £299 | £60 |
| 5 April - 2 May | £249 | £50 |
| 3 - 23 May | £299 | £60 |
| 24 May - 18 July | £345 | £69 |
| 19 July - 29 August | £369 | £74 |
| 30 August - 24 October | £299 | £60 |
| 25 - 31 October | £345 | £69 |
Notes on prices
Book now and get 10% off advertised prices!
Prices shown are for the property per week in UK Pounds based on the day of arrival. £100 deposit required for each booking with balance due 6 weeks before arrival.
Accommodation
| Bedrooms: | Bedroom 1 - Master double bedroom containing all original oak beams, floor tiles, walls and large mantelpiece, converted into the headboard on a raised platform. Bedroom 2 - Quad bedroom containing all original oak beams. Bedroom 3 - Double sofabed. |
| Bathrooms: | Spacious bathroom with bath/shower attachment, WC & bidet. One Velux window and one small window overlook the garden. |
| Kitchen: | Fitted kitchen with original floor tiles and oak beams, gas cooker, washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, fridge/freezer, appliances, window giving onto the rue de la Liberte leading to store room, shower-room / WC, and door to garden. |
| Living Rooms: | First large salon with window giving onto main road, containing one 2-seater & one 3-seater sofas, two armchairs, large screen TV with DVD player, stereo, modern upright piano, and featuring original oak beams, tiled floor & mantelpiece. |
| Other: | Dining Room featuring map collection, with original floor tiles, oak beams and walls, 16th century oak refectory table seating up to 8 on miscellany of antique chairs. |
| Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: |
Available on arrival at an extra cost if required. |
Notes on accommodation
Please note that the house does have steps that the disabled might find awkward to negotiate. Should you require a property without steps, please take a look at 'Bananiers 2' which is the cottage located on the same site.
- hob/stove,
- oven,
- fridge/freezer,
- dishwasher,
- washing machine,
- tumble dryer,
- tv,
- central heating,
- barbecue,
- pets accepted
Outside
The garden is stone walled all around, 150 ft long, and L-shaped – double width at the bottom, the parking facility. At the back of the house is a gravelled patio overlooked by a small banana grove, where the garden furniture can be set up for al fresco dining. There is a door leading from the patio into rue de la Liberte. In the corner there is an original well, on which wire mesh has been affixed for safety. Behind the well is the cottage (Bananiers 2), a gravelled vine pergola walkway bypassing the cottage and its immediate garden area (to afford a modicum of privacy for the guests staying there), and leading to the main garden, shared with the cottage guests. This consists of rough lawn, a small copse, the beginnings of another banana grove, and the parking area.
Travel
Closest airport is Tours which is located about 40 minutes from Descartes. Ryanair services are available daily from London Stansted. Ferry crossings include Portsmouth to Caen (shortest driving) and Dover to Calais (shortest crossing).
Descartes in 50 kilometers from Tours and is within easy reach of all the Loire Chateaux. To reach les Bananiers from the A10 Paris – Bordeaux motorway, get off at the Ste-Maure de Touraine exit south of Tours.
Further details
Local Activities:
Located about a 5 minute walk from the heart of Descartes. Activities nearby include: sightseeing, walking, wine tasting, leisure centre. During the summer months there are various “vide-grenier” events. This is a type of traditional French car-boot sale which occupies a whole village for the day, virtually every weekend during the summer and is a marvelous source of interesting bargains to suit all tastes. Villages take it turn to stage these and posters advertise them everywhere.
Location:
The town centre, with shops, cafes and restaurants, is a 5 minute walk into town. 5 minutes in the opposite direction, going out of town, is the open air Leisure Centre, which features tennis, mini-golf, a swimming pool, camping, boules, manicured parks and canoeing. There is also the opportunity to walk along the River Creuse, which runs through the town.
Booking notes
Book now and get 5% off advertised prices!
Free bottle of wine with every stay.
Guest comments
Dear Jan-Christian, just a brief note to let you know we had a fabulous time in your Descartes house: it was a great base for exploring the Loire Valley and our toddler loved the big garden. We also spent all of the beautiful summer evenings out there drinking wine we'd bought on tastings in the area. Please do also pass on our thanks to the woman from across the road, who was very obliging (even if I'm not sure we understood much of what each other was saying!). I'll certainly recommend the house to others, and feel free to quote any of the above on advertising etc. Best, matt.
The area has lovely walks along the river, and the Maison Natale de Descartes was most impressive. It was great to be living in the same street!
The quality of produce – from the butcher’s to the charcuterie, not to mention the Sunday market- was a joy to see and to sample.
For booking and further information
Jan-Christian Zaluski
Mobile: (UK) + 44 (0)7921 473 625
Email: Click here
International Dialling Access Codes:
From Europe dial 00 in place of +
From USA dial 011 in place of +
If phoning from outside Europe or USA please consult your telephone directory for international dialling access codes.
This advertiser joined Owners Direct in January 2006,
and has advertised this property with us since November 2006.
Property Ref FR1693
When contacting the owner please mention that you saw this property on Owners Direct Website.