La Petite Chartrie

Is an individual south facing French fermette (farm cottage) set in its own safe, private and enclosed 8000 m2 garden (2 acres) and oak wooded grounds, amidst farmland with views across the Indre valley and just 400m. along a quiet country road from the historic Bonne Nouvelle Chapel. The area is perfect for country walks and bike rides.

The pretty garden contains apple, pear, peach and plum trees and is ideal for relaxing. The private driveway gives ample off road parking. From Easter to September there is a 4.6m above ground pool.

The house is secluded yet situated only 2 Km from the historic medieval village of Palluau sur Indre with its imposing chateau (once captured by Richard the Lionheart) and a chapel with impressive I2C frescoes

A traditional market is held in Palluau every Sunday morning, There is also a Tourist Information Office, boulangerie and well-stocked modern alimentation (general store), a charcuterie, bar/tabac, hairdresser, post office and general repair garage. There is a pharmacy in St Genou about 3 kms. away. Fishing is available on the Indre river.

Accommodation

On the ground floor the house comprises a large comfortably furnished beamed salon with feature stone fireplace and wood burning stove, which also supplies warm air heating to the master bedroom. . There is a TV with satellite reception and a DVD player. Linked to the salon is an equally spacious beamed kitchen, and dining area, that easily seats six, overlooking the garden. A feature is a large oak French buffet. The kitchen is fully equipped, with an electric hob, combination oven/microwave, electric grill, toaster, kettle, dishwasher and washing machine..

At the end of the house leading off a large traditionally tiled hallway, with separate outside entrance, is a large bathroom with shower, washbasin and WC. Hot water is supplied by a new 200 litre electric chauffe-eau so there is plentiful hot water at all times. . There are electric radiators throughout the house including the bathroom providing room-by-room supplementary heating if required. From the hallway terracotta tiled stairs lead to the first floor.

The upstairs has original oak beams and three sleeping areas. The master bedroom with double bed has a very pleasant view of the garden and grounds, a second bedroom with two single beds and garden views, and a separate mezzanine equipped with double bunk bed..

Outside there is a barbecue and a lawn equipped with table and chairs for eating, a swing chair and sun loungers.

The local area

Within 15 mins drive are the market towns of Buzancais and Chatillon sur Indre each have large traditional markets every Friday, supermarkets and a selection of restaurants. . Chatillon has a modern indoor swimming pool, with jaccuzi, sauna and slides.

Chatearoux the Departmental capital about 20 miles away has every amenity including regular trains to Paris, which is a two-hour journey, making possible a day trip to Paris.

The unique Brenne national park of a 1000 lakes is close by where fishing is available, and at the Etang de Bellebouche swimming, water sports and a pleasant restaurant. There are excellent restaurants in nearby Meziers the capital of the Brenne. Riding is available.

The Loire valley and many of its famous chateau are within easy reach, including the historic chateau of Amboise (the town also has a wonderful park and manor house dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, a good day out for all the family), and the unique chateau of Chenoneaux (the chateau that straddles the Cher river)

Loches 45 minutes away is a well-preserved medival town with an impressive chateau and amazing Norman donjon (castle keep) and evocative royal palace associated with Jean of Arc and Agnes Sorel.

The unique Espace Animalier de la Haute-Touche at Obterre 45 minutes away has 900 animals of 85 species living in 100 hectares of natural habitat.
Zoo Parc Beauval the largest and prettiest zoo in Europe is also 45mins away and for good measure is surrounded by vineyards of Touraine. Wines can be tasted and bought direct from many producers’ caves in the area.

Further afield,

Examples of easy day trips include Bourges (arguably some of the finest cathedral stained glass in France); Poitier and Futoroscope Theme Park (Fun and thrills for children and adults alike); Valencay Chateau (home of Tallyrand, Napolean’s chief minister) and the local classic car museum. Places associated with the writer Georges Sand include her home where she played host to Lizt and the uniquely atmospheric Chateau of Sarzay. Drive along the Creuse near Argenton sur Creuse for the scenery and visit Fresselines a pretty artist’s colony where Monet painted in the late 19 C.

The list of attractions is endless and we recommend the Lonely Planet guide The Loire, which covers the entire region in detail.