Farmhouse in the heart of the castles

2 hours from Paris, at the gates of the Chambord park, the location is ideal for discovering the castles of the Loire: Chambord, Cheverny, Blois, Amboise, Chaumont, Chenonceaux... you are also close to the Beauval Zoo, the largest in Europe. The space 2 hours from Paris, at the gates of Chambord Park, the location is ideal for discovering the castles of the Loire: Chambord, Cheverny, Blois, Amboise, Chaumont, Chenonceaux... you are also close to Beauval Zoo, the largest in Europe. Located 5 km from the city center of Blois, its shops and its market, Saint Claude de Diray is a typical village on the banks of the Loire that is notably known for its annual yam fair. Winegrowers produce AOC 'Cheverny' wine in the municipality. Authentic Sologne farmhouse full of charm on 3 levels, fully restored and preserved in its "juice", our country farm is located at the entrance to the village at the crossroads of the different routes of "the Loire by bike". The house located in the heart of the Loire castles is ideal for a cultural and relaxing stay with family or friends and to enjoy many outdoor activities. Finally, in a quiet place to relax but not completely isolated, you are less than 10 minutes from the city center of Blois and its many shops. You are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities during your stay: mountain biking, cycling along the Loire on the bike paths, canoeing, horseback riding, swimming pool along the Loire, natural pool of Mont near Chambord, Cheverny golf course, hot air ballooning, visit to Beauval Zoo, one of the most beautiful animal parks in Europe... Your GPS indicates that your destination is less than 5 km away. You can't wait to get there... You strangely feel a holiday atmosphere since you've been following this road on the Loire embankment. You begin to relax by observing the beauty of the meanders and shades of color of the Loire, the last wild river in Europe. You will certainly see cyclists strolling on one of the Loire bike paths that lead from castle to castle: from Chambord to Cheverny via Amboise, Blois, Chaumont... Soon a sign indicates the village of Saint Claude de Diray less than a km away. You turn and see the church bell tower that stands above the valley. You have finally arrived at the place of your stay. At the entrance to the village, yes it is the second house on the left: the farmhouse with blue shutters. Welcome: you have arrived home. This is where you will settle down and enjoy a well-deserved stay. The inner courtyard is closed (it's perfect for children...) with an "English-style" garden and all the buildings with flat country tiles form a U. A wisteria runs on the wall and the arch of the gate. The exposed stone house is on the left, an outbuilding that was supposed to be an old pigsty is now used to store wood for the fireplace facing the gate. On the right, an old barn now serves as a games room. By opening its doors you discover that you have the option to play table tennis. There is no shortage of furniture to enjoy the outdoors (table, chairs, bench, hammock, games...) and bicycles of all sizes are provided by the owners... You start to feel really at home. In the courtyard/garden, next to the secure stone well, a hard outdoor barbecue for grilling is ready to crackle during the summer for lunches and dinners outside. It is time to open the house now: the entrance leads directly to a fitted and equipped kitchen. Tiled floor, stained beams, the kitchen is spacious, friendly and open to the dining room and its family table. You know you'll be able to take the time to cook, share, in short, have a good time together. Looking in the cupboards you find that you have all the utensils to make you happy: dishes, cutlery, modern and grandmother's dishes, two worktops, a complete appliance, a recent dishwasher, a high-performance oven, a gas cooker… a priori; nothing is missing. You can deduce with insight that the owners must like to host. At the bottom right a functional laundry room with a washing machine / dryer. Phew: this will avoid the rush of the laundry chore on the return from this getaway in the heart of the Loire Valley. You take possession of the premises and discover next to the kitchen a "cozy" living room where the brick fireplace invites you to enjoy the end of days by the fire. While the walls are exposed stone, the decoration is warm and simple. Paintings, sofas, lamps, carpets and family photos give a soul to this living space. The library is filled with books, magazines, records. You can also find flyers in the living room to better organize your program for the week. The guestbook shows you the good addresses of the artisans in the surroundings. You can't help but read messages from previous tenants who had a good time in this house. It's your turn... Head for the first floor. The floor is sea rush and the walls are painted pastel. A first bathroom is beautifully decorated with a walk-in shower and its Briard enamels. You will discover on this level a first very bright bedroom with a double bed and a single bed overlooking the garden. You continue your visit by taking the sleek industrial metal staircase to access the second floor. You feel like you're going up to your apartments. It has a reassuring side… You will discover a comfortable TV lounge and a desk. The walls are this time in anthracite gray stucco. You are part of the irreducible "all connected" and you are reassured. The box is set up right next to the TV. All you have to do is enter the security code. On the left of the living room you will find a huge children's room with a multitude of toys, board games, books with a bunk bed and a crib. You notice the exposed bricks of the chimney duct that decorates this room. At the back of the living room, you finally explore the master suite with its king size bed that looks very comfortable. You almost feel an irrepressible need to test the bedding immediately. The bathroom with its bathtub is open to the bedroom. It's like being in a hotel... You are satisfied and relieved. You want to sing. Your visit is in line with what you imagined. It's time to go back down and settle in quickly. It's the start of a well-deserved vacation. You're at home...