Domaine Richot – La Tonnellerie sleeps 4

Chic, self-catering 2-bedroom cottage in quiet French village on Champagne/Burgundy border, sitting in France's latest national park - 'Parc National de Forêts en Champagne et Bourgogne', only 320 miles (4/5 hours' easy drive) from Calais. Relax in stunning garden or beside large pool, discover countryside by foot or bike, or visit nearby historic Dijon, Troyes, Beaune for culture and wine tasting! (Sister property L'Entrepôt sleeps 5/6) NB 7-day minimum rental Sat-Sat during July and August The space La Tonnellerie sits along with its sister property (L'Entrepot) within the walled grounds of a former wine merchant’s property in the centre of the village. It is the building where oak staves were made for the barrels, hence its name! There is plenty of space for secure parking, with 2 acres of communal gardens, an outdoor 12m x 6m secluded pool, grass badminton court, TT table and a large "Treetops" climbing frame. Both houses are some distance apart, with their own privacy, and so can be rented either individually or together if two families are holidaying at the same time. The house has been tastefully renovated with a vintage French feel and authentic (child friendly) furniture. It comprises a large, open-plan kitchen-dining room with a woodburner for the cooler months. The kitchen is fully equipped with simple white crockery and practical cooking pans. There is a small TV and wi-fi is fast and reliable. The thick walls keep the house cool during the summer and the back door opens out onto the back terrace and al fresco dining area. On the first floor is the bathroom (with a bath and no shower) and twin bedroom which can very comfortably sleep two, three at a pinch. On the top floor is the large double bedroom (as a mezzanine to the staircase but private nonetheless) and spacious, airy shower room. Beds are all made in crisp white linen ready for your arrival, along with large luxury towels. We have aimed to make the houses as we would like to find a holiday home ourselves: with quality bedding and towels (NB pool towels are not included) and a practical feel to the everyday running of the kitchen and bathrooms. There are always teabags, sugar and milk on your arrival to ensure the beginnings of a comfortable stay. Pets allowed by arrangement. Guest access Guests are invited to drive through the grey wooden gates beside La Tonnellerie (pass by the pedestrian gate first to be able to open them!) and park in the grounds, shutting the gates behind them. La Tonnellerie has a terrace shaded by wisteria at the back of the house (equipped with seating for dining al fresco and a bbq). Guests also have access to the rest of the grounds including the outdoor pool, gardens, fields, climbing frame, TT table and badminton court. These facilities are shared with L'Entrepôt and the owners, when they are in residence.