The Secret Hamlet

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Sleeps: 24 Bedrooms: 11 Bathrooms: 10

Overview

Wedding Venue Recommended Pool Chateaux & Castles Great Value
Sustainable Collection
Heritage Collection
Ideal for Kids
Pets on Request
Walk to Village Ideal for Parties

Featured in The Guardian's Top 10 Best Foodie Retreats in Rural France.

Your wedding or family holiday will be a true fairytale affair at this estate in the Loire Valley. Situated on top of a hill and covered in creeping vines, this Old World home has been renovated with the utmost care and taste. The expertly styled interior epitomizes the easy, chic sophistication of ‘art de vivre à la française’.

Guests stay in the six homes that surround the main manor house, each with private gardens and unique character. We especially love the 'Honey House', originally used to manage beehives and extract honey, it’s now a 2 bedroom haven. Another house has a terrace overlooking the river - your large party will love having this 35 acre hamlet (and two swimming pools) to themselves.

Outside, the grounds slope down to the river, where you’ll paddle toward the nearest town or fish beneath the shade of a 450 year old oak tree. Nearby attractions include the Romanesque Abbey in Saint-Savin (10 km), home to well-preserved 11th and 12th century murals. There's natural beauty in abundance at La Brenne Regional Nature Park (30 km) past Le Blanc. Your holiday (or the days before your wedding) can be a time of calm reflection in this peaceful region of France.

Good news! For a little extra, this property can be booked as a Vill’otel

Yey! Wait… what is that?
It’s the perfect combo of the privacy of your own personal villa, with all the luxury and convenience of a hotel.

What can be arranged?
Breakfast, cleaning, welcome drinks and hamper, plus more! Check the Extras tab for all the details.

Oliver Approved

What you should know…

  • Guests stay in one of the four houses and two studios set around the estate - please see the Features tab for full details including details of maximum capacity in each home
  • If guests wish to self-cater or arrange their own private catering then there will be an extra fee to hire the barn (le pailler) and catering equipment, payable locally
  • The Manor House isn't open to guests (other than the bridal suite for weddings), unless you wish to hire the dining area for a special meal (please note some of the photos are of the manor house for this purpose)
  • You’ll want a car to fully explore the area although the nearest village is a 20 minute walk

This home is a part of our Great Value and Heritage Collection!

  • CO2 emissions per room per night are 91% lower than the national average
  • Supports local businesses
  • Promotes recycling
  • Locally owned

This home is a part of our Sustainable Collection!

  • CO2 emissions per room per night are 91% lower than the national average
  • Supports local businesses
  • Promotes recycling
  • Locally owned

Property Features

Private Pool Child-Safe Pool Wi-Fi/Internet BBQ Ground Floor Bed & Bath TV Outdoor Games DVD Working Fireplace/Woodburner Heating Caretaker/Owner on Site Waterfront

The Estate consists of four houses and two studios set around the main manor house, sleeping up to 24 guests in 11 bedrooms. Each home has its own personality and atmosphere, all set along a river and amidst peaceful green gardens and the surrounding fields.

In the grounds, Le Pailler is a barn where group meals can take place - this is included in the rental price for guests who are catered for by the owners whilst self-catering guests can pay a supplement to use this dining space.

Two-storey loft with river view (3 bedrooms, max. cap: 6)

- Large living quarters on ground floor
- Large kitchen
- 2 x double bedrooms
- Twin beds on mezzanine
- One bathroom with bath
- Two bathrooms with shower
- Bow windows opening on to river
- Private garden with terrace

Three-storey loft with river view (2 bedrooms, max. cap: 4-5)

- Large living quarters on ground floor
- 2 x double bedrooms and sofa-bed (for one person) on open space mezzanine
- One bathroom
- Low level summer kitchen opening on to terrace overlooking river

The Little House (2 bedrooms, max. cap: 5)

- Open-plan living room with fireplace and dining area
- Double bedroom
- Triple bedroom
- Bathroom with bath
- Bathroom with shower
- First floor semi-opened terrace overlooking swimming pool and river

The Orangery (max. cap: 4)

- Large living room
- Sitting room with fireplace
- 2 x double bedrooms
- Bathroom with bath
- Bathroom with shower
- Private enclosed garden

The Artist's Studio (Studio bedroom, max. cap: 2)

- 40m2 ground floor studio
- Bedroom area (river side of studio)
- Small kitchen area
- Open-plan living area
- Bathroom with walk-in shower

The Stable Studio (Studio bedroom, max. cap: 2)

- 40m2 ground floor studio
- Suitable for guests with reduced mobility
- Double bedroom area
- Shower room

For wedding packages, the bridal suite is also made available in the Manor House.

Outside Grounds

-    2 x swimming pools
-    BBQ
-    Garden furnishings
-    Le Pailler/barn for communal dining (included with catering services)
-    Large reception barn (for events)
-    35 acres of private grounds
-    River access

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Satellite TV (with English channels)
-    Hi-Fi
-    Fridge, microwave, oven, coffee machine, kettle in each house
-    Cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils
-    Washing machine

Extra Sustainability Gems About the Property

The property is part of the local heritage Saint Victor, and dates from the late XVth /early XVIth century, and the renovations have all been made with sustainable materials.

Location

About the surrounding area of The Secret Hamlet
Walk to Village Walk to Restaurant Rural Location Walking/Hiking Paths Wine Tasting Golf Nearby Fishing Outstanding Landscapes Outdoor Pursuit & Activities Tourist Towns & Villages
Loading map

Situated at the border of the Berry and Poitou regions and only one hour away from the Loire Valley, The Secret Hamlet sits on the top of a woody hill softly sloping down to the left bank of a beautiful river.

The owners are happy to create personalised itineraries to help you discover Berry and the Poitou Region. History, antique chasing, restaurants, painting, gardening and cooking are all available on request.

Activities on the property include canoeing, kayaking and fishing – permit available. 

Activities around the estate include rich cultural and historical sites, golf, hunting, horseback riding, tennis, cycling, walking, and fauna and flora in the Parc de la Brenne.

The local village is 1.5 km away and has a bar/restaurant, a grocery store and a post office.

Towns nearby include Le Blanc (11km), Argenton sur Creuse (45km), Châteauroux (65km), Poitiers (50km), Châtellerault (40km).

Read more about Loire Valley

Local Amenities
Nearest Airport Poitiers–Biard Airport

(64km)

Nearest Ferry Port

(8km)

Nearest Village

(<1km )

Nearest Restaurant Local village

(1.5km)

Nearest Shop Grocery store

(1.5km)

Nearest Supermarket Le Blanc

(11km)

Nearest Tennis

(4km)

Region

A region doesn’t get to be called “The Garden of France” without being pretty special, and the Loire Valley is just as luscious and beautiful as its nickname would suggest. There’s countless acres of beautiful woods, vineyards and farmland that produce some of France’s revered ingredients and delicacies, and a wealth of history and beautiful architecture that demands and rewards exploration. Whether you’re heading off with the family, friends, or both, our fantastic portfolio of Loire Valley villas and chateaux means you’ll find fantastic, comfortable and quirky accommodation no matter your preferences.

Download our Loire Valley Travel Guide >>

Kids

Best Suited For: All Ages
Ideal for Kids Ideal for Teens

Baby and Toddler Equipment

  • Stair gates
  • Cot(s)
  • High Chair(s)

Kids Activities Close-by

  • Walk to Village
  • Walk to Restaurant
  • Fishing
  • Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
  • Tourist Towns & Villages

Onsite Facilities

  • Badminton
  • Child-Safe Pool
  • Outdoor Games
  • DVD
  • Fenced Grounds
  • Waterfront

Services Available

  • Catering Available
  • Chef/Cook Available
  • Maid Service Available

Extras

Oliver's Extras

  • Catering Available
  • Chef/Cook Available
  • Maid Service Available
Good news! This property is available as a Vill’otel

With a vill’otel holiday, you can enjoy all these services throughout your stay:

- Daily breakfast
- Daily maid service
- Deluxe welcome hamper with local delicacies
- Welcome drinks for your group
- Fridge-stocking service
- Private chef service

Interested?
If you’d like to book the Vill’otel serviced option, contact us on villotel@oliverstravels.com for a tailor-made quote! Typical costs range between £100-£250 per person per week dependent on requirements.

Please note that all services are subject to availability and must be requested at the time of booking.

At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:

- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting/childcare services

Services available at this property:

- Catering services include picnics, buffets, sit-down meals, baskets of local food etc.
- If guests wish to self-cater or arrange their own private catering then a fee will be applicable to hire the open barn (le pailler) and catering equipment, payable locally

Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!

Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs

Event information

On top of a hill with splendid grounds sloping down towards the river, this old turreted château, caressed by creeping vines, has been beautifully renovated and was featured as one of the best foodie retreats in rural France.

With an inherited peaceful ambiance combined with more recently added sophistication and flair, this luxurious and peaceful castle and hamlet near the Loire Valley is just perfect for a memorable fairy tale wedding. Six lovely homes surround the main château, meaning up to 26 guests can stay on site and enjoy everything this special place has to offer. 

Indoor Capacity - 120

Outdoor Capacity - 150

Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony could take place in the gardens or in one of the barns. The owners are able to provide details of an English-speaking celebrant. Tables, benches and chairs in the venues can be used - details can be provided by the owner.

Wedding Reception
A reception with over 100 people could take place in the Byre/stables or there is an open barn (Le Pailler) where up to 80 people can be hosted for a sit-down meal. Both venues have a dance floor and a marquee can be added, subject to regulations.

Additional Fees for Events
Pricing is created on request, please enquire for details.

Wedding Planning
The owners are able to provide different levels of help and can suggest suppliers. Wedding packages are available but a full wedding planning service (e.g. management of the event on the day) is not included. Please note the use of a wedding planner is obligatory.

Catering
Catering services are provided for breakfasts, brunches, buffet meals, sit-down meals and picnics with ad hoc staff to prepare, clear and clean. Tables, chairs, linen, cutlery and glasses can be provided by the owner for up to 26 residential guests but any further equipment must be rented for weddings with larger numbers. Self-catering for weddings is not permitted.

Wedding Packages
The venue can provide extra cleaning, furniture and decorations on request, please enquire for details.

Where To Stay
Up to 26 people can sleep on-site (up to 24 guests in the cottages and studios as well as a bridal suite in the château) and the venue will recommend nearby accommodation for the guests not sleeping on the estate. The owners can supply details of local transport firms.

Venue Accessibility 
There are limited public transportation options. There is complimentary parking on-site (this needs to be managed by the wedding planner). There is limited wheelchair accessibility, please enquire for details.

Venue Back-Up
A hired marquee is possible at the venue, if this is your choice, but it’s not necessary as a back-up for bad weather. 

Wedding Suppliers
The venue has a range of suppliers for clients to use, but clients are also able to bring their own suppliers.

Flexibility on Duration
There is a minimum 2 night stay, please enquire for further details.

Children
Adult-only events, no children allowed.

Noise Restrictions 
Noise should be minimised after a certain hour to respect neighbours. Music can usually play outside until 11pm or in the Byre/Le Pailler until 2am.

Other
There are some restrictions on decoration and themes - please enquire for more details.

The hire of a Security Manager is mandatory.

There is limited security measures in place (as always, guests are responsible for their belongings).

Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.

All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.

Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.

Security deposit €2000 paid via bank transfer to the owner at the time of paying the final balance and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.
Arrival time 4.30 p.m.
Departure time 11.00 a.m.
Energy costs included? Included in the rental price. During winter there may be an additional charge depending on consumption, payable locally.
Linen & towels included? All linen and bath towels are included in the rental price. Linen changes possible, subject to charges, payable locally.
Pets welcome? On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Please note pets are not permitted when the estate is booked for a wedding.
Changeover day Saturday. All other changeover days, including weekend rental, on request.
End of stay cleaning included? Extra €50 per house, €25 per studio and €100 for Le Pailler/open-barn (and reception room if used), payable locally. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.
Smoking Allowed? Not allowed.
Insurance The client must be insured with an insurance company for cancellations and his rental liabilities, bodily injury, personal injury, losses or property damage caused to the rented property or its contents or adjoining property. A copy of the insurance policy has to be given prior to arrival.
Other Ts and Cs A rental contract is to be signed with the owner of the estate. A copy of detailed insurance policies (as indicated above) must also be given to the owner prior to arrival, at the time of paying the final balance.
Tax French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€3 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required).
Minimum stay 2 nights in May and mid-September to mid-October. 7 nights during all other periods.
Other Ts and Cs If guests wish to self-cater or arrange their own private catering then a fee of €100 per day will be applicable to hire the open barn (le pailler), payable locally
Pool opening dates? Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.
Other Ts and Cs Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges.

Rental Rates

Prices based on an occupancy of 24 people:

Rental period 2 Nights 3 Nights 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Mar 28th 2024 - Apr 29th 2024 - - - - £9,903
Apr 29th 2024 - May 30th 2024 £4,952 £5,942 £6,932 £7,922 £9,903
May 30th 2024 - Sep 11th 2024 - - - - £9,903
Sep 11th 2024 - Oct 11th 2024 £4,952 £5,942 £6,932 £7,922 £9,903
Oct 11th 2024 - Dec 29th 2024 - - - - £9,903
Dec 29th 2024 - Apr 28th 2025 - - - - £9,903
Apr 28th 2025 - May 29th 2025 £4,952 £5,942 £6,932 £7,922 £9,903
May 29th 2025 - Sep 10th 2025 - - - - £9,903
Sep 10th 2025 - Sep 29th 2025 £4,952 £5,942 £6,932 £7,922 £9,903

Prices based on an occupancy of 24 people:

Rental period 2 Nights 3 Nights 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Mar 28th 2024 - Apr 29th 2024 - - - - €10,750
Apr 29th 2024 - May 30th 2024 €5,375 €6,450 €7,525 €8,600 €10,750
May 30th 2024 - Sep 11th 2024 - - - - €10,750
Sep 11th 2024 - Oct 11th 2024 €5,375 €6,450 €7,525 €8,600 €10,750
Oct 11th 2024 - Dec 29th 2024 - - - - €10,750
Dec 29th 2024 - Apr 28th 2025 - - - - €10,750
Apr 28th 2025 - May 29th 2025 €5,375 €6,450 €7,525 €8,600 €10,750
May 29th 2025 - Sep 10th 2025 - - - - €10,750
Sep 10th 2025 - Sep 29th 2025 €5,375 €6,450 €7,525 €8,600 €10,750

Prices based on an occupancy of 24 people:

Rental period 2 Nights 3 Nights 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Mar 28th 2024 - Apr 29th 2024 - - - - $11,673
Apr 29th 2024 - May 30th 2024 $5,837 $7,004 $8,171 $9,339 $11,673
May 30th 2024 - Sep 11th 2024 - - - - $11,673
Sep 11th 2024 - Oct 11th 2024 $5,837 $7,004 $8,171 $9,339 $11,673
Oct 11th 2024 - Dec 29th 2024 - - - - $11,673
Dec 29th 2024 - Apr 28th 2025 - - - - $11,673
Apr 28th 2025 - May 29th 2025 $5,837 $7,004 $8,171 $9,339 $11,673
May 29th 2025 - Sep 10th 2025 - - - - $11,673
Sep 10th 2025 - Sep 29th 2025 $5,837 $7,004 $8,171 $9,339 $11,673

Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.

Owner Profile

How long have you owned the property?
I took over the house in 1981

What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
I fell in love with this secret place 35 years ago, and was completely besotted by the old oak mastering the river. The house was a wreck, I had no money, passion pushed me, bank loans pulled me… our house came back to life.
Respectful of the harmony between man and nature we have renovated the houses and the gardens to offer a bit of true “art de vivre à la française”… My 3 children and I have decided to open up the family circle to others, to share unique moments.

Have you ever had any famous guests staying?

Yes, many, but it is theirs and our secret!

For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do?

Discover our Natural Reserve - Parc Régional de la Brenne. Cycling, canoeing down the rivers, horseback riding, walking, bird and butterfly watching, parachuting, rock climbing. Swim, read, play music, cook, go wine tasting, go to markets….

Really eat?
All the local delicacies including paté, cheese, meats, seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Really see?
The area is abundant with history, architecture, culture, villages, markets...

What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?

"Do you know that charming part of our country which has been called the garden of France, that spot where amid verdant plains watered by wide streams, one inhales the purest air of heaven.” Alfred de Vigny.

ENQUIRE NOW

Reviews

  • Thoroughly enjoyable

    on 10/03/2017

    We enjoyed our break at The Secret Hamlet very much, Marie made us very welcome and arranged some food and wine on our arrival at one of the number of houses you can book for a weekend or longer. It is in a quiet and peaceful location but not far from towns with plenty to do and see.

  • Amazing!

    on 20/10/2016

    Amazing, magical and marvellous place in center of France. If you crave for beauty, privacy and romantism, I think it's perfect for weddings or a week-end away. Marie was such a wonderful help for us. Thank you for everything.

  • Lovely place to stay

    on 21/08/2016

    Very nice atmosphere, ambience with flair, friendly people, fantastic place to stay. Beautiful rooms, each with their own flair. Lovely people that make you feel at home and relaxed.

  • Simply Perfect

    on 01/08/2016

    What a wonderful place to stay in Ingrandes. The chateau with the houses, lovely gardens and the very charming hosts Marie and Ursula. You can ask them everything and they will help you. The attention to detail everywhere was delightful. Marie and Ursula cooked a delicious meal for us! We will come back, it's an oasis for all who loves peaceful moments, good food, wine, music and art. You can feel the past in this surrounding and that makes it very special. "Art de vivre" (like the French people say).

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