The Secret Hamlet
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Overview
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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, the Old World chateau 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’.
Six homes surround the main chateau, 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 L’Anglin, where you’ll paddle toward the nearest town (Ingrandes) 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? What can be arranged? |
What you should know…
- You’ll want a car to explore the area - the nearest village is a 20 minute walk.
- The main chateau has its own pool, while the remaining 4 houses share another.
This property is a part of our Sustainable Collection!
To be part of this collection, properties either have to tick 4 or more of our sustainable checklist, or tick 3 of the checklist but also have a score of 5 or lower (kg) for the total carbon footprint per day, based on full occupancy, per bedroom. View the full collection here >
This property ticked these points on our sustainable checklist:
- Supports the local community (locally owned)
- Supports the local community (promotes local businesses)
- Promotes Sustainable Living (Recycling)
- Protects and conserves local Heritage
Property Features
The Estate consists of a main house and 6 outer buildings, sleeping up to 27 guests in 13 bedrooms. Each house has its own personality and atmosphere, all set amidst peaceful green gardens and the surrounding fields.
Le Manoir (max cap: 4 - adults only)
The main house can accommodate 4 guests in 2 double bedrooms. It also has a kitchen, dining room, library/music room, two bathrooms and one shower room.
The Outer Houses (11 bedrooms)
La Miellerie Côté Jardin (max. cap: 6)
Traditional duplex farm house. The large living quarters, small wheat store, a barn for farm material and the horse box/cow sheds have been turned into a house surrounded by gardens. It comprises of 2 double bedrooms and a twin bed on the mezzanine, a large kitchen and a double sitting room that opens onto a dining room with a large fireplace and a garden with terrace. There are two bathrooms and a shower room.
La Miellerie Côté Cour (max. cap: 4)
The 'Honey House' originally came to life, as a place to keep wood for the construction of beehives and machines to extract honey. It now comprises large living quarters over three floors with 2 master bedrooms and a sofa bed on the open space mezzanine, a terrace and a garden. There is one bathroom.
La Petite Maison (max. cap: 5)
The original shape and form, tiled roof, stone fireplace and traditional windows have been kept. There are one double bedroom and one triple bedroom. The first floor of the adjacent barn has been turned into a terrace overlooking the swimming pool and river. A dining room opens onto the sitting room with a fireplace. There is one shower room and one bathroom.
L’Orangerie (max. cap: 4)
The Lemon house, with its large arched windows and high ceiling in the Renaissance style, has been transformed. It now comprises a large living room bathed in sun light, 2 double bedrooms, a large living room, sitting room with fireplace and a private garden. There is one bathroom and one shower room.
L'Atelier (max. cap: 2)
A new ground floor wheelchair accessible studio comprising of one double bedroom and a shower room.
L'Ecurie (max. cap: 2)
A new ground floor wheelchair accessible studio comprising of one double bedroom (which can be made twin) and a shower room.
Outside the estate sits in 35 acres of private grounds with two private swimming pools and access to the Anglin river.
Included in the rental price: bed linen and towels, cutlery, plates, cooking utensils, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, Satellite TV with English channels, Hi-Fi, Wi-Fi connection, garden furniture & barbecue.
Location
About the surrounding area of The Secret HamletSituated at the border of the Berry and Poitou regions and only 1 hour away from the Loire Valley, the manor and its 5 outer buildings sit on the top of a woody hill softly sloping down to the left bank of the River Anglin.
The owners are happy to create personalized 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 property 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 (8km), Argenton sur Creuse (45km), Châteauroux (65km), Poitiers (50km), Châtellerault (40km).
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Village |
(1.5km) |
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| Nearest Supermarket |
(8km) |
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| Nearest Tennis |
(4km) |
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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.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesBaby and Toddler Equipment
- Stair gates
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
- Baby Proofing
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Badminton
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Outdoor Games
- DVD
- Fenced Grounds
- Waterfront
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- 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: Interested? |
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
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
The Secret Hamlet
On top of a hill with splendid grounds sloping down towards the river, this old...
Read moreEvent information
The Secret Hamlet
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 near the Loire Valley is just perfect for a memorable fairy tale wedding. Six lovely homes surround the main château, meaning that many of your guests can stay on site and enjoy everything this special place has to offer.
Wedding Reception
A reception with over 100 people could take place in the Byre/stables or there is an open barn where up to 80 people can be hosted.
Dancing can continue with a hired dancefloor in one of the barns or in a marquee in the grounds. Music can play outside until 11pm or in the Byre/stables until 2am.
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.
Where to Stay
Up to 27 people can sleep on-site and the venue will recommend nearby accommodation for the guests not sleeping on the estate.
The owners are able to supply details of local transport firms.
Wedding Planning
The owners are able to provide different levels of help and planning 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 available. The client may also supply their own planner.
Catering
There is an in-house chef available or clients may arrange their own. There is no corkage fee.
Other information
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.
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.
| Security deposit | Dependent on the party. |
| Arrival time | 16.00 |
| Departure time | 11.00 |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | Dependent on the party. |
| Arrival time | 16.00 |
| Departure time | 11.00 |
| Energy costs included? | Included in the rental price. During winter there may be an additional charge depending on consumption. |
| Linen & towels included? | All linen and bath towels are included in the rental price. |
| Pets welcome? | On request. Please enquire. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. Short stays available. Please enquire. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Extra €50 per house, paid locally. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No smoking in the property. |
| Insurance | We require you to take liability insurance in case of breakage or damage |
| Other Ts and Cs | A rental contract is to be signed with the owner of the estate and the client must be insured with an insurance company for his rental liabilities and any damage caused to the rented property or its contents. A copy of the insurance policy has to be given prior to arrival. |
| Tax | Mandatory local tax ranging from 0.60€/pers./night for bedrooms in the manor house to € 4.50 per house/night, payable locally upon departure. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 27 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31st 2020 - Jan 2nd 2021 | £3,230 | £4,348 | £5,466 | £6,584 | £8,829 |
| Jan 2nd 2021 - Oct 2nd 2021 | £3,230 | £4,348 | £5,466 | £6,584 | £8,829 |
Please note that prices may not be 100% accurate for dates outside of the current calendar year. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
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 secre...
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.
Reviews
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Thoroughly enjoyable
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.
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Amazing!
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.
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Lovely place to stay
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.
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Simply Perfect
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).
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.