Villa Foret
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Overview
Wrapped in woodland, with a river meandering through and its very own boating pond, Villa Forêt is a rural idyll for those seeking tranquillity in a glorious region not far from the beautiful town of Chartres.
Set in ten hectares of parkland, Villa Forêt is a joy whatever time of year with its great natural beauty. Enjoy long walks through the forest, get lost in the maze, find a quiet spot by the edge of the water or head out on the rowing boat to spot fish in the large pond. Keen nature lovers can admire the flora and fauna whilst fitness enthusiasts can jog along the many trails of the vast grounds and beyond. Badminton, archery, boules and spikeball are all available to keep everyone entertained or you may just prefer to truly relax in the sunshine with outdoor furnishings scattered around during the warm summer months.
The villa itself is just as wonderful with its warm ambience. The large living and dining area is a welcoming space with its cosy sofas by the fireplace, elegant bar and dining area by the large picture-book windows. The TV lounge and billiards room add to the sense of style whilst the large kitchen is fully equipped for every occasion. The villa offers five lovely bedrooms on the first and second floors, all south-facing with king-size beds and most with an en suite bathroom, as well as other flexible spaces allowing plenty of room for up to 17 guests.
A sweet cottage next door, attached to the villa, can also be booked for larger groups with four additional bedrooms as well as a lounge and kitchen. Whether a family reunion, a holiday with friends or a once-in-a-lifetime event, up to 25 people can comfortably stay in this fantastic abode.
On the edge of the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche, visit timeless villages, dine in charming restaurants, boat along pretty rivers and admire the cultural heritage of the region with châteaux, abbeys and historic towns. The local town of Brou is especially delightful with its half-timbered houses, covered weekly market and picturesque setting on the River Ozanne whilst Bonneval, often referred to as ‘little Venice’, is an idyllic place to hire electric boats along the waterways.
Nogent-le-Rotrou is another fine town with its fortified castle or spend a brilliant day in the grand town of Chartres admiring its amazing cathedral, beautiful parks and riverside setting. You could even drive across to Le Mans, around an hour away, to discover yet more historic beauty in the city known for its famous 24-hr race.
Wherever you spend your time exploring, you will appreciate returning to the quiet and welcoming surroundings of Villa Forêt in its exceptional setting in the Eure-et-Loir region of central France.
What you should know…
- The 17-person price includes the main villa only (5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms) whilst the 25-person price also includes the cottage (4 bedrooms including a ground floor twin, 3 bathrooms). The villa and cottage are connected via the garage.
- Please check the ‘Features’ tab for full details of the sleeping and bathroom arrangements across the main villa and cottage.
- The beautiful grounds cover ten hectares and include a river and large pond.
- The owners can also provide fishing kits and archery on request – children will need to be supervised during such activities.
Property Features
1) Main Villa Only (17-person price)
2) Main Villa and Cottage (25-person price)
Main Villa Interiors (550m2)
Ground Floor
- Main entrance and hallway
- Living-dining area with sofas, fireplace, dining table and bar
- TV lounge
- Billiards room
- Kitchen, fully-equipped including oven, fridge-freezer with ice-machine, wine fridges, kettle, electric coffee machine, Nespresso machine and a table with four chairs
- Laundry room
- WC
- Shower room
First Floor
- Bedroom One (30m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), sofa-bed (160x200cm), dressing area and bathroom with bath, shower and WC. Doors lead to sun terrace (50m2)
- Bedroom Two (18m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm). Shares bathroom with Bedroom One
- Bedroom Three (25m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), single bed (90x200cm), dressing area and bathroom with shower, bath and WC
- Bedroom Four (28m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), sofa-bed (160x200cm), dressing area and bathroom with shower, bath and WC
- Office (17m2) with desk. 1 to 2 single beds (90x200cm) can be added on request
Second Floor
- Bedroom Five (18m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm), single bed (90x200cm) and bathroom with shower and WC
- Open-plan recreational loft area (15m2) with three single beds (90x200cm)
Cottage Interiors (140m2)
Ground Floor
- Living room
- Kitchen
- Bedroom Six (13m2) with twin beds (90x200cm each)
- Bathroom
- WC
First Floor
- Bedroom Seven (11m2) with twin beds (90x200cm each) and shared wardrobe space in hallway
- Bedroom Eight (11m2) with twin beds (90x200cm each) and shared wardrobe space in hallway
- Shower room and WC (shared between above two bedrooms)
- Bedroom Nine (11m2) with twin beds (90x200cm each) and private wardrobe space in hallway. Shower room and WC
Other parts of the main villa and cottage are closed off to guests
Outside Grounds
- Vast grounds with garden and woodland (10 hectares)
- Outdoor furnishings (in season)
- Barbecue
- Boules pitch
- Badminton
- Archery (on request)
- Fishing kits (on request)
- Garden maze
- Large pond (with boat)
- River crossing through the grounds
- On-site parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Fireplaces
- Smart TV
- Home cinema
- Bar including Nespresso machine and kettle
- Billiards table
- Table tennis
- Boules
- Spike ball
- Badminton
- Archery (on request)
- Fishing (on request)
- Boat
- Washing machine and dryer
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa Foret40km south-west of Chartres, around an hour east of Le Mans and just ninety minutes from Paris, discover the gentle and beautiful landscapes of the Perche region with its pretty villages, fascinating heritage, increasing number of artisan shops as well as wonderful forests ready to be explored by foot, bike or horse-back.
Villa Forêt is set in 10 hectares of vast parkland featuring woodland, a tranquil pond and a small river running through the grounds. There are numerous walking, jogging or cycling trails around the estate and beyond, especially as you drive into the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche.
There is a small village 6km away with a shop, café-bar, restaurant and castle or drive a little further to the very attractive town of Brou (12km) on the River Ozanne with its lovely weekly covered market, half-timbered houses, old wash houses as well as some good restaurants and café-bars (including French whisky specialists).
Illiers-Combray (10km) is home to the nearest large supermarket and the town itself is a pleasant place to visit. The author, Marcel Proust, used to spend his holidays here and nowadays visitors can wander around the tranquil Pré-Catelan Garden or pop into to the Musée Marcel Proust in his aunt’s former home.
Spend time exploring the magnificent landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche and visit gorgeous villages such as Nogent-le-Rotrou (27km) with its fortified château, Bellême (50km) with its surrounding oak and beech forest and the small medieval town of Mortagne-au-Perche, an hour away, famous for its boudin noir, a type of black pudding.
Driving south, Bonneval (28km) is known as the ‘Little Venice of Beauce’ with electric boat trips on the Loir River, a perfect way to admire the picturesque scenery in this historic village. Look out for canoe and kayak rental just outside the village centre.
Chartres (40km) is another fine day out, a town especially well-known for its mighty gothic cathedral, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the banks of the River Eure, it’s such a pretty place for wandering around, perusing its many shops and finding characterful restaurants for something to eat. If visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, pick up some delicious food from the market at Place Billiards, then take a picnic in one of the parks and hire pedalos along the river. Festivities and events take place across the year including Chartres en Lumière from around April to late September when the town is magically lit up in the evening.
Finally, the world-famous racing event takes place every year in Le Mans (90km), a city which should also be admired for its historic character and beauty. Taking around an hour by car, potter around its cobbled lanes, passing 15th century houses and coming across excellent restaurants or atmospheric cafes.
If arriving by train, departures from Paris Montparnasse take approximately one hour to Chartres on the fastest service with further connections to various stations including Illiers-Combray, just 10km away.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Le Mans
(95km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Paris Orly
(120km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Paris Charles de Gaulle
(150km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Illiers-Combray
(10km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local village
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Local village
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Illiers-Combray
(10km) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Brou
(12km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf du Perche
(24km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Brou
(12km) |
||
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 AgesThe Perche region offers endless walking trails, cycling opportunities and horse-riding in this glorious part of France dotted with pretty villages, picturesque rivers, woodland and beautiful countryside.
Just outside the local town of Brou is a leisure park with an outdoor swimming pool and a golf-swing club, as well as a yachting club on the banks of the lake and tennis and horse-riding stables close by. Further north, around half an hour away near Fontaine-Simon, the Parc Aquatique du Perche is home to an indoor swimming pool and there is water-skiing on the lakes nearby.
Young children may also be enchanted by the pretty Marcel Proust Pré-Catelan Garden in Illiers-Combray or head to the gorgeous village of Bonneval for boating or kayaking along the river.
Hire pedaloes along the river in the historic town of Chartres, known for its mighty gothic cathedral, and spend time in one of its beautiful parks or take a tour of the centre by the little tourist road train. Also part of the town, L'Odyssée is a huge waterpark with an Olympic sized pool and ice-skating rink.
For something completely different, L’Escape at the Domaine de L’Abbaye in nearby Thiron-Gardais is a unique attraction for brave older children aged 10+.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Badminton
- Boules/Petanque
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Home Cinema
- Waterfront
Services Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Oliver's Extras
- Transfers Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Yoga Session/Archery Coach Available for stays of 7 Nights+ (Upon Request)
- Wellness Services Available
- Shopping Service Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From pr...
Read moreExtras
Oliver's Extras
- Transfers Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Yoga Session/Archery Coach Available for stays of 7 Nights+ (Upon Request)
- Wellness Services Available
- Shopping Service Available
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
Extras included at this property:
- Welcome pack
- Toiletries (soap and shampoo from Rituals)
- Firewood (in December)
- Customised itinerary (upon request)
- Drinks cooling (upon request minimum 24h prior to arrival)
- Amuse-bouche cooling (upon request minimum 24h prior to arrival)
- Badminton, pétanque, mölky, tennis table, basket-ball, football
- Small pedalo boat
- Paddle board
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Wellness services (yoga, reflexology, body / Head massage, calligraphy …)
- Flower arrangements (to be requested 4 weeks prior to arrival)
- Yoga session with professional (upon request minimum 4 weeks prior to arrival)
- Archery coach for stays of minimum 7 nights (upon request minimum 4 weeks prior to arrival)
- Street art session with coach (upon request minimum 4 weeks prior to arrival)
- Tree climbing with coach (upon request minimum 4 weeks prior to arrival)
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
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a hig...
Read moreEvent information
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 | €3500 (villa only)/€3800 (villa and cottage) paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €3500 (villa only)/€3800 (villa and cottage) paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 11.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes (within reasonable use, otherwise charges for excess water/heating usage may apply or in the case of exceptional climate change). |
| Heating costs included? | Yes (within reasonable use, otherwise charges for excess water/heating usage may apply or in the case of exceptional climate change). |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Extra €400 (villa) and €550 (villa and cottage), payable locally on arrival. 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. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights (2 night weekend stays are also possible in April, May, June, late August, September and October). |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. The policy must cover you for all tenant/rental liability concerning the rental property (ie, ‘resort insurance’, known in France as ‘garantie villégiature’). You may need to add an option to your insurance policy or buy an additional policy to cover this. A copy of this insurance policy must be provided to the owners one month before arrival. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings and special events/celebrations are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The 17-person price includes the main villa only (5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms) whilst the 25-person price also includes the cottage (4 bedrooms including a ground floor twin, 3 bathrooms). |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 17 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3rd 2023 - Apr 1st 2024 | £3,919 | £5,878 | £6,052 | £6,052 | £6,052 |
| Apr 1st 2024 - Jun 29th 2024 | £4,663 | £5,338 | £6,013 | £6,688 | £8,036 |
| Jun 29th 2024 - Aug 30th 2024 | - | - | - | - | £8,036 |
| Aug 30th 2024 - Apr 5th 2025 | £4,663 | £5,338 | £6,013 | £6,688 | £8,036 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 25 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3rd 2023 - Apr 1st 2024 | £4,518 | £6,777 | £7,242 | £7,242 | £7,242 |
| Apr 1st 2024 - Jun 29th 2024 | £5,556 | £6,294 | £7,032 | £7,770 | £9,226 |
| Jun 29th 2024 - Aug 30th 2024 | - | - | - | - | £9,226 |
| Aug 30th 2024 - Apr 5th 2025 | £5,556 | £6,294 | £7,032 | £7,770 | £9,226 |
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.
How long have you owned the property?
Since July 2020.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
What we love is that sort of magic and s...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
Since July 2020.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
What we love is that sort of magic and serenity as we get in the forest through the gate and then discover the large space and the unexpected style of the house as well so many areas where everyone can find their way to relax, play or think (or doing nothing!)
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
Buying this property is part of our project to move from Paris to our country house which we owned for 15 years in the Perche region. After a fast-paced professional career, we set ourselves a challenge: to undertake a tourism project together. In 2019 we decided that our next life will be here.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
We are! For cooking French delicacies on a famous TV show...
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do?
Mountain biking in the local area.
Must eat?
Very strange speciality here in the Perche: le boudin! You can find this home made in every local shop and in Frazé (see guest book). Also the famous Madeleine pastry (Madeleine de Proust) from Illiers-Combray.
Must see?
L’abbaye de Thiron Gardais, Frazé castle, and le pré catelan (remarkable garden belonging to Marcel Proust's uncle).
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
- Les Percherons (inhabitants of the Perche) are very very nice people and helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. They will love giving you recommendations.
- Explore the village of Thiron-Gardais and its abbey, you may meet with famous Stéphane Bern. He is known as a specialist in nobility and royalty. He has been awarded honours by several nations, including the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France), the Order of Grimaldi (Monaco), and the Order of the British Empire (United Kingdom).At the location of the cloister and monastic buildings, you can freely visit the Abbey Estate and its themed gardens associated with the recently restored tithe barn. Attached to the church, the old college created by the Mauritian religious around 1630 became a royal military college in 1776 and is today owned by Mr. Stéphane Bern, who recently opened a museum linked to history there.
Reviews
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Wonderful experience
We had a more than a wonderful experience at Villa Foret. There are no words to describe this amazing place and even the pictures cannot illustrate it. It was beyond any of our expectation (and we had high). The owners are more than kind and very service oriented and they helped us planning our vacation and execute it in the best way. With no doubt this is a 5+ stars villa and highly recomanded!!!
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Vraiment top!
Merci à vous de nous avoir accueillis si chaleureusement, ils étaient tous ravis. C'était vraiment top!
Effectivement, le soleil était à l'intérieur, je trouve les lieux tellement solaires! -
We hope to come back
We enjoyed our stay enormously. I think your house has everything to enjoy a great time. Nothing was missing. You are extremely well equipped. The spaces are very pleasant. We feel good. We are totally disconnected. It was great. Above all we hope to come back.
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Everything is going perfectly
Everything is going perfectly well thanks to you.
We are very settled. Thank you for the welcome and the magnificent sun!!!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
