Perfectly located for visiting artist villages, gorgeous market towns, famous chateaux and forested landscapes that have inspired painters since the 19th century, stay in a picture-perfect village house a short drive from Château de Fontainebleau and under an hour from Paris.

Once an unhabitable farmhouse, the story behind Fleur De Lupin is enchanting; it was lovingly restored in the mid-20th century by its passionate owner who had arrived in France many years earlier as a young boy following the Russian Revolution and later travelled the world as a distinguished French soldier. The house’s elegant and charmingly old-fashioned décor tells stories of those travels as well as his Russian heritage. It’s a true privilege to be able to experience the warmth and character of this cherished home.  

Across the former farmhouse and its adjacent cottage, up to 15 guests can stay at Fleur De Lupin across its eight welcoming bedrooms. Whether huddling by the fireplace or sipping coffee on one of the picturesque terraces outside, it’s a joy at any time of year, especially with its two-hectare of gardens filled with evergreens bringing verdant richness across every season. In the summer months, when the glorious swimming pool awaits, look out for discreet splashes of summer colour with geraniums and fuchsia, and seek shade beneath the century-old catalpa tree.

Pick up fresh organic bread from the boulangerie less than a 5-minute drive away and visit nearby farms for a wealth of regional delights such as eggs, cheeses, honey and watercress grown by the local river. Enjoy the ambience in the charming village of Barbizon with its classic French restaurants, pretty shops and art galleries, then soak up the atmosphere in gorgeous Milly-la-Forêt with its monthly weekend brocante and wonderful Thursday morning market.

Château de Fontainebleau is merely 11km by car, one of France’s most famous historic residences, whilst slightly closer to home are the exquisite gardens and fountains of Château de Courance, open most weekends from spring to autumn. Then of course there’s the incredible landscapes of the Forêt de Fontainebleau and Parc Naturel Régional du Gâtinais Français, an absolute paradise for hikers, cyclists, horse-riding enthusiasts and even rock-climbers.