This enchanting French manor house, dating from the 1860s, is situated in the small village of Arbonne la Forêt, 45 minutes drive to the south-east of Paris. This part of Ile de France is renowned as the home of the French Impressionist painters and, in the next door village of Barbizon, you will find the Impressionist Museum, the Auberge du Père Ganne, which the artists used to frequent. The charming villages of Fontainebleau with its famous chateau, dating from the 16th century, and Milly la Forêt with its 15th century marketplace still intact, are also within a ten minute radius of the property. It is just a 40 minute train ride from Fontainebleau/Avon station to the Gare de Lyon in the centre of Paris, making this property particularly appealing for those who want to combine visits to the city with relaxing in the peace and quiet of this beautiful country village setting.
It is an area which offers a huge variety of activities all within a very short distance. As well as the many chateaux and museums to visit, there are horseback riding stables right in Arbonne and two of the best golf courses in France, 5 minutes from the house. There are village tennis courts in Milly la Forêt and numerous possibilities for walking or cycling. You can wander along country lanes and discover out of the way antique shops, or visit one of the wonderful village markets to purchase locally grown food. There are also a number of excellent restaurants close by.
Entrance to the property is through a remote-control gate into a large courtyard with ancient trees, pots of flowering plants, and a long table and chairs. To one side of the courtyard, there is a large ‘granier’ and bar in what was the original old barn. Full of character, it is a great place to gather together with a group of friends. To the rear of the house is a large garden with trees, shrubs and views over the countryside. The house can be rented for groups of 4, 6 or 8 people. A separate apartment is sometimes available on request during July and August, which can accommodate an additional 6 people.
The interiors of the house are delightful and the initial impression is one of walking into an amazing antique shop, full of treasures. Everywhere you look there is evidence of the interior designer owner’s distinctive taste, style and attention to detail. The rooms, each exuding their own personality, are furnished with unique antiques and ornaments collected over the years and displayed beautifully. Exceptionally comfortable, the beds have deluxe box-spring mattresses, crisp linen sheets and beautiful covers and cushions. Several have their own antique French washbasin. Modern amenities include Satellite TV (CNN and BBC channels) with plasma screen, DVD, CD player, central heating as well as heated floors in the kitchen/living/dining room. There is also a small washing machine, a safe and three bicycles which guests are welcome to use. Additional bicycles can be rented at Fontainebleau/Avon station.
|
Ground Floor
Entrance hall. Guest WC. Telephone/fax area. Large living/dining room and kitchen with huge stone fireplace and windows overlooking the garden. The very well equipped kitchen includes a stove with 4 gas burners, oven, American fridge/freezer with water dispenser and an ice machine. ‘Turquoise’ bedroom with 4-poster king-size canopy bed, fireplace and antique washbasin. ‘White’ guest bedroom with 4-poster king-size bed and en-suite bathroom with shower.
First Floor
Master bedroom with 4-poster king-size bed and an antique washbasin. Small en-suite bathroom. ‘Olive’ bedroom with queen-size bed. Bathroom with bath and shower (large ‘rain’ shower).
|
