Enjoy your holiday living in a beautifully designed detached house, located in the centre of á small pretty village.
How to get there:
Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth will cruise you into the historic town of St Malo. Then just a 35 minutes drive will bring you to the property.
Alternatively, fly EasyJet from Gatwick to Rennes, thé capital of Brittany. Hire a car and a 50 minutes drive will bring you to your holiday home.
The Property
The house sits in 1/3rd of an acre, nestled between oak trees at the front and an apple orchard with a large south facing garden at the back.
The entrance to the property is through two beautiful oak trees. To the front and left side of the house there is sufficient parking space for several cars.
Ground Floor
On entering you are greeted with a spacious hallway with beech staircase. Glass panelled doors lead to the communal areas. To the right is a large living room and ahead is the kitchen. To the left there is a passage with access to the ground floor shower room/toilet.
Living Room
The house is designed to take full advantage of natural light with the main feature of the living room being three French windows giving access to the garden south, west and north. The room is comfortably furnished with plentiful seating for 8 including a Chesterfield sofa. A piano sits proudly to the right of the south facing French window. In front of the north facing french window is a table and seating for 8 people to comfortably dine.
The Kitchen
The south facing kitchen can be accessed from either the hallway or the living room through glass-panelled doors. It is well-equipped with induction hob and oven, washing machine, dishwasher and fridge/freezer. In the centre is an oak topped island ideal for the children to perch on two stools for breakfast. The kitchen has its own access to the garden. So imagine, whilst cooking, wine glass in hand, you can step straight out onto the gravelled patio seating area.
Bedrooms
The beech staircase takes you up to a wide landing and 3 spacious bedrooms, to sleep 8. One bedroom to the right has a king size bed with dual-aspect windows. The second bedroom to the right of the landing is furnished with a double and single bed. The third bedroom, to the left of the landing is another dual-aspect room with a double and single bed. Also to the left is a very large bathroom, with the separate toilet facilities in front of you at the head of the stairs.
The Garden
The rear garden is south facing with the sun rising from the east over the picturesque village church and setting late evening to the west. It is ideal for sunbathing throughout the day yet the apple trees offer natural shade for afternoon tea with delicious locally bought patisseries. Evening aperitifs can then be enjoyed on the gravelled patio surrounded by roses and agapanthus.
The Village
The village has a bar/restaurant renovated to modern standards. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday to Friday and weekend evenings. The food is cooked on the premises from local produce and there is always a vegetarian option. On the same location there is a co-operative shop stocking local produce.
Out and About
The Bétineuc Lakes
Just a short walk from the house is access to the beautiful Bétineuc lakes. The lakes provide opportunities for walking, cycling, sailing, fishing, swimming and bird spotting. There is an idyllic small beach for children to build sandcastles and á cordoned off part of the lakes for safe swimming. There are a number of picnic tables placed around the lakes to enjoy an al fresco lunch and a very convenient beachside café open from Spring to Autumn. If you are interested in history, the ruins of the ancient village church on the edge of the lakes is worth exploring.
Evran
A short drive or, continuing your walk or cycling around the lakes, will bring you to a beautiful canal along which you can head into the village of Evran with its two restaurants, two banks, á delicatessen, Boulangerie, a pharmacy, garage, supermarket and hairdressers. Saturday mornings there is an open air market.
Old railway track
A short walk from the house in the opposite direction to the lakes, you will find the old station house with a cycle path leading to the next village of Le Quiou. Le Quiou has a thriving bar and an authentic Creperie. A short walk/cycle ride will bring you to the local Chateau du Hac, with its dreamy spires, often open to visitors. Make sure you also visit the Roman Villa remains, open to wander around throughout the year.
Lehon
Just 10 minutes drive from the house brings you to Lehon. A hidden gem on the outskirts of Dinan. A pretty humped backed bridge which straddles the River Rance leads you along a cobbled street to a beautiful Abbey and cloisters. Continuing your stroll will take you to the ancient 13th century castle ruins. Make the steep climb and walk along the top and enjoy magnificent views. Mixing modern with ancient, nestled in this magnificent setting, Lehon also features an open-air swimming pool, heated all year round with a smaller children’s pool.
Le Port, Dinan
Take a 20 minute walk along the canal banks from Lehon to Le Port of Dinan with its magnificent viaduc towering over the pretty humpback bridge. Relax with a drink or have lunch overlooking the beautiful river in one of thé many restaurants and bars - you will be spoiled for choice!
The Town, Dinan
If you want a challenge walk up the famous very steep Rue du Jerzual from Le Port into the amazing medieval town of Dinan. Feeling less energetic, then the centre Dinan is just 12 minutes drive from the house. Dinan is unmissable, with its castle, walkable ramparts, cobbled streets, ancient architecture, churches, squares, restaurants, bars and a huge array of small, independent shops to die for. View the viaduct and river from the height of the Jardin Anglais.
St Malo, Dinard and St Lunaire
Further away, but just 35 minutes drive from the house and you will arrive at the beautiful bays and beaches of St Malo, Dinard and beyond. Explore the cobbled streets of St Malo within its ancient walls. Enjoy the unique shops, thriving restaurants and bars, then catch a 10 mins ferry ride across the bay to Dinard with its beautiful beaches, elegant villas standing proud on the cliffs, and enjoy the cliff walks with stunning views. Then, after relaxing at one of the beach cafes, prowl around the unique boutique shops. Further along the bay, visit St Lunaire with its magnificent golden sands beaches and Manoirs perched on the cliff tops. There is a beach café, children’s swings and bouncy castles for the young ones.
Finally, wherever you decide to explore along this coastline you will find picturesque bays, golden sandy beaches, beautiful parks, a variety of restaurants and bars in which to relax and, great photo opportunities. Enjoy! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Château de Dinan10 min drive - 6.5 miles