Delightful Puisaye Cottage S116658

About this property

In the undulating countryside of western Burgundy is the beautiful Maison Lumière, a wonderful holiday home set in a rural area of woodland and fields yet within striking distance to many highlights of this incredible region.

The owners have lovingly created a welcoming home which offers privacy with high levels of comfort. The open-plan space downstairs is impressive with wood-beamed ceilings throughout the living and dining areas leading through to a striking contemporary kitchen with picture book windows overlooking the remarkable gardens, allowing the sun to flood in to this beautifully lit space.

The five bedrooms feature individual design combining a contemporary spirit with some traditional aspects, like exposed brick walls and natural wood beams. Homely touches throughout such as interesting artwork and sculptures give this house a unique and modern style with characterful local features. 

Immerse yourself in the wonderful surroundings of your glorious garden, whether it’s lazing on the vast lawns, reading under one of the magnificent trees or finding a quiet spot to take in the lush scenery around you. The inviting heated swimming pool is surrounded by smart decking for lounging in the sun or dining by the pool or head to the relaxing al-fresco terrace and barbecue for long evening meals with family, friends and good local wine under the starry sky.

Wander out of your home and within a few minutes you can walk down to a local lake for fishing, canoeing, picnics by the shore or some lovely woodland walks. Exploring further afield will take you to charming villages and market towns such as Sancerre with its fine white wines, Briare on the banks of the Loire or a little further to the famous hilltop town of Vézelay. The spectacular cities of Auxerre, Nevers and Orléans can be visited within a day or you may prefer to spend your time exploring magical castles, discovering idyllic vineyards or taking a boat trip down the Loire or Yonne rivers.

With hikes, mountain biking and horse-riding nearby, as well as other family activities such as tree-top adventures and farms, it’s up to you to decide how active or relaxed you wish to be in this delightful part of Burgundy.

Maison Lumière is set in a rural and wooded area in the Yonne department in western Burgundy, 5km from the little village of Lavau. You are also near the borders of the Cher, Nievre and Loiret departments, each one with charming villages and market towns, fascinating art and history and fine wines to sample. This part of Burgundy offers undulating landscapes of woodlands, vineyards and small lakes as well as the Loire and Yonne rivers only a short drive away.

Within just 25m from Maison Lumière there is a lake where there are opportunities to fish, canoe or water-ski as well as some wonderful woodland walks along the shore. The little village of Lavau is 5km by car with a tiny convenience store or head to Saint-Fargeau (10km) for restaurants, a supermarket and the remarkable Château de Saint-Fargeau which you can visit from March to November and there are sometimes special events taking place such as amazing re-enactments.  

There’s also a lovely farm nearby in Saint-Fargeau, Ferme du Château, open at the weekends, where visitors can get hands on with the animals, a brilliant place for families. Kids will also love the nearby Parc Naturel de Boutissaint (15km) where you can see many animals in their natural surroundings. Another local attraction is Guedelon (19km) where you can watch a 13th century castle being built using only authentic tools and locally sourced materials, taking many years.

There’s a great range of activities in the local area with beautiful hikes, canoeing on nearby lakes or rivers, horse-riding nearby and some brilliant opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. Tree-top adventurers should head to Nature Adventure (16km) with all sorts of activities on offer including paintballing.

Wine-lovers will appreciate being so near to Sancerre (32km), a picturesque village with more than 300 vineyards or wine caves in the surrounding area where you can often sample and buy the white wines of this region. If wine isn’t your thing, the local goat’s cheese is also held in high esteem!

Heading across to the Loiret department, explore close to home in the stunning gardens of Château de la Bussiere (40km) or the attractive town of Gien (43km) on the Loire River with its weekly market.  Briare (30km), also a market town, is where the Loire River crosses with the Canal de Briare with lovely riverside walks, boat and canal trips and wonderful flower filled streets in the late spring and summer.   You can also take a day trip to the home of Joan of Arc, Orléans (107km), with its stunning medieval centre and cathedral.

Back in Yonne, the famous and charming hilltop town of Vézelay (70km), on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, has been loved by Christians, writers, artists, historians and lovers of Romanesque architecture. Visiting the 12th century Basilica is a must and afterwards stroll through the beautifully preserved streets full of colourful flowers in the summer months. Walk the circular route around Vézelay with access to some of the highest points and stunning views of the surrounding Burgundy countryside.

The capital of the Yonne department is Auxerre (60km), on the Yonne River, is a protected Historic Town in France with an impressive town centre with its towering cathedral and churches, attractive squares and cafes, medieval narrow streets full of ancient houses and its 15th Century clock tower. Combine with a visit to Chablis (80km), a pretty village with some of the region’s most famous wines.

Alternatively, head over the border to the Nievre department, following the Loire south to Nevers (80km), a city full of art and history on the banks of the river, well known for its pottery and you can visit open workshops in the summer months. Combine with a trip to Apremont-sur-Allier (90km), one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages with its attractive gardens. 

Accommodation

Maison Interior (230m2)
Ground Floor
- Open-plan living area with fire-place and sofa-bed
- Open-plan dining room
- Open-plan kitchen, well equipped including induction cooker, electric oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, coffee machine and mixer
- Guest WC
- Utility room
First Floor (via partially open staircase from kitchen, children will need to be supervised)
- King-size bedroom
- 3 x double bedrooms
- Twin bedroom
- Shower room
- Bathroom with bath and shower
Outside Grounds (2300m2)

-  Private heated swimming pool (size: 7mx3.5m / depth: 1.5m/shape: rectangular) with safety covery
- Al-fresco dining and sitting area
- Portable BBQ
- Gardens with lawns and trees
- Parking for up to four cars
Facilities
- Electric heating
- Wood Fireplace
- Wi-Fi
- Telephone (extra charge)
- Satellite TV
- DVD player
- CD player
- Hi-Fi
- Wii games console
- Washing machine and dryer
- Sunbeds