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Sleeps 7 (6x adults, 1 x child under 8) +1-2 infants in three bedrooms, two of which are ensuite, plus a family bathroom |
 | The 12 x 6m saltwater system outdoor pool is alarmed (and mostly walled with a child deterrant handle on the gate). There are plently of pool toys and wide entry steps with shade ideal for sitting and splashing. |
 | A rendez-vous can be made for a Beautician/Therapist to visit the property for private treatments. |
 | A selection of books (baby and children's), bath toys, DVD's, board games, soft toys and general toys are available including a trunk full of Playmobil, castle, a dolls house and lots of books for the grown ups too. |
 | Outdoor play gear provided includes: large wooden pirate ship play centre, sandpit, giant chalk board, swings (+ baby swing), tee pee, slide, tree den, paddling pool/ball pit, play tents, goal posts and balls, badminton, boules and fancy dress. |
 | Children are welcome to help feed the chickens and collect the eggs. The guinea pigs are usually around for stroking. |
 | Free WiFi provided |
 | Available on request and free of charge 1 wooden cot, 1 travel cot, 2 wooden high chairs, stairgates top and bottom, baby bath, anti slip bath mat, baby bath seat, potty, toilet seat reducer, changing mat, Bumbo, bouncer chair, baby play mat/gym, play pen, baby monitors, bed guards, moses basket, toddler steps, toddler chair and table, baby/toddler carrier, three wheel 'all terrain' buggy, socket covers, night light, sterliser, hand blender, plastic crockery, cutlery and a Liquidiser. |
 | Two of each available |
 | On site babysitting available on request, day and evening 9 euros per hour. |
 | : Daily cleaning is available on request (extra cost). |
 | A generous welcome pack is provided and a pre-arrival shopping service is offered for groceries & baby essentials. There is a 25 euro fee for this service. Morning bread delivery can be arranged if required. Free range eggs and organically grown vegetables are often available in season from the Le Bouyssou potager. |
 | There are a number of private garden areas and terraces, including a BBQ area with gas and Webber charcoal BBQs. |
Discount Notes:
Lower prices for smaller families! Under occupancy discounts will apply off peak. However these only apply if bedrooms are un-used i.e. maximum discount applies for a couple and a baby in a cot using only the master bedroom. Please use 'Ask the Owner' button if you'd like to discuss this with the property owner before booking
Low Occupancy Discount:
1-2 guests: 15% (07 Jan 2012 to 30 Mar 2012), 3-4 guests: 10% (07 Jan 2012 to 30 Mar 2012)
Arrivals and Departures:
Check-in time: 16:00
Check-out time: 10:00
Payment:
Reservation Deposit: 25%
Balance: 56 days prior to arrival
Capacity:
Sleeps: 7 +
Families do not seem to be able to find enough superlatives to describe the fabulous times had at La Bergerie. 'Perfect', 'a Narnia for the children' and 'best family holiday ever' have been claimed by many, as cars pull away on the last day with sad faces and vows to return. Returning guest, Fi Glover (BBC Radio 4) summed it up recently when she wrote: "Perched high above the lush valleys of the Lot river lies Le Bouyssou, a gite so
lovely that I almost don't want to tell you about it.
The hilltop breeze charms the surface of the
pool, the verbenas sway, a swallowtail butterfly wafts through. Everyone
relaxes. We have visited with the same friends both years and one of the daily
highlights is to eat on the terrace after the kids have gone to bed, looking at
the starry, starry night and talking. A lot."
La Bergerie is an elegant stone barn conversion set in the tranquil grounds of 'Le Bouyssou', which is the British owner's country house estate. It has been restored with great care and combines original features with a stylish mix of contemporary and traditional furnishings, plus all the mod cons required for a relaxing break 'en famille', along with a useful list of baby and toddler gear (see grey box below). It is available year-round either as exclusive rental or, during winter, by the room as a B&B.
It is impossible not to relax here, with its wonderfully rural and scenic setting amongst woodland and fields with lovely valley views. When you have managed to roll out of your luxurious linen clad bed and change out of your fluffy robe to take on a day of R and R, simply step out of the door and walk in any direction for miles and encounter picturesque hamlets, watermills, wooded glades and total peace. Or discover 10 of France's, officially designated, most beautiful towns, all within an easy drive.
Le Bergerie offers spacious, high quality accommodation, with beautiful interiors, private terraces and gardens with a large natural salt water system swimming pool (alarmed). It sleeps seven (six adults, plus one child, plus one to two infant/s in cot/s) in three romantic bedrooms, two of which have glamorous antique king-size double beds and the third has pretty twins (can be converted to a super-king double). The two doubles, one with private decked terrace, boast ensuite shower rooms, whilst the third has use of the lovely main bathroom with its indulgent free standing roll top bath. Downstairs, the pretty French country-style kitchen boasts a range cooker, washing machine, tumble dryer, dish washer, large fridge freezer, coffee machine, toaster and all the equipment guests would expect and indeed dream of needing. A stable door from the kitchen leads to the dining room with an oak top table to seat eight comfortably, plus a CD player with a selection of CDs. A step from the dining room leads to the sitting room where guests find comfortable sofas, TV with UK satellite channels, DVD player with a selection of DVD's, a wood burning stove for cosy evenings during the cooler months and a desk with books, maps and guides. French windows lead out to a large covered external terrace with an impressively sized oak table, wicker rattan style chairs with comfy cushions and lots of candles for romantic evening dining whilst gazing at the canopy of stars.
La Bergerie has its own private garden, large covered sun terrace, covered canopy on the upper level and a BBQ Area. The gardens and grounds to Le Bouyssou are extensive with a lawn area for games which is often the venue for parties, face painting and treasure hunts much to the delight of little (and bigger!) ones. There is also a slide, swings, wooden pirate ship, sand pit, giant chalk board and mini Indian reservation area. Hunt out the ‘secret garden' with perfect shade for a private reading moment. Guests can choose to sit in the sun or shade by the pool, languishing under the hand made wooden pergolas and sun canopies. The vegetable garden often provides an abundance of organically grown fruit and vegetables for 'cheffy' guests to cook up a storm and the chickens might oblige with a few eggs!
La Bergerie is ideally situated between delightful 13c bastide town of Villefranche de Rougergue and Figeac, regarded as ‘the finest small town in France’.The Aveyron region is home to ten of the officially designated ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’, the highest concentration of any department of the country. The landscape is breathtaking and wildly varied (mountains, gorges, rolling ‘causses’, medieval villages, woodland abundant with the fruits of nature which find their way into the regions famous and satisfying cuisine – foie gras, confit de canard, aligot, tripoux...).
Market days at Villefranche and Figeac are not to be missed and the former has a handy tourist train from the main square offering an overview of the town's sights and history. The pretty land train is understandably popular with toddlers and young children. A little further afield, the charming town of St Antonin Noble Val was the setting for the film 'Charlotte Grey' and is crammed with pretty shops and bistros. It also offers canoeing and boating on the river.
Friendly British owner, Sarah, provides a handy guide to local attractions and restaurants in the welcome pack but is also on hand, if and when required for further advice or assistance.
Nearest Medical Services: Doctor and pharmacy 10 minutes drive, hospital 15 minutes drive
Getting There: Nearby airports include Rodez (approx. 50mins), Toulouse (approx.2.5hrs) & Bergerac (3hrs)
Past Guest Ratings* (7 guests)
*Rating collated since Feb '10.
All verified as genuine BFB guests who experienced the accommodation with young children.
Awards
Wonderful place, wonderful owners. sad to leave such an idyllic place and yearn ...
Wonderful place, wonderful owners. sad to leave such an idyllic place and yearn to to return some day.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%
I am back now three weeks and stil yearn to be there again!...
I am back now three weeks and stil yearn to be there again!
Overall Experience Rating: 100%
Thank you all and especially Millie for making this holiday so special. Your ki...
Thank you all and especially
Millie for making this holiday so special. Your kindness and efforts to please
will never be forgotten. We have been so blessed to stay at Le Bouyssou: a
haven of good taste and luxury within and natural beauties outside. We
sincerely hope to return to a place that has a special place in our
hearts.
Such high levels of interior decoration, equipment and comfort do not normally c...
Such high levels of interior decoration, equipment and comfort do not normally come with a really child friendly environment, except at Le Bouyssou. Here, those polar opposites work perfectly.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%
A lovely barn conversion in an unspoiled valley, all in a wonderful part of Fran...
A lovely barn conversion in an unspoiled valley, all in a wonderful part of France. Nothing is too much trouble for the owners, who are dedicated to making you feel at home, while never imposing on your privay. A special place.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%
If there was a hospitality/customer care rating of 10 available I'd give it. Sa...
If there was a hospitality/customer care rating of 10 available I'd give it. Sarah and her family could not do enough for us to be honest and made our stay there completely memorable, in fact we're back there this year!
Overall Experience Rating: 100%
A really fabulous autumn half term break. The house has everything that you coul...
A really fabulous autumn half term break. The house has everything that you
could want and more. The care, attention to detail and the level of service
exceed anything else that we have ever seen in a holiday home. Our children are
already demanding that we return - not that we will need much persuasion! The
Halloween party was much appreciated and Isobel and Evie loved playing with
Millie. You have achieved something magical here! Many, many thanks to
you all
A truly fantastic house, beautifully prepared. We were so impressed by all the t...
A truly fantastic house, beautifully prepared. We were so impressed by all the thoughtful touches. Perfect for a family with small children.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%
La Bergerie au Bouyssou is quite simply the most beautiful place we have ever st...
La Bergerie au Bouyssou is quite simply the most beautiful place we have ever stayed. I decided within five minutes of arriving that we were coming back next year. The setting is stunning, the pool and gardens beautiful and the house exquisite. You have been so kind and all the little extras (fresh vegetables, eggs, the incredible tarte aux pommes, perfume, candles etc.) have made us feel totally spoilt. Will (14 months) has adored the endless supply of toys, the pirate ship, the chickens and the pool and what a joy to only have to bring clothes for him and absolutely nothing else. You have created the most incredible place . . . . an enormous thank you
La Bergerie au Bouyssou is quite simply the most beautiful place we have ever st...
La Bergerie au Bouyssou is quite simply the most beautiful place we have ever
stayed. I decided within five minutes of arriving that we were coming back next
year. The setting is stunning, the pool and gardens beautiful and the house
exquisite. You have been so kind and all the little extras (fresh vegetables,
eggs, the incredible tarte aux pommes, perfume, candles etc.) have made us feel
totally spoilt. Will (14 months) has adored the endless supply of toys, the
pirate ship, the chickens and the pool and what a joy to only have to bring
clothes for him and absolutely nothing else. You have created the most
incredible place . . . . an enormous thank you!
This place is wonderful and beautiful - it's a small chunk of paradise that we a...
This place is wonderful and beautiful - it's a small chunk of paradise that we are all mesmerised by. The attention to detail has made our holiday fabulous and what amazing generosity of spirit (and what amazing vegetables!). It was, quite simply, the best family holiday we have had. We have loved visiting Cajarc and the market in Villefranche, the Sunday market in Villeneuve, Bar de L'Ete was super for all of the children (5,4 and 2) and we thought all of the hilltop villages are a treat. The daily run to the bakery is a joy. Millie (the owner's daughter) has been a brilliant 'spy master' to our boys. We are so sad to go but we shall return!
Beautiful house and pool, so comfortable and amazing attention to detail. We've ...
Beautiful house and pool, so comfortable and amazing attention to detail. We've enjoyed a really relaxing family holiday and have hardly wanted to leave the home! Best bits - the veranda/terrace and candle lit dinners, the beautiful pool and watching our baby enjoy the water, the quiet and privacy, the convenient local airfield, the fresh eggs and delicious apple tarte. The worst bit - having to pack the car to go home . . . Thank you from us all
Wow, what a week it has been! A perfect holiday in a perfect setting - a luxurio...
Wow, what a week it has been! A perfect holiday in a perfect setting - a luxurious house, tastefully decorated with everything you need. Thank you so much for being such hospitable and friendly 'hosts'. We really appreciated all the little touches (the homemade tarte and pate, the raspberries, the eggs . . .) that made our stay at La Bergerie even more special. Oscar also loved playing with Millie - she's such a lovely and friendly Mademoiselle. What you have created here is truly exceptional and one of the top places we have ever stayed in and there have been many! No doubt you will see us again . . .Thank you!
What an absolutely wonderful week we have had at La Bergerie au Bouyssou. Sarah,...
What an absolutely wonderful week we have had at La Bergerie au Bouyssou. Sarah, David, Sarah's parents and Millie have made us feel so welcome. We've had beautiful fresh eggs and home grown strawberries all week; Sarah even kindly came over with some delicious home made pesto for the boys after learning they loved it. The villa is the best equipped we've ever stayed in (and there's been a few!) with beautiful crockery in the kitchen and every utensil you could think of. Sarah obviously has lovely taste!
We're definitely going to book again next year as we had such a wonderful time . . .Finally just to say a huge thank you to Millie who kept our boys entertained and who has bewitched our youngest; she is a very special little lady
Thank you for a lovely holiday. The gite is stunning and the nicest accommodatio...
Thank you for a lovely holiday. The gite is stunning and the nicest accommodation we have stopped in . . . . from the beautiful character features to the hand made kitchen and striking decor . . . no detail has gone unmissed. We love the pool and felt very spoilt that it was ours. Aveyron is a beautiful area with lovely scenery and places to visit . . . It was a pleasure meeting such a kind and warm family (Mia, (our daughter), was very taken by Millie and we have named her new teddy after her!) You have catered for our every need and more, for which we thank you. We will be back . .
Owner Profile
I remember all too well what it was like to holiday with our baby daughter. Although we were always desperately looking forward to a relaxing break, we often found that it was more stressful than being at home as we missed all of the equipment and conveniences associated with caring for and entertaining little one! We also found it difficult to find somewhere 'lovely' and 'stylish' to stay and usually returned home disappointed. Apart from a passion for all things French, this is why we decided to move ourselves (Sarah, David, daughter Millie and 'Nannna' and 'Pops'!) to the Aveyron to create La Bergerie au Bouyssou to give others the 'rural, peaceful' holiday that we dreamed of and others deserve! |
You will discover in the Aveyron department, as we did, one of the most stunning and interesting parts of France. It has been said about our department in the press that 'this is France as she is meant to be – undiluted, unadulterated and unapologetic. It is as if every site, every sound, every flavour of the nation's culture has been distilled and matured here to produce a simmering cauldron overflowing with the true essence of France'. We believe that we have created at La Bergerie the perfect base from which to explore the area, that's if you can tear yourselves away from the sumptuous accommodation with king size beds (and lots of bathroom facilities), a private pool which doesn't sting eyes and bleach costumes, perfect areas of sun and shade, privacy and quiet (apart from the yelps and screams of joy of little guests!) and the exceptional facilities and equiment for kids. The generous welcome basket , the very 'welcome' treat of home baking and bottle of something waiting for you on arrival will make you glad that you came to find out about our French gem!
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Our smaller guests find it hard to leave. It's a paradise here for children, as we know exactly what it takes to provide for them the facilities and entertainment to give them a great holiday (and if they're having a great holiday, Mom, Dad and all are having the 'delightful' break that they were hoping for too!). From feeding the 'ladies' (Millie's chickens) providing the daily chucky egg, the guinea pigs (Haribo, Nougat and Caramel), the large wooden pirate ship play centre (hand built by Millie's 'Pops', the giant sandpit, the free craft sessions, treasure hunts, face painting, outdoor games, homemade lollies and cookies, teddy bear picnics to the large natural saltwater system swimming pool with a multitude of inflatables - these are a few reasons why kids love it here!
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