A year ago we decided that our little gravel-lined ‘sun-trap’ ~ that is part of the old bread oven, deserved the installation of an antiqued metal wall ‘gargoyle’. In such a relaxing space that catches the last of the evening sun beams there had to be the gentle background trickle of water to soothe away any stresses (with the assistance of a glass of something equally relaxing), and the labour of love was ... [ More ]
News
Bedroom Van Gogh ~ re-insulated and updated!
It was a job that we were not looking forward to doing during our Winter closure, but we knew it had to be done. Bedroom Van Gogh was only redecorated and upgraded five years ago and still looked super. However, having endured two consecutive Summers with temperatures over 40ºc, the roof and wall insulation were not effective enough to withstand the intensity of this heat. So, with a heavy heart we had to cut into ... [ More ]
Introducing Isaac, our new general manager !
As COVID numbers started to rise alarmingly in late September / October 2020 and a lockdown was imminent, we said it was time to find another canine companion to fill the hollow left from our dear Bramley’s departure earlier in the year. We had always adored Briards, they are a magnificent (and rather large) breed and with absolute fortune, a group of them became available for adoption from the SPA in Périgueux ! We ... [ More ]
The delights of the Cèpe!
Warm weather with sudden bursts of copious rain can provide a lucky woodland walker with some of our most celebrated gastronomic fungi on their travels. The Cèpe mushroom - boletus edulis, round and muscular in shape, has that magical ability to lift any simple mushroom accompaniment or sauce to a stellar height. It’s rich scent and ‘meaty’ savoury flavour adds not only that gourmet touch but also a textural ... [ More ]
Our enchanting new garden feature
A project conceived several years ago but fell behind due to other priorities at the time (namely a rebuilt Carport in 2018 and our Potager in 2019), eventually has been created ! This 2020 season we re-open with our latest garden feature ~ a tranquil green space with spouting water over rocks, a large garden bench and ornamental & mediterranean plants. The ensemble basks in its glorious setting that overlooks ... [ More ]
Goodbye to our beautiful Bramley
With immense sadness we had to say goodbye to our loveable French friend, Bramley, on Saturday morning 8th February 2020. Old age eventually overtook the ‘indestructible’ Mr B who was a fighter all the way to the end. We adopted him from the SPA in Figeac in 2010, having been ‘resident’ there for nearly 4 years. He had been found by the roadside with one of his hind legs and both front legs broken (perhaps from a ... [ More ]