Following a Winter with unprecedented rainfall that continued well into May (although very patchy), the resulting growth from the valley seemed like a jungle. When an occasional shower would flatten everything then a stiff breeze would bring all back to attention again. The obvious advantage of possessing such a natural hillside meadow is that it becomes replete with Orchids and an armada of Butterflies in the early ... [ More ]
News
An ocean of Orchids in the valley
As soon as the weather breaks free from its Winter shell into the azur blue of Springtime, flowers both from the blossom of the fruit trees in the garden and those that carpet the fields, fill our view every day. The proportion of countryside in comparison to urban areas within the Lot region is so high, that due to the incredible clarity of the air quality, the surrounding woodlands (and especially our valley) are ... [ More ]
Recipe: Apple tarte-fine
An extremely simple, yet impressive dessert, that will make your guests think you are a master Pâtissier! With just a very few ingredients and a little patience you can create one large tart or individual pastries. They may be cooked ahead and simply passed through an oven for a few moments to heat up. Ingredients 225g Butter Puff Pastry 4 - 6 Granny Smith Apples Unsalted Butter Icing Sugar ... [ More ]
The Daily Telegraph ~ our review
“A haven of comfort, charm and bonhomie - La Métairie des Songes feels like home the moment you walk in the door. What makes it truly exceptional is the cuisine: if Michelin awarded stars to B&B’s, La Métairie’s would be in the bag.” As reads the introductory paragraph to our first major daily newspaper inspection that highly recommended our house and gave immense praise to our level of culinary ... [ More ]
Parasols in the fields
Within our meadow and the surrounding pastures, these tall fungal ‘umbrellas’ seem to appear almost overnight. From tiny club-like drumsticks they emerge broad and elegantly into their adult form. The Parasol mushroom (Coulemelle in French), is abundant and easy to identify. Its cousin, the Wood Parasol, that prefers to dwell within its namesake environment is much more ragged and oval and is something to avoid as ... [ More ]
The beautiful palette of Autumn colours
As October unravels itself upon the fading shadows of a balmy and very warm September, the valley and countryside that surround us begin to bathe in hues of red, gold and henna. Dazzling sun breaks from behind misty blue hillsides and lights the network of seed heads upon flowers and dew-covered webs. The year of growth is drawing to its close and gradually moving to its bed! This year we have seen very high winds ... [ More ]
