Maison La Cote D’Or

Surrounded by antique furnishings and artwork, stay in this handsome 18th-century townhouse close to the edge of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan, equidistant from Burdundy's Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Chablis vineyards.

In a traditional Côte D’Or market town in Burgundy, step into this hôtel particulier where you will find two large salons, a library with many books in English and French, an elegant dining room and a wonderfully equipped kitchen in the older 17th-century wing. It’s a house for all seasons with open chimneys and wood-burners whilst the Wi-Fi allows guests to work or study in one of the two bureaux. If you play the piano, bring your own sheet music to entertain your guests on the grand piano which is regularly tuned.

Head upstairs for five beautifully styled bedrooms, each with an en suite bath or shower room. As well as period furnishings and traditional décor, expect high-quality beds, cotton bedlinen and hairdryers. For eleventh and twelfth guests, a charming sixth bedroom features two single beds (which can be joined as a double) and shares a bathroom, or could instead be used as a first-floor sitting room if preferred.

Wander out of the grand salon to a small terrace which leads down to the walled garden, such a relaxing spot for a coffee or lunch with the background sound of the trickling fountain and views beyond the neighbouring rooftops towards the Auxois hills. At the front of the house, the kitchen opens up to the front courtyard for more al-fresco dining.

Strolling through the courtyard’s gate and along the road, you will soon reach the heart of this small market town with a range of restaurants including one with two Michelin stars. The bustling little market takes place on a Saturday morning and there is a good selection of shops for freshly baked bread, cheese, wine and other groceries. The town’s 12th century basilica draws visitors from across this part of Burgundy.

As well as arranging bespoke wine tours of the vineyards of Burgundy near Beaune, Chablis or Nuits-Saint-Georges, drive to picture-perfect villages and towns such as Semur-en-Auxois, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Montbard and Vézelay, home to the impressive Basilique de Vézelay. France’s most remarkable abbey, Abbaye de Fontenay, is another must-see, reached within an hour, whilst a visit to Dijon and Auxerre should also be considered.

Closer to home are the incredible landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan, ideal for hiking, biking, horse-riding and rock-climbing. Discover rafting along the rapids, canoeing along gentler stretches of water, summer swimming in lakes or serene boat rides, then learn all about the park’s diverse and rich eco-system at the official visitor’s centre only 12km away from your historic Burgundy home.

Features:

Maison Interiors

Main Floor

- Entrance hall
- Large salon
- Large salon and adjacent study
- Dining room
- Library and adjacent study
- Breakfast room
- Kitchen, well-equipped including electric range cooker with two ovens and grill, American fridge-freezer and dishwasher. Door leads to front courtyard and al-fresco dining area
- Laundry room
- WC x 2
- Cellar access

Upstairs (via main staircase)

- Bedroom (accessed via main or second staircase) with queen-size double bed and dressing room leading to en suite bathroom with large bath, separate shower, sink and WC. Bathroom can also be accessed from hall
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed, walk-in wardrobe and en suite bathroom with bath, sink and WC
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed, walk-in wardrobe and en suite bathroom with bath, sink and WC
- Extra sitting room or bedroom with two single beds (2'6 each, can be joined as a double). Room accessed from hall or from above two bedrooms
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath, separate shower, sink and WC (bathroom can also be accessed from hall)

Upstairs (via second staircase)

- Bedroom with twin beds (2’6 each, can be joined as a double) and dressing room leading to en suite shower room with shower, two sinks and WC. Shower room can also be accessed from hall

Outside Grounds

- Rear walled garden (via steps) with fountain and seating
- Front courtyard with al-fresco dining area
- Front garage and parking
- Barbecue

Facilities

- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Working fireplaces
- Grand piano
- Smart TV
- DVD player and DVDs
- CD player
- Board games and cards
- Table football
- Printer
- Library (books in French and English)
- Cellars
- Washing machine and dryer

Location:

In the Côte D’Or department of Burgundy, on the edge of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan, Maison La Côte D’Or is located in a traditional market town.

Just step out of your front door and courtyard and stroll down the road to the heart of the characterful town. This small town dates back to Roman times and features a 12th century basilica (built on the remains of an even larger 8th century abbey) as well as a bustling Saturday morning market, several boulangeries, two supermarkets, a wine merchant, a fromagerie, restaurants and cafes. For a special meal, book ahead to dine in the town’s Michelin starred restaurant.

The Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan is such a wonderful area for hiking, horse-riding, cycling, biking and rock-climbing. Explore the verdant forests, learn all about its rich ecosystem and come across lakes for summer swimming and watersports such as canoeing and, for the most adventurous, rafting along rapids. It’s such a vast regional park with local lakes within a short drive, the mighty Mont Beuvray around an hour south and the pretty town of Avallon around 40km to the north. A little further afield, spend time in Vézelay (58km), classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and home to the famous Basilique de Vézelay.

Closer to home, the gorgeous town of Semur-en-Auxois (30km) also lies on the edge of the Morvan Regional Park, set above the Armançon River. It is so atmospheric just pottering around the town, admiring its cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and historic buildings. Perhaps combine with a trip to Fontenay Abbey (52km), one of the most remarkable abbeys in France.

Other picture-perfect places to visit include Flavigny-sur-Ozerain (42km) with its preserved medieval centre and religious sites, flower-filled Montbard (46km) and the impressive Parc Buffon, and historic Auxerre (88km) on the banks of the Yonne River. Dijon (73km), a handsome town known for its mustard, fine architecture and twice-weekly market, is yet another highlight of Burgundy.

Indeed, keen gourmands will love the range of authentic Burgundy restaurants and bustling markets across the region and it is a wine-lovers paradise of course. The vineyards of the Côte des Nuits are easily reached from Dijon to Nuits-Saint-Georges, both around an hour away, whilst Chablis is an hours drive to the north. The famous wine town of Beaune is 62km by car and the prestigious vineyards of the Route des Grands Crus can be explored in and around Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay and Pommard, all within an hours drive. In all instances, bespoke wine itineraries can be arranged for you.

Terms & Conditions:

Security deposit?
£1500 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.



Arrival time?
4.00 p.m.

Departure time?
11.00 a.m.

Linen & towels included?
Yes, changed weekly.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Heating costs included?
Yes including firewood for the wood-burners in the kitchen and dining room and open chimneys in the main salon and library.

End of stay cleaning included?
Yes and mid-stay cleaning (kitchen and bathrooms only) also included for stays of over 4 nights. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Changeover day?
Flexible.

Minimum stay?
7 nights in July and August. 4 nights all other periods.

Tax?
French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€5 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required).

Pets welcome?
Well behaved dogs may be permitted, on request only and with prior agreement with the owner.

Smoking Allowed?
Outside only.

Other Ts and Cs?
The house sleeps up to twelve guests across five main bedrooms (10 guests) and a sixth bedroom with two single beds (can be joined as a double) which also acts as a sitting room.