04 November 2011

Countryside Villa near La Roche Bernard, Brittany

Our Property of the Month for November is this modern three bedroom villa situated in Béganne, a pretty village near La Roche Bernard in south west Brittany.

With friendly local amenities on the doorstep, beautiful scenery all around, and fantastic Atlantic beaches just twenty minutes away it makes the perfect base for soaking up the traditional Breton way of life, as well as exploring all that this popular holiday region has to offer. The local area is a nature lover’s paradise with its river walks, woodland and moors, whilst families love the golden sand beaches and coastal resorts.

The interior has a cosy feel with books, paintings and antique furniture dotted around as well as large windows giving views over the surrounding countryside and the River Vilaine bubbling by. There are three bedrooms – two twin and one double – ideal for sleeping either families or small groups of friends.  Guests particularly like the pretty south-facing garden with its spacious patio for barbecues, rose beds, and lawn – perfect for a game of boules. And in the summer if the heat is simply too much there’s a plunge pool for family fun and cooling down. This is a home where pets are welcome too and everything has been arranged, both inside and out to be both dog-safe and dog-friendly.

Amenities and attractions near the villa

Being in the middle of a friendly village means having plenty of amenities to hand including that irresistible staple of French life – the boulangerie. Previous visitors rave about the local bar and welcoming owner, not forgetting the award-winning crêperie – perfect for a slice of Brittany on a plate. Morbihan is attraction-rich and one of the highlights has to be La Roche Bernard, a fortified town which for over a thousand years has kept watchful eye over the river. Here, as well as visiting the shops and market you can indulge in almost every kind of water-based tourism, from boat trips to kayaking to barging.  Devoted foodies meanwhile head to the town’s much-loved (and Michelin-starred) L’Auberge Bretonne.

The villa’s owners

The villa’s owners, Geoff and Julia Evans live next door and are available to help with everything from sightseeing advice, to finding a vet for those all-important pet vaccinations. Asked if it’s true that Brittany is France’s answer to Cornwall, Julia feels that this particular corner, with its rolling countryside bordering the pretty River Vilaine reminds her more of Dorset or perhaps Herefordshire. She recalls the time in 2006 when they first set eyes on the village that would become their home. “One day friends at La Roche Bernard offered to take us upstream on their yacht. We moored at the Béganne pontoon and walked uphill to the village. We felt at home, instantly falling in love with the atmosphere – as well as the bar. Loïc the owner makes all our visitors, children – and dogs – feel welcome”.

And asked what her guests enjoy most about the area, Julia replies, “The beautiful countryside and sandy beaches of course, but most especially being able to walk to the boulangerie, bar and restaurant. So many idyllic looking gites are miles from anywhere”. So it’s true. Sometimes the simple pleasures are the best.

Find out more about this villa

Find out more about this villa in Morbihan, including availability, activities and surroundings. And with a week’s stay starting from £375 per week, this could soon be your next holiday destination!

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