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Staying at Loire Valley Mill is an immersion in the French country lifestyle – we keep livestock who provide fresh poultry and serve dinner with vegetables cut fresh from our gardens. From private wine caves to local antique dealers, our private tour guides have over twenty years experience in the region and can open doors to sights that are not available to other tourism groups.

We welcome our guests as we would anyone into our own home, and love teaching our clients about rural French culture, art, and the cuisine de terroir.

Loire Valley Mill offers private renters several package options tailored to suit the size of their group. Guests can choose to rent only the main house, the guest house, the guest house and guest cottage, or the entire property. Each room has been stylishly furnished with traditional French antiques, lovingly refurbished for your comfort. 

All guests have exclusive use of 12 hectares of private property with amazing views of neighboring farmland and woodland. Though rental rates are based on self-catering, you are welcome to inquire about having your stay catered by the mill’s staff. Ideally located near to several historic chateaux, Loire Valley Mill is a perfect balance between luxury hotel and a French country estate.

Loire Valley Mill is also available for rent as a hotel. Please visit the Loire Valley Retreat listing for details or click here.

Joya is the Spanish word for jewel and is an apt name for this refined residence, a contemporary rental nestled into the Florentine hills, a short 15 minute ride from the center of the Renaissance city. Located in Piano dei Giullari, one of the celebrated three hills surrounding Florence, the home has been converted into a luxurious retreat filled with extraordinary details.

Designed with an emphasis on comfort and harmony, the property is comprised of two floors of interior living space and an extensive private outdoor space including a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, living and dining areas, and manicured gardens. It is an ideal location for intimate gatherings or for entertaining groups of friends.

On the upper level is the interior living room, beautifully furnished in warm neutral tones and featuring expansive windows. The room extends through glass doors to an arboured terrace furnished for outdoor dining. The fully equipped interior kitchen is also located on the upper level.

Both the master and guest suite are located on the lower level, along with a separate powder room that features a washbasin carved out of a natural amethyst geode. The master suite has a large bath with jacuzzi, generous outdoor shower, and semi-enclosed terrace.

Joya’s outdoor areas were designed to be utilized throughout the year. Large umbrellas provide shade from the sun while the outdoor fireplace provides warmth on cool evenings. The outdoor projection system turns the fireplace into a movie theater, complete with surround sound. A full bar and kitchen, along with area for catering, are also available outside.The swimming pool is an oasis of tranquility facing the Florentine hillside. A changing area with powder room and shower are provided.

Manor House Estate in Bardou is an estate built in the reign of Henry IV set on 13 hectares of rural countryside in the Dordogne region of France. The property is made up of a 5-bedroom main house and a 2-bedroom guest cottage which can be together. Both spaces have been beautifully restored and decorated with an eye for rustic detail and romantic touches. This Perigordian Manor House brims with the charm and nobility of its 400 year of existence. 

The house maintains its original features including a panelled dining room that was installed by the same artisan that completed the state rooms at Versailles. The house is brimming with antiques but maintains the atmosphere of a comfortable family home. Enjoy absolute privacy in this meticulously maintained property. The estate includes a heated swimming pool and hard surface tennis court. Table tennis is provided and there are immaculate lawns for croquet and badminton (included). Activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, golf, and wine tasting are a short drive from the house.

The main house has a generous salon that opens up to a terrace with amazing views of the countryside. The living room has high beamed ceilings and leads into the fully equipped kitchen and paneled formal dining room. A second sitting room is on the ground floor. Each of the 5 bedrooms has en-suite bathroom.

The guest cottage is 1500 square feet and is comprised of a modern kitchen, a living/dining area with sofa bed, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and twin room with two single beds and a sleeping loft. Cots and other baby equipment available on request. A heated swimming pool is adjacent and hard surface tennis court are also on the estate. Click here for slideshow of Guest Cottage

Manor House Estate: Guest Cottage

Manor House Estate: Guest Cottage

Manor House Estate: Guest Cottage

Manor House Estate: Guest Cottage

Manor House Estate: Guest Cottage

Manor House Estate: Guest Cottage

The area is full of historical chateaux, medieval towns (with weekend markets!), and many opportunities to golf, fish, canoe, and even take a ride in a hot air balloon. Wine tasting and vineyard tours can be arranged as well.

Special !

Offering a special rate of $95 per night for July and August 2013. Note: 4 night minimum.

On the hunt for a chic and cheap accommodation in Turkey? Look no further than Halicarnassus Guest Cottage, a recently renovated historic cottage located in a working vineyard in the hills on the north side of the Bodrum Pensinsula, about 5 minutes outside of Yalikavak Village and twenty minutes from Bodrum City. The cottage, which lodges 2 guests comfortably, has amazing views of the Aegean Sea from its large veranda and private pool. It is a 300 meter walk from the car park through an ancient olive grove.

Halicarnassus Guest Cottage is set up like a guest studio with a small kitchenette and convertible sofa bed. Parking is available on-site and there’s a manager available to assist with carrying baggage and groceries down the path to the cottage. The cottage is located within easy distance of many antique sites, including the ancient city of Halicarnassus, historic catacombs, the remains of a Legian Empire castle (dating from 500 BC), and a Roman aqueduct. Plan a late summer visit to check out harvest time at the vineyard, generally done in the last 2 weeks of August. 

If you need more space in Bodrum, check out Halicarnassus Suites or Halicarnassus House.

Set in the stunning landscape of Umbria, Villa Oliva is an elegantly appointed rental where guests can drink in the beauty of Umbria (and maybe some Italian wine, as well!) The propertyis made  up of a large 18th century manor house and smaller farm house, all sequestered within a 40 acre olive grove and adjoining a wild nature preserve, the tranquil locale is ideal for hosting an event or retreat for large groups. 

The 3 story manor house has 5 bedrooms and accommodates up to 10 guests. It has been carefully restored to be both eco-friendly and sophisticated, with warm accents such as terracotta floors and exposed wood throughout the interior. A large commercial kitchen can be used to partake in Italian cooking classes before sampling the results in a chic dining room with seating for 16.

The farm house has been transformed into a 2-story guest cottage for 4 guests. Outside there is an organic vegetable and herb garden and generous terrace with outdoor seating. There is also a large infinity pool lined with fragrant lavender.

Extra amenities include an 65 square meter fully equipped yoga studio located next to the swimming pool that’s perfect for a yoga retreat. The property owners have extensive experience organizing group events and can assist guests in setting up any number of activities in the area from wine tours and cooking classes to hiking and tennis or even just giving tips for the best places to shop, dine, and explore. 

La Corbina is a restored 18th century stone farmhouse that sits by itself near the top of a hill, offering the classical Tuscan view of rolling hills, unspoiled valleys, and hill-top villages. The house is part of a small working farm and is surrounded by olive groves and vinyards.

The owners restored La Corbina using materials found on the site and with antique materials–terracottage flooring, tiles, and stone sinks among them–used when necessary. The 2-bedroom home is furnished with a mix of contemporary designer pieces and rustic furniture. 

Up to 4 guests can lodge comfortably in the 2-bedroom home. Take advantage of La Corbina’s fully equipped kitchen, vegetable garden and house-made olive oil to sharpen your Italian cooking skills. Depending on the season, you can pick tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants, peppers, peas, beans, leeks, artichokes and more right outside the front of the house. Dine al fresco on one of the many outdoor dining areas.

For extra luxury, a large infinity pool sits above the house and offers amazing views of the valley. If you ever want to leave La Corbina, Siena, Montalcino, Arezzo, and Florence are less than an hour away by car. The owners are happy to help you arrange day trips to local vineyards.

Newly-married or not, you’ll be enchanted by this romantic retreat in the South of France. The cottage is in the grounds of Chateau D’Arnac, a 15th century fairytale Chateau sensitively restored into a chic and sweet rental for couples or small groups. Each room in the house has been filled with luxurious details such as chic wallpaper, elegant fabrics, antique furniture, and high-end linens.

The three story cottage is set right on a small lake (with the burbling river nearby) and guests can enjoy dining al fresco on the wooden deck overlooking the lake or in the private garden.

The ground floor  contains a cozy sitting room with large Inglenook fireplace where you can snuggle up in front of a roaring log fire. The adjacent tower houses the fully equipped kitchen. The second floor has another sitting room and ultra-luxurious bedroom with en-suite bathroom with double ended tub. The Bridal suite (with en-suite bath) is on the third floor and has an amazing arched timber roof  and romantic four poster canopied bed with goosedown duvet and pillows.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook, but don’t worry: Honeymoon cottage is equipped with modern conveniences such as television, internet, and cable.

When not relaxing in your very own fairytale home, try your hand at archery, croquet, or hot air ballooning, all of which can be arranged to take place right on the grounds of the Chateau. The cottage’s location is also ideal for discovering the area, which contains many historic villages as well as many caves, mountains, and rivers to explore.

Four individually designed villas accommodating between two and eight guests per villa at the historic Le Grange homestead, within walking distance from the Franschhoek village centre. Each villa not only provides complete privacy and security, it lends itself to entertaining, with spacious living rooms with fireplaces and a library, indoor and outdoor areas, a private swimming pool and garden, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. Villas come complete with all home comforts to suit extended stays, and are able to accommodate families with children of all ages.

Sophisticated style and breathtaking beauty is the essence of La Clé des Montagnes.

La Clé des Montagnes offers an idyllic setting a short stroll from the historic village of Franschhoek. A selection of four unique villas await you on a working wine estate, surrounded by picturesque vineyards, plum orchards with a magnificent mountain backdrop.
We invite you to enjoy an unparalleled luxurious experience in the heart of the beautiful Franschhoek valley.

La Grange
This sophisticated villa’s ambience was inspired by the elegant textures, solid woods and  distinct fabrics of a colonial highlands lodge.
The warm palettes that make up the interior have been carefully selected to reflect the seasonal hues of the surrounding orchards and vineyards.
In turn La Grange’s interiors are infused with stylistic elements reminiscent of a Victorian farmhouse – while large, plush furnishings such as deep-buttoned, rollback beds will ensure that guests will receive nothing less than a luxurious stay.
Rates based on 6 guests occupancy.

Le Manoir
Inspired by the French heritage of Franschhoek, the reds, blacks, greys and whites of the interior of Le Manoir engender the spirit of French linens, toiles and patterned stripes.
Beautiful antiques, unexpected traditional furniture pieces and carefree colours are at the heart of Le Manoir’s charming character.  
Homely, yet with a modern edge, Le Manoir offers the perfect salutation to French style in a breathtaking African landscape.
Rates based on 4 guests occupancy.

La Galerie
Saturated blocks of colour juxtaposed with a minimalistic interior create a powerful energy in this expressive and avant-garde villa. 
The deep, rich grey walls of La Galerie have been selected to make up the canvas of a beautiful contemporary art collection featuring pieces by the acclaimed Swedish artist Bengt Karl Erik Lindström.
Gallery lighting highlights expressive abstracts that forge a dramatic and engaging space, while the furnishings of La Galerie comprise a marriage of sought-after antiques, as well as carefully selected, exclusive contemporary pieces.  La Galerie is a fitting tribute to the rich artistic heritage of Franschhoek and the country from which its founders originated.
Rates based on 4 guests occupancy.

Le Colonial
The rich patterns and fabrics of Le Colonial pay homage to a fusion of east and north African aesthetics.
Patterned fabrics, Moroccan tiles and African art lend the space a tasteful vibrancy and dynamism.
Le Colonial’s panoramic views of the vineyards and mountains combine with the contemporary African feel to create a truly memorable experience.
Rates based on 8 guests occupancy.

Enjoy the rich rural atmosphere of Central Portugal at Glamping Yurts, a pair of authentic Turkic Yurts just an hour outside the medieval university town of Coimbra on a privately managed hectare of terraced land. Chic and affordable, Glamping Yurts are a unique choice for vacationers in the heart of Portugal.

The Yurts are surprisingly roomy, each featuring a double bed and private exterior bathroom with hot shower, sink, and eco-friendly loo. The Chestnut Tree Yurt sleeps two adults with an option to add two children’s beds, while the Apple Tree Yurt (with attached pod, rentable separately) sleeps up to four; a great pick for families. Both Yurts sit on elevated platforms besides a huge chestnut tree which offers shade all day. A comfortable bell tent (sleeps 2) can be rented for extra guests/children. Click here for slideshow

Glamping Yurts

Apple Tree Yurt

Glamping Yurts

Apple Tree Yurt Interior

Glamping Yurts

Apple Tree Yurt with Double Bed

Glamping Yurts

Chestnut Tree Yurt

Glamping Yurts

Chestnut Tree Yurt Interior

Glamping Yurts

Chestnut Tree Yurt and Bell Tent

Glamping Yurts

Bell Tent Interior

A wonderful continental breakfast prepared with local produce is included in the rate. It’s served al fresco next to your yurt. Packed lunches and evening meals are also available at your request.

The Glamping Yurts are located in a great area for wild swimming in one of several nearby rivers, fishing, mountain-biking, stargazing, and other outdoor activities. A visit to the many historic destinations in the area (Romain ruins and medieval castles among them) can be arranged. The towns of Arganil and Gois are twenty minutes drive from the Yurts and offer a weekly market and several cafes.

Glamping Yurts offers an affordable Honeymoon package for the off-beat bridal party. Check out the Notes field for full details.

Offering French sophistication, effortless natural elegance & genuine laid-back charm, the solid tranquility of Maison Duras, a medieval priory, is set against a glorious backdrop of rolling hills, plum orchards & vineyards, where children can climb trees and run wild through meadows whilst their parents chill out with a cool glass of sauvignon blanc by the slate-grey pool.

The building dates back to the 12th century and is wrapped around a beautiful cobbled courtyard, lending a serene calm to this stunning medieval property. All rooms have superb views, either onto the central courtyard or to the countryside beyond. 

Maison Duras is positively organic in its make-up: the stone walls are massive, providing a unique insulation from the heat outside; huge glass windows allow for natural light all day until candles are lit at dusk (lights are rarely switched on in the house until nightfall)  With zinc rooves and terracotta tiles, old oak doors, travertine & slate bathrooms and private shady terraces overlooking the pool, orchards and fields, it is a naturally tranquil haven.

Overlooking the courtyard to one side and the pool on the other, the main living room of the property is a fabulous open plan space which encompasses kitchen, dining area & sitting room.  The well stocked kitchen iincludes everything even the most discerning holiday chefs could require. A large barbeque is also on hand – ask owners Fabienne and Frederic for some of their vines (Fabienne’s family have a superb Cotes de Duras vineyard and Frederic is also involved in the international wine business).

A second sitting room doubles as the TV room – with a large flat screen TV, DVD player and stack of DVDs, books and boardgames.

With four fabulous bedrooms (one of which is wheelchair accessible) the property sleeps up to 10 in comfort. Three bedrooms all have generous kingsize beds & open-plan ensuite bathrooms. All three bedrooms are easily large enough to place a cot. The fourth bedroom is kid-paradise: a dormitory den at the top of a winding staircase (with child gates) where a secure glass window overlooks the main sitting room, allowing a sneaky peep for the babes at bedtime.

 The stunning, slate grey pool, overlooking fields and orchards, is both alarmed and fenced and has generous steps which stretch the entire width of the pool – perfect for new swimmers to gain confidence (or for a little post-lunch wallowing….)

Beyond the pool, the enormous 5 acre garden is large enough for football matches (they even have goal posts available), cricket/rounders, or simply to send the kids off on a treasure hunt although the house and garden are well stocked with toys, a sandpit, swing, seesaw, cds, and books.