Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

Dug into the hillside with the forest behind and a panorama of vines in front, this wine-grower’s manor successfully pretends it was built in the 1800s. It is, in fact, 30 years old; Gérard was an architect before he inherited the winery. The gîte is on the lower ground floor, its living room reached directly from the garden. You may be below stairs but the sunlight streams in through your French windows and you have long views of vineyards and valley. The big open-plan living area, with its cheerful rugs and fabrics and exposed stone walls, has the kitchenette (sink, double hob, small oven)/dining area at one end. Divan style beds, ideal for children, are daytime sofas, and sprinkled with florals; an uncle’s pictures grace the walls. The main bedroom is generous, has a vast gilt mirror, matching bedcovers and curtains and great bowls of artificial flowers. The patio is yours, the pool (shared with B&B guests) is on a sunny terrace overlooking the vineyard; there’s wine to taste and buy and exuberant Marie-Claude looks after everyone beautifully. A stunning spot, and the walks are wonderful.