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

Once you've spiralled up to the finely-converted hilltop hamlet, then dragged yourself away from the dazzling view, all is calm, inviting and deliciously private in your lovely patio-hugging house. This sunny-shady courtyard leads to all rooms: steps up, steps down, past soft running water and sweet lavender, to rustic tiles and colourwashed walls. Annick's sense of quiet style and high-quality workmanship has again been brought to bear and you'll find a superb, modern, pale-timber kitchen full of light, beds (even the bunks) draped in muslin, gentle touches of taupe, blue-grey or pink against the backdrop of old stone walls. The soft, comfortable sitting room has a log fire for wet days and, if you want to have the place to yourselves as a couple, the second salon becomes the bedroom. Bath and shower rooms are thoroughly up to date and charming, too. The three gîtes share the play area, the big garden with its many private corners and the pool with its peerless view. Your delightful, energetic hosts, who love their adopted area, know all the lore and can even order chef-prepared meals for you.