The night view of twinkling Beaune, five minutes down the hill, is glorious. Jean-Louis loves sharing ‘his’ Burgundy: the making of the elegant vintages, the best Burgundian chefs, great Romanesque art. All this by bike, horseback, jeep or hot-air balloon. The Martin family – Jean-Louis and Christine now joined by son Vincent – run three wonderful houses, each surrounded by mature trees and a terraced garden enlivened by Vincent’s wife Jurga’s sculpted figures. The modern, multi-levelled main house has five large and lovely bedrooms while the stone cottage, for B&B or self-catering, is traditional, the third house being more independent. The noble old beams and rosy tommette floors frame a fine new, pale, contemporary look warmed with stylish lighting, crisp linen and polished country pieces (including winegrowers’ chairs). The honeymoon suite has a private piece of garden. It’s bliss to relax on the main terrace and gaze across vineyards to the ramparts of old Beaune. Down a wildflower path is a family-run restaurant.
This is a remarkable place. First-class accommodation, with a range of options. It is in a wonderful position overlooking Beaune. The large and fascinating grotto, where wine is kept, and a large jacuzzi entices, has pipistrelle bats hanging from the ceiling- quite amazing. Christine was working in the delightful garden when we arrived, introducing herself as 'la jardinière'- a modest introduction from the owner. She, her husband Jean-Louis and son Vivian, who manages the property, have created a stunning place to stay, and they produce a very decent red Burgundy from their clos up the hill.