Pack the house with family, friends or a bunch of musicians and relax contentedly in the sleepy Aube valley. Les Pommiers, with its distinctive little tower, is in a row of old houses in quiet Dancevoir. UK-based owners Nicola and Nick have filled it with lovely French furniture, pretty vintage bedspreads and musical touches; the homely kitchen/diner has all you need to cook on wood burning range or electric cooker. Upstairs is a comfy sitting room with splendid grand piano (available on request) – it’s an airy space where violin teacher Nicola brings her string quintet to rehearse. Bedrooms are upstairs, downstairs or in a quirky converted henhouse with low doorway; they share three bathrooms including a whizzy shower room in the barn. Sit in the lawned garden, pick apples, pears and plums in season – swings, trampoline, ping pong and paddling pool keep youngsters happy. Borrow bikes or walk to a water hole to swim; for supplies try the village shop, or drive 15 minutes to two small towns for more choice. Champagne is in reach for bubbly tastings; for a spot of French history visit Charles de Gaulle’s home village.
Much love has obviously been poured into this characterful property over the years. The huge collection of books, toys and games, not to mention the beautiful and spacious walled garden, kept us all so well occupied that the delights of the surrounding region will have to wait for another visit. Dancevoir is remote, so the village shop was very welcome. Numerous well-maintained bikes of all sizes are ideal for exploring the local area. We didn’t miss a swimming pool, thanks to the paddling pool and the thick stone walls of the house which kept the inside wonderfully cool. A relaxing retreat!