Refinement, loving care and high craftsmanship: you are welcomed to this exquisite home by Julien, a gentle soul now at the helm, whose parents breathed new life into this lovely old manor house. Myriad auctions were combed for fine rugs, antique mirrors, modern paintings, piano; you’ll find thick curtains, pretty desks, carved armoires and soft sofas in vast pale-walled bedrooms and deluxe bathrooms. The garden is a marvel, the half-wheel potager is especially breathtaking. You’ll eat well too – big breakfasts of baguette and granary bread, homemade jams, juice, different kinds of charcuterie from the Haut-Doubs area, a cheese platter with perhaps local Comté, Morbier and Roucoulons, croissants and eggs. Tasty table d’hote as well with herbs from the garden – all prepared by Julien, who has also opened a small bar in the sleepy village. Marnay is the nearest town (four kilometres), where you can buy local produce at a good epicerie – great for picnics. Besancon is a 30-minute drive – you can visit the cathedral with its unique 70-dial astronomical clock and there are heaps of fine restaurants.
Julien provides a warm welcome to this beautiful Baronial House and is breathing new life into it while respecting its immense heritage. Masses of character and history are coupled with great food (Breakfast & Evening Meal). In the evening, the wonderful garden even included visiting entertainment (a band) which proved very enjoyable. We stayed for 2 nights and took the opportunity to explore nearby Besancon which is marvelous. It was our first visit but we are already looking forward to our next and will then explore Dijon.