Nichoir - The Garden Studio

Lucky enough to stay at ‘Le Nichoir’ for the third time, in the stylish Garden Studio, high quality self-catering holiday accommodation – we opted for the B&B formula. Strengthened by lovely breakfasts we journeyed out, this year concentrating on day hikes; and when tired from walking, we did less energetic activities like picnics and reading in the shady garden beside the lake. Evenings ended with delicious suppers, with vegetables and herbs from the garden, and nice conversations under a starry sky. We had a great time again with our ever attentive hosts and five relaxing days just flew by.

'A sanctuary' in an idyllic setting, with the garden of stunning ‘rooms’, beautiful pool and shaded pergola, flower beds of colour and butterflies, a lake to stroll around, croquet lawn, petanque court, and rolling hills. A stunning farmhouse, beautifully decorated, our family room was luxurious. Noella and Simon couldn’t have been more attentive. After a very long drive we’re met with smiley faces, delicious food and wine, fascinating conversation and great tips on where to visit. They even got up at dawn to give us breakfast and wave us off. What a place to relax, reflect and refuel!

We spent a wonderful two weeks at Nichoir in August with our two young children. Simon and Noella were beyond helpful, suggesting activities that would suit us (visiting local rivers, lakes, restaurants and markets), as well as providing really lovely accommodation. The house itself has been beautifully restored, while you can easily while away your time in the garden. Meals were provided for us, as and when we fancied which really added to our time at Nichoir, and resulted in us getting to know Simon and Noella very well. We'd love to return to Nichoir one day, Ailsa especially to see Oscar!

We made our nest for 5 days, in the cool, nicely decorated Studio - so, in the near-tropical heat could fly out to taste the Tarn’s rich history, enjoying the magnificent scenery of the region; and on return, before having delicious suppers, the pool invited us for a refreshing swim. We experienced and enjoyed the real spirit of what ‘une chambre d’hôte’ should be: where you feel relaxed with friendly, attentive hosts who like meeting with their guests, sharing information and having interesting discussions. We came as guests, we left as friends, we cannot recommend ‘Le Nichoir' too highly.

An absolutely fabulous retreat in this beautiful Homes & Garden house. The exceptional hosts, make this a wonderfully relaxing escape. The company, food and accommodation along with a super swimming pool within a tranquil garden, made our stay here glorious.

A wonderful couple of days at Nichoir - this is a very special, relaxing and beautiful home with gorgeous gardens and abundant wildlife. The pool was perfect for our kids who also enjoyed the lily pond, spotting lots of frogs and carp. Our little boy, 7, was especially impressed with the bat machine, with lovely memories of bat searching around the grounds and in the old barn. Oska the Newfoundland dog was a big attraction. The food was top-notch and we enjoyed two lovely evenings of delicious meals, with super breakfasts. There was plenty do and see and we definitely recommend to friends.

Nichoir is an attractive large old country house in a delightful country setting. Simon and Nollie are friendly and attentive hosts who clearly enjoy meeting and spending time with their guests. They cooked dinner for us and ate with us on two evenings of our three days stay. They showed great interest in our plans and provided helpful advice on where to visit in the area. We have stayed at a number of 'Sawday -recommended' chambres d'hote. This was definitely the best.

We only stayed one night at "Nichoir" but we had a wonderful time! We enjoyed a delicious comforting home made meal on arrival and were delighted to spend the rest of the evening sipping wine with our hosts. The house is beautifully organised and decorated with great taste. Lots of teddies and curiosities that the children kept playing with! The garden is equally pleasing with more games, lovely plants and a swimming pool . Massive Thank you to Simon and Noella who were incredibly welcoming and caring making our stay unforgettable! and Oska..! Les Woods.

We spent a lovely 2 days - super comfortable rooms, spacious - perfect for our family. We were totally 'at home', evening meals were delicious and it was a pleasure to relax around the table together. Nothing was too much trouble: from joining in with card games to occupy the boys over dinner to rescuing the football from the lake by canoe! Our boys gravitated from trampoline to pool, we soaked up the sun watching butterflies flit through the beautiful garden. There were tears when the children had to say goodbye to gentle giant Newfoundland Oscar. We hope to be back soon.

We had a marvellous few days at Nichoir. The whole family (both parents & 3 children) were very well looked after by Simon & Nollie who opened their home to us. We swam in the lovely pool, relaxed in the garden & ate delicious food. Nothing was too much trouble & they even provided a different supper of spaghetti bolognaise at short notice to our youngest child who says it was the best she has ever eaten. As we drove away the children asked when we could go back, I hope it’s not too long before we do.

Simon and Noella not only offer accommodation, but also hospitality. They have furnished the big house and guest rooms with great attention to detail, and the huge garden is more a park, with swimming pool, flowers, meadows, even a small lake. Anyone can find a corner there for themselves, or sit together over a welcome drink and, if the guest wishes, dinner. The food is excellent. We had a relaxing and wonderful time spent there and can highly recommend 'Nichoir'.

We had an utterly quiet, spacious airy room with sunset views. Simon & Nollie are friendly hosts, present & helpful without ever being intrusive. By day we explored Albi and autumn countryside, returning for a swim, subtly cooked & composed meals & wine, wood-stove, warm company & conversation. The house & garden are beautiful, full of interesting and pretty spots to sit and be, read or play. We felt really well looked-after, with everywhere such attention to detail: a truly relaxing and refreshing time, so that we came away seeing more of a sparkle in life.

Simon and Noella gave us a wonderful welcome, with plenty of parking for our campervan. Being friends of the family, although we hadn't met them before, we had lots to talk about! They were so kind in every respect, and instructions on how to get there were superb! They were so helpful in giving us ideas of where to go in magnificent Albi. Altogether a wonderful two nights, with each meal superb. They set us up well for our continuing journey down towards Spain and Portugal. We can't recommend them highly enough - thank you so much! Jane and David Hall (Alcester, Warks, UK)

What can we say, but a massive thank you for giving us such a wonderful stay, and for all your generosity with the food and drink. We all had such a wonderful time at your beautiful place.

Simon and Noella are extremely accommodating hosts and did everything to ensure our stay was as comfortable as possible. The house is extremely charming and is set in beautiful grounds – a great place to relax and a real home from home. The food was excellent and always well presented.

We visited for a long weekend and our only complaint was that we didn't stay for the whole week! Simon and Nollie are the most welcoming and accommodating hosts. We stayed with our temperamental 2 year old and nothing was too much trouble (my particular favourite was being greeted by a different soft toy at the breakfast table each morning- our daughter loved it!). The house is incredible, the grounds are absolutely beautiful, the food is to die for, and Oska the dog is the definition of a gentle giant- I would have happily taken him home with me. Thank you Simon and Nollie!

My small family had a wonderful time at Nichoir. Our only regret was not being able to stay longer. Simon and Nollie were the perfect hosts: patient, charming, amusing, accomplished, and helpful. Nichoir is a gorgeous property, inside and out. We were delighted with our superbly comfortable and attractive room, our delicious meals, and our easygoing, good-natured hosts (this means you, too, Oska and Snuffkin). My family rarely revisits accommodations -- since there are so many nice places to go in the world -- but we are already trying to work out how soon we can return to Nichoir. Loved it!

Simon and Noella are wonderful hosts, they couldn't have done any more to make our stay delightful. The evening meal in the garden was delicious. The room is extremely comfortable, everything was lovely, I can't recommend it highly enough. We'll be back next year to spend longer exploring the beautiful area and enjoy the house and garden. Thank-you !

We spent three splendid days at le Nichoir, where Simon and Nolly made us feel like visiting friends. Simon showed us the garden, designed to be wildlife-friendly. The swimming pool is a salt-water one. The pond is full of frogs and water-lilies. The house is filled with unusual and beautiful objects. Everything is the highest standard, yet the feeling overall is of homeliness and friendliness. The best of England in the best of France. I cannot recommend le Nichoir too highly.

Delightful house beautifully decorated; a very welcoming and thoughtful host and hostess - nothing was too much trouble. Well selected menu for our evening meal with accompanying wines and a delicious breakfast completed the enjoyment of our stay. We would be happy to recommend Le Bruel to anyone visiting this part of France. Our host went far beyond the call of duty in recovering mislaid documents and forwarding them to us. Five stars.