Although this B&B is set on the main road of town it’s blissfully quiet. Each bedroom is named after an heirloom fruit tree found outside, and has a welcome hamper with a selection of teas, coffees, biscuits and chocolates.
Nathalie and Slimane live on-site and encourage their guests to feel at home in the living room, which has a fireplace, comfy sofas, TV and music. Breakfast includes a basket of French pastries and bread on the table, and a buffet with charcuterie, cheese and fresh fruit, plus quince jam made from home-grown fruit. There’s no restaurant, but you can arrange for nibbles and wine and there’s soon to be a tea room opening on Saturday afternoons.
Have a swim in the indoor pool or relax in the jacuzzi; stroll in the wooded park lined with lime, cherry, apple and quince trees. The closest restaurant, Victoria, serves lunch on weekdays, and there are restaurants in Corbie, the closest small city, as well as in nearby Amiens.
As a customer of more 'modest' hotels myself, Villa Varentia was complete unknown territory for me. I was charmed by the luxury of it, the elegance of the rooms, the style and the dream-like experience it gave a glimpse of. I felt very welcome and comfortable in the host's company, who shows it's possible create a place which marries refinement and friendliness.