Domaine de la Marcotte

In a village near fabulous Fontainebleau is a large wooden gateway in a high stone wall, with a cottage behind and five acres of grounds – quelle surprise! It was home to a couple for 40 years: she the aunt of the owner of a nearby châteaux, he a Russian…hence the wonderful, whimsical collection of art. The two buildings are separated by a yard but you can take them both together.

In the main house the vast salon opens to a courtyard and a garden with immaculate topiaries and towering trees. Take a rug to the tufty grass, or swim a long lap in the pool. Both kitchens are convivial and welcoming and you’re left a bottle of their branded olive oil. The cottage has a walled garden, a terrace for outdoor meals and a lawn with loungers. Play pingpong here, or have a barbecue.

Walk and cycle from the house, have days out visiting villages and markets, ride horses through the nearby forest, take a tour of Jean Cocteau’s gaff.