The house is a 19th century converted barn (conversion completed in 2018) with 101 m2 of living space on the edge of the village of Avon les Roches. The house is accessed via its own driveway and has ample parking for several cars.
There are two completely separate and independent gites in the grounds-this one (La Grange) and a larger 6 person gite (La Maison - ref HAUK 844502).
The house offers a tranquil setting for up to 4 people.
OUTSIDE
It is situated on the side of the valley in over an acre of land with its own oak wood, flower beds and large grassed areas.
The terrace at the back of the house provides a unique view overlooking the valley and a perfect place to catch the morning sun over breakfast. There is a second secluded terrace at the front of house over looking the valley of the river Vienne, offering a perfect place to take a glass of wine and enjoy supper outdoors. It is equipped with BBQ and garden furniture.
The 10m by 4m, 1.2m deep heated pool is located at the front of house. The area is fenced and overlooks the surrounding country side. The pool is shared with the other gite. There are set pool hours.
DOWNSTAIRS
The house is accessed from the rear terrace and leads directly into the kitchen dining room. The kitchen is fully equipped with induction hob, electric oven, fridge freezer and dishwasher. Adjacent to the kitchen there is a utility room with a washing machine.
UPSTAIRS
The living room is situated on the first floor and is accessed via a spiral staircase. It has a sofa, chairs, bookcase, WiFI, TV, DVD player etc. There are two large bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with twin beds. Each bedroom has its own shower room, wardrobe and chest of drawers. There is a separate toilet. All the rooms have spectacular views over the village and the valley of the Vienne river.
THINGS TO DO
There is something for everyone in the area round La Belle Etoile, largely thanks to the ideal climate, the history and history, and the local rural landscape. These are just a few of the things on offer.
-visiting historic monuments and towns
-canoeing on the Vienne or near the chateau at Azay le Rideau
-horse riding at the various riding stables in the area
-tree climbing centre at Benoit la Foret
-zoos at Doue and Beauval
-walking
-cycling (bicycles are available)
-mountain biking in Chinon forest
-golf
-wine tasting and wine fairs
-food, there are a number of excellent restaurants in the area
-swimming-pool at the house, indoor pools at Avoine/Tours and the river Vienne
-shopping in local markets
-local festivals and festivities at various times of the year
THE LOIRE VALLEY
The Loire Valley spanning 280 kilometres (170 mi), is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River in central France.
The area of the Loire Valley comprises about 800 square kilometres (310 sq mi). It is referred to as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France due to the abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards (such as cherries), and artichoke, and asparagus fields, which line the banks of the river.
Notable for its historic towns, architecture, and wines, the valley has been inhabited since the Middle Palaeolithic period. In 2000, UNESCO added the central part of the Loire River valley to its list of World Heritage Sites.
The valley includes historic towns such as Amboise, Azay le Rideau, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Montsoreau, Orléans, Richelieu, Saumur, and Tours.
The climate is favorable most of the year, the river often acting as a line of demarcation in France's weather between the northern climate and the southern. The river has a significant effect on the mesoclimate of the region, adding a few degrees of temperature. The climate can be cool with springtime frost while wine harvest months may have rain. Summers are hot; however, influences from the Atlantic moderate the temperature with breezes.
CHINON AREA AND WINES
La Belle Etoile is situated in the AOC (Appelation d'Origine Controlee) of Chinon.
The town of Chinon is situated on the banks of the River Vienne in Indre-et-Loire. The vineyards of the Chinon AOC cover the relatively steep banks of the Vienne as well as the less steep slopes running northward from the hills above Chinon to the Loire.
Spread across 18 communes and encompassing over 50 different soil types, it’s fair to state that archetypal Chinon rouge doesn’t really exist. Identifying what ‘true’ Chinon might be is further confused by the fact the 240 registered wine producers each have their own interpretation of what Chinon should be.
The Chinon reds and rosés are made from Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon. They are typically dry and light to medium bodied and go well with food. In good years the red wines can be kept for 10 years or more.
Cabernet Franc grown on the stony terraces of the area tends to be a young wine with dominant notes of blackcurrant and anise. The wines from the steeper rockier areas along the hills that separate the Loire from the Vienne tend to produce wines that are more tannic . These wines also tend to develop a velvety depth of spice flavors as they age. Though typically thought of as lighter wines, reds from good producers and strong vintages can be full bodied and well structured for aging.
Their whites are composed primarily of Chenin blanc. They are typically described as dry, soft, light, and fresh.
