Le Détour

If we were to dream up a perfect vacation day, it might look something like this: We step out onto the terrace, still a little sleepy. While we enjoy vanilla French toast and kiwi mint salad with fragrant coffee in the morning sun, we look out over flowering meadows and wide open fields. We then spend the following hours reading a captivating novel under old mimosa trees, taking long walks, cycling through the surrounding villages, stopping off at a fish restaurant on the Loire, tasting local wines at a winery before returning in the early evening to where it all began that morning. Where is that? Well, in this former farmhouse, where you simply can’t help but feel at home. In the spacious garden, just behind the walnut tree, there’s still time for a game of pétanque. And regardless of whether it’s successful or not, it must be rewarded in any case with a trip to the “Country Spa”—a kind of XL hot tub with water heated by a wood fire. From there, we look up at the stars at a late hour (would you like a glass of wine?) before snuggling up tired and blissful under centuries-old beams. Sounds good? It is. In the French commune of Channay-sur-Lathan in the Centre-Val de Loire, less than three hours from Paris and surrounded by unspoiled nature, we came across this accommodation where you can spend your leisure time without a care in the world. “Take time to do nothing” is the motto of the owners Pauline and Paul, who have created a little paradise in the country house with a converted barn that used to house goats and horses. And they invite their guests to share it with them. Absolutely dreamy!

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The view from each of the rooms. The owners had the idea of creating something like a living frame with every window. In fact, the view of nature can easily compete with the most beautiful landscape painting!
• It’s clear that every piece in this house tells its own story and gives it a lot of soul. Illustrations, old greeting cards, second-hand items and design objects—all of these things evoke fond memories.
• The guest house is an invitation to share moments with others. The light-flooded living room is used communally. Here you can enjoy the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows or sit down at the large table for a game of rummy.
• What better way to end the day than by the fire? On chilly days, you can warm yourself by the fireplace in the living room.
• The gourmet breakfast is prepared with fresh produce from the garden and neighboring farms—in good weather, it can be enjoyed on the terrace. It changes every morning, so you can always look forward to a surprise—from mini brownies and caramel babka to yogurt, fruit and granola.
• Even the little ones feel at home here. In addition to the most amazing playground in the world and the beautiful natural surroundings, the cupboards are full of things to pass the time indoors: Toys, cards and board games, books and comics (of course, there’s something for the grown-ups too!)
• After a long day out, stretch your limbs in the forty-degree water in the outdoor pool and take in the panoramic view of the rolling fields.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The 200-square-meter guest house has three individually designed rooms, including two family suites for up to four people.
• The house also welcomes young visitors. A baby travel bed, bathtub, high chair and children’s crockery are available on request.
• The house with up to ten beds can also be rented in its entirety.
• If you like to prepare delicious dishes from the great ingredients you’ve picked up on your excursions in the region, you can use the communal kitchen during your stay. PS: Pauline and Paul are keen to share the addresses of the surrounding farms!
• The kitchen is stocked with oil, salt and spices. Guests can prepare their own coffee, espresso and tea free of charge at any time. In addition, a selection of local products is sold in the house: Lemonade, juice, beer and wine from your favorite local winemakers.
• A plancha is available in the garden and a raclette grill indoors.
• Beautifully prepared dinner platters can be ordered 24 hours in advance.
• As sustainability is important to the owners, they decided not to install air conditioning. Instead, there is a fan in every bedroom and they installed anti-heat films on all the window panes in the bedrooms to ensure cooler nights at the height of summer.
• So much to experience, discover and taste! The numerous castles in the region, the historic, lively towns of Tours, Bourgueil, Langeais, Chinon, Saumur, Amboise and Blois with their architectural heritage are definitely worth a visit. Stroll through pretty villages, go treasure hunting at flea markets or visit wineries for cellar tours and wine-tasting.
• Head to the water! There are lakes 10 minutes away by car or half an hour by bike for swimming, canoeing, sailing, water skiing and pedal boating.
• Private parking spaces are available, as well as a small car to unload your luggage. There’s a charging station for electric cars.