Get off the beaten track on a large patch of French greenery. Anne and Jean-Marc will give you a hearty welcome to their estate with a lovingly restored watermill. Nature lovers, the pair decided to build a guesthouse designed for sustainability and energy efficiency.
The 70sqm house is made of stacked straw-bales and has a pure, pared down design. Push the door and feel an immediate sense of well-being. The interior feels cosy and dry by all weather conditions like a safe shell. It can host 5 people and has 2 bedrooms – one with a double bed and another with a double and a single bed – each with its private bathroom. In order to be completely independent, a fully-equipped open kitchen is at your disposal. After enjoying a barbecue and lounging on the lovely terrace, you can relax in the beautiful swimming-pool.
After enjoying a barbecue and lounging on the lovely terrace, you can relax in the beautiful swimming-pool open from mid-May to mid-September. Some of the produce is home grown, all of it is local.
The owners’ primary aim is building a healthy, comfortable house for their guests with a very limited impact on the environment. Straw is an abundant material with high thermal resistance, which stocks up CO2 – meaning zero greenhouse gas emissions. Bills were not any higher than those for conventional construction (1,400€ per sqm for the wooden structure and straw insulation). These advantages were enough to get them committed to this project of sustainable development.
The sustainability and quality of the materials used was rewarded by the demanding “Clé Verte” label. What can be more original than an all-straw gite with green roofing? The 3 different gites on site have been built with great attention to ecological detail: lime plaster, organic paints, wood stove heating.
Pipes were installed in the ground, which channel rainwater directly to the river and thus avoid any flooding on the site. In the garden, goats mow the lawn – staying away from the vegetable patch! When the homemade produce is not enough to feed all guests, Anne meets with local farmers at the markets to uncover the best in fresh and organic produce. Chemical fertilizers are banned. Wood from the trimmed hedges is collected, crushed to bits, and its shavings are sprinkled around the plant pots for new produce, and the cycle goes on!
Anne offers outings together with the local environmental services in order to discover this Natura 2000 protected site. The Sarthe region holds many treasures, starting with beautiful hiking paths, two of which cross the mill grounds. On each side of the river, you may spot the protected wild orchids and hear the many birds, insects and butterflies. The Loire region is well-known for its majestic castles – the Castle of Lude, in particular is only ten minutes away – and its easy biking, accessible to all. A wide network of narrow country roads leading through woods and rolling pastures. Lovely villages and streams are also waiting to be discovered.
Also enjoy a visit to the Deux Eves sheep farm where your children can play with the ewes and you can taste certified organic milk, yoghurt and cheese!
General information on getting in and around France can be found on our blog
Prices are indicated: Per week
Period | Minimum stay | Per week | Week-end´s prices |
---|---|---|---|
01 Jan - 31 Mar | 7 nights | 583,- € | -,- € |
01 Apr - 11 Jul | 7 nights | 700,- € | -,- € |
29 Aug - 01 Nov | 7 nights | 700,- € | -,- € |
11 Jul - 29 Aug | 7 nights | 810,- € | -,- € |
Rental only possible by the week, from Saturday to Saturday
Sheets rental : 4€/person
Housework package (option): 55€.
Tourist tax: 1,10€/person/day
Fixed price for animals: 30€/week
These 3 elements are to be paid on the spot as well as the meals and breakfasts if necessary.
Visitor's tax: 1,10 € /adult /night
End-of-stay cleaning: 55 €
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Thank you for your request for this ecofriendly accommodation! Our team will contact you as soon as possible. Please don't forget to specify the age of your children.