The Vendee Manor House

Rooms

There are 5 suites in the main house, each with its own sitting area and ensuite bathroom. Expect pale stone walls, sweeping wooden floors, perhaps a velvet chaise longue or striped fauteuil, tall windows hung with raw silk (pale pink for the Rose Suite, purple for Wisteria). Custom-made beds are super-kingsize, wrapped in white cotton, topped with white crochet or patchwork blanket, heaped with pillows.

If the bedrooms are heavenly, the bathrooms are impeccable. They have rainfall showers and deep ‘cocoon’ tubs for 2 (note, Rose and Sienna’s baths are in the bedroom itself).

Four suites have their original fireplaces, most have views to gardens and stream. All except ground-floor Sienna can accommodate a baby or child under 8, while Maple is perfect for 2 adults and 2 kids (plus a baby), with interconnecting double and twin rooms.

If you need more space, the recently renovated gite, attached to the main house, offers two basic double bedrooms and a shared bathroom with shower only. It has its own entrance and private patio, so could work well for grandparents or those wanting a bit of separation from the rest of your group.

Features include:

• Central heating
• Cots Available
• Extra beds
• Fireplace
• Hairdryer
• Satellite TV
• Terrace
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

The full-size kitchen is well kitted out, whether for casual breakfasts or cheffy dinners (talking of which, if there's a special occasion, do ask about their superb private chef: details below). There's a four-burner convection stove, full size oven, fridge/freezer and dishwasher, crockery and cutlery for 15 people, as well as plenty of pots, pans, storage and counter space. Essentials like dishwasher tabs, cleaning products, recycling bags and sponges are provided.

The owners can recommend some excellent places for dinner, starting with walkably-close Le Minage for enjoyable food at reasonable prices, with a good selection of wines and a patio for balmy evenings. Or hop in the car to the unassuming Le Saint-Georges in the village of Saint-Juire Champgillon, where chef Willie Lefay uses long-forgotten ingredients in his seasonal creations, with innovative and delicious results (not cheap, but refined).

But their favourite dinner treat is P’tits Ventres de Terre in La Roche-sur-Yon (25 mins' drive): a tiny place where chef Lionel Guilbaud fills small clay pots (like the traditional ‘Pot a Mogette’ used locally to cook white beans, but smaller - hence petits ventres) with innovatively blended ingredients topped by a brioche: charming and fun. If you like what you eat, you can book him to cook for you at home, and even give you a lesson in his art.

Further afield, La Rochelle is awash with (sea)foodie delights (45 mins' drive). Dig deep into your wallet and book a table at the 2-Michelin-starred Restaurant Coutanceau. The food is imaginative and faultless; tables overlook the sea so you can watch the sun go down.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Organic produce
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Drive via the lovely seaside town of La Tranche-sur-Mer to find a string of beaches backing onto pine forests and dunes: park at Les Conches or La Terriere, or follow the road behind the dunes and pick one of the trails to the beach
  
  
• The super knowledgeable owners can arrange vineyard tours down the road in Mareuil-sur-Lay (2 award-winning bio wineries); or further afield at Domaine Saint-Nicolas near Les Sables D’Olonne
  
  
• Don't miss La Rochelle (45 mins), with its cobbled shopping streets, famed aquarium (one of the largest in Europe) and beaches
  
  
• Just across the bridge is the Ile de Ré, where the beautiful Parisians go. It’s criss-crossed with cycle paths and wrapped in 30km of white beaches
  
  
• Nantes (also 45 mins) is another wonderful a city of art, culture and gastronomy. Take a tour of the impressive Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the last château on the banks of the Loire before the ocean
  
  
• With children, Puy du Fou is a must see, especially at night - a theme park with special effects that whisks you through the centuries: gladiators at the Roman Coliseum or Viking battles - it’s all here!
  
  
• But do leave time to laze in the lovely house and gardens, and to walk (5 mins) into the pretty little village Ste. Hermine, which comes alive on Friday mornings when the market arrives

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Aquarium
• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Plantlife / flora
• Shopping / markets
• Surf lessons
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Theme park
• Well being
• Wine tasting

Kids

Families are warmly welcomed and kids under 8 stay for free. Those with children will find the gardens a boon - lawns to roam, bushes to hide in, a paddling pool for tinies, and a swing and a slide. There’s more: cots, baby baths, highchairs, books, toys, DVDs, and a pushchair to borrow. For cosy nights in: a delivery from the local pizza restaurant and a baby monitor so you can eat downstairs. For nights out at restaurants: a trusted babysitter.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

Gardenia, Wisteria and Rose can each sleep a family with 1 child (up to the age of 8); Maple Suite has interconnecting double and twin rooms - ideal for 2 adults, 2 children and a baby.

Distances:

• Airport: 45 minutes' drive (La Rochelle or Nantes)
• Hospital: 15 minutes' drive
• Shops and supermarket: 3 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Manor House is in the village of Ste. Hermine in the Vendée, a 45-minute drive from both Nantes and La Rochelle in the west of France.

By Air:
Fly into La Rochelle (53km) or Nantes (95km) airports, both a 45-minute drive, even though Nantes is further.

From the Airport
We would recommend hiring a car, as you'll need one for exploring, shopping etc.

By Train:
If you really don't want to drive, Luçon train station is 15km from the house - you can catch a taxi outside the station.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.

More on getting to France and getting around