REVIEWS
These are all comments taken from our cottage guestbooks or left for us by our lovely guests on Air BNB.
Thank you - they mean so much and help us to improve our standards even further!
Luel plaisir de decouvrier une aussi belle region et de sejourner dans un gite aussi agreable !
Un grand merci pour la qualite de notre accueil.
We had a very pleasant stay in your lovely cottage (Violets Cottage)! Thanks again for your warm welcome.
Lucie, Guylene, Jean Yves and the beautiful Siamese Cat! - France - July 2024
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Thank you so much Karen And Craig for this few days in your marvelous cottage. (Honeysuckle House).
It's a real pleasure to meet sweet and kind hosts like you.
We wish you all the best in this little place of paradise.
Ingrid and Damien - Nantes, France - July 2024
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We had a wonderful time. Karen and Craig are great hosts! This place is a 'must' to visit if you like France, nature and a great relaxing time. Honeysuckle House has everyting you need and for us the jacuzzi was absolutly fantastic. Sitting in the tub with a great view!! There were some good things in the neighbourhood too of course like - the beach just along the road, wonderful nature, great boucherie & lovely Wednesday market at Bourganeuf.
WE LOVED IT!!!!
Reint and Lydia - Netherlands - September 2023
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We needed some peace and quiet, so we found the ideal place. Magnificent view.
Karen & Craig - Thank you.
Jean Louis & Marie Francoise - Les Sables d'Olonne - August 2023
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Idyllic stay with Karen and Craig, The comfort and cleanliness of Honeysuckle House was perfect. We sleep very well. Absolute calm. The unobstructed view over the valley with the cows and the bull. The deer that passes around 9 p.m. when you dine in the garden. Hiking and swimming in the lake… Exceptional week.
Clementine - France - August 2023
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We had a very pleasant time in Violet's Cottage, in an idyllic and preserved setting. The sunsets are beautiful, and from the hot tub I can confirm that it becomes unforgettable. The accommodation as such contains all the necessary comforts, with a beautiful view on the Limousin Mountains. Karen and her husband are lovely people. We were able to attend a stained glass making session also hosted by Karen: very interesting and nice! In short: a place we won't forget anytime soon, and where good rest is guaranteed!
Laurent and Family - France - August 2023
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Honeysuckle House was exceptional. All the mod cons that you need especially with modern day kids, delightfully weaved into the classic French style Gite. Situated on the upper part of a valley, our home from home provided a perfect springing point to wider attractions like Lac Vassiviere with all its activities to boot as well as the purpose made swimming areas of the local river either 0.5km away or 8km. As for the hosts, can’t thank them enough. Always there if you need them, and a really nice couple. All in all, great holidays are made by blending the accommodation, the character, the activities, and ‘spirit’ of the surroundings together. This was a perfect pudding. Will deffo ask to come again.
Jon and Family - Uk - August 2023
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We spent a very good week and appreciated the calm, the beautiful garden, the landscape and the Limousines which wake us up in the morning. The weather was perfect, alternating between heat and clouds, perfect for swimming and walking. The nature and forests are ideal in summer.
Thank you for a nice stay.
Guylaine & Marion, Adrien & Justine - Angers & Clermont Ferrand - August 2023
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We had a pleasant pleasant stay at Karen's, the location was perfect and allowed for beautiful hikes without even taking the car. The site is very quiet and the private garden is very nice. Violet's cottage is also functional. Finally, bonus relaxation, access to the jacuzzi outside with mountain views is really nice.
Sandra and Family - Hédé-Bazouges, France - August 2023
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Our stay at Karen's met our expectations. Karen was always very responsive to my messages. She also offered us accessories for the baby who was with us. Honeysuckle House is well-equipped and peaceful. The garden and surroundings are beautiful. We were also able to enjoy the Hot tub. Thank you Karen for the welcome. I would recommend this property. In a beautiful setting, we had a very good stay.
Marion, Friend and Baby - France - July 2023
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Very nice accommodation, a real" "cottage" "in the heart of the tray of millevaches! Very friendly and welcoming hosts. Quiet, comfortable, everything was perfect. We will definitely return!
Claude Pichou - Lumbin-Isire, France - July 2023
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We had a great time staying at Karen and Craig's house. They are attentive to our well-being and at the same time very discreet. We took full advantage of the jaccuzzi with the view, it was great. The place is very quiet and we even saw a deer cross the garden before our eyes and went quietly in the forest. Lake Vassivière is not very far away and we took some beautiful walks there.
Béatrice & Family - France - July 2023
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Fantastic week in a beautiful place - Thanks
Colin, Susan, John and Ali - Manchester - July 2023
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Violets Cottage, a lovely house in a fabulous location. Karen and Craig were super helpful and friendly too.
We enjoyed it so much that we stayed an extra two days.
Kate, Duncan and Rosie the dog! - Hertfordshire - May 2023
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We enjoyed this four days in your house.
We really appreciate the pretty house, the quiet space, the spa in front of this so beautiful landscape.
We wish to come again to Honeysuckle House! It was not long enough!
Elise & Franck, Léopold et Gwenolé - Poitiers - May 2023
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Our stay at Karen and Craigs place was fabulous. A lovely place set in beautiful surroundings. The house was immaculate on arrival and the jacuzzi is a great addition to help wind down after a day of exploring. We had a great time and would throughly recommend staying here, as it allows good access across the region.
Kevin, Dan and Becky - Brighton, Uk - September 2022.
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We had a very good holiday at Honeysuckle House. We appreciated the large shaded and green garden, especially the dog!
The view and the landscape are very beautiful. The house is comfortable and pleasant.
Karen and Craig are very thoughtful hosts.
We had the chance to attend a stained glass demonstration with Karen. The children (age 9 and 10) loved creating their own stained glass window sun-catcher with Karen's kindness.
We would come back with pleasure.
Aurelie, Nicholas, Antoine, Rose and Jin the dog - Roissy-en- France - August 2022.
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Gîte très sympa et région magnifique, plein de petites ballades et randos directement au départ du gîte et Karen et Craig sont discrets, disponibles et très sympas. On a passé une semaine magnifique Merci
Very nice gite and beautiful area, lots of little walks and hikes directly from the gite and Karen and Craig are discreet, available and very nice. We had a wonderful week.
Damien and Marianne - Limay, France - August 2022.
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Nous avons passé un excellent sejour à la "honeysuckle house". Le gîte est cosy et charmant. Très bien équipé (on nous a mis à disposition un lit et une chaise haute pour notre baby). Nous avons beaucoup apprécié les jardins ombragés et la jaccuzzi avec la vue. Il y a aussi 2 plages bien amenagées en bord de Vienne a proximité et de belles ballades. La verdure environnante et le calme sont très appréciables. Et Karen et Craig sont adorables. On recommande !Nous avons passé un excellent sejour à la "honeysuckle house". Le gîte est cosy et charmant. Très bien équipé (on nous a mis à disposition un lit et une chaise haute pour notre baby). Nous avons beaucoup apprécié les jardins ombragés et la jaccuzzi avec la vue. Il y a aussi 2 plages bien amenagées en bord de Vienne a proximité et de belles ballades. La verdure environnante et le calme sont très appréciables. Et Karen et Craig sont adorables. On recommande !
We had an excellent stay at "Honeysuckle House". The house is cosy and charming. Very well equipped (we were provided with a bed and a high chair for our baby). We really appreciated the shaded gardens and the jacuzzi with the view. There are also 2 well equipped beaches along the Vienne river nearby and beautiful walks. The surrounding greenery and quietness are very nice. Karen and Craig are adorable. We recommend it!
Anne, Aymeric and Althea - Rennes, France - July 2022.
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Très agréable séjour chez Karen. Le cadre est vraiment magnifique. Nous voulions du calme et de la verdure, nous n'avons pas été déçus!
Very pleasant stay at Karen's. The setting is really beautiful. We wanted peace and quiet and greenery, we were not disappointed!
Sylvie and Chloe - La Roche - sur - Yon, France - July 2022.
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Honeysuckle Cottage is an ideal place to stay if you are looking for peace and quiet. Karen and Craig are great hosts, always available but very unobtrusive. We shared two apéros with them and other guests and spent great moments. The place is ideally situated to tour Haute Vienne, Creuse and Corrèze, even the North of Dordogne. Many adjectives can qualify the view from the cottage or from the hot tub : fantastic, stunning, awesome. The forest is just across the quiet road, lots of places to visit waterfalls, streams, and a fountain with delicious spring water a few yards away from the cottage. The place to be if you want to escape from the crowd and a crazy pace of life.
Jean Guy & Dominique - Vallet, France - June 2022.
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Fantastic place, wonderful views and Karen and Craig are excellent hosts who are always on hand when needed. The sharp kitchen knives are worthy of a mention. We used Fontchauvaux as a base to explore the region, but there are some great local places, the Lac de Vassiviere being an excellent example.
Marcel & Penny - Brussels, Belgium - September 2021.
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We had a wonderful stay with Craig and Karen. The cottage was fully equipped and the jacuzzi was a nice cherry on the cake. The dogs (and us too ;) also loved the lake at 1.5 km. It was also nice that we could charge our electric car with them!
Thank you for the great vacation 😃
Britta & Gerrit - Tilburg, Netherlands - September 2021.
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Dear Karen & Craig our stay in Violets Cottage was really a treat for us! The lovely view and the amazing surroundings made our stay complete. Many thanks xxx.
Jolande & Martin - Netherlands - July 2021.
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Accueil irréprochable! Karen et Craig sont charmants et vous font partager leur amour de cette charmante région sans être intrusifs. maison adorable et jacuzzi splendide.
Merci Karen et Craig pour ce séjour !
A warm welcome! Karen and Craig are lovely and share their love of this lovely area without being intrusive. Lovely house and wonderful hot tub.
Thank you Karen and Craig for this stay in Honeysuckle House! It was a lovely trip! Thank you.
Lu & daughters - Nantes - June 2021.
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Violette Cottage avec superbe vue et bien situé pour visiter le coin. Accueil très chaleureux. Je recommande.
Accueil et logement très bien! Karen est très serviable. Le logement est chouette avec une magnifique vue.
Accommodation with great views and well situated for touring the area. Very warm welcome. Would recommend.
Very good welcome and accommodation! Karen is very helpful. The accommodation is nice with a beautiful view.
Lue friends & babies - Saintes, France - June 2021.
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Merci pour votre accueil. Un beau séjour, plein de charme. Bien cordialement à vous .
A beautiful place, an impeccable jacuzzi, an impeccable welcome. The peace and quiet and the Limousin countryside... With beautiful walks. Thanks to our hosts for their kindness.
Thank you for your welcome. A beautiful stay in Honeysuckle House, full of charm. I am very pleased with the quality of the accommodation.
Pierre and Brigitte - Sainte Prix - June 2021.
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Endroit plein de charme, calme, en pleine nature, Violette Cottage est un petit chalet bien aménagé, il y a tout ce qu'il faut pour passer un séjour tranquille. Le spa dans le jardin c'est le rêve! et nous avons étés très aimablement accueillis par les propriétaires, qui sont très discrets.
A place full of charm, calm, in the middle of nature, Violets Cottage is well equipped, there is everything you need to spend a quiet stay. The spa in the garden is a dream! and we were very kindly welcomed by the owners, who are very discreet.
Myriam & parents - Coulaures, New Aquitaine - June 2021.
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Karen and Craig are wonderful hosts. The view from Violets Cottage is insanely gorgeous - the pictures cannot do justice, you have to see it to believe it! The cottage is spacious, functional, well-equipped. I'll say it one more time: everything is great but the highlight really is the breathtaking view from the lounge, the terrace, the room upstairs. I highly recommend this place!
Thank you so much Karen and Craig for this wonderful stay. I'll definitely recommend it to all my friends! Take care.
Jacques - Paris - May 2021.
Note from Karen - Must have been good - Jacques is coming again for another stay this month!!
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Très bien. Violette Cottage est pratique, confortable et très charmant. Karen est très accueillante et arrangeante sur les horaire.
Very good. Violets Cottage is convenient, comfortable and very charming. Karen is very welcoming and accommodating on the schedule.
Samantha, family & dog! - Outreau - May 2021.
Note from Karen - Glad you managed to get here in the end after having to re-arrange 3 times because of the lockdowns.
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We had a good stay with Karen. Small garden adjoining the practical cottage (Violets) for our dogs + a large garden common to all with jacuzzi (very pleasant, especially at night with the magnificent starry sky).
Sparkling clean, oustanding hospitality, quick response, stylish space.
Cantin Saragosa & family - Saint Etienne, Rhone Alps, France - April, 2021.
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Staying at Violets Cottage was wonderful, Karen is a great host and made me feel very welcome. The jacuzzi is lovely with such a beautiful view. Its so peaceful and quiet at the cottage but still only 10min to a shop. Would love to stay again.
Lauren Kitchen - Professional Cyclist - New South Wales, Australia - April, 2021.
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Trés jolie région que nous avons pu découvir à l'occasion d'un court sejour. Violette cottage
est trés bien et les
proprietaires charmants et trés disponibles.
Merci pour tout!
Very nice area that we were able to discover during a short stay. Violets Cottage
is very nice and the owners are
charming and very available.
Thank you for everything!
Veronique & Laurent, from Nantes - March, 2021.
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Belle region ou nous avons passe un sejour agreeable de cottage (Violette)
est parfait et en vue splendide.
Calme et beu temps aussi.
Merci.
Very beautiful area where we spent a pleasant stay in a cottage (Violets)
that is perfect and with a splendid view.
Quiet and nice weather too.
Thank you very much.
Soizic, Maxime, Pierre and Camille, from Brest - July, 2020.
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Nous étions venus dans la campagne verdoyante après l'agitation des grandes villes, et nous n'avons pas été déçus ! De très belles landes, beaucoup de calme et un cottage (Violette)
où nous nous sentions très bien. Par une nuit sans nuage, il fallait absolument observer le ciel étoilé ! Merci pour cette belle parenthèse de la nature.
We had come to the green countryside after the hustle and bustle of the big cities, and we weren't disappointed! Very beautiful moors, lots of peace and quiet and a cottage (Violets)
where we felt very good. On a cloudless night, it was absolutely necessary to observe the starry sky! Thank you for this beautiful parenthesis of nature.
Mina, Julie and Thomas - June, 2020.
About Us and Future Plans
Craig and I (Karen) have many years experience in the holiday trade, first as crewed charter holiday hosts on our yacht in the Caribbean. Then with two Uk Tourist Board four star rated holiday cottages, that we renovated in the Derbyshire countryside.
We also ran a small business for several years from Mercia Marina in Derbyshire with self-drive holidays on our narrow-boat.
Now we have moved to France to continue our business with holiday homes. Over the years we have learnt exactly what we need to do to give people a quality holiday experience. It was with much searching and thought we eventually arrived in the Haute Vienne and realised what a beautiful, unspoilt, natural area it is for just that experience.
The Story So Far.
In 2018 we renovated Honeysuckle House
and began to take bookings for holidays.
For the 2019 season we had our second holiday home re-furbished Violets Cottage.
We have added a relaxing hot tub, placing it in the ideal location to take in the sunsets and the gorgeous views that surround us here at Fontchauvaux,
When we arrived at Fontchauvaux
we managed to track down an episode of 'A Place In The Sun' with Jasmine Harman that featured our property before we came along. Should you be interested to see it you can view it by searching for Episode 13 Series 20. First shown on Channel 4 on the 2/8/17 and shown again on the 14/3/19 and again in 2023.
The gites have obviously undergone lots of improvements since the episode, especially Violets Cottage
(named after the hundreds of violets that flower all around in April and May). It had a complete refurbishment to bring it up to date.
Honeysuckle House
was gorgeous anyway but also has had many improvements and updates to keep it up to standard.
As we do long term winter lets during the winter months (usually October until the end of May) we installed modern fuel efficient wood-burning stoves into each of the gites. The gites can be heated in the colder weather with the electric ceramic wall heaters they have in each room but the new wood-burners are more economical and there is nothing nicer than real flames for feeling even cosier.
Since the initial renovation of Violets Cottage we have now had new double glazed windows and doors installed. This has been a huge improvement as it now has opening side windows to the patio doors downstairs. These side windows have greatly improved the ability to ventilate the lounge area in colder months, without having to have the double doors open.
We have added secondary glazing to the windows of Honeysuckle House.
It has the lovely French style windows and we didn't want to lose these as they were all in good condition and just need maintaining now and then with a fresh coat of paint.
Our gardens extend to around 2.5 acres and we have been busy taming it. We had a rather wild area of garden that we have now made into a woodland trail where you can wander and take in the views and hear the peaceful sound of water from the natural spring that flows across our land. We hope to plant soon lots more daffodils, bluebells and other bulbs. The violets, other wildflowers and ferns have all started to grow in profusion now that the brambles, nettles, ivy and dead trees have been removed and they have more light. It has been absolutely fabulous this Spring.
While making the clearance we contemplated calling in a tree surgeon to take down a very tall, very dead pine tree that was in the middle of the wild garden area. Then the wind got up one night and the next day a large portion off the top came down of its own accord leaving about two thirds of it. Still a bit tall for us to manage! A couple of weeks later the wind came again and took the rest down leaving about six feet - job done - no effort required, just the wood to chop up for the wood-burners. So wood chopped and stacked to dry. We also discovered an ancient waterfall and a couple of small ponds connected by the spring. The waterfall needs some maintenance to get it functioning properly and the ponds need dredging and tidying to make them a really lovely feature in the garden.
We still need to complete the rebuilding of the dry stone walls around the gardens (very heavy work - just have to do them a bit at a time!)
So lots more to do in the gardens to keep us busy in the years to come but so rewarding to see the garden evolving into such a lovely place!
In a former life, before we ran away to sea on our sailing boat, Craig and I ran a craft and gift centre at Lewes in East Sussex, England. We learnt the art of stained glass using the Tiffany method to create lampshades, small window panels, mirrors decorated with stained glass and much more. I have always wanted to get back to the craft but in the past fifteen years other things we wanted to do with our lives took up our time.
Arriving at Fontchauvaux
we realised the potential of the old piggery (or 'porcherie' as they call it here in France). It still needs more work but we have turned the piggery into a stained
glass
studio
where we can teach people the craft. The studio has a balcony and overlooks the valley - a fabulous place to have a workshop, but I wonder will anyone learn anything with that view to distract them!
It has a brilliant new glass cutting bench, large enough for several people to be cutting glass at the same time. I'm busy making small stained glass projects and now take bookings for classes and holiday bookings where you can spend some of your holiday learning this wonderful craft. Please contact me asap so that we can arrange your craft workshop holiday together!
See our Home page for some pictures of the new studio.
We still have lots of on going plans to improve the
Fontchauvaux
site further - come and join us soon to see how the place develops. We are in our sixth year now (goodness - where did that go!)
Every day we are blown away by this beautiful, ever changing area of France. We feel so fortunate to live in such a lovely place, especially under the circumstances of the last few years.
Our high standard was increasingly set with the experience gained over the years with our previous businesses - crewed yacht hire in the Caribbean, holiday cottages in Derbyshire and self-drive narrow-boat on the Trent & Mersey Canal. We feel sure that having experienced the quality of our two high standard holiday homes, the natural gardens with relaxing hot-tub and this outstandingly beautiful part of France you will be back to book again and will hopefully recommend your holiday experience to others.
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Long Term Lets.
We offer our gites
for long term letting at a special rate.
Honeysuckle House
and Violets Cottage are available from now until the 31st, May, 2025
at a cost of 875€ pcm for Honeysuckle and 845€ pcm for Violets. The minimum stay period is one month.
Both our holiday homes accommodate 4 guests and we also welcome up to two pets.
From the 31st, May, 2025 until the end of August 2025 our holiday homes
are let on a nightly basis as holiday lets (please refer to our Home page for holiday prices).
Please Note - Subject to confirmed Holiday Let bookings, we may be able to extend long letting periods
until the end of June and starting from the beginning of September.
The rental cost per month for long lets includes internet, water charges and local taxe de sejour.
Electricity and logs for the wood-burners are charged at cost pcm.
The rental cost for holiday weeks
during July and August 2025 includes electricity as well as the above.
Honeysuckle House - Booked from 1st September, 2025 until 1st, October, 2025.
(Our guests are penciled in for November & December 2025, enquiries welcome for these two months,
but with priority given to the guests staying for September if they do decide they want to stay two more months).
Violets Cottage - Available from 6th, September, 2025 until end of May, 2026.
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Long Term Let guests who are already staying with us have priority/first refusal over new enquirers
if they decide they need to lengthen their stay.
The minimum stay period is one month.
If these months don't quite correspond with the dates you require please contact us
as we may still be able to accommodate you.
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We have ensured our two cottages are ideal, peaceful, cosy and warm places to stay in the Winter.
With the recent installation of vmc pumps, modern wood-burners, even more insulation, secondary glazing in Honeysuckle and new double glazing in Violets they are damp and draft free and toasty warm!
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Barn Storage
- Available all year round.
Approx. 60 sqm available.
5€ per sqm pcm.
Our barn storage is secure and dry but we do advise taking out insurance cover for your possessions for the duration.
Our
barn storage
is also available to all (guests, ex-guests, locals etc.) throughout the year.
Please call us if you require storage for a short term. You do not have to be staying here
although long term guests who are staying with us have priority during their stay period.
Please send an enquiry message or call us to see if we can help with your accommodation/storage requirements.
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Honeysuckle House has 2 bedrooms and can sleep four.
The long let rate from now until the 21st,June, 2025 is 875€ pcm plus electricity and logs at cost price,
with a minimum stay of one month.
The rental cost per month includes internet, water charges and local taxe de sejour.
Some of you may be wanting to change the scene from where you usually live for the winter months or
you are maybe looking to buy that special place to come and live or holiday in France.
We have good wifi internet connections if you are house-hunting, viewing properties and conducting online searches, contacting agents etc. it is all possible.
We have a desk and some extra lighting that we can put in to create a peaceful work-space if required.
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Honeysuckle
has secondary glazing to all windows. We couldn't quite bring ourselves to rip out beautiful original french windows and shutters that were in good order, spoiling the look of this lovely house, so thought we would try the secondary glazing first. Our long term guests have been more than happy with the warmth and cosy-ness without drafts
that the secondary glazing creates.
It has a recently fitted modern wood burner and wall mounted individually controlled electric heaters in all rooms.
Honeysuckle
has an induction hob with four rings and an oven.
There is a washing machine and a dryer, iron & board, vacuum cleaner and cleaning gear,
fridge freezer, dishwasher, microwave, kettle, coffee machine, toaster
and all the crockery, cutlery, glasses, pots, pans and utensils etc. that you will need for a long stay.
The house has its own electric meter. We read the meter each month and charge for electricity at cost.
We purchase logs locally and store them in our barn, so you can order logs ready for your arrival if it is cold.
There is a wood store just outside the door that takes a stere of logs.
Honeysuckle
has a small garden with patio, barbecue and garden furniture.
The garden is only partly fenced and not secure. Dogs would need to be on a lead before coming out of the house.
In which case you may wish to consider Violets Cottage
(if available) as it does have a secure fence all around the garden.
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Violets Cottage
also has two bedrooms and sleeps four.
Violets Cottage
is available for long let from now through to 31st, May, 2025.
at a monthly rate of 845€ pcm plus electricity & logs at cost price, with a minimum stay of one month.
The rental cost per month includes internet, water charges and local taxe de sejour.
Violets
has recently installed double glazing to all doors and windows.
It has a new modern wood-burner and wall mounted individually controlled electric heaters in all rooms.
The cottage has its own electric meter. We read the meter each month and charge for electricity at cost.
We purchase logs locally and store them in our barn, so you can order logs ready for your arrival if it is cold.
Violets
has an all electric cooker with a four burner ceramic hob and oven,
fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, kettle, coffee machine, toaster and all the crockery,
cutlery, glasses, pots, pans and utensils etc. that you will need for a long stay.
There is a washing machine, a tumble dryer, iron & board, vacuum cleaner and cleaning gear, and a small wall-fixed rotary washing line in the garden plus clothes airers.
The garden is fully fenced and has a patio with roll out awning over, garden furniture and barbecue.
Violets
logs can be stored in the store room near to the downstairs patio doors.
There's also plenty of room in the store for bikes if required.
We provide mattress covers, duvets and pillows (two pillows pp.) and extra blankets.
Please bring your own duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, towels, bathmat and T towels.
If you are staying with us during the still warmer months and we still have the Jacuzzi/Hot-tub in operation which is located in our large shared garden. You will be welcome to use both the large garden and jacuzzi.
If you would like to bring your dog, we accept up to two (2) well behaved dogs (no charge) that get on with other dogs
as we have a small dog of our own and our other cottage may also have guests with dog/s.
Please check with us before booking as to the breed and size of your dog/s.
Please bring their own bedding, towels and food dishes.
Dogs that constantly bark, damage gites or cause problems to other guests and their pets will not be welcome.
Violets Cottage
garden is completely fenced (about one metre height).
Honeysuckle House garden is only partly fenced and not secure. Dogs would need to be on a lead before coming out of the house.
Please note
- at the moment you cannot charge electric/hybrid cars from the property.
Nearest charging point Peyrat le Chateau 8km drive outside the cinema.
Barn Storage
- If you have decided you are definitely going to buy in France we may be able to offer secure dry storage space in our very good, solid, damp free barn, for your furniture and belongings if you want to arrange to bring them with you to.
The barn is straight off the road with easy access for removal vans/lorries. We have approximately 60 sqm. of barn space.
You can book part of this space or all of it. The monthly cost is 5€ per square metre of floor space.
It's a very high roofed barn so if some belongings can be stacked this can save on the square meterage you may need.
To give you some idea - when we moved out here, the furniture and boxes of small items from our average sized
three bed-roomed cottage fitted into a 20ftl x 8ftw standard container - a space of approximately 15sqm.
The container was packed to the top and admittedly our wardrobes, beds and three piece suite could all be taken apart and more or less flat packed, so maybe somewhere between 15 and 25 sqm. if we help you to stack it sensibly.
We always make sure we are available to help, if you need us to, when unloading/loading!
Don't forget to insure your furniture and belongings for the duration of the time it is in storage here.
Although the barn is secure our insurance does not cover for it.
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A few things to consider when making your plans to move to France.
No doubt this has been a long term plan to come and live in France.
From what we are hearing from people who want to come from the Uk, some are allowing the new rulings since brexit to put them off from coming. Yes there are a few more hurdles to over come but most are not insurmountable, you don't have to fall at the first one! You just need more of a plan in advance as it is taking longer to get visas applied for and issued. Be prepared and find out what the criteria is and which type of visa is the correct one for your circumstances before making your application and work on what you need to do to comply, so that the application succeeds first time.
Even if it doesn't, don't give up, find out what else you need for it to succeed and try again.
One thing that seems to have been a problem is having an address in France to put on your application where you will be living while you look for your dream house. Your first thought might be - we need to rent, but on investigation, you find long term lets are from 1-3 years, need French references and guarantors etc. and tie you to an area when you may not find what you want, and you want to move to another area.
Well you have come to the right place! You can rent from people like us for one to three months. Book with us, make a payment and we will confirm the booking by sending a receipt confirming the dates you have paid for. You can use this receipt to support your visa application. Ok so you may not know the exact dates you need to stay because you don't know how long the authorities are going to take to process your application. Dates on the receipt may help to get the application moving but if not we may be able to be flexible as to your arrival date with us.
Another minor problem that seems to be worrying people is the French language test they are talking about introducing for people who want to become resident here. I say minor because the test is not that difficult. If you don't speak any French there are many online courses available that you can pick up basic language from within a few weeks.
Just fill your time with a bit of learning while you wait for your visa Ha,Ha! (No really, it can be fun learning a new language! Do not let it put you off!)
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Maybe you have been holidaying here for years and have already decided on the area you want to buy a house in.
Then again you are maybe wanting to explore over a long period and want to visit different regions
before making your decision.
You will find that a lot of owners who make their gites available for winter letting only rent them from Sept/Oct time until they start their summer holiday lets from around Easter onwards until Sept/Oct time again. This therefore gives you a window to come to France from around September until around April/May at the cheaper winter rental rates .
So to maximise the time you have to look for a house and to complete on the purchase, at the cheaper rates, it's really worth trying to arrange to come as early as possible in the autumn (of course, this will be subject to your visa start date). It's a lovely idea to think we'll have Christmas with our family and friends to say goodbye and then go in Jan or Feb but it could be a mistake if you can't find a house and complete on it in time and end up paying summer rates to stay in what after all are holiday gites.
I could be wrong, but it seems to me there are more house bargains to be had in the autumn and if you find one,
and start the buying process promptly, you could possibly be in for Christmas when you can invite
your friends & family to come and see you in your new house!
It seems to be the case that people often put houses on the market in the spring, but initially, they will be at a higher price, so by the autumn, if they haven't sold, they could be reducing the prices and you may well seal the deal at a good price.
Another reason to come early Autumn is that the weather starts to cool down a bit in Sept/Oct time and travelling to view houses can be more comfortable, especially if you have pets that can't usually be left alone in gites and it is too hot to leave them in your car while you view a house.
At Fontchauvaux we will always dog sit if we can for you (we adore all dogs and cats) but many gites don't have owners on site and couldn't do this but also do not allow dogs to be left in gites on their own.
It's all about timing really (if you can, visas permitting) and often the other thing that could dictate this is
if you are selling your house to buy one here and when that happens (not something that many of us can predict).
Listening to former guests who have stayed with us, and hearing how they made their move, it seems quite a few,
having sold their house, have rented a house for a few months in the country they live in so that they can arrive here in France for the time that is best.
Not only does this mean they arrive here at the best time for buying but they are also cash buyers.
If you are waiting for a property sale to go through before or after coming to France
a) you may not be leaving your country at the ideal time to rent here
b) you may not find a house to buy at the ideal time of year
c) if you are here, and haven't completed on your property sale, you are not in such a good position to make an offer on a property you want to buy.
You may be thinking - but houses don't look as great in the winter months
when it's raining and there are no leaves on the trees.
All I can say is if you love it in the winter you are more than likely going to really love it in the summer.
We viewed our house in the winter when there was snow on the ground and we really love it!
Just one other thing on this point though - do find out which way the house faces.
Really think about if you like the heat or need somewhere to get away from it in the cool.
People think they want a south facing house, (especially those coming from the Uk),
but in 40 degrees, rather you than me, there is no easy escape from the heat
and our summers only seem to be getting hotter each year.
Our house faces north west, and we love it all year round.
We are cool as cucumbers in summer and warm and toasty with our wood-burner in Winter.
We also have the advantage of seeing the sunrise and set all year round!
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Whatever the euro does against other currencies you will still more than likely be able to buy a property
at a much more affordable price in France compared to most other places in the world, certainly than in the uk.
We have definitely found a safe, peaceful place to live and a wonderful life, (and you can to).
There is certainly no where safer in the world that we can think of, where we would rather have been during the pandemic.
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The feedback from our French friends is that they really do want us here.
We bring a lot to their economy and restore a lot of their otherwise empty houses
and help keep there villages in the countryside alive.
They welcome us, run classes to help us learn French, show films in English
at our tiny local cinema all run by French/British volunteers.
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So to sum up if you are planning to move to France!
Remember, none of what you have to do to move to France can be rushed.
Allow realistic time scales for when you ideally want to move to France.
Consider your move to be a long term plan, carefully thought out to suit you as far as possible.
Firstly find out what criteria you need to be able to live in France to make sure you can qualify.
Once you are sure you can comply with the necessary criteria make sure you apply for the right type of visa required
and get everything together for your visa application. Start compiling a dossier of all documents and information required.
If selling a property in your home country, get it done and move into rented in your home country, if necessary, for the timing of your arrival here.
Book a rental property for your initial stay in France for while you carry out your search for your new home
and for the time it takes to complete on the one you eventually decide to buy.
Try not to get dispondent and lose sight of your dream to live here, one day all that seemed difficult will become a distant memory as you embrace your new and wonderfully different life.
Remember your goal - It's so worth it - We so know this!
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Lastly, We know there is more you need to know the answers to.
We could write a book with advice and how to avoid any pit falls (perhaps I already have and you are truly asleep now).
Call or email us. We will always try to help if we can or if we don't have an answer
we maybe able to point you in the right direction. You do not need to book with us for this advice/help.
We have had quite a few people staying with us for long lets while they find a house to buy now and we have learnt
so much from them about how to, or not to, go about the transition. Everyone's experience is different.
If you think you may want to live in this area Helene at The Familles Rurales office in Peyrat Le Chateau is a great person to talk to. Her job is to help people with their move to the area before and after you arrive.
Helene answers all our questions and helps with anything we are having problems with.
If your French language is not that great (Who's is?) she can help with translations, making appointments, sorting out bills with utility companies, helping us re-register our cars, sorting out visa issues, our residency status
and so much more.
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So if the time is right for YOU - come to the beautiful, unspoilt Haute Vienne -
take that long term break, change the scene for your online work, find that French home of a life time -
relax - let the stress go - and learn what the word manyana really means!
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Reviews.
Here's what some of our Long Term Winter Let guests have to say!
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Thank you Karen & Craig, you have been the perfect hosts.
We have had a lovely stay in Honeysuckle and hope to return in the not too distant future. You are kind, thoughtful & very generous people, who are prepared to go above and beyond in order to help your guests. We will miss being here & we will
keep in touch to let you know how we are getting on.
Lots of love and best wishes Charlie, Dawn & Jesse Boy (the beautiful Siamese Cat)! X - Wakefield, UK - November 2023
A big thank you to Karen & Craig for their friendliness and kindness during our stay at Honeysuckle House.
We loved the wonderful walks and beautiful countryside and most of all the peace and quiet!
Allan & Nikki Wood - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Feb - April 2023
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What good fortune it turned out to be to find Karen and Craig Marsh’s gîtes on
rentaplaceinfrance.com. We arrived at the beginning of May 2022 looking forward to staying a
month in an area we hadn’t visited before and ended up staying for two months and finding an
exquisite cottage to buy.
Karen and Craig are lovely people. They are kind, generous and very understanding of the joys
and disappointments of house hunting in France. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that they not
only leant tremendous support, they also became one more excellent reason to choose this
area to move to.
We had the opportunity to stay in both gîtes and recommend them both unreservedly. While the
kitchen in Violet’s Cottage is smaller, both have lovely indoor and outdoor spaces, welcoming
sitting areas, comfortable beds and spectacular views. The quiet is broken only by birdsong that
one very rarely gets to hear anymore and the lowing of cows.
Within easy walking distance are forest paths and a river beach for summer swimming.
Just down the road a few feet is a year-round spring that provides quenching,
chemical-free drinking water.
Close at hand are bustling villages, farmer’s markets and spectacular nature to enjoy.
We couldn’t have asked for a more idyllic two months.
Thank you Karen and Craig!
Lori & Dale - Oregon, United States - May & June 2022.
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Lock-down Haven.
Our original plan was to tour Spain & France in our motor-home but when Coronavirus struck Karen & Craig came to our rescue and Honeysuckle House became our lock-down haven. Karen & Craig have been wonderful hosts, always on hand to give advice and friendship during our stay. Honeysuckle House is a real home from home. With bars and restaurants closed we found ourselves cooking more than we had planned. This was made easier with a magnificently stocked kitchen. There was no utensil or pot or pan that we lacked!
We are really going to miss the peace and tranquility of this area and the daily walks which we have come to love.
We have been very comfortable here and this area will always have fond memories for us.
Thank you for making our lock-down experience a positive one. We hope to have the original trip we had planned next year and will certainly re-visit the area and pop in to see Karen & Craig.
Phil & Marg from Shrewsbury, Shropshire March 23rd - May 30th 2020.
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We have spent several months in Honeysuckle House on a Long Term Winter Let, while searching the Limousin for our new house in this lovely region. Karen & Craig have been the most wonderful hosts, providing magnificent support and assistance with any of our needs during our stay. The location is breathtaking, with the most wonderful views, with local amenities only seven minutes away and larger towns only twenty minutes away. Honeysuckle House is a spacious, beautifully furnished property and just beautifully finished and has everything you could ask for. The additional benefit of a newly installed wood-burner which is brilliant for the cooler months. There is an added bonus of a large, dry barn attached to the property, which is perfect to store furniture etc.
We would like to thank Karen & Craig for making our stay in St. Julien Le Petit such a very happy, memorable time on our new adventure and we would highly recommend visiting this amazing place and staying in Honeysuckle House.
Vinny & Jean Clarke from Manchester - December 2019.
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How to Book the Accommodation.
The arrangements described below, as far as possible, ensure that everyone knows where they are.
The situation is flexible, if you want to leave early or extend your stay you can.
It means we are able to advertise the gites and avoid having periods where the gites aren't occupied.
We totally understand that if you are looking for a property to buy and then waiting for completion on your property
or have decided to move areas as you are not finding what you are looking for
that it can be very difficult to predict how long you need to stay.
So this arrangement can work really well for you and for us. All we ask is that you talk to us and
keep us in the picture and give us as much notice as you can as to what you need to do.
To Secure a Long Term Let :-
For the minimum of one month (Honeysuckle only) we require, at the time of booking, advance payment for the rent for the month.
Plus, as a refundable security deposit, the equivalent of one months rent, to be paid 48 hours before your arrival date.
For two months (Honeysuckle or Violets) we require, at the time of booking, advance payment for the two months rent.
Plus, as a refundable security deposit, the equivalent of one months rent, to be paid 48 hours before your arrival date.
For ninety days we require, at the time of booking, advance payment for the 90 days rent.
Plus, as a refundable security deposit, the equivalent of one months rent, to be paid 48 hours before your arrival date.
Guests already booked or currently staying will have first refusal over any enquirers who may wish to
book time that is within their ‘penciled in’ period.
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How to Book the Barn Storage.
Just let us know at the time of booking your accommodation if you need storage as well and we will let you know how much space is available. Guests staying long term for the winter months have priority for booking storage space during their stay.
We only usually book space out to people not staying with us during the summer months if available.
If guests staying with us who are also renting storage space want to continue to use storage space once they leave it may be possible to arrange this until September depending on other bookings.
The Barn Storage sq meterage will be accurately calculated and costed once your possessions arrive and are stacked and stored to your satisfaction. The rental cost will start from the day your possessions arrive a month in advance.
If when your storage is collected it is a part month the cost will be calculated on the number of days you have used the storage for in that month.
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The Refundable Security Deposit
is the equivalent of one months rent in each gite and must be cleared to our account 48 hours before arrival. It is against breakage or damage to the gite and its contents. The security deposit will be refunded to you less any costs of damage within 48 hours of vacating the gite (please see our Terms & Conditions
for further details).
Please email or call us to discuss further if you are interested in long term lets/storage.
For full Terms and Conditions Click Here.
Fontchauvaux Holiday Gites
2 Fontchauvaux, Saint Julien Le Petit, 87460, Haute Vienne, France.
Owners Mr & Mrs Craig & Karen Marsh. Email: kcmpropertyrentals@gmail.com
Tel: H +33 (0)9 83 23 06 59 M +33 (0)7 77 80 05 35 www.fontchauvaux-holiday-gites.co.uk
The properties known as Honeysuckle House and Violets Cottage (the properties/property) are offered for holiday rental from June - Sept subject to these Terms and Conditions and confirmation by the owner to the renter (the guest.)
Direct Bookings - Enquiries and Reservations.
1. For direct bookings with the owners these Terms and Conditions will be sent to the guest with the booking form. They can also be viewed on the website. It is accepted that, if the guest makes a direct booking, then they will have read, understood and accepted the Terms and Conditions and that their signature on the booking form confirms this.
To book either of the properties directly with the owner an enquirer should contact the owner by email or telephone and request the dates to be reserved. If the reservation is accepted by the owner the dates will be 'penciled-in' only until a cleared payment has been made to the owners account, details for which will have been supplied on the booking form. The enquirer will be informed if another enquiry is received before the 25% non-refundable booking deposit (or full payment if the start date of the holiday is less than 8 weeks away) is received. The first enquirer will be given first refusal but the deposit or full payment must be received within 24hrs of being informed that another person wants to book the same start date.
2.In order that the non-refundable booking deposit may be paid, the enquirer will contact the owner who will forward a booking
form with bank account and sort code details, or if preferred the PayPal link, to the enquirer. Until cleared funds for the non-refundable booking deposit are received the booking will not be confirmed but the dates will remain 'penciled-in'. Following receipt of the non-refundable booking deposit or full payment the owner will send a confirmation/receipt to the guest and this is the formal acceptance of booking. The guest will also be sent a link to these Terms and Conditions and the date that the balance of payment falls due.
If the guest chooses to pay by PayPal then any fees liable will be payable by the guest.
Balance payable
3. The balance of the rental is payable not less than eight weeks before the start of the rental period. When the balance is due the owner will send an email reminder. If payment is not received by the due dates and arrangements cannot be made between the owner and the client then the owner reserves the right to give notice in writing that the reservation is cancelled. The guest will remain liable to pay the balance of the rent unless the owner is able to re-let the Property.
Reservations made within eight weeks of the start of the rental period require full rental payment at the time of booking.
Methods of payment
4. Payments can be made by transfer of Euros direct into the owners' French bank account.
by transfer of Sterling direct into the owners UK bank account.
PayPal payments are also acceptable although any fees payable to PayPal will be charged to the guest.
The owner is unable to accept credit or debit card payments unless through PayPal.
Returnable Security deposit
5.A returnable security deposit of £250.00 or 288.00€ is required by bank transfer 48 hours prior to your holiday start date. This will be returned to you minus any costs of damage or breakages to the gite and its contents within 48 hours of your end of holiday leaving date. We reserve the right to extend this 48 hour period if quotations are required for repairs to damage which may take longer than 48 hours to obtain. However, this security deposit shall not limit the guest's liability to the owner should the level of damage exceed the deposit.
Please note clause 9. regarding holiday insurance covering damage.
Cancellation
6.Cancellation will result in the loss of the non-refundable deposit, and if the cancellation is within 8 weeks of the start of the rental period the balance of the rental fees will be due. If the holiday has been fully paid for and then cancelled, the owner will attempt to re-let the property. If this is successful the rental fee will be refunded less the deposit and any re-advertising and administration costs.
7.Holiday Company bookings (AirBNB, Booking.com or nature.house).
Although Fontchauvaux Holiday Gites is an independent business if guests booked through a holiday company must refer
to the holiday companies Terms & Conditions that you agreed to when confirming your booking with them for their Terms and Conditions relating to the booking, payments, cancellations and damage to the rental property and it’s facilities.
The Holiday Companies Terms & Conditions apply to the Booking and Payments.
The following Fontchauvaux Holiday Gites Terms & Conditions from 8. through to 21. also apply to all guests staying at the Fontchauvaux site.
Chargeable expenses
8.Any chargeable expenses arising during the rental period will be settled with the owners on site, before departure ie.for logs for the wood-burner, charcoal for the BBQ etc. Failure to do so will result in the expense being deducted from the security deposit before returning the balance.
Insurance
9. The owner has insurance to cover third party risks in relation to the property. This does not include third party liability for actions taken by occupants of the property. The guest is strongly advised to arrange a comprehensive travel insurance (including cancellation cover) and to have full cover for the party's personal belongings, public liability etc., since these are not covered by the owner's insurance. This needs to include damage to the property which exceeds the security deposit.
Arrival and departure
10. The rental period commences not before 4.00pm on the first day and ends at 10.00am on the last day. The guest is asked not to arrive before 4.00pm (unless by prior arrangement) as this will delay preparation of the property. No facilities or accommodation will be made available to the guest or their party before this time. The guest shall not be entitled to remain in occupation after 10.00am on the final day and is asked to ensure that they vacate the properties and facilities by this time in order not to delay preparation for the next guests. If guests are not due to arrive that same day then a special arrangement to leave later may be possible with the express permission of the owner.
Conditions of Occupation
11. The maximum number to sleep in each of the properties must not exceed four people + baby.
12. All persons who stay in the properties must be named and ages of children stated on arrival. No other person may stay in the properties or use there facilities without the express permission of the owner.
The person who booked must ensure their party are made fully aware of the rules that apply within the properties and there facilities. The person who booked will be responsible for any damage caused by their party.
13.The guest agrees to be a considerate tenant and to take good care of the property and facilities and to leave it in a clean and tidy condition at the end of the rental period. The owner reserves the right to make a charge of 40€ to cover cleaning costs if the guest does not leave the property as it was found or in an unacceptable condition in any other way. Photographic evidence of the condition will be made if such a charge is levied.
14.Guests who book to stay in the holiday accommodation at the Fontchauvaux site must be aware and comply with our no smoking policy. This applies in the accommodations and all the garden areas that are part of the site.
15. Fontchauvaux is a peaceful area and the guests agree not to act in any way which could cause a disturbance.
16. The guest and their party acquire no rights whatsoever over the property except occupation as a holiday let for the period booked. The guest shall not sub-let the property.
17. The guest shall report to the owner without delay any defects or damage in the property or it's facilities, or any breakdown or defect in machinery or appliances. Arrangements for repair and/or replacement will be made by the owner as soon as practicably possible and the guest will be informed of any charges liable, either directly or taken from the security deposit. The cost of repair/replacement for damage found or items missing after the guest leaves will be charged to the guest.
Owners' liability
18. The owner shall not be liable to compensate the guest for occurrences outside the control of the owner such as:-
a. for any temporary defect or stoppage of public services to the property, nor in respect of any equipment, appliance in the property or garden.
b. for any loss, damage or injury which is the result of adverse weather conditions, riot, war, strikes and other matters beyond the control of the owner;
c. for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused to or suffered by the guest if the property shall be destroyed or substantially damaged before the start of the rental period rendering it un-lettable. In such an event the owner shall notify the guest as soon as possible and within seven days of that notification refund to the guest all sums previously paid in respect of the rental period.
d. if an advertised facility is modified or not available, for example, due to necessary maintenance, unsuitable weather conditions or local circumstances.
19. Under no circumstances shall the owner's liability to the guest exceed the amount paid to the owner for the rental period.
20. The use of the properties and there facilities is entirely at the user's risk and no responsibility can be accepted for injury to a user or visitor and loss or damage to the user's or visitor's belongings. Children must be properly supervised when using the facilities. No responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage to any motor vehicle or its contents.
21. Pets are allowed on the properties only with the express permission of the owner. The guest will be liable for any pets they allow onto the properties and will be charged for any damage caused or extra cleaning required as a result of their presence.
This contract shall be governed by French law in every particular including formation and interpretation and shall be deemed to have been made in France. Any proceedings arising out of or in connection with the Contract may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in France.
Fontchauvaux Holiday Gites
2 Fontchauvaux, Saint Julien Le Petit, 87460, Haute Vienne, France.
Owners Mr & Mrs Craig & Karen Marsh. Email: kcmpropertyrentals@gmail.com
Tel: H +33 (0)9 83 23 06 59 M +33 (0)7 77 80 05 35 www.fontchauvaux-holiday-gites.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. The properties known as Honeysuckle House and Violets Cottage (the properties/property) are offered for long term rental subject to these Terms and Conditions and confirmation by the owner to the renter (the guest). These Terms and Conditions will be sent to the guest with the booking form. It is expected that, if the guest makes a booking, then they will have read, understood and accepted the Terms and Conditions.
Before booking and making a payment for rental of accommodation it must be understood and agreed to that it does not form a long term rental contract. The booking can only be a verbal agreement with the owners to let either Honeysuckle House or Violets Cottage on an initial basis of one month up to ninety days.
2.The accommodation cannot be deemed as your principle residence. An alternative address must be provided to the Fontchauvaux Holiday Gites owners as your principle residence. The Fontchauvaux address can be used as a temporary place of residence and for the forwarding of mail. On vacating the accommodation a forwarding address must be provided to the owners so that future mail arriving after your departure can be sent on to you.
3. Enquiries, reservations and bookings.
A booking must be a minimum of one month up to a maximum of ninety days. For a booking to be confirmed the full payment for the rental period
is required at the time of booking to reserve the rental period. For rental periods of one month to ninety days the gite will be confirmed to you
as booked but the gite will still be advertised. Guests who have booked in advance and paid for occupation will have first refusal over any enquirers who may wish to book time that is within their confirmed booked period.
3.To book either of the properties directly with the owner an enquirer should contact the owner by email or telephone and request the dates to be reserved. If the reservation is accepted by the owner the dates will be 'penciled-in' only for a period of two weeks. The enquirer will be informed if another enquiry is received before the Advance Rental Payment is received. The first enquirer will be given first refusal but the Rental Payment must be paid within the two week period starting from the date the reservation was accepted by the owners to secure the
booking, otherwise the second enquirer will be allowed to take the booking.
4.Notice to Extend the Stay or to Leave.
We require one months notice to extend the stay for longer than agreed.
We require one months notice to leave. Guests must either give the owners one months notice to leave as soon as practicably possible but at least one month in advance of the actual leaving date whether this is the originally agreed leaving date or a revised leaving date. If guests leave earlier than the agreed and paid for date a refund can only be given if the owners manage to secure another booking for the period agreed.
5.Making Payment & Methods of Payment.
In order that the Advance Rental Payment may be paid, the owner will pass bank account and sort code details, or if preferred the PayPal details to the enquirer. Until the completed and signed Booking Form and cleared funds for the Advance Rental Payment is received the booking will not be confirmed but the dates will remain 'penciled-in'. Following receipt of the Booking Form and Advance Rental Payment, the owner will send a confirmation to the guest and this is the formal acceptance of booking. The guest will also be sent a link to these Terms and Conditions. The gite will no longer be advertised as available to rent for the dates agreed and paid for.
Payment may be made in Euros direct into the owners' French bank account.
in Sterling direct into the owners UK bank account.
PayPal payments are also acceptable although any fees payable to PayPal will be charged to the guest.
The owner is able to accept credit or debit card payments only through PayPal.
6.Refundable Security Deposit & Owners Right to Termination of Agreement to Rent.
A Refundable Security Deposit equivalent to one months rent is required by bank transfer 48 hours prior to your start date. The owner will have given clear verbal instructions to the guest on arrival as to how to maintain and manage the accommodation throughout the duration of the guests stay. This is also outlined in the accommodation instruction and information manual. The guest will have signed and agreed to these responsibilities and instructions. If the guest has not adhered to these responsibilities and instructions the owners right to terminate any agreement to let beyond the time period paid for in advance will be activated. If there is clear evidence (photographs of which will have been taken) that the guest has caused damage or breakage to the accommodation and its contents the Security Deposit will be returned to the guest minus any costs of damage or breakages to the gite and its contents within 48 hours of vacating the gite on the agreed date. We reserve the right to extend this 48 hour period if quotations are required for repairs to damage which may take longer than 48 hours to obtain. However, this Security Deposit shall not limit the guest's liability to the owner should the level of damage exceed the deposit. Please note clause 10 regarding insurance covering this damage.
7).Chargeable Expenses.
Any chargeable expenses arising during the rental period will be settled with the owners on site, before departure. Failure to do so will result in the expense being deducted from the security deposit. Expenses eg. Electricity, gas, logs.
8)Cancellation
Cancellation within eight weeks of the start of the rental period will result in the loss of the paid Advance Rent but not the Refundable Security Deposit. If the agreed rental period has been fully paid for and then cancelled, the owner will attempt to re-let the property. If this is successful the Advanced Rental fee will be refunded less any re-advertising and administration costs. If only part of the agreed rental period is let only that part of the Advance Rent will be refunded.
10)Insurance.
The owner has insurance to cover third party risks in relation to the property. This does not include third party liability for actions taken by occupants of the property. The guest is strongly advised to arrange a comprehensive insurance (including cancellation cover) and to have full cover for the party's personal belongings, public liability etc., since these are not covered by the owner's insurance. This needs to include damage to the property which exceeds the security deposit.
Please pay particular attention to this clause if you are also using the Barn Storage facility and ensure you have the correct cover for all of your belongings.
11)Arrival and Departure Times.
The rental period commences not before 4.00pm on the first day and ends at 10.00am on the last day. The guest is asked not to arrive before 4.00pm (unless by prior arrangement). The guest shall not be entitled to remain in occupation after 10.00am on the final day and is asked to ensure that they vacate the properties and facilities by this time unless a special arrangement to leave later is possible with the permission of the owner.
12).Occupation.
The maximum number to sleep in each of the properties must not exceed four people + baby.
All persons who stay in the properties must be named and ages of children stated on the booking form and no other person may stay in the properties or use there facilities without the express permission of the owner.
The person who booked must ensure their party are made fully aware of the rules that apply within the properties and there facilities. The person who booked will be responsible for any damage caused by their party.
The guest agrees to be a considerate tenant and to take good care of the property and facilities and to leave it in a clean and tidy condition at the end of the rental period. The owner reserves the right to make a charge of 70€ (which will be retained from the security deposit) to cover cleaning costs if the guest does not leave the property as it was found or in an unacceptable condition in any other way. Photographic evidence of the condition will be made if such a charge is levied.
Fontchauvaux is a peaceful area and the guests agree not to act in any way which could cause a disturbance to other guests, the owners or neighbours.
The guest and their party acquire no rights whatever over the property excepting occupation as a winter let for the period booked. The guest shall not sub-let the property.
The guest shall report to the owner without delay any defects or damage in the property or it's facilities, or any breakdown or defect in machinery or appliances. Arrangements for repair and/or replacement will be made by the owner as soon as possible and the guest will be informed of any charges liable, either directly or taken from security deposit. The cost of repair/replacement for damage found or items missing from the inventory after the guest leaves will be charged to the guest and deducted from the security deposit.
13)Owners' Liability.
The owner shall not be liable to compensate the guest for occurrences outside the control of the owner such as:-
a. for any temporary defect or stoppage of public services to the property, nor in respect of any equipment, appliance in the property or garden.
b. for any loss, damage or injury which is the result of adverse weather conditions, riot, war, strikes and other matters beyond the control of the owner;
c. for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused to or suffered by the guest if the property shall be destroyed or substantially damaged before the start of the rental period rendering it unlettable. In such an event the owner shall notify the guest as soon as possible and within seven days of that notification refund to the guest all sums previously paid in respect of the rental period.
d. if an advertised facility is modified or not available, for example, due to necessary maintenance, unsuitable weather
conditions or local circumstances.
Under no circumstances shall the owner's liability to the guest exceed the amount paid to the owner for the rental period.
The use of the properties and there facilities is entirely at the guests risk and no responsibility can be accepted for injury to a guest or pet and loss or damage to the guests belongings.
Children must be properly supervised when using the facilities.
No responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage to any motor vehicle or its contents.
Pets are allowed on the properties only with the express permission of the owner and with the understanding that the owner also has pets. The guest will be responsible for and liable for any pets they allow onto the properties and will be charged for any damage or injury caused or extra cleaning and gardening required as a result of their presence.
14. A no smoking policy applies at the Fontchauvaux site in the cottages and all the garden areas.
This contract shall be governed by French law in every particular including formation and interpretation and shall be deemed to have been made in France. Any proceedings arising out of or in connection with the Contract may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in France.
