More progress at the Old Walnut Mill...

 

We have just finished upgrading the downstairs facilities at the 'Old Walnut Mill' which means the major works are now complete and the house is ready to receive our first guests.

We had already installed a new shower room upstairs and reconfigured the main bedroom

Main bedroom

With so many gites / holiday homes to rent in France how does someone choose a particular property?

With our property to rent here in the Loire Valley competing against so many others we rely on our advertising and the promotion of our region of France as the ideal area to spend a holiday, this and our 'hands on' approach with regards to planning we think sets us apart. Check out our guestbook here 

We chose to live and work in the Centre-Val de Loire because, as a holiday destination, it is a very popular choice for discerning tourists as it offers such a diverse range of holiday options with regard to what to see and do.

We have many ‘world travellers’ choosing our cottage and some come to the Loire Valley after a visit to Paris or some other major European city so are pleased to find the houses equipped with washing machines which allow them to freshen-up before heading off to their next destination.

"The small village experience was great and made us feel part of the landscape rather than just passing tourists."

With 10 years of renting we have gained so many new friends that it has become less of a job and more a series of pleasant experiences. Yes, we have to work hard, as there is a standard to maintain, but knowing that we have helped make our guests’ holidays as enjoyable as possible is what drives us. 

'Old Walnut Mill'

One of the aspects that pleases us most is the number of returning guests we get. The 'Old Walnut Mill' has another guest returning for a fifth visit to Barrou- we must be doing something right!

Old Walnut Mill...

Just finished freshening up main bedroom at the 'Old Walnut Mill' for renting out this season...

happy with end results.

Going solo...

Welcomed new guests at 'Le Balcons' yesterday after first solo changeover since Pauline left for Scotland...so much easier as a 'team'...think I passed muster.

Wisteria lane...

Over working in the garden at 'Les Balcons' today where the witeria is in full bloom - nature is quite magical.

A little imagination required...

It is so nice to see some colour about the garden. The shot above is in the corner of what will ultimately be the 'Sitooterie' of our (not) soon to be formed gite here in Barrou. You need a bit of imagination but can't you just see this perfect little spot...

Ending on a high note...

On Tuesday we said goodbye to our last guests of the season at 'Les Balcons' and where we will miss the meeting and interaction with our guests,  we won't miss the hard work of 'changeover' days. The season has been good to us with guests from Scotland, England, Ireland, Australia and USA. I think it was our friend Nicole, who also offers accommodation locally, who said that one of the great things about this business is that the world comes to you! This is so true and we like the fact that the houses we offer are used to bring different parts of the world together - our last set of guests were couples from Australia and the USA

rendezvousing in Europe - like many before them.

 Our guests have been very generous with their comments in our guestbooks though some may be difficult to live up to like 'Jim & Pauline rock' (you know who you are) and our most recent inclusion:

09/10/2012

  

"Five star experience- thanks to Jim & Pauline for, not only, providing such a well equipped home but for all the advice and assistance - some beyond the 'call of duty'. We travel around the world a lot and you have made this 'world class'."

Art Shulman & Linda Roseman, Melbourne, Australia + Stan & Wendy Finger, USA

Where we do not think, personally, that we have reached these giddy heights, it is a good feeling knowing that the hard work we put in to making our guests' stay as comfortable and as interesting as possible is appreciated.

We wish to thank all our guests for choosing to take their Loire Valley Experience with us.