Demeure en Pierre Cottage, Location hebdomadaire départ samedi

This place was perfect for me, my husband and my infant son. It is a charming old cottage in the heart of a beautiful rural France setting. The location, although rural, was great! We were a short drive to many of the castles in the surrounding areas and there was a local market in some nearby town almost everyday. The local bakery in Perrusson made the best "pain au chocolat" we had on our 3 week France vacation and we definitely had our share. The kitchen was fully equipped allowing us to prepare delicious meals made from our market purchases and I can't forget the awesome pizza oven in the courtyard, a definite highlight. Phil, the owner was very helpful; he gave us the lay of the land as well as helpful hints and tips of what to see and what to do in and around the Loches area. The cottage is old and charming with all of the modern conveniences; it was a perfect blend of the old and the new. There's nothing better than sitting in a beautiful courtyard in rural France with the sun shinning, a cheese and meat plate fresh from the market with a glass of the best Rosé you'll ever have.

We (a couple in our 50's and my mother-in-law) stayed at Le Poulailler at the end of September, 2011. Rental was easy to set up; Philip is a native English speaker and very responsive via email. The cottage is very easy to find and detailed driving directions were provided. We met at the agreed upon time and very complete instructions were provided on where to find, and how to operate, everything (and a written copy is in the cottage). A bottle of local wine upon arrival was a very nice touch! The cottage is exactly as described and shown in the photos. A very charming renovation of an old stone outbuilding that retains the original character while offering a modern kitchen, bathroom and WiFi. We spent every day out touring chateaux and enjoying the restaurants of the area so did not make full use of the gardens, patio and pizza oven. We did use the extensive library of maps of the area provided and tried a couple of the restaurants recommended. Loches is an ideal base for touring the Loire Valley for a week, but I could imagine that simply staying at the cottage and enjoying the garden and walks in the area would be equally pleasurable. Just a few minor quibbles that potential renters might want to consider. There is nothing within a short walking distance; even a cup of coffee or the nearest boulangerie is ~2 km away. There are some minor maintenance issues (shower door meets the sloping roof so doesn't fully close, washing machine is outside in the shed, etc.) so it's not like staying at a 5-star hotel. And "adjoining bedrooms" means that anyone sleeping in the smaller bedroom actually walks through the master bedroom to reach the bathroom or to go downstairs. So this cottage would be ideal for a couple, or a family with younger kids, but not really workable for 2 couples. However, these are minor points and we would certainly stay again.

Four retired women traveling together stayed at Le Poulailler the first week in May 2010.

We found the cottage charming with beautiful stone exterior walls and the beginning of a flower garden. The cottage is secluded but not very far from towns. All the major chateaux are within 30 to 45 minutes drive. Loches is a marvelous town and has many things to offer. Make sure that you get directions to the cottage because it is very difficult to find. Via Michelin guide that we printed miss marked a major road out of Loches so we could not fine the numbered route. (It did not exist as it turned out)

The cottage itself is very nicely renovated. The living room has a wood burning stove and comfortable sofa and chairs. The beds are comfortable also and the bathroom up stairs is great with a powder room on the first floor. The kitchen is well equipped with dishwasher, microwave and a 5 burner stove. We enjoyed meals in the evening at the cottage while eating lunch as we toured the Loire Valley.

The landlord did not have any booklet of information for renters, so you need to do your homework before you arrive. Other VRO places had nice information booklets giving instruction on operating the appliances etc. Nothing was in Le Poulailler.

However, we were there when the weather turned cold – 6 degrees Celsius – and the landlord turned off the heat. He told us he always turns the central heat off April 1 and uses the wood stove to heat the cottage. Yes, that does work when you feed the fire but it was rather chilly in the morning when we woke up. The cottage became very damp. We finally asked him to turn the heat back on and he did so but told us he would charge us extra for the fuel we used. Please note that none of this information was on the VRO site. Be sure to clarify the heat situation with the landlord if your stay is during a period of cold weather.

It was a shame that the weather turned so cold just when we were there. We would have probably enjoyed the nice garden with the patio table and chairs. As it was we were too busy gathering wood and keeping the wood stove going. In the heat of the summer, this cottage would certainly seem naturally air conditioned.

As owner and recent adherent to this site, I'm happy to report that for the past year of activity, all 13 guests were delighted with "le Poulailler"'s comfort, location,and charm!