Book with the owner direct
Owner/Property
Manager: Ian Bowler
Book this Gite by contacting the owner
directly to confirm
price, property details and availability.
Booking directly with the owner means you pay the owners price with
no added booking fees or extra charges.
Overview
Description
Welcome to this characterful detached stone-built house, sleeping up to 10 people. It has two sitting rooms, so is ideal for family groups.Enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool in the large enclosed mature garden, and the South-facing enclosed patio, perfect for eating outside.
Stay a stone’s throw from the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud , with marvellous views of it from most of the bedrooms and the grounds.
Fontevraud's classic French square is just 300 metres away, with a bakery, three restaurants and two bars, as well as the stunning Abbey …
… and yet the house and garden are tranquil and on the edge of the woods with walks and cycle rides starting from the end of the drive.
The downstairs living and dining area is light and open area with exposed oak beams and the region’s typical tuffeau stone, and large south-facing windows overlooking the garden. At one end a large dining table by the traditional stone fireplace seats 10, and is adjoined by a comfortable seating area to relax; while at the other end there is a large leather sofa and additional seating together with a large television (and DVD player).
A second lounge area is found upstairs with two sofas, a piano, a ‘smart’ TV, books to tempt and large French windows facing east which catch the morning sun.
The house’s rustic style and oak beams continue into the fully equipped kitchen. Outside the kitchen is a sun-trap terrace with electrically operated sun shade for the hotter days and an outside dining table seating 10 people.
Upstairs there are four large en-suite bedrooms: three overlooking the garden and Abbey, one with windows facing north.
There is also one large en-suite bedroom downstairs, with a view across the garden from its south-facing windows.
All of the en-suites have a shower, toilet and washbasin; the one downstairs also has a full-size deep ‘peninsula’ bath.
The downstairs bedroom, and three of the four upstairs, can be arranged with a king-size bed or two single beds. The master bedroom upstairs has a king-size bed.
The garden is fully secure and occupies the south side of the property, with a 10 by 3.5 metre heated swimming pool at one end, two swings at the other, and enough space in between for boules - or for the whole family to relax in the sun. There’s also a full-size outdoor table tennis table and barbecue available to use.
At one end of the house there is a separate courtyard garden where a bed of different mint varieties can be picked for fresh mint tea.
Fontevraud’s picturesque village square is less than 300 metres away, complete with elegant town hall and fountain, and overlooked by the ancient parish church. The square is served by 2 bars, 3 restaurants and a tea room, together with a classic bakery and a mini-supermarket.
The entrance to the Royal Abbey is on the square. Find our house on the wooden model in the rear cloisters!
14 Reviews
Leave ReviewPerfect multi generational family holiday
By Stephen and Janice on 02-Aug-2025We had three generations and our dog staying at Au pied de l'Abbaye. The house exceeded our expectations with the house wonderfully presented by Phillipe and his team. There was nothing that was needed that was not available to make it a great stay. However the highlight for all was of course the swimming pool, large enough for both grandchildren to play in and for parents and grandparents to relax in especially when the temperature for the two week didn't get below 32c during the day. The bedroom and living room on the second floor meant the grandchildren could have a break from Grandma and Grandad especially good when they needed a rest from playing in the swimming pool. It also meant with the ground floor ensuite bedroom there was no accessibility concerns for Grandma and Grandad. So what did we do during our stay, well would recommend La Croix Blanche in the village for a great evening meal. Angers is a beautiful medieval town, 'Tourist bus/train' was both mobility and dog friendly with English commentary through an app. Sunday market at Montsoreau was busy but delightful and we would recommend having a Crepe at La Dentelliere with views across the river. The fortress of Chinon is dramatic with plenty of restaurants in the town. The Clinique Veterinaire was very friendly with English speaking staff for the return to the UK Pet Border requirements. The day visit to Chateau Du Clos, Amboise where Leonardo Da Vinci spent his final years was interesting but mobility was restricted and eating establishments were very busy so take a picnic. As for the grandchildren they enjoyed Futuroscope, but not sure if the the older teen would be so enthusiastic. The kennels were also very good there. ? Gadawi Park, Sud was a big hit for the grandchildren and was mobility and dog friendly and a lovely setting for a picnic. And lastly the Abbey at Fontevraud is a must, the history is surprising in particularly the British medieval monarchy. Would we stay again - absolutely.
Owner response on 29-Aug-2025
Thank you very much for this lovely review. We are glad that the house worked well for you as for other three-generation families. Thank you for acknowledging the contribution that Philippe our concierge makes to our guests' holidays. It is lovely seeing that guests have enjoyed favourite sites of ours, as you have, and fun to hear of places new to us like Gadawi Park Sud; our region is so full of wonderful and varied experiences. We hope to welcome you again so you can go back to your favourites and find new delights.
Lovely holiday home in the Loire Valley
By Elizabeth Maurice on 19-Jul-2025The beautiful and historic setting is ideal for a large family holidaying in the Loire Valley. The characterful house is very well equipped, with five modern and spacious en suite bedrooms. The garden offers a relaxing space with plenty of games available and the heated swimming pool is excellent. The owners instructions were detailed, accurate and very helpful.
Owner response on 09-Aug-2025
Thank you for your kind review. We are very glad that you found the house and garden well set up and relaxing. Please come again!
Loire Valley & Le Mans Classic
By Pete & Jane Spencer on 22-Jun-2025Tracey and Ian's Gite was the perfect home-from-home vacation spot for our party of 5. A well designed floor plan, fully equiped with everything you need including washer/dryer, barbacue, yard toys and a full size swimming pool. The Gite's location was perfect for visiting Frontevraud Abbaye and the Loire Valleys selection of well preserved Chateau's and Fort's. The Troglodyte influence is everywhere and worth the exploration together with visiting local vineyards, wine tasting was educational and fun. There's lots of cafe's and restaurants both locally and in Saumur, a bustling city only a few miles away where we visited the Cadre Noir , a must if you're in the Saumur area where we also booked and enjoyed a narrated historical boat trip on the Seine. Excellent accomodation and an excellent location perfect for exploring the Loire area. We all had a great time, good friends, good food, good company and a great location a true memory maker. Thanks to Tracey and Ian for sharing their home. Pete & Jane Spencer and friends.
Owner response on 27-Jul-2025
Thank you so much for this lovely review. We aim to make our gite a special home-from-home, so we're very glad that you found it that way. We also love it when guests get as much enjoyment and interest as you did from our wonderful region. Please come again! There's always more to explore and enjoy.
A wonderful place and great location
By Dan Thomas on 05-Apr-2025We had a wonderful family holiday at Au pied de l'Abbaye. With our a selection of our grown-up children visiting over the two weeks, the space was perfect. Each couple had their own huge ensuite bedroom, and our little granddaughter got to have the upstairs lounge all to herself! The house is so big, that even with everyone staying it never felt cramped - and the heated swimming pool proved a way to cool off from the sun. Located within a 3 minute walk of bars, a boulangerie and small general store; a 5 minute drive to the Loire and less than 20 to Saumur it is perfectly positioned for all. We will return, and bring the family again.
Owner response on 22-Apr-2025
Thank you so much for this. We love to hear of our gite being enjoyed by family groups, just as we hoped when we set it up. It's great to hear that you appreciated our privileged location and all that the village and region has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you back!
A fabulous house in the heart of the Loire Valley
By Jim B on 27-Jul-2024We took an extended family holiday, in memory of a dear departed family member who loved travelling in France. The accommodation was fabulous, located just a very short walk away from the world-renowned Abbey. The weather at the time was unseasonably warm, so the private pool was a welcome addition and the two children in the party made excellent use of it, as did the young at heart relatives. The communication from Ian and Tracey was first class, ensuring we knew everything that was needed for our stay. As an added bonus, there was a well tuned piano in the property, which really enhanced our enjoyment of the stay. We'd definitely book again.
Owner response on 02-Jan-2025
Jim, thank you very much for this kind review. One of the joys of owning our gite is hosting special occasions like yours. We are delighted that house and pool - and piano! - combined with our wonderful village to give you a happy and memorable stay. We look forward to welcoming you again.
A wonderful place for a family holiday.
By Jill Lowrey on 24-Oct-2024This property is perfect for a family holiday as there is plenty for people of all ages to enjoy, including the heated pool, table tennis, a piano and two separate sitting areas with tvs. Everything was spotlessly clean, well equipped and comfortable. The wifi is great! The village is beautiful and has a bakery, small store and a pharmacy. There are many places to visit in the area. Ian was very helpful and made some excellent recommendations.
Owner response on 04-Nov-2024
Thank you for this lovely review. We are delighted that you enjoyed all the different aspects of the house and our wonderful area. We hope you will come again; there's plenty more chateaux, walks, restaurants and vineyards that we can recommend in our region!