Saumur en Blanc

Some homes are utterly unique and always will be. Saumur en Blanc is one of those homes. From its location right in the centre of magical Saumur, to its soothing all-white interior and its rather glamourous owner; a talented and well-known interior designer from New York.

Saumur en Blanc is found through a private gate, set away from the road, in its own tranquil and private garden filled with jasmine, rosemary and lavender. The senses are immediately awoken and then surprised with the glimpse of a swimming pool in this private oasis.

The white decor and furnishings create a very calming ambience in this quirky and original stone townhouse full of surprises; staircases leading up to lofts, a baby-grand piano, a bathroom with claw-foot tub and fireplace and a little independent pool house on the terrace. The kitchen is worthy of its renowned eno-gastronomic location, with its professional ‘La Canche' stove, two dishwashers, large fridge-freezer and American gadgets and appliances.
Guests can also relax and take advantage of many helpful services, such as a transfers, pre-arrival shopping, babysitting and even a private chef.

Saumur is of course famous for its delicious wine, but this small town is also known for its excellent restaurants, speciality shops, music festivals and a multitude of activities, including canoeing and kayaking, which keep it vibrant and exciting as well as beautiful. All of these delights are on the doorstep and just an easy stroll away. Not far from the town are also wineries, artisanal beer producers, chateaux, a national horse-riding school, bike and walking trails, museums and much more.

Saumur en Blanc combines so many unique and original qualities to create an out-of-the-ordinary home in a special location, both of which will leave guests enchanted.

Features

Interior Grounds

Ground Floor

• Breakfast area
• Well equipped kitchen, with ‘La Canche' professional stove, two dishwashers, two washing machines, two dryers, large fridge-freezer and further American appliances. Includes dining area with tables and chairs
• Reading area/library with fireplace
• Guest W.C.

First Floor

• Living room with two fireplaces, spacious seating, glass tiled floor and a Baby Grand Piano

• Open plan master bedroom (accessed via archway) with king-sized bed, spacious wardrobes, seating area, bathroom with bath claw foot tub bath, shower, sink and fireplace.
  Right-Wing (accessed via steep stairs from master bedroom)

• Open plan loft style master suite with double bed, plus single bed, flat screen TV and DVD, sitting area, games and toys plus bath and WC. Suitable for a family/couple/lots of children (note: low ceilings throughout).

Left-Wing (accessed via steep stairs from living room)

• Double bedroom with king-size bed, TV, computer, printer, fax
• Double bedroom with king-size bed
• Bathroom with WC
• Gym with TV (accessed via one of the bedrooms)
• Guest W.C.
  Outside Grounds
• Private heated swimming pool (size:4m x 8m) with security cover
• Pool terrace with sun-loungers, al-fresco dining table, chairs and BBQ
• Gardens, fountains and flowered walk-way with statues and antique tools. Various steps throughout grounds
• Pool house (used as storage space)
• Outdoor shower
• Outdoor gym equipment
• Access to house via electronic gates

Facilities

• Air-conditioning (bedrooms only and pool house)
• 13 ceiling fans throughout house
• Heating
• Working fireplace
• 5 TVs
• DVD player
• CNN
• Computer
• Printer
• Fax
• Indoor and outdoor music system
• Cordless telephones
• Safe
• Alarm system
• Gym equipment

Location

Saumur is a vibrant and exciting town as well as beautiful. Explore the medieval streets and admire the striking buildings in Place St Pierre, shop to your hearts content in one of the towns many boutiques and stock up on charcuterie, honey, flowers and other wonderful local produce in the weekly market on a Saturday. The town has also gained a reputation for its excellent restaurants as well as its delicious sparkling white wine, which you can sample and purchase at a number of spots in the area.

The fairytale Chateau Saumur has a stunning location and is worthy of a visit, then in the summer take a boat trip up the river for some rest and relaxation. There are plenty of other historical attractions in the area to impress you such as Fontevraud Abbey (16km), one of the largest in Europe, plus the fascinating Troglodyte caves that used to be inhabited until last century, such as those in the village of Rochemenier (26km).

Horse lovers must visit the town's famous national equestrian school, the Cadre Noir, where they can have a guided tour and you may be fortunate enough to see a performance of the magnificent horses led by the impressive instructors. Furthermore, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful Loire Valley on horseback.

Another popular activity is renting a canoe either in the town or a little further out at one of the activity centres and discovering the stunning area from the Loire river. The town is also on the ‘Loire a Velo' route for keen cyclists who can experience why this area is called the ‘Garden of France'.

If you are bringing the kids then treat them to a visit to the Musee des Blindes (3km), the largest tank museum in Europe, ideal for vehicle lovers young and old. Just out of town you can seek shade in the Zoo de Doue Bio Parc (22km) where 600 animals live in natural surroundings amongst interesting flora and fauna in the old quarry.