Laval is a charming golden stone farmhouse set in the vineyards of the southern Beaujolais, thirty minutes from Lyon. It is located in a tranquil valley below the beautiful village of Charnay-en-Beaujolais where the historic chateau, ancient tower and pretty church surround the square. Within walking distance the village has both a restaurant and a café along with épicerie, boulangerie and weekly market selling local produce.
The house, perfect for families, has been tastefully renovated preserving many of the original features (stone staircase and fireplace) but offers the comfort of modern living as it was the owners' main residence for five years.
It has three large bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs as well as a ground floor bedroom with en suite bathroom with shower and garden access. Two of the first floor rooms open onto a large terrace with an external staircase to the garden. The spacious living-room/ dining-room has double doors onto the courtyard and remains cool during the summer due to its thick stone walls and quarry tiled floor. It is comfortably furnished and, for the cooler nights, has a wood burner in the fireplace which is easy to light. There is a CD and DVD player and free internet access.
The modern kitchen is fully equipped with gas hob, electric oven, microwave and American fridge/ freezer. It opens onto the covered terrace with its ten seater table and BBQ, perfect for al fresco meals. The courtyard and garden are secluded and sheltered, with no one overlooking them, enjoying attractive views across the vineyards and up towards the village. The good sized pool (10m x 5m) is sheltered by the garden wall but within sight of the house. The pool has an approved alarm system but is not fenced and, although not heated, it has a heat preserving soft cover which can be used at night.
Within walking distance is Bruno's goat farm where fresh cheese can be bought daily from the dairy and also several Caveau where local wine can sampled and purchased. There are two Michelin starred restaurants in nearby villages and numerous bouchons (brasseries) and recognised restaurants in Lyon to enjoy the famous regional cuisine.
The Roman city of Lyon just thirty minutes drive and, known for its silk industry and gastronomy, boasts two rivers, two cathedrals and a Roman amphitheatre. It has much to offer, with plenty of history, cultural activities, museums, riverside markets and sophisticated shopping.
Charnay is conveniently located just ten minutes from the A6 motorway (autoroute du soleil), an approximately seven hour drive from Calais and forty five minutes from Saint Exupery airport.
The Beaujolais region, known mainly for its wine outside France, is much loved by the French for its abundance of outdoor pursuits: hiking, horse riding and cycling in beautiful and unspoilt countryside and offers much to the holidaymaker who wants both tranquility and calm but activities and gastronomy close by. Beajolais wines, somewhat undermined by the fad of Beaujolais nouveau can best be enjoyed by trying the various crus including Fleurie, Brouilly and Moulin a Vent.
Visitor review from 2013
11 july 2013
Thank you very much for sharing your beautiful and cozy home, because it is a home where we felt love, life, feelings and family. We are sure we will be back to live once more in a divine place!
We would like to recommend a beautiful and delicious restuarant called "Au Colombier" at Anse. Very good food and beautiful spot by the river. We also took a nice tour on bicycles at Beaujeu. We have left the information in your book, very nice!
Thank you again for sharing your home with us, and thanks for a wonderful and unforgettable time at Laval, Charnay.
Merci beaucoup et a bientot
Monica and Milo from Mexico
July/Aug 2013
We have had a wonderful time in your beautiful home and have completely fallen in love with the surrounding area. The weather has been changeale to say the least but that has not mattered too much given that we have lovely surroundings to be in. the garden has given us particular pleasure - so carefully planted and well designed for use throughout the day. The pool has been well used, even in the rain!
Thank you letting us share in this very special place.
The Farside Family, Brighton, UK
