The tallest house in Port Brulé, Maison Watershed offers unrivalled views over the Nivernais canal and towpath from both the ground and first floors. Life on the canal in summer with hire boats, private craft, the electric restaurant barge 'L'air du temps' which cruises the tunnels leading to the lakes at Baye, plus a constant traffic of cyclists and walkers using the renowned canal cycling route are sufficient entertainment to pass a fulfilling week without leaving the premises.
Built in the 1790's at the same time as the canal, the stone walls keep the house cool in summer and there are woodburners and central heating to keep you warm in winter.
If you like to eat outside, there is a patio at the rear which is relatively private compared to the courtyard and conservatory at the front where it is difficult to divorce yourself from the canalside activity!
The house is perfect for couples or families of up to 5 and if you are looking for activities rather than watch the world go by then the lakes at Baye (3km) are a good start offering swimming beaches with large grassed margins for sunbathing & picnics, fishing, tennis, sailing, canoeing, bicycle hire, nature trails and refreshments.
Slightly further afield (7Km) is the market town of Corbigny which has an excellent selection of shops and a good choice of bars and restaurants. There is a market each week and a large market which takes over the town once a month.
Watershed, as the name suggests is at the point where the 'Rigole' which carries water 35Km from Lake Pannecière feeds the canal. To the left this water descends a flight of 16 locks over about 3Km to the village of Sardy and thence to the Seine, Paris & the channel. To the right the water pases through the tunnels of La Collancelle to the boat hire base at Baye, from there to the river Loire at Decize and eventually to the Atlantic near Nantes. Following the course of the 'Rigole' which itself has 2 aquaducts either on foot, by bike or by car is a rewarding experience.
Having a car at Port Brulé makes it possible to benefit from the multitude of activities, organised walks, ' vide greniers ' ( the french equivalent of a car boot sale ), village fetes, rural restaurants etc
Further details
Firewood for evening fires in the woodburner will be supplied in the appropriate season.
An electricity allowance of 10Kwh per day is included in the price, any usage above this allowance will be charged at cost and deducted from the breakage / fuel deposit.
A charge of £15 per day or £90 per week will be made for bookings in the ' Winter weeks' periods for gas fired central heating which is required at these times of the year.
Further details indoors
There is a conservatory at the front of the house with views along the towpath and canal which is particularly useful in spring & Autumn as it warms up quickly when the sun is out and is a lovely spot to sit or eat.
The games room with table tennis table is also on the ground floor.
Stairs lead up to the main room which is open plan with a kitchen area with door to the patio at the rear, separated by a central breakfast bar from the dining / lounging areas with views over the canal.
The sleeping accommodation is to the left at the top of the stairs, typically french with the first double bedroom housing a corner shower room and leading to the second bedroom which has a double and a single bed. This bedroom layout is suitable for families but needs to be taken into consideration for all adult groups.
Further details outdoors
There is a small terrace at the rear of the house which is in shade for the majority of the day
There is also a shared courtyard at the front leading to our neighbour's rear entrance which they seldom use.
This courtyard can be used temporarily for unloading luggage etc and for eating al fresco, it has shade morning and evening.
Your car can be parked at the end of the houses or at the rear in the shade of the trees.
