News & updates for La ville au Tady
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Dolly the cat June 2023
Last year our neighbours got a new kitten, a beautiful black cat with white paws that they call Dolly. She spent most of her time with us in the garden last summer and when we returned in March and June she was once again extremely pleased to see us. A number of our guests have commented on what an adorable cat this is. She is very affectionate and likes nothing better than to sit on your lap or join you wherever you are in the garden. Despite her undoubted charms, we don't allow her inside the cottage or feed her. I'm sure she already thinks the gite is hers! |
Summer updates June 2023
We have purchased a new dining table for the front garden, and as the front is south facing, a new parasol and base for those very hot lunch-times.
We have also upgraded the kitchen fan-oven to a new model.
In the shower room we have a new shower enclosure, which has been retiled, with a new worksurface housing the sink. The Velux window in the Goose Room was replaced as it had become fogged.
We have purchased a new dining table for the front garden, and as the front is south facing, a new parasol and base for those very hot lunch-times.
We have also upgraded the kitchen fan-oven to a new model.
In the shower room we have a new shower enclosure, which has been retiled, with a new worksurface housing the sink. The Velux window in the Goose Room was replaced as it had become fogged.
New Boulangerie in Guegon spring 2023
During our visit in March this year we were pleased to see that a new boulangerie has opened in the centre of Guegon in a purpose build premises next to the general store.
They offer fresh baked baguettes, and a good selection of cakes and pastries, all baked on the premises.
Our personal favourite bread is the Baguette Tradition, which is also the favourite among locals. It has a more springy consistency and better flavour than the standard white baguette. Delicious for bread and cheese lunches in the garden.
During our visit in March this year we were pleased to see that a new boulangerie has opened in the centre of Guegon in a purpose build premises next to the general store.
They offer fresh baked baguettes, and a good selection of cakes and pastries, all baked on the premises.
Our personal favourite bread is the Baguette Tradition, which is also the favourite among locals. It has a more springy consistency and better flavour than the standard white baguette. Delicious for bread and cheese lunches in the garden.
Spring has arrived! April 2022.
After all the issues with Covid over the last two years we are once again back up and running, fully open.
We have enjoyed a beautiful two weeks at the gite this Easter, full of sun, birdsong and blossom provided by our various apple, plumb and cherry trees.
We have taken advantage of the good weather and decided to plant up new lavender to border the rear patio. Lavender doesn't last forever, and the old plants have lasted about 15 years.
We have also given the sage and rosemary bushes in the front a severe cut-back, and this has left space to plant up some Iris, hardy Geranium, Agapanthus, and a couple of Calla Lily.
The front shutters, door and window frames have all been given a fresh coat of paint. Our favourite colour, Bleu Outremer by Ripolin, is no longer available so we have switched to Breton Blue - which does seem appropriate enough.
After all the issues with Covid over the last two years we are once again back up and running, fully open.
We have enjoyed a beautiful two weeks at the gite this Easter, full of sun, birdsong and blossom provided by our various apple, plumb and cherry trees.
We have taken advantage of the good weather and decided to plant up new lavender to border the rear patio. Lavender doesn't last forever, and the old plants have lasted about 15 years.
We have also given the sage and rosemary bushes in the front a severe cut-back, and this has left space to plant up some Iris, hardy Geranium, Agapanthus, and a couple of Calla Lily.
The front shutters, door and window frames have all been given a fresh coat of paint. Our favourite colour, Bleu Outremer by Ripolin, is no longer available so we have switched to Breton Blue - which does seem appropriate enough.
Plum tree
One of our very old fruit trees in the rear garden had split and become unstable so we were left with no choice but to call in the tree surgeon who cut down the main trunk.
We were able to save a forking trunk which lives on and now provides a great hanging point for our chair hammock.
One the up side, we now have a good supply of wonderfully fragrant plumb tree logs for the fire. They will need to be seasoned for 1 to 2 years before burning.
The pine tree in the front garden has also lost it's top, which came down in high winds, so that too will be felled in Easter 2020.
Our full hammock is now strung between the washing line post and the hazel tree. I've tested it and it seems very sturdy!
One of our very old fruit trees in the rear garden had split and become unstable so we were left with no choice but to call in the tree surgeon who cut down the main trunk.
We were able to save a forking trunk which lives on and now provides a great hanging point for our chair hammock.
One the up side, we now have a good supply of wonderfully fragrant plumb tree logs for the fire. They will need to be seasoned for 1 to 2 years before burning.
The pine tree in the front garden has also lost it's top, which came down in high winds, so that too will be felled in Easter 2020.
Our full hammock is now strung between the washing line post and the hazel tree. I've tested it and it seems very sturdy!
New dishwasher 2019
This spring we have upgraded the dishwasher to a new model with some quick wash and Eco wash settings.
Please try and set the dishwasher to come on after 10:30 pm when possible as the electricity tariff switches over to the cheaper nighttime rate.
If you are in bed by 10:30 then you can set the dishwasher on a 3 hr delay setting.
This spring we have upgraded the dishwasher to a new model with some quick wash and Eco wash settings.
Please try and set the dishwasher to come on after 10:30 pm when possible as the electricity tariff switches over to the cheaper nighttime rate.
If you are in bed by 10:30 then you can set the dishwasher on a 3 hr delay setting.
New bike and relaxer chairs April 2018
We have bought a couple of new relaxer chairs to replace the oldest ones. That makes for 4 of the above type of chair, a Lafuma relaxer and a couple of folding Lafuma beach deck chairs available for your use.
We have also bought a new trail bike, the same as the same model we bought in 2016 from Decathlon, but in a large frame.
We have bought a couple of new relaxer chairs to replace the oldest ones. That makes for 4 of the above type of chair, a Lafuma relaxer and a couple of folding Lafuma beach deck chairs available for your use.
We have also bought a new trail bike, the same as the same model we bought in 2016 from Decathlon, but in a large frame.
New smart LCD TV with Freesat April 2018
We have updated the main TV in the TV lounge with a modern smart LCD unit with built in Freesat. The old Sky box did freeze from time to time, so was a bit of a pain. The new set works perfectly, and is connected to a DVD player if you would like to watch one of our many DVDs at the cottage.
An additional feature of this smart TV is that you can use your own Netflix account, if you have one, to watch that channel via the internet.
Unfortunately the catch up TV services like iPlayer won't work in France as they are only available in the UK.
We have moved the older LCD TV to the main lounge and this also has a DVD player, so two different groups can watch different films, or if six want to watch a DVD it is more comfortable to do so in the main lounge.
We have updated the main TV in the TV lounge with a modern smart LCD unit with built in Freesat. The old Sky box did freeze from time to time, so was a bit of a pain. The new set works perfectly, and is connected to a DVD player if you would like to watch one of our many DVDs at the cottage.
An additional feature of this smart TV is that you can use your own Netflix account, if you have one, to watch that channel via the internet.
Unfortunately the catch up TV services like iPlayer won't work in France as they are only available in the UK.
We have moved the older LCD TV to the main lounge and this also has a DVD player, so two different groups can watch different films, or if six want to watch a DVD it is more comfortable to do so in the main lounge.
New toaster
Although functional our toaster was starting to stick rather than pop the bread up so we have replaced it with another, exactly the same, as it is such a good toaster and suits long French baguettes perfectly.
Our girls love toasting French bread for breakfast with their favourite jams. We particularly recommend the Saveurs gourmet range at SuperU and can vouch for the apricot, cherry, and strawberry ones! They also do some more unusual jams that you are unlikely to find in the UK such as fig, mirabelles and quince.
Although functional our toaster was starting to stick rather than pop the bread up so we have replaced it with another, exactly the same, as it is such a good toaster and suits long French baguettes perfectly.
Our girls love toasting French bread for breakfast with their favourite jams. We particularly recommend the Saveurs gourmet range at SuperU and can vouch for the apricot, cherry, and strawberry ones! They also do some more unusual jams that you are unlikely to find in the UK such as fig, mirabelles and quince.
New double mattress summer 2017
Following some guest feedback that our double mattress was getting a bit soft we decided to renew it with a Which Best Buy sprung mattress from Ikea, which we hope you will find comfortable and help you experience sweet dreams! We always sleep really well at the cottage, which probably has something to do with all the fresh air and exercise, not to mention the peace and tranquility... and a certain zen that you can't quite put your finger on.
Following some guest feedback that our double mattress was getting a bit soft we decided to renew it with a Which Best Buy sprung mattress from Ikea, which we hope you will find comfortable and help you experience sweet dreams! We always sleep really well at the cottage, which probably has something to do with all the fresh air and exercise, not to mention the peace and tranquility... and a certain zen that you can't quite put your finger on.
Prices Held in 2017
We have decided to freeze our rental prices for yet another year.
This means that our low and mid season prices have remained at the same level for 6 years, and our peak season price is held at the 2013 rate.
We think our rental rates represents outstanding value for our guests, and hope you agree.
We have decided to freeze our rental prices for yet another year.
This means that our low and mid season prices have remained at the same level for 6 years, and our peak season price is held at the 2013 rate.
We think our rental rates represents outstanding value for our guests, and hope you agree.
New Fridge Freezer summer 2016
We had an undercounter fridge and a separate undercounter small freezer which was always sufficient for our needs but some guests have suggested having more fridge space. When we spotted one on sale at SuperU that was it!
We decided to install the new fridge freezer in the kitchen, and also retain the old fridge, so now I'm sure there will be more than enough space for all your food and drink. We now tend to use the larder fridge as a separate drinks fridge.
We had an undercounter fridge and a separate undercounter small freezer which was always sufficient for our needs but some guests have suggested having more fridge space. When we spotted one on sale at SuperU that was it!
We decided to install the new fridge freezer in the kitchen, and also retain the old fridge, so now I'm sure there will be more than enough space for all your food and drink. We now tend to use the larder fridge as a separate drinks fridge.
Repeat Guest Discount
As a thank you to those guests who return for their holidays to La Ville au Tady we now offer a 5% discount when you make your next booking within 12 months of your last stay.
The 5% will be discounted from the standard booking rental charge and is not applicable to the optional bed linen and towel hire charges (which we charge at cost).
As a thank you to those guests who return for their holidays to La Ville au Tady we now offer a 5% discount when you make your next booking within 12 months of your last stay.
The 5% will be discounted from the standard booking rental charge and is not applicable to the optional bed linen and towel hire charges (which we charge at cost).
New bike April 2016
We love cycling when at the cottage and try to keep our bikes in good condition.
Recently we have been replacing some of our older bikes with better ones from Decathlon. This is our latest purchase at Easter.
These trail bikes are great for cycling on road and canal paths and their chunky tyres are tough enough to easily cope with the quiet farm tracks that criss-cross the countryside.
We have six bikes at the cottage of various sizes, plus a tag-a-long bike for young riders and a child seat. Use of our bikes is completely free, we just ask you to look after them and leave them in the same condition as when you arrived.
When you take into account the six bikes, tag-a-long and child seat this is a benefit that could cost over 700€ a week to hire!
We love cycling when at the cottage and try to keep our bikes in good condition.
Recently we have been replacing some of our older bikes with better ones from Decathlon. This is our latest purchase at Easter.
These trail bikes are great for cycling on road and canal paths and their chunky tyres are tough enough to easily cope with the quiet farm tracks that criss-cross the countryside.
We have six bikes at the cottage of various sizes, plus a tag-a-long bike for young riders and a child seat. Use of our bikes is completely free, we just ask you to look after them and leave them in the same condition as when you arrived.
When you take into account the six bikes, tag-a-long and child seat this is a benefit that could cost over 700€ a week to hire!
Ideal for summer picnics and beach trips
This Easter (2016) while shopping at the supermarket we realised that we didn't have a cool box at the cottage. They are not something we tend to use ourselves, so haven't really missed it.
We thought it might be a useful addition for those who like to travel by car for picnics or beach trips, so we picked one up. The French do love a picnic and you will find picnic tables along the canal side and in most villages. There are two cool packs in the freezer to keep your sandwiches wine & beer cold!
This Easter (2016) while shopping at the supermarket we realised that we didn't have a cool box at the cottage. They are not something we tend to use ourselves, so haven't really missed it.
We thought it might be a useful addition for those who like to travel by car for picnics or beach trips, so we picked one up. The French do love a picnic and you will find picnic tables along the canal side and in most villages. There are two cool packs in the freezer to keep your sandwiches wine & beer cold!
DVD Film Library
Our DVD film library continues to grow, and I think we now have over 50 to choose from (we also have a selection of children's DVDs).
We have tried to ensure there are films to cater for a wide range of tastes and age groups, so we hope you should find something that you like if you enjoy watching films. We rarely find time to watch films when we are at the cottage ourselves as we are either out exploring, sat in the garden relaxing or doing one of many maintenance and gardening jobs. It doesn't get dark until after 10pm in summer, but they are particularly useful for off-season breaks. We have a larger TV & DVD player in the second lounge and another compact TV/DVD combo player in the main lounge in case you can't tear yourself away from the log fire.
Our DVD film library continues to grow, and I think we now have over 50 to choose from (we also have a selection of children's DVDs).
We have tried to ensure there are films to cater for a wide range of tastes and age groups, so we hope you should find something that you like if you enjoy watching films. We rarely find time to watch films when we are at the cottage ourselves as we are either out exploring, sat in the garden relaxing or doing one of many maintenance and gardening jobs. It doesn't get dark until after 10pm in summer, but they are particularly useful for off-season breaks. We have a larger TV & DVD player in the second lounge and another compact TV/DVD combo player in the main lounge in case you can't tear yourself away from the log fire.
Wood store re-stocked
Every few years we arrange for a delivery of a lorry load of logs from our local supplier. Sometimes we are lucky and they can get the truck close to the woodstore at the rear of the cottage... this was not one of those years! We set about wheelbarrowing the logs from the front garden to the store which takes a few hours. All good exercise!
The French sell wood by the cord which is a stack of logs 3 metres x 1 metre x 1 metre, and we usually buy 2 or 3 cords at a time. Although you will see woods everywhere, and signs of wood felling, logs are quite expensive if you buy seasoned hardwood logs like these. The logs have to be seasoned to get the water content of the wood down so they burn well.
The logs are cut to half metre lengths so fit nicely in our massive wood burning stove. They are very heavy, so the best way to get them from the store to the cottage is using our wheelbarrow.
We find 3 or 4 of these logs will last all evening in the stove with the air vents restricted and give off a great heat - the stove is rated at 14kw. Burning logs is CO2 neutral so that's good for the environment too.
Every few years we arrange for a delivery of a lorry load of logs from our local supplier. Sometimes we are lucky and they can get the truck close to the woodstore at the rear of the cottage... this was not one of those years! We set about wheelbarrowing the logs from the front garden to the store which takes a few hours. All good exercise!
The French sell wood by the cord which is a stack of logs 3 metres x 1 metre x 1 metre, and we usually buy 2 or 3 cords at a time. Although you will see woods everywhere, and signs of wood felling, logs are quite expensive if you buy seasoned hardwood logs like these. The logs have to be seasoned to get the water content of the wood down so they burn well.
The logs are cut to half metre lengths so fit nicely in our massive wood burning stove. They are very heavy, so the best way to get them from the store to the cottage is using our wheelbarrow.
We find 3 or 4 of these logs will last all evening in the stove with the air vents restricted and give off a great heat - the stove is rated at 14kw. Burning logs is CO2 neutral so that's good for the environment too.
2015 TripAdvisor Top Ten
With many thanks to past guests who have left TripAdvisor reviews for us, we are now rated 'Excellent' on their site, with 25 reviews.
Not only that, we are also pleased to say we have made it into the top ten best rated gites for the Morbihan region of Brittany (No. 5 out of 807 at last look), which is a massive vote of confidence in the cottage.
With many thanks to past guests who have left TripAdvisor reviews for us, we are now rated 'Excellent' on their site, with 25 reviews.
Not only that, we are also pleased to say we have made it into the top ten best rated gites for the Morbihan region of Brittany (No. 5 out of 807 at last look), which is a massive vote of confidence in the cottage.
Great evening walk
If you want a very nice walk straight from the cottage door, try this one.
This circular walk is one of our favourite evening walks, benefiting from the evening sun.
It takes in two sides of a lovely hidden wooded valley on footpaths and returns along a riverside track to the Moulin de Penroc (Mill house at Penroc). It's 3.1 miles so should take about 1hr or so. Click here to see the walk on Google Maps.
If you want a very nice walk straight from the cottage door, try this one.
This circular walk is one of our favourite evening walks, benefiting from the evening sun.
It takes in two sides of a lovely hidden wooded valley on footpaths and returns along a riverside track to the Moulin de Penroc (Mill house at Penroc). It's 3.1 miles so should take about 1hr or so. Click here to see the walk on Google Maps.
New tree for the front garden Spring 2015
Sadly our old Mimosa tree in the front garden died off and had to be cut down. We are not sure if it was a particularly cold winter or just old age that killed it off.
This did present an opportunity for a new tree, and we wanted to buy something similar, but hardy. We chose Albizia julibrissin 'Ombrella', a popular small tree in Brittany which has lovely delicate leaves and distinctive bottle-brush style pink flowers in summer.
Sadly our old Mimosa tree in the front garden died off and had to be cut down. We are not sure if it was a particularly cold winter or just old age that killed it off.
This did present an opportunity for a new tree, and we wanted to buy something similar, but hardy. We chose Albizia julibrissin 'Ombrella', a popular small tree in Brittany which has lovely delicate leaves and distinctive bottle-brush style pink flowers in summer.
New relaxer chairs for 2015
We have replaced a couple of the older relaxer chairs at the cottage with new ones. We now have 4 of this style of relaxer chair plus a Lafuma relaxer.
We find these chairs very comfortable and are much favoured for post lunch snoozing in the garden on a sunny day!
We have replaced a couple of the older relaxer chairs at the cottage with new ones. We now have 4 of this style of relaxer chair plus a Lafuma relaxer.
We find these chairs very comfortable and are much favoured for post lunch snoozing in the garden on a sunny day!
New LED lighting spring 2015
We have been looking to replace the old wall lights in the main lounge for a few years, but haven't been able to find anything we liked.
We have now replaced them with new wall lamps, and increased the number from three to four, adding an extra light near to the kitchen end of the lounge. We think they suit the cottage really well. We also bought a floor lamp in the same series and installed a mini chandelier in the master bedroom with two new matching table lamps.
With the advancement in light bulb technology we were able to convert all the lights to new LED bulbs, which provide 'instant on' lighting and use even less electricity to produce the same light and are claimed to last at least 25 years.
We have been looking to replace the old wall lights in the main lounge for a few years, but haven't been able to find anything we liked.
We have now replaced them with new wall lamps, and increased the number from three to four, adding an extra light near to the kitchen end of the lounge. We think they suit the cottage really well. We also bought a floor lamp in the same series and installed a mini chandelier in the master bedroom with two new matching table lamps.
With the advancement in light bulb technology we were able to convert all the lights to new LED bulbs, which provide 'instant on' lighting and use even less electricity to produce the same light and are claimed to last at least 25 years.
TripAdvisor
Over the years we have been renting La Ville au Tady we have received wonderful feedback from satisfied guests, and many of those comments are listed on our Guest Book page and in our Guestbooks at the cottage.
All are 100% genuine, which is why we tend to attribute the comments to named guests.
Some potential renters may prefer to read reviews which have been independently sourced and verified, so we now have a TripAdvisor listing where those are available.
If you stay at the cottage and use TripAdvisor please add your review here.
Over the years we have been renting La Ville au Tady we have received wonderful feedback from satisfied guests, and many of those comments are listed on our Guest Book page and in our Guestbooks at the cottage.
All are 100% genuine, which is why we tend to attribute the comments to named guests.
Some potential renters may prefer to read reviews which have been independently sourced and verified, so we now have a TripAdvisor listing where those are available.
If you stay at the cottage and use TripAdvisor please add your review here.
Let There be Light!
We have received some feedback regarding the low light levels in the kitchen. We found it adequate ourselves, but did wonder if everyone managed to find the under counter light switch! In an effort to meet most peoples needs we have now installed an additional triple LED ceiling spot lamp behind the wooden beam over the kitchen work surface.
We now have 2 x wall lamps, 2 x fluorescent under counter lights, 2 x cooker hood lamps, and 3 x spot lamps.
If you find you don't need all this light we have a separate overhead switch to turn the new spot lights on/off as you wish.
We have received some feedback regarding the low light levels in the kitchen. We found it adequate ourselves, but did wonder if everyone managed to find the under counter light switch! In an effort to meet most peoples needs we have now installed an additional triple LED ceiling spot lamp behind the wooden beam over the kitchen work surface.
We now have 2 x wall lamps, 2 x fluorescent under counter lights, 2 x cooker hood lamps, and 3 x spot lamps.
If you find you don't need all this light we have a separate overhead switch to turn the new spot lights on/off as you wish.
Spring 2014 - new table and chairs for the front garden
Our old table served us well for many years but we decided it was getting on a bit so a new teak table and chair set have been purchased. At last count we have:
Our old table served us well for many years but we decided it was getting on a bit so a new teak table and chair set have been purchased. At last count we have:
- Hardwood table and six chairs in the front garden.
- Hardwood table and six chairs on the rear patio.
- Front bench for two (a real sun-trap!).
- Wrought iron table and 4 chairs near the fruit trees.
- 4 multi-position relaxers.
- 1 Lafuma relaxer.
- 2 Lafuma beach deck-chairs.
Summer 2013 - granite bench installed in rear garden
Half way around the mown paths in the rear wooded garden is a nice spot for a bench. We previously had a wooden bench here but thought it would be much nicer, and maintenance free, to install a granite bench... so here it is!
The bench is located in such a quiet spot that you can sit awhile and enjoy perfect peace. In the summer you can watch Buzzards riding the thermals high above the surrounding fields.
Half way around the mown paths in the rear wooded garden is a nice spot for a bench. We previously had a wooden bench here but thought it would be much nicer, and maintenance free, to install a granite bench... so here it is!
The bench is located in such a quiet spot that you can sit awhile and enjoy perfect peace. In the summer you can watch Buzzards riding the thermals high above the surrounding fields.
We now offer a 25% late booking discount
We think it is so wasteful for the cottage to remain unoccupied when guests could be enjoying a holiday, and contributing income to the local economy.
We would much rather the cottage be occupied than remain empty, and Brittany can be delightful in early spring and late autumn when demand for holidays is lower. Therefore, a 25% late booking discount can be claimed for bookings made within 30 days of the arrival date.
Please quote the 'late booking discount offer' when you enquire if you wish to claim this special deal which applies to stays of 7 nights or more and does not include bed linen or towels.
We think it is so wasteful for the cottage to remain unoccupied when guests could be enjoying a holiday, and contributing income to the local economy.
We would much rather the cottage be occupied than remain empty, and Brittany can be delightful in early spring and late autumn when demand for holidays is lower. Therefore, a 25% late booking discount can be claimed for bookings made within 30 days of the arrival date.
Please quote the 'late booking discount offer' when you enquire if you wish to claim this special deal which applies to stays of 7 nights or more and does not include bed linen or towels.
We have purchased two new sofas for the main lounge, a new washing machine for the utility room, and a new gas hob in the kitchen.
The old sofas were nice but white fabric was a little impractical for a holiday home.
The new sofas are comfortable and it's easy to clean any spills or sticky finger marks.
The old sofas were nice but white fabric was a little impractical for a holiday home.
The new sofas are comfortable and it's easy to clean any spills or sticky finger marks.
Wood burning stove in the main lounge
We did love the open fire... but not the smoke, draughts, dust and the lost heat up the chimney! The stove is many times more energy efficient than an open fire and wood burning is CO2 neutral, so that is good for the environment too. After mulling the pros and cons of the situation we have succumbed to the many advantages of a stove.
It is now installed, and throws out an amazing amount of heat (14kw), so now the cottage is even cosier for off season breaks.
If you like the snap crackle and pop of the open fire you can use it with the doors open, but please use the fireguard. A free supply of logs is included in the rental, and you will even find a chestnut roasting pan to take advantage of the autumn harvest.
We did love the open fire... but not the smoke, draughts, dust and the lost heat up the chimney! The stove is many times more energy efficient than an open fire and wood burning is CO2 neutral, so that is good for the environment too. After mulling the pros and cons of the situation we have succumbed to the many advantages of a stove.
It is now installed, and throws out an amazing amount of heat (14kw), so now the cottage is even cosier for off season breaks.
If you like the snap crackle and pop of the open fire you can use it with the doors open, but please use the fireguard. A free supply of logs is included in the rental, and you will even find a chestnut roasting pan to take advantage of the autumn harvest.
10% discount with Brittany Ferries
Check out our Travel page for a summary of ferry timetables to see what options are available. Contact us for details of our discount code, which you will need before you book your ferry, which can be done either on-line or by phone.
After trying various ferry companies we have concluded that Brittany Ferries are the best for quality and service. You do pay a bit more for that, but now with our discount code they are better value than ever.
Check out our Travel page for a summary of ferry timetables to see what options are available. Contact us for details of our discount code, which you will need before you book your ferry, which can be done either on-line or by phone.
After trying various ferry companies we have concluded that Brittany Ferries are the best for quality and service. You do pay a bit more for that, but now with our discount code they are better value than ever.
Broadband for the cottage with always-on WiFi
Bring your own lap-top, or use our lap-top for internet access & emails.
We think that internet access these days if less of a luxury and more of a necessity as so many of us need to stay in touch with family and friends.
Internet access is also great for checking the weather forecast and researching day trips.
We provide this service completely free of charge.
Bring your own lap-top, or use our lap-top for internet access & emails.
We think that internet access these days if less of a luxury and more of a necessity as so many of us need to stay in touch with family and friends.
Internet access is also great for checking the weather forecast and researching day trips.
We provide this service completely free of charge.
Phone line connected at the cottage
You are welcome to use our phone at the cottage and will be billed at cost for any calls made, although we will pay if it's no more than a few Euros.
It is far cheaper to make outgoing calls via our France Telecom line, and free for you to receive calls - unlike your mobile phone where operators charge silly prices.
You are welcome to use our phone at the cottage and will be billed at cost for any calls made, although we will pay if it's no more than a few Euros.
It is far cheaper to make outgoing calls via our France Telecom line, and free for you to receive calls - unlike your mobile phone where operators charge silly prices.
Satellite Dish installed
For our first couple of years at the cottage we didn't bother with a TV but following feedback from some guests, we decided to install a satellite dish and free to view channels are now available (ITV, BBC, CBBC, News 24, UK Radio etc.) on the second lounge TV, a 26" LCD Nicam stereo model.
If you would rather a TV Free holiday, as we often do, don't switch it on!
The main lounge remains TV free, but you can use the DVD player in there to watch films if you wish. We have a good selection of films on DVD for your use at the cottage.
For our first couple of years at the cottage we didn't bother with a TV but following feedback from some guests, we decided to install a satellite dish and free to view channels are now available (ITV, BBC, CBBC, News 24, UK Radio etc.) on the second lounge TV, a 26" LCD Nicam stereo model.
If you would rather a TV Free holiday, as we often do, don't switch it on!
The main lounge remains TV free, but you can use the DVD player in there to watch films if you wish. We have a good selection of films on DVD for your use at the cottage.
We have been building up a collection of books on a Breton theme at the cottage. Holidays are one of the rare times when you find you have the time to read a book so we thought it would be nice to offer a selection of reading that is relevant to the region, like...
- Memoirs of a Breton Peasant. A fascinating account of what life was like for a rural peasant in the 1800's in Brittany.
- A gift from Brittany: A Memoir of love and Loss in the French Countryside.
- Bumping Around Brittany. A guidebook with a difference, a series of excursions into the cultural, physical and emotional heartland of Brittany.
- The Next Moon: The Remarkable True Story of a British Agent Behind the lines in Wartime France.