www.chateausp.com
Chateau St. Philippe is one of Europe's oldest renovated chateaux. Situated in the Savoie region of France, at the base of the Alps, the house is within easy reach of a huge number of activities. Up to 20 guests can be accommodated, and the library, home cinema and formal dining room ensure there is never a dull moment - even if it rains. Albertville and Lake Annecy are a short drive away and the local village of St. Jean de La Porte provides boulangeries and an open air market.
www.vintagetravel.co.uk
The Vintage Travel website features over 320 houses, all with private pools. Focusing on unspoilt areas away from high-rise mass tourism, the company has recently added properties in rural France to its collection of Portuguese, Spanish, Croatian and Italian houses. High levels of repeat bookings speak volumes for the quality of the houses and lower prices outside school holidays ensure the larger houses are affordable for couples and smaller parties.
www.eclipse.co.uk/lapeze
La Peze is a historic Quercy-style house, enjoying south-facing panoramic views over the Lot valley. The peaceful setting provides a haven for rare birds and butterflies and grassy tracks lead from the garden deep into the forest. The large garden is surrounded by ancient walnut trees and includes a private pool, bouledrome and stone built bbq.
www.chateau-rentals.com
A farmhouse set in 12 acres of wooded hillside, a charming cottage and a small Chateau and a larger one make up the Chateau-Rentals.com portfolio. Located in the Perigord (famous for black truffles and foie gras), the properties enjoy peaceful locations near to hilltop 'bastide' towns and the rivers Dordogne and Lot.
www.holidayswanted.com
This ingenious site enables you to be match-made with your ideal holiday house. After filling in and submitting the online form, you will become part of a network link with over 1000 properties. Suitable accommodation owners will check their availability and send you information and a photo.
www.dordognerental.com
Dordogne Rental specialises in renting vacation properties in the Dordogne region of Aquitaine in the South West of France. The unique selection of quality homes and châteaux, manor houses and farmhouses have been hand-picked by Jane Hanslip, who has lived in the area for 20 years and has an unsurpassed knowledge of the area.
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The century-old enamelling technique used to create Van Cleef's lucky ladybird brooch — which has something in common with Country LifeThe technique used in the jeweller's Geneva workshop has been put to good use in its latest creation.
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‘The best sleep in the sky’: What it’s like to fly in United’s Polaris cabin, approved by American icon Martha StewartUnited’s Business Class cabin goes by the name Polaris and Martha Stewart is a fan. So, how does it fare?
