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LA MAISON AUX PRES VERTS

Burgundy, a vast expanse of well-tended vineyards, emerald-green meadows and sylvan landscapes stretching from the Nivernais and Morvan Forest on the northwest to the vineyards of Beaujolais and the plain of Bresse on the southeast, is one of the most enchanting regions of France. Considering its powerful attraction as a place for country homes, not to mention its reputation as producer of the world's finest white wines (and, some would argue, of reds as well), it is odd that this region offers so few properties for rent. While country cottages and fine old manor houses abound in this region, few are equipped to American standards, and fewer yet are offered for short-term rental.

A happy exception to this curious situation is La Maison aux Prés Verts, a home of such outstanding quality that, based on Just France's explorations of the region over the years, we can affirm that is one of the two best rental properties currently offered in all of Burgundy. For those fortunate enough to enjoy its many attractions, including the beautiful kitchen, two outdoor terraces, swimming pool, clay-covered hard-surface tennis court (rackets are provided) and panoramic views over the lush Burgundian countryside, the house offers an exceptional vacation opportunity in one of the most gorgeous and historically interesting regions of France.

La Maison aux Prés Verts, originally a large stone farmhouse, has been renovated by its American owner into a luxurious five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home with high beamed ceilings, tile floors with colorful area rugs, an exceptionally fine mixture of traditional and fine antique pieces, and modern amenities throughout. The living room centers around a large stone fireplace flanked by two handsomely upholstered sofas; double French doors let in an abundance of light, and open directly onto an outside terrace where meals can be taken. The entire ambiance of the house is one of rich, traditional warmth. As the owner puts it, his effort was to create a home that is at once relaxed and profoundly comfortable--a place of "luxury without pretense."

One of the nicest features of La Maison aux Prés Verts is the upstairs study, a large, sunny room under a sloping, beamed ceiling. This room has a comfortable sofa and armchairs upholstered in beautiful fabrics; with its bookcases and large antique table it is a perfect place for reading or writing. Like much of the house, the walls here are of exposed stone that offer a pleasing contrast to the dark woods of the lintels and ceiling beams.

In addition to the flagstone terrace off the living room there is a covered terrace with a table for ten in a pavilion near the kitchen. Both terraces look across a spacious lawn toward the swimming pool and beyond to the rolling countryside.

The large, country-style kitchen has been recently renovated and contains all modern appliances, including a dishwasher, two-door refrigerator and well-maintained microwave oven. It is quite bright and is well equipped with high-quality cooking utensils and marble work surfaces. In addition to these amenities, the discriminating cook will enjoy the large vegetable garden, which guests may feel free to use. If one does not dine on the terrace, meals are generally taken at the beautiful wooden farm table on the far side of the kitchen, where there is also a sitting area with three comfortable chairs for sipping coffee and enjoying the newspaper in the morning sunlight. Adjacent to the kitchen is a commodious sitting room with contemporary couches and armchairs, a large TV with cable and DVD and a stereo with CD player.

The bedrooms are all upstairs and continue the ambiance of refined living in a country atmosphere, with exposed stone walls and beams in most rooms. The master bedroom is the largest of the five and has a lovely fireplace and a sitting area. The ensuite bath has a tub and separate glass stall shower, double vanity and WC. There is also access to the pavilion below by a heavy door.

Two guest rooms are of roughly equal size, with twin beds and ensuite baths, one of which has been newly renovated using tumbled marble and designer sinks. The fourth bedroom has a single bed and uses a similar new bathroom on the hall.

The last bedroom is up a flight of stairs in the tower. It has splendid views from high windows on all sides and is simply furnished with a handsome wooden double bed (140 cm, 55” across). The ceiling of the tower has been recently redone and features attractive light wood and bright modern spotlights to create an inviting space. Occupants of this bedroom use the new bathroom downstairs on the hall.

The stone guest cottage, tucked into the hillside near the tennis court, is fully renovated and comfortably furnished for a couple who wants extra privacy. The downstairs has a cute salon and kitchenette, and upstairs is a comfortable bedroom with small bathroom. The cottage is truly for guests and is generally not occupied during rentals for groups of up to 8 people.

All mechanical systems and appliances are modern. They include television with satellite reception, a washing machine and separate dryer, and outdoor lighting system. Those who prefer less spirited exercise than tennis can stroll around the large, beautifully manicured grounds of lawn and mature shrubs, or go for a swim in the 5 m X 11 m (16.5' X 36') pool.

The rental price of La Maison aux Prés Verts includes complete pool and garden maintenance as well as a housekeeper five times weekly for about four hours daily. The femme de ménage who performs these services is also proficient in preparing Burgundian cuisine and may be retained to shop and prepare meals for a reasonable charge.

One of course does not think of Burgundy without being reminded of its fine wine and cuisine, and La Maison aux Prés Verts is perfectly situated for plumbing those pleasures to the depths. The vineyards of the Côte-d'Or lie less than an hour to the north, and the entire Beaujolais region is a pleasant drive to the south. No less than four three-star restaurants--Troisgros in Roanne, Paul Bocuse near Lyon, Lameloise in Chagny and Georges Blanc in Vonnas - lie within a 45-60-minute drive. The region is filled with examples of Romanesque architecture, and the famous abbey at Cluny is only a 15 km drive.

La Maison aux Prés Verts has excellent central heating and is offered - with firewood - for rental year-round.