When the school holidays finish the area returns its timeless farming cycle. Once again the villagers look up with a surprised expression if a car comes into view. Once again those lucky enough to holiday out of season return to take advantage of the milder climate, longer periods of sunshine and glorious autumn and winter colours.......and the incredible, low season prices at Le Manoir.

Although agreeably comfortable for twelve, this gracious old house has a lovely, warm, homely atmosphere enjoyed by couples, small groups of friends, artists and photographic clubs and honeymooners. We do not stint on central heating or on logs for the big open fire; like so many generations before, you will have a truly warm welcome. Live life, like the French, in proper French surroundings. Search the forest for delectable cepes and our many other mushrooms during the autumn. Collect chestnuts and roast them at your own fireside as winter approaches. Watch the migration of the cranes and their return in early spring. Enjoy the rich colours seen free of air pollution, and night skies filled with stars.

A walkers paradise, Le Manoir is set on a centuries-old crossing; tracks used by the Templar knights who established a chapel here. The picturesque remains of it lie a few hundred meters from the house. The area is a vast network of these foot and bridle pathways. Enjoy them on foot or mountain bikes. We have several at your disposal. Of course fishing is available in our lake or, with a permit, on most of the public rivers and streams. Stables, about 20 minutes drive away, can arrange horse riding at ridiculously low prices and local restaurants offer lunch with wine for less than £6 per person. Nearby Lake Vassiviere (France's largest man-made lake) proves a great temptation to windsurfers and has man made beaches to relax on. Visit Aubusson, renowned for its tapestries and two thousand year old Limoges, porcelain capital of France....or just relax in great comfort.

THE SURROUNDING AREA: Forty minutes to the west lies Limoges, porcelain capital of France, providing all the amenities of a small, two thousand year old city. At a similar distance to the east, Aubusson, world famous for its centuries old tapestry production. We are surrounded by lovely, sleepy, ancient villages with their picturesque houses and hospitable restaurants, far from the rush and bustle. This, combined with an average temperature somewhat above that of Britain, contributes to a feeling of relaxation and contentment.

ST. MOREIL is a hill village set in the folds of the western flanks of the Massif Central within the boundary of the proposed "Mille Vache" Park Regional. (Population around 280). The nearest small supermarket is in Peyrat-le-Chateau, about 12 minutes drive with a much larger one’s in various direction’s another 10 minutes. Lake Vassiviere, France’s largest beautiful, man-made lake, (2500 acres) is about 20 minutes drive where sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and most normal water sports are allowed on the numerous sandy beaches.

LE MANOIR itself nestles in a small valley on a private 23 acre estate and is overlooked by nobody. The house provides a very comfortable rural home from home for those wanting peace and quiet without total isolation. Luxuriously furnished and decorated, it is warm and very comfortable with seven bedrooms and four shower or bathrooms. A typical large farmhouse kitchen provides the background for unhurried French meals while the heavily beamed living-room with its great log fire gives timeless elegant protection and comfort against the worst of weather in winter. In the heat of summer its half metre thick walls help to keep the building cool. The grounds are shared only with the owners and their family who live in the house in the left-hand background of the picture on the home page and are always available if you have a problem or require help with translation. A welcome pack will be provided on arrival, with the basic essentials.

OUTSIDE: An ample barbecue area overlooks the waterfront, vast lawn, island and six acre garden. The pool, open from early May to the start of October, is on its own terrace making it less accessible to small children. There is plenty of garden furniture.

ON SITE AMENITIES: Inside, Play Station 2 games machine and Playstation 1 games machine in the Games room, toys and games. Plenty of books, Free satellite television and telephone. Outside; pool, rowing boat, small sandy beach for toddlers under parental supervision, mountain bikes, boule, fields and streams, plus the Games room with table tennis and Baby football, and a new pool table. The ideal French vacation on the spot, summer and winter.

THE LAKE: The lake is well stocked with a variety of fish, and is both fun for the pleasure angler, and challenging for the more experienced. Fishing from the covered BBQ area will give kids a good introduction to fishing, while the more experienced angler will need to choose their swim carefully. There are mirror carp up to 20lb and numerous other doubles. Any method is permitted, but barbless hooks only and no keepnets.

OUTSIDE AMENITIES A walkers paradise with about five times more footpath and bridle way than tarred road, tracks start on the estate. We can arrange riding at very low prices around 24Euro’s for 2 hours, at excellent stables (about 20 minutes drive). There are tennis courts in Peyrat-le-Chateau and golf is available at three courses, two in or near Limoges and the other, a nine hole course about 20 minutes drive.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Medical services: Excellent. If you have a problem we know most of the doctors and chemists, very useful out of hours. We can also help with the language if you need us. There are surgeries is in Bourganeuf and Peyrat but the doctor will call if you prefer. In grave emergency a person has been collected by helicopter from the garden and flown direct the University hospital in Limoges. Don’t forget to get your NHS form from the Post Office before leaving as you will be expected to pay there and then without it. The dentist in Bourganeuf will always squeeze you in if you let us know.
Food: Shops shut all day Monday but most food shops are open both Sunday morning, Christmas, New Year and National holidays until 12 noon. Nearest bakers, patisserie, butcher, chemist and hardware store: Peyrat-le-Chateau , about 12 min's. Large Casino supermarket in Eymoutiers, a further 10 min's. Also Stores in Bourganeuf, Champion and Intermarche in St Leonard do Noblat which we have found the best variety in, especially meat’s, both about 20 min's. From Le Manoir
Restaurants: No need to dress up unless you feel like it. Most are around 15min’s drive away but shut Monday except the Relais de la Poste in Sauviat who shut Wednesdays. Most are shut over Christmas and the New Year and the August Holiday periods except Hotel de France in Peyrat-le-Chateau who are open all year round and have specialty nights i.e. Pizza night every Thursday in the summer months.
Rubbish: Collected every Tuesday from June to end of August. For the rest of the year it only goes on the first and third Tuesday of the month so please burn what you can. Glass must be put in the Bottle Bank opposite the school in the village. Boots: It is a good idea to bring wellingtons for children in Low season as tracks can become muddy after rain.

If you love the area so much, you can view property's for sale at: www.vertbleu-immo.com