19th Century Auvergnat Farmhouse with Pool in Tranquil Mountain Location

The Gite details

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Enclosed heated swimming pool

Ronaye in winter (Gite to left of photo)

Chateau de Polignac near Le Puy en Velay

Volcanoes of the Auvergne

Medieval Ambert

South-facing terrace (Gite to far end of property)

Sub-Alpine wildflowers in May

Home description

Fully renovated traditional 19th century Auvergnat farmhouse, adjoining a barn and (unoccupied) owners house, with an enclosed private heated swimming pool and set in its own land of 1 hectare, including a small orchard.

Ronaye is a tranquil mountain community in the heart of the Livradois Forez Regional Park, one of the most unspoilt parts of France. It is 6km from the quiet market town of St Germain L'Herm, which has boulangeries, cafe, restaurant, mini-markets, tourist office, pharmacy etc.

External features on site

• Barbecue
• Garden
• Scenic views
• Swimming pool (exclusive use)

Two terraces with barbecue facilities, sunloungers and outdoor furniture. There is good fishing in the many streams and rivers in the area (notably the Allier, well-known for its salmon and trout fishing).

Accommodation detail

South-facing terrace (Gite to far end of property)

Walled heated pool with views of Fayet Ronaye

Set in one hectare of land amid forests and hills

Gite kitchen-dining room

Cosy lounge with huge open fireplace

Master bedroom

Main entrance to rear of gite

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Fully renovated pair of 19th century farmhouses now converted into an owners property (unoccupied) and a comfortable and cosy Gite, with adjoining barn between.

The Gite has

• Kitchen / dining room - fully equipped kitchen
• Lounge - with large open fireplace and pull-out double bed
• Bedroom one - main bedroom with double bed and fold-away beds available to make into a family bedroom.
• Bedroom two - double bedroom
• Bedroom three - with two single beds
• Two bathrooms - one with both bath and shower

Full oil central heating, plus free use of log store for the huge open fireplace!

Outside:

Externally there are two separate terraced areas for your exclusive use, with patio furniture and barbecue provided. The property also has its own private heated swimming pool enclosed in a walled and terraced area (sunloungers provided) with views over the tranquil valley and forests of the Commune de Fayet-Ronaye. Set in one hectare of land, fronted by a small orchard (plums and apples).

About the location

Ronaye (near Fayet-Ronaye) is a typical Auvergnat property, consisting of two farmhouses and an adjoining barn. It is a mountainous region, situated at an altitude of 1000m and located in a small hamlet (also called Ronaye, and consisting of about a dozen houses and a tiny but beautiful chapel). 6km away is the tranquil market town of St Germain L'Herm, with a seasonal tourist office, 2 boulangeries, a boucherie, 2 bars and a restaurant.  There is also a pharmacy, newsagent and two mini-markets selling fruit, vegetables, foodstuffs, wine etc.

Ronaye is in the heart of the Livradois Forez Regional park in the Auvergne. The region is unspoilt and is magnificent country for walking, with many wooded trails through the forests. There is abundant bird and wildlife, including kites and other birds of prey and frequent visits from wild boar during the night. During May, the meadows surrounding Ronaye are carpeted with wildflowers.

The area has many unspoilt villages with beautiful Romanesque churches – notably Issoire (a pretty market town with all amenities) and medieval Ambert, famous for its cheese (Fourme D’Ambert) and its ancient working paper mill. Both are around 30 minutes drive from Ronaye. The Abbey of La Chaise Dieu is a similar distance and also well worth a visit. Further afield, the world heritage city of Le Puy en Velay (about 60 minutes drive) is a must-see, while the regional capital Clermont Ferrand (also 60 minutes away) has a beautiful cathedral and medieval quarter.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Ballooning, Bird Watching, Canoeing, Cycling, Drawing and painting, Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain biking, Photography, Rambling, Sightseeing, Swimming, Tennis, Walking

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

Nearest airports are Lyon (BA and Easyjet) - approx 220km, Rodez (Ryanair) - 240km, and Limoges (Ryanair) - approx 300km.

The nearest mainline rail station is Clermont Ferrand, which is around  an hour's drive away.

The most convenient ferry port when travelling from the UK is Caen (about 700km) - this is a lovely drive through the heart of France, heading from Caen through Le Mans to Orleans, then taking the A71 motorway south past Clermont Ferrand to Issoire. Turn off at Issoire following signs to St Germain L'Herm, and Ronaye is around 6km from St Germain.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.