The Baby House - Gîte Holiday Rental in Lurcy Levis, Allier, France

We are dedicated Francophiles and have rented cottages all over the country. For the sake of variety we never stay twice in the same property - except the Baby House, to where we now make an annual pilgrimage. The welcome provided by Teresa and Steve is way above and beyond the norm, and their friendliness makes the Baby House the ideal retreat in every way. Allier is a most beautiful part of France, within easy reach of attractive towns like Bourges and Nevers and a pleasant drive from Clermont Ferrand. For a relaxing break in a fascinating cottage, situated in a lovely part of France and with extraordinarily friendly hosts, the Baby House just cannot be equalled. I can't recommend it highly enough. (Brian White, North Wales UK). 

5/5

We cannot recommend The Baby House highly enough. This year was our third stay in the last three years and was as brilliant as ever. If you enjoy the countryside and peace and quiet away from the throng then you could not pick a better place. It is totally unspoilt, the people are friendly and you can submerge yourself into the French culture. The Baby House is beautifully set out and everything is thought of. Outside a huge garden surrounds the House giving you total privacy. There are bikes available to use free of charge and we have cycled miles upon miles around the quiet French roads and in our opinion is the best way to get about plus, Moulins, Bourges and Nevers are close by in the car. Steve and Teresa are the best hosts, really lovely genuine people who will do anything for you to help your stay enjoyable. It made such a big impact on us, we can't keep away!  

5/5

The Baby House is one of the most beautiful, idyllic and fully equipped homes you could ask for deep in one the most scenic areas of France. The house is beautifully decorated, giving a comfortable place to stay while also keeping its authentic French look with original features such as the stunning wooden beams which are throughout the home. We arrived without a car, and we were relying on the bicycles provided for transport alone. The home owners, Teresa and Steve, couldn’t have been more helpful. Steve picked us up from the closest town which we arrived into by train, and drove us to the Baby House. They also offered us a lift whenever we needed it, which settle any fears we may have had of getting some shopping done, or whatever. However, the bikes were so enjoyable to explore that we felt no need to bother Steve or Teresa as much as we first thought.

As we were the first visitors without a car, I think its well worth advising anyone who's planning on staying there to use the provided bikes to explore the vast areas within the provided maps proximity– it’s a great experience depending, of course, how fit you are. We travelled everyday on the bikes and although the weather was very warm while we were there, it was truly an amazing way to see the area. There are so many trails and tracks which when on bikes, make for a real adventure! The largest and closest town Lurcy Levi, which is five minutes by car, (approx. 20-25 mins on bike) has a fully stocked supermarket. The town also has small shops that open Sunday, and a few places to eat and a nice sports-bar. Everyone in the town is so friendly too.

The lakes, forests, general relaxed feeling and of course Teresa and Steve as neighbours, all make holidaying in the Babyhouse a fantastic experience, and a great chance to see the real French countryside.

We hope to get back there soon!

5/5

For us, the Baby House represented French country perfection. We've travelled a lot, but I don't think we've ever unwound so much as in Teresa and Steve's delightful property and its garden. We loved that south-west facing garden so much that we sometimes had to force ourselves to leave the Baby House and explore the countryside and the villages of the Auvergne.

It's a beautiful, calm area, full of lovely French architecture, and with a fabulous lake with swimming and canoeing facilities just 20 minutes away. The village of Lurcy Lévis just 5 minutes from the Baby House has plenty of facilities and a couple of those essential French cafe/bars in the centre.

It was the attention to detail that enraptured us about the Baby House. Teresa and Steve haven't just equipped it - they've designed it. For example, they could have put just one table-and-chair set in the garden, but there are three, according to what mood you're in and whether you want to eat or just relax with a book and drink. Steve and Teresa have plenty of local knowledge, and are nearby if you need help, so a couple seeking a true taste of France can't really go wrong with the Baby House.

5/5