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Review 2278: Owner, Tivauche le Haut Cottage (#6396)

www.holiday-rentals.co.uk

Recommended. Review by Amy from MA

2bed/2bath house in Tivauche le Haut, Burgundy

When

August 2006, 1 week

Location

The cottage is at one end of a row of three attached houses in the hamlet of Tivauche-le-Haut, with another house across a gravel courtyard. The cottage has a private patio and garden area, though you will ocassionally hear voices when other people are outside nearby. It's a peaceful location, but not isolated.

Nearby Amenities

Tivauche-le-Haut is a hamlet at the top of a hill, a five minute drive to the town of Epoisses with shops and a supermarket, and 15 minutes to larger towns Semur-en-Auxois to the east, or Montbard to the north.

The House/Apartment

The house is quite old, and beautifully restored and maintained with attractive furnishings and features. Since it is in the hamlet, you sometimes hear children playing outside or people talking on their terraces in the evening. Nothing bothersome at all.

Garden

Just off the kitchen is a private patio with huge stone table, wooden chairs, a bench, and lounges. Cushions and umbrella are in the utility room. You get a nice view down into the valley of rolling hills and fields.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

All furniture was in good shape and quite comfortable. The house was very clean. There's a large open kitchen/living/dining room with two sofas, wooden dining set with four chairs, tv/vcr, desk, all attractive.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms

The bedrooms and bathrooms are large, and beautifully decorated. On the ground floor is a good-sized, pretty bedroom facing the gravel drive with queensize bed, fireplace, closet, and bathroom with huge old-fashioned tub with handheld shower. I'm quite short, but was easily able to climb in and out of the tub, which was wonderful for deep soaking. Upstairs under enormous wooden beams is another large bedroom with a good queensize bed. This room has a skylight and a small fan, which kept the room comfortable even in the summer's heat. The hallway leads to a very nice bathroom, with one of the best showers I've ever seen. Full enclosure, and a large "rainfall" type showerhead. At one end of the large open hallway is a daybed under a skylight, suitable for a child.

Kitchen

The kitchen, though small, was very workable. We made several full meals very easily. There's a set of heavy cookware, and lots of utensils and gadgets. Dishwasher, toaster, microwave if you need them. Espresso-style coffeepot. The kitchen fridge is tiny, and there's a larger one in the utility room if you need it. The only lack was a good sharp knife or two, which the owners said they'd add.

Problems or Bonuses

We had rented this place anticipating that another couple would be joining us. When their plans fell through, we had thought about cancelling and booking a smaller place. We're very, very glad we decided to go ahead with this place, becuase we so thoroughly enjoyed the house and area.

Agency and Representatives (and price)

The house is owned by Bill and Jenny, a pleasant British couple who co-own a canal hotel barge. All e-mails and questions were quickly answered. They had originally renovated the house for themselves, and own several properties in the area. Their office is in the hamlet, so they're always available for advice or help. We had some problems getting our laptop connected to the phone line, and Bill quickly found us a cable which solved the problem. There's a printout of how to use the appliances, where to shop, and restaurant suggestions.

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

I'd stay there again in a minute. One week wasn't enough time!

Things to do in this area

Semur-en-Auxois, Chablis, Autun, Auxerre, Avallon, Dijon, chateaus, canals, walking, bike riding, eating. See my blog, Amy's Travel Blog--Destination Anywhere for details.

The farm Auberge La Garande just down the hill and across the main road serves wonderful Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch, which you need to reserve a table for in advance. lagarande.free.fr

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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