THE PERFECT LOCATION: HEATED POOL, AIRCON PLUS 5 STAR REVIEWS: SLEEPS 4 + 1 BABY

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Unbeatable value anywhere on the web, the Woodland Retreat occupies the kind of self-contained outdoor space one would expect in far larger properties, and with no sharing of pool or other facilities. The compact, tastefully appointed accommodation with an area of 600 square feet sits in the shade of a south facing hazelnut tree. Air conditioning keeps the Retreat deliciously cool during the heat of summer, in a location which is blissfully peaceful.

3 sleeping spaces accommodate either four persons in two double beds, or 2 persons in the master bedroom, and two persons separately using one double and one single bed. Indoor seating facilities do not permit a party larger than four persons + a baby.

INSIDE

TV Lounge: Widescreen TV with all Sky channels plus 10,000 free films. Seating for 4 persons.
Kitchen: Fully fitted with 2 ring induction hob, fan assisted oven, microwave oven, dishwasher, washing machine, extra-wide fridge/freezer, toaster, kettle, coffee maker, good range of crockery, cutlery and utensils.
Bedroom 1: 160 cm bed and sofa links with a large shower, twin wash basins + separate WC.
Bedroom 2: 140 cm bed/75 cm shower enclosure/ washbasin/ wardrobe in room adjacent with WC nearby.
Bedrooms have feather pillows/cotton sheets
Dining Room with Leisure Den: 4 seat sofa, UK TV/ DVD player/dining table with 4 comfy stools/good choice of books.
Ideal for children, this can function also as a third bedroom, the ‘L’ sofa comprising a fixed mattress with set-aside space for duvet/pillows.

OUTSIDE
Charming grounds, totalling 1400 square metres, with areas both shaded and in full sun. A 7m x 3.5m x 1.2 m heated swimming pool operates from May to mid-September. Dining table and chairs for 6 persons. 6 pool-side sun loungers and 4 reclining chairs. Electric and charcoal BBQ's.

The Retreat is situated in a walkers' paradise - a delightful riverside location populated by deer, red squirrel, heron, kingfishers, otters, colourful dragonflies and butterflies, just 8 minutes to medieval Caylus with all services, and a short drive to celebrated Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val.

SITE ACTIVITIES
Swimming/Badminton

AMENITIES ALL WITHIN 8 MINUTES:
Bakery/Supermarket/Bars/Restaurants/Bank/Pharmacy
Please ask for a link to our comprehensive guide to the locality.

NOTES ON PRICES
Bed linen, bath towels, hand towels, pool towels, hairdryers, internet and final cleaning are all included in the price. Our guests arrive to tea, coffee, spices, household and sanitary products free of charge. There are no hidden extras.

VISITOR REVIEWS
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Have just returned from two lovely weeks in Tarn-et-Garonne with a very relaxing stay at the Woodland Retreat. We were welcomed by Steve and Sue who were both accommodating and helpful. If you’re eager to escape busy modern working life and are looking for a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by nature - Buzzards, Herons and more - then the Woodland Retreat is for you. It’s a well-appointed lodge nestling on the banks of the little river Bonnette running just outside. A spacious outdoor area with shaded dining table meant we cooked al fresco several evenings, and a large, very comfy bed gave us a good night’s sleep. 25-30 degrees of delightful weather made the lovely and private pool area a great way to spend afternoons (and evenings with a glass of wine enjoying the sunset over Loze). The elevated pool and spacious deck are well thought through, a unique construction which awards good views down the river, and a real sun trap, with a perfect water temperature. Having travelled across France for 20 years, the surrounding area was quite a discovery, beautiful and unspoiled, with little commerce. Nearby St-Antonin-Noble-Val was one of the most atmospheric medieval French towns we’ve visited in this region of Quercy. Several good supermarkets are less than half an hour away, except one of the greatest pleasures was driving the 10 minutes along the Vallee de la Bonnette past the old water mills and waterfall for croissants, baguettes (and perhaps too much) patisserie from charming Caylus. Steve and Sue have created a real haven of peace and privacy in this corner of ‘La France profonde’. Peaceful, private and well equipped - with all the things you need to genuinely stop, relax and kick-back.
Reviewer Name Mr. R. Page . Guest rating: 5 stars
Date of Review 07-May-2022
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We have stayed in the south west of France many times before, and can honestly say that this is one of the most idyllic homes we have stayed in. Sue and Steve have been truly wonderful to us, the accommodation does exactly as described, completely private but with easy access to the wonderful surroundings and within short reach of the beautiful villages and towns the area has to offer. The property is extremely well equipped, the pool is perfect and well maintained. Everything feels fresh and clean. We cannot recommend this holiday home highly enough and would come back again any time. Thank you both so much. Guest rating: 5 stars James Mayo Sat, 22 Jun 2024

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THE LOCALITY

Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val

Now one of France's most important tourist attractions, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val holds one of the liveliest markets in the region each and every Sunday.

It's important to visit Saint-Antonin also on a non-market day when the town is less busy. Call in to the tourist office to collect guides and pamphlets to include a book on local walking routes. Saint-Antonin is a medieval treasure with the oldest town hall in France.

On the river you'll find beach cafés, as well as kayaking. Visit the museum and walk around the old tanneries.

There's a view nearby not to be missed. Over the bridge take the second turning left for Gaillac then very soon on turn right at the sign 'Vue Panoramique' where you'll climb steeply.

https://www.france-voyage.com/tourism/saint-antonin-noble-val-1656.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=815uLaWN_7g

Loze

Moulin de Bordes is situated centre-base of a road triangle which leads up to the local village of Loze. Turn left from the mill then right, or right from the mill then left for a pleasant walking circuit. Either way, at top you can venture into the village with fortified medieval church, passing the ancient village wash house further down the hill.

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loze

Saint Projet

Take footpath PR1 front of the mill over the little bridge and turn left up to Saint Projet. Visit the chateau before returning on the top road to Caylus. Take the second left from this road soon after leaving the Saint Projet roundabout to walk the valley lane down to Moulin de Bordes. You will pass four more water mills including Moulin de Vignasse (working demonstrations and award winning goats' cheese) before arriving back home.

http://www.saint-projet.com/

Villefranche

Despite being surrounded by a mass of urban sprawl, Villefranche is at its heart a very beautiful, well defined bastide town with an impressive church. Park down by the river and follow the one-way system to return home.

http://www.tourisme-villefranche-najac.com/

Belcastel

A chocolate box village, and one of France's most lovely places to spend a day.

https://www.mairie-belcastel.fr/

Conques

For lovers of Romanesque art and history https://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/fr/nos-villages/conques/

Najac

Calls for a day to appreciate this nearby bastide with awesome castle and amazing views. Take the road to Parisot* then to Le Couzoul where you'll turn left to Najac. You'll find somewhere to have lunch in Najac.

*Parisot is worth a visit - a quaint little village less than 10 minutes' drive from the mill with a small chateau and a huge lake to walk round - recently equipped with man-made beaches, a restaurant and a play area for children.

https://www.tourisme-aveyron.com/en/diffusio/sites-visit/forteresse-royale-de-najac-najac_TFO18778650928

From Saint Antonin in the direction of Albi.

Cordes-Sur-Ciel

Over the bridge take the valley road through the tunnel turning right before you come to Varen* to arrive at what is arguably the most beautiful of all French bastide towns, also with good shops and restaurants. Cordes is an architectural treasure with fine views.

https://www.cordessurciel.fr/en/

* Varen is a small village in the Aveyron Gorge where you'll find a delightful restaurant situated on the banks of the Aveyron, the moulin de Varen. It serves good food in a welcoming atmosphere; for added interest it also has a floor partly in glass directly over the water.

https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Restaurant_Review-g1456920-d2268495-Reviews-Le_Moulin_de_Varen-Varen_Saint_Antonin_Noble_Val_Tarn_et_Garonne_Occitanie.html

Albi

Directly after Cordes, this is the departmental HQ of the Departement of the Tarn. Birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec, it is a world heritage site with an amazing cathedral. Not to be missed.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187167-Activities-Albi_Tarn_Occitanie.html

From Saint Antonin in the direction of Montauban

Over the bridge turn right to drive along what was formerly a railway line passing through the Aveyron Gorge. Take the turning for the Corniche which leads to ever more magnificent views (as well as a good little restaurant La Corniche). Penne and Bruniquel offer two intriguing sites to visit. Montauban itself is a handsome town with good shopping.

https://www.tourisme-tarn.com/a-voir-a-faire/les-incontournables/les-bastides-et-villages/penne-2

http://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/en/bruniquel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montauban