Gîte du Val des Auges (BAR2.88)

Gîte du Val des Auges is a 3-bedroomed cottage, sleeping 6 (+ 2 babies), on the edge of the village of Serocourt (Vosges), 16km S of Vittel, 53km W of Epinal (Michelin map: 516). VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 1995. Saturday arrival.

This is a conversion of a 150-year-old stone farmbuilding and adjoining dwelling providing two self-contained units let as one. Set beside a minor country road on rising ground with an outlook over pastures and wooded hills, the house belongs to a small, peaceful farming community just north of the upper Saône valley, with views over neighbouring fields and hills. The character has been preserved by extensive use of wood and beams and, outside, an original stone archway has been retained. The spacious accommodation is well-kept and airy, amply furnished with reproduction rustic and 60s’ items with comfort assured by a very good provision of equipment. A private south-facing part sloping grassy garden on three sides (approximately 600m²) is available for outdoor living and beyond are fields where three horses are kept and a few cows graze. The owner lives in Epinal during the week but spends his weekends in a house 50 yards or so away and will be responsible for welcoming visitors. A spacious, well-appointed property (ideal for 2 small parties sharing) in a pretty, rural area between Alsace and Burgundy.

Accommodation: Ground floor: kitchen/dining room, living/dining room (both with wood-burning stoves), bathroom, wc. First floor: 1 twin and 2 double-bedded rooms (one with en suite bathroom and wc). Lower ground floor: summer kitchen/dining room, shower room, wc, 2 cots.

Activities: Tennis at Martigny-les-Bains (6km). Swimming pool, plan d’eau for swimming, water sports, fishing and bicycle hire in Contrexéville (15km). Indoor swimming pool (open all year, olympic size), tennis, horse riding, bicycle hire and golf (18 and 9 holes) in Vittel.
 
Services: Grocer and baker in Frain (2km). All other shops and services in Contrexéville. Market in Contrexéville on Tuesdays.

Location
On the edge of the village of Serocourt (Vosges) - 150 inhabitants - 16km S of Vittel, 53km W of Epinal. Altitude: 370m. Michelin map: 516
 
Activities
Tennis at Martigny-les-Bains (6km). Swimming pool, plan d’eau for swimming, water sports, fishing and bicycle hire in Contrexéville (15km). Indoor swimming pool (open all year, olympic size), tennis, horse riding, bicycle hire and golf (18 and 9 holes) in Vittel.
 
Services
Grocer and baker in Frain (2km). All other shops and services in Contrexéville. Market in Contrexéville on Tuesdays.
 
Description
This is a conversion of a 150-year-old stone farmbuilding and adjoining dwelling providing two self-contained units let as one. Set beside a minor country road on rising ground with an outlook over pastures and wooded hills, the house belongs to a small, peaceful farming community just north of the upper Saône valley, with views over neighbouring fields and hills. The character has been preserved by extensive use of wood and beams and, outside, an original stone archway has been retained. The spacious accommodation is well-kept and airy, amply furnished with reproduction rustic and 60s’ items with comfort assured by a very good provision of equipment. A private south-facing part sloping grassy garden on three sides (approximately 600m²) is available for outdoor living and beyond are fields where three horses are kept and a few cows graze. The owner lives in Epinal during the week but spends his weekends in a house 50 yards or so away and will be responsible for welcoming visitors. A spacious, well-appointed property (ideal for 2 small parties sharing) in a pretty, rural area between Alsace and Burgundy. First featured by VFB in 1995.
 
Accommodation
 
Ground floor: access from outside to:
 
·     Kitchen/dining room (8m85 x 3m50) with dual cooker (4 gas rings and electric oven), fridge with freezer compartment, microwave, dishwasher, washing-machine, mobile barbecue, wood-burning stove, telephone (for incoming and local outgoing calls only). Tiled floor. Stairs to first floor. Doors to:
 
·     Living/dining room (11m30 x 3m70) with wood-burning stove. Vinyl floor. Stairs up to bedroom 3 and down to summer kitchen / dining room and garden
 
·     Bathroom (off small inner hall) with short bath with shower attachment. Tiled floor
 
·     Separate wc
 
Lower ground floor (down 16 steps):
 
·       Summer kitchen/dining room (3m60 x 5m50) with open fireplace / barbecue, gas cooker (4 rings and oven), fridge with icebox. Tiled floor. Door to garden (2 steps down, via store room).
 
·       Small shower room with shower
 
·       Second separate wc
 
First floor: (14 steps)
 
·     Bedroom 1 (3m50 x 3m20) with 1 double bed (1m40). Vinyl floor
 
·     Bedroom 2 (3m80 x 2m50) with 2 single beds (0m90). Vinyl floor
 
Second staircase to first floor:
 
·     Bedroom 3 (5m30 x 2m85) with 1 double bed (1m40). Vinyl floor. Door to en-suite bathroom
 
·     Bathroom 2 (en-suite with bedroom 3) with bath,shower attachment and wc. Vinyl floor
 
·     Recessed area with cot
 
Gas for cooking included – Electricity not included (electric radiator in each room) – Bed linen included, household linen available.
 
Where household linen is available, payment should be made direct to the owner (one set will cost 20€ for two people and each additional person staying at the property pays 5€)
 
Breakage Deposit: 100€   Sleeps: 6 + 2 babies (2 wooden cots available: 1m20 length x 0m55 width x 0m34 depth and 1m45 length x 0m64 width x 0m50 depth)
 
Comments
“We have enjoyed the views and the peace of the village and have appreciated M Barbier’s help and advice.” “Overall we have been impressed with the gîte and have found all the facilities we needed for an enjoyable stay.” “Enjoyed the house very much.”
 
Description updated May 2009