Le Mournet is a traditional 19th century farmstead in the heart of the wild and unspoilt Ardèche countryside. The property was recently fully renovated and converted into rental units which combine its rustic character with modern comforts and contemporary features. Each unit has its own private terrace or garden with outdoor furniture and a barbecue. All guests can use the salt-water swimming pool and gardens where there are games for all ages, including a croquet lawn. Yoga and Ayurvedic massage are available on site. All properties are fitted with flat screen TVs, DVD players, UK satellite TV channels, and a wireless internet connection.

La Châtaigne, a spacious one-bedroom property, occupies the ground floor of the farmhouse. Sleeping two to four guests, it is ideal for a couple or a small family with its private garden and light, modern interior. The former stone stables were converted into L’Écurie, a two-bedroom property suitable for four to five guests.

Also on the property is La Grange, a three-bedroom unit sleeping up to eight guests which was converted from the old stone barn. The whole property can comfortably accommodate up to 16 guests. Each unit can be rented separately but the property is also very suitable for a family reunion or a large group event.

Le Mournet and its gardens face southwards and the 6x12 metre salt-water pool enjoys sunshine all day. The gardens slope down to the Glueyre river which winds its way down the valley.

Two large walnut trees offer welcome shade in the height of the summer and a harvest of walnuts in the Autumn.

The garden is a tranquil place to relax and enjoy the wildlife or to play games – there is a table tennis table and a croquet lawn, and swings and a slide for the children. Guests may also use a private tennis court in a nearby property.

The owners live on the property and are always happy to help and advise their guests. Beds are made on arrival and hand and bath towels are provided, as are a complimentary bottle of local wine, a basket of walnuts from the garden and a few essential extras, plus extra little touches such as bedtime chocolates, organic toiletries and herbs from the garden. The owners can also provide a complimentary baby bed, change mat, high chair and baby bath if required. Guests may rent bikes and tennis racquets and book local walks detailed in English. Guests also receive a detailed welcome folder full of local information on restaurants, wine tasting, shopping sites to see and things to do to make the most of the holiday.

Special features:	• Pool on the property • Bilingual assistance available on site • Credit cards accepted
Swimming pool:	6m x 12m salt-water swimming pool

The garden of Le Mournet slopes down to the river Glueyre which flows to the nearby villages of Saint-Pierreville and Saint-Saveur-de-Montagut. About a hundred metres from the house is a natural pool which is an ideal spot for swimming. Take a walk alongside the river - it has many waterfalls and excellent trout fishing.

The owner of Le Mournet is a qualified Yoga teacher and Ayurvedic masseuse. Private yoga sessions adapted to your needs or a relaxing massage can be arranged during your stay. The owners can also organise short breaks, retreats and activity and yoga holidays combining the practise of yoga with skiing, hiking, walking, or snow-shoeing.

The local village of Albon is perfectly traditional with a bakery, village store, and tabac and locals who take the time of day to catch up on life and local events. At an altitude of 630m, Albon is in the heart of the Ardèche region, which is rich in natural beauty with spectacular gorges, chestnut forests, rolling magestic countryside and the nearby Massif Central mountains. Volcanic activity in the distant past has left behind some extraordinary local sites such as the waterfall at Le Pic de Ray and the Issarles lake.

There are wonderful local walks, and activities including tennis, climbing, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. The area is also steeped in history, with restored medieval villages that still enjoy the lull each afternoon for siesta time and the friendly hustle and bustle on market day. Among the villages to visit are Antraigues, Balazuc, and Beauchastel, as well as the spa town of Vals les Bains, and the medieval town of Aubenas. Markets and local festivals take place in nearby towns and villages throughout the year.

The Ardèche is a hidden jewel of rural France just South of Lyon and North of Avignon. One of the least populated parts of France, it is a region of quiet traditional villages and small towns rich in history and architecture in a largely rural setting, and remains relatively undiscovered by tourists. It enjoys a very pleasant climate with warm summers and mild winters. The region is well-known in France for its organic produce and traditional farming methods, with the traditional specialties being chestnuts, blueberries, walnuts, and the local wines and cheeses.

The Ardèche is a diverse region, with a mountainous north, the lush and green Eyrieux Valley winding through the centre, and a hotter and more barren south laced with gorges. The region borders on the rolling countryside of the Massif Central, Gard and Provence to the south, and Drôme to the east – all beautiful in their own right, and well worth a visit. Within a couple of hours' drive, one can visit some of the great cities of this part of France, including Avignon, home to the spectacular medieval papal palace, the Roman city of Nîmes, and Lyon, France’s capital of gastronomy.

The gardens	The swimming pool
Le Mournet	The entrance to La Châtaigne
A bench by the swimming pool	La Châtaigne: the terrace
La Châtaigne: the kitchen	La Châtaigne: the double bedroom
La Châtaigne: the living area	La Châtaigne: the bathroom
l'Écurie: the double bedroom	l'Écurie: the dining area
l'Écurie: the bathroom	The barbecue
The entrance to the courtyard

Have had a thoroughly enjoyable first visit to this delightful spot in France. We have discovered the delights of eating at the Auberge de Bougnard as well as exploring further afield. It is a lovely house and lying by the pool relaxing in the glorious sunshine completed a perfect week. Hope to return in the near future.
Mary & Gordon M. - New Jersey, USA

What a haven and what a delightful place to stay. Your attention to the small details has really made this stay special. We hope you keep enjoying life as you share your good energy - we have thrived on it!!
Nina and Myles R. - Leeds, England

This is our first to the Ardeche. It has been an enjoyable, relaxing and memorable stay...your Gite l’Ecurie and the facilities of the pool, garden and games combined with the tranquil setting are a credit to you both.
T.G. - Melbourne, Australia

What a lovely atmosphere for our first week in France. For years we have been aniticipating spending our 25th wedding anniversary here. We have not been disappointed. Your tasteful decor and grounds, excellent welcome pack, advice on venues and drives have been just right. This area is so quiet, friendly and relaxing with as much or as little to do as one wishes.
Jim and Becky C. - Canada

Your gite is in such a lovely rural location. We have enjoyed cycling through the surrounding countryside and returning for a refreshing swim. La Chataigne is very well equipped and a comfortable home away from home.
Arthur and Dawn M. - Ontario, Canada

Its been lovely to find somewhere off the beaten track yet with all the comforts of home. The river has been an endless source of amusement for the children and we’ve had great families to share it all with.
Tina and Danny B. - London, England