My husband and I spent 6 nights here and I can only add 2 words to the other rewiews. Book it! Miriam A.
5 star is a term that is used quite frequently, and often embellished, however we can honestly say that everything about our stay at the old barn was truly 'cinq etoiles'the barn is nestled at the foot of a small limestone hill (with a huge wine cave underneath!) The view stretches on forever over corn and sunflower fields to a lovely chateau in the distance.
Impeccable cleanliness. Inside the barn you have everything you could want, so much so that we found ourselves relaxing most days and simply reading a book, eating cheese and drinking wine. During our stay I found myself reading about France's many hundreds of wine and cheese varieties (these books are part of the barn's extensive book library) and also about local historical events such as the Battle of Tours. Steve and Tim have decked the barn with every imaginable quality fitting that you could find.... Quality bedding and linen, An extensive book and DVD library, wifi, and a 'cooking with gas' stovetop are just some of the features that we enjoyed. Our personal favourite however is a shower head in the bathroom large enough to 'wash an elephant with'.
Our hosts Tim and Steve are tres bonne! Very welcoming and friendly. The barn is situated approximately 15 metres from their home which is far away enough for privacy but also close enough to converse. Steve and Tim were even nice enough to invite us for dinner one night where we shared excellent conversation, great wine and even better food (Steve's wonderful cooking and Tim's delicious garden vegetables).
In summary the barn is wonderful value for money. It's just the place to relax for 4 or so days before or after a hectic travel schedule. We spent a total of only €80 over 4 days because we found ourselves wanting to cook and drink wine in the comfort of the barn as opposed to eating at restaurants. Merci Beaucoup Steve and Tim. Michael & Suzie
Old Barne Heaven!We visited the Old Barne for four nights in August 2015. I wish it was longer... As soon as we arrived we knew we were somewhere special. We opened the shutters and and our hearts breathed everything in. The outlook over the fields is truly stunning and one we could not stop photographing as it changed throughout the day. Steve took care of our booking arrangements and Tim was there to welcome us. Tim ensured we had all the information we needed to plan our Loire valley excursions. We loved exploring the Loire Valley and the beautiful town of Chinon. We were supplied with a very generous starter pack! The bed was super comfortable and the bathroom with a view of the flieds is sublime. Returning home each day to watch the twilight over the fields was the best part! We hope to return for longer to enjoy the barn and the amazing Loire Valley! Maccas07, Western Australia
How can one improve on perfection? Our stay at the Barn exceeded our most hopeful expectations. Arriving in Paris and driving nearly four hours to our destination, we pulled up to the front gate and were immediately and warmly greeted by our host, Tim, who was putting the final touches on our accommodations. We met Steve, our other host, a bit later. Once inside, we knew it was “home”. Everything was impeccable. The attention to detail, gorgeous linens, comfortable bed, luxurious shower, tasteful furnishings, use of space, completely stocked kitchen with everything you could possibly need to prepare meals. are but a few of the pleasures awaiting you. But even more wonderful was the feeling emanating from the place. Located just ten minutes from the town of Chinon where you can find restaurants, fresh produce, and other supplies, the Barn sits idly and ever so peacefully in a pastoral setting. In the distance, a chateau captures your eye and seduces as the light plays off of it.
Steve and Tim are simply the most engaging, kind, interesting, thoughtful people you could ever hope to meet. The consummate hosts with an unfailing instinct for their guests’ needs, they make you feel like part of the family, which amplifies an already wonderful experience. Not only was every comfort provided for, but we were also treated to a stocked refrigerator with all the fixings for a beautiful country breakfast (fresh bread, strawberries, milk, eggs, cheese, juice, yogurt, coffee, etc.) as well as a bottle of delicious local sparkling wine! Toward dinner time, we heard a soft rap on the door, and there they were bearing a tray with a gorgeous frittata, asparagus and cheesecake. We needn’t have worried about how or where to buy the essentials after our long travel day!
The Barn is a perfect place from which to base your daily excursions. We visited the chateaux of Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, Chambord, Angers and Villandry with its magnificent gardens. Not to be missed is a viewing of the Apocalypse Tapestry, dating to the 14th century, at Chateau d’Angers. An interesting contrast of contemporary tapestries can be found at the Musee de Jean Lourcat a short distance away. Two places highly recommended for lunch are the restaurant at Chenonceau and Etape Gourmande, a perfect place to seek out between Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry.
Many thanks to Steve and Tim for their incredible hospitality and for providing us with rich and lasting memories.
Patty, USA
Truly the best of the best! SUPERLATIVE in EVERY respect!
We have used VRBO for many years now -- in Brazil, Chile, Germany, the Netherlands, Argentina and other locales. This property is truly the best of the best -- far and away the best VRBO stay we have ever had. The locale is fabulous -- minutes from Chinon, Azay le Rideau and the Abbey of Fontevraud -- yet nestled in the quiet French countryside away from the hustle and bustle of traffic and tourists. Your hosts, Steve and Tim, have thought of everything to make your stay a five-star event: WiFi, satellite TV, iPod with classical and contemporary music, fully equipped kitchen, gorgeous bathroom, deluxe bed, linens and towels. We just can't use enough superlatives to describe the old barn. If this were not enough, Tim and Steve make you feel special and welcome from the very first minute you arrive. They are gourmet cooks and if you want a prepared meal with wine pairings, expect to have one of the best meals ever. Your hosts are also incredibly knowledgeable about the area and have super recommendations for restaurants and attractions, and will provide driving directions on request. Again, we have used VRBO for years and stayed in many countries --- this property was the best of the best. SUPERLATIVE in EVERY respect. If VRBO had six stars, we would give this property six plus.
Fred and Janet, USA