La Cour des Délices

Find a pleasing mix of antique and contemporary furniture alongside exposed stone walls, gnarled beams and solid oak or tomette floors. The living room has a small library, backgammon and a chess set, and the table in the room next door is big enough to work on if you need to. Sit under the tile-covered awning attached to the old barn even when it’s raining, reading a book or attempting a jigsaw. The walled garden has furnished patios (some covered and with heaters), a small lawn, rose garden and swimming pool.

Bedrooms (one on the ground floor, two on the first) have lovely views, rich fabrics, art on the walls and smart bathrooms. You breakfast in the garden on sunny days: fresh fruit salad, pastries and breads, local fromage blanc, homemade granola, eggs if you like. A table d’hôte dinner can be organised in advance, made with lots of fresh local produce and as organic as possible.

Ask about artist residencies or writers retreats.