Description
La Clède is a typical Ardèchois farmhouse, built some 200 years ago in stone and the subject of two published books*. Part of a small hamlet of other period houses (classified a conservation area), it sits on the mountainside - at the foot of its garden terraces - overlooking the village church and ‘château’, terraced vineyards and the tree-covered valleys of the Alune and Beaume rivers. Vines and sweet chestnut trees are everywhere. The name, la clède, is the local word for the building where the nuts, once a staple part of the villagers’ diet, were dried.
The facilities
The spacious and well-furnished accommodation at La Clède particularly suits two couples, though it can sleep up to six, with a floor area on two levels of over 100m². The living area comprises: kitchen/diner (with washing machine and dishwasher), large lounge with easy chairs and dining alcove, and a combined shower room/WC. On the upper floor there are two double-bedded rooms, one with an extra single bed, plus another separate space with one single bed, and a combined bathroom/WC. A stereo (albums/cassettes/radio), TV & videos, and an extensive paperback library are provided.
The house is set in a ¾-acre garden on four levels linked by sloping paths and steps, comprising grassed areas, trees, shrubs and flowerbeds with private spots in which to sit, sunbathe, read or paint, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountain countryside. Guests may enjoy any part of the garden and have exclusive use of the top two levels and the furnished patios at both front and rear (covered) with its stone barbecue. There are also hammocks and sun loungers.
The owners, English and French-speaking, are in an adjacent property to settle guests in and provide help and information. If you need us we’re available; otherwise we keep a low profile!
Bedlinen, towels and tea towels are for hire.
Prices range from £200 - £500 per week depending on the season.
The holiday accommodation is available from Easter to Christmas/New Year. Prices quoted on the booking form are for up to four, inclusive of water, gas, electricity, although reductions can be offered for one couple only or for two-week bookings (except in peak season July/August). There is an extra charge for metered electric heating if required - £1 coins (usually only in April and in and after October)
Further information
France April-November (from UK 00 33) (0)4 75 39 56 97
UK December-March 01227 458928
mobile UK 07814 792118
* Lilac and Roses: Our home in the Cévennes Sun by Peggy Anderson, published April 2001 by Léonie Press (ISBN 1-901253-22-8), price £7.99,
and the sequel Keeping the Dream Alive by Jan Bevan, published March 2005 by Léonie Press (ISBN 1-901253-48-1), price £9.99.
The Ardèche (Aubenas) Weather
Average daily sunshine and monthly temperatures (Source: Meterological Office)
Months April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Degrees 18°C 21°C 26°C 29°C 28°C 24°C 18°C 16°C 12°C
Hours 8.2 8.9 10.3 11.4 9.8 8.4 6.1 5.9 5.8
Some comments from the Visitors' Book (14 years of letting since 1994)
“Matches the best and beats the rest” (August 07)
“The best holiday ever” (Sept/Oct 06)
“A delightful house, a garden that’s a true labour of love and a welcome as warm as a summer’s day in the Ardèche. It’s still possible to find that little bit of heaven...” (June)
“The most comfortable, spacious and well equipped accommodation we have ever had in France. The garden is a delight.” (May)
“We thought the house lovely, so thoughtfully appointed ... What a beautiful part of France you live in; the scenery is stunning.” (June)
“We have enjoyed our stay at La Clède; it is like home from home and so well equipped. You have a lovely garden with superb views.” (June)
“La Clède is everything you dream about in finding/booking/staying in a self-catering property. Its charm/high standards/position put it right up there with the very best places we have stayed in France.” (July)
“The gîte is as lovely and clean and welcoming as ever – La Clède has become home from home for us.” (July – 8th visit)
“One of the best gîtes we’ve stayed in. Great welcome, pristine home, fantastic garden.” (September)
“It is hard to leave; we are just becoming used to this great life in delightful surroundings. Your gîte is so special – no wishing you’d brought so and so – it’s all here, set in a beautiful garden.” (September)
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