The village of Dancevoir nestles in the upper Aube valley in a region where the high plains of the Cote d’Or merge into the rolling forest-covered hills and lush valleys of Haute Marne, one of the least populated ‘departements’ of France "Ici la vie est naturelle” is the departmental motto; open natural, uninterrupted countryside contrasts the sophisticated delights of the towns, chateaux and vineyards of Cote d’Or. A short way to the north is the ‘Petit Champagne’.
The village consists almost exclusively of lovely old stone houses and barns, some dating back to the 15th century; there is a privately-owned chateau. a church and a 17th century public ‘laverie’ (wash-house), now occupied by fish. Dancevoir has its own nearby ‘foret domaniale’, an easy walk from the house, crossing the river valley, but the delightful small town of Arc-en-Barrois, 18 km away, boasts the largest ‘domanial’ forest in France. This is excellent walking or biking country - on the quiet undulating country lanes, or the traffic-free forest tracks. There is a selection of mountain bikes at the house for careful use by guests - three adult size and three children’s size. More can easily be hired in Arc-en-Barrois. Other activities in the village include a public tennis court, available to all, “practice” racquets are at the house or bring your own racquets, and a children’s playground. Golf course and horseriding in Arc-en-Barrois. There is much wildlife - deer, wild boar, birds - and many rare varieties of wild orchid are to be found within walking distance of the house as well as other wild flowers during the spring and summer months.
This 17th century village house with barns is set back from the quiet village street and opposite the church, with an integral pigeonnier (pigeon tower). There is a large gravelled courtyard in front of the house completely enclosed by a high stone wall and high metal gates, with shrubs and plants around the edges - plenty of space for secure parking and for children to play safely.
Inside the kitchen/living/dining room, a splendid room about 25 feet long by 21 feet wide, with stone paved floor and heavily oak-beamed Burgundian ceiling has a large open fireplace - superb for cooking - and antique pine furniture. The far corner is well equipped as a kitchen with full cooker, sink, dishwasher and a fridge. (Microwave and freezer in the adjacent ‘arriere cuisine, washing machine in adjacent barn.) Door leads to study-bedroom with single divan plus a single good quality folding bed. Door to a double bedroom with en suite shower room and w.c. between the two rooms. A door leads from the main room via the’arriere cuisine’ to the rear courtyard terrace and garden.
Stairs lead up to second floor where there is a very large comfortable sitting room (woodburner, TV, DVD, HiFi), a double and a twin bedroom, and a full bathroom. |
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