Grandmont Gites

Is Spring arriving early

2012-01-23T10:18:00.001-08:00

Well, it seems all I do is talk about the weather, but im amazed this year at how mild it has been. No snow, no frost. I moved a lot of leaves today and the spring bulbs are already sprouting through an inch or so. If it stays like this the pool will be open earlier this year, only 8 weeks to go and I will be getting it ready, fresh salt, fresh water and get the heater going to get it up to temperature. It was end of March when I opened it last year.

The garden is now looking a little bare, and over the next week we shall be planting seeds in the barn to get them ready for planting.

I have found an old cart up in the field, our neighbour recons its been there for at least 60 years. It is now in the barn slowly getting restored. I plan to fill it full of plants and put it at the front of the house. Pictures to follow.

Two lots of guests arriving for the February half term. One is a family from the charity we support THHN who are here for a break with their children, one of whom is struggling through treatment. We have managed to get futurescope to give them all free passes to the theme park, so lets hope they have a good time. The other family is a couple who have stayed before and are bringing their parents with them. So we are looking forward to February half term.

Still no Snow

2012-01-07T05:07:00.001-08:00

Still suprisingly warm here. I have found a few photos from last christmas we had snow nearly all of December.

Katie and the dogs

So maybe its going to be a rarity and Grandmont sees no snow.

The new camera is going well, although a little confusing going from a point and press, a little too many options but hopefully by the time spring arrives I will have mastered it.

Heres my attempt at artistic

Bookings are rolling in now and we have very little availability in July and August. Anybody interested in dates either side of those months should email as we still have some offers on.

New year resolution

2012-01-02T05:27:00.001-08:00

update the blog more…. I just seem to be busy doing other things and keep forgetting to update the blog. So the New Years resolution is to update more regular. So keep an eye out.

Christmas has had no snow, we were all expecting it as it normally snows at Christmas, maybe January will bring some.

We went skiing to Le Lioran which is not far from us and had brilliant time, another thing to add to the list of “things to do” at Grandmont.

The gites are booking up for Summer and most of July and August is fully booked, so another busy and exciting year to look forward to. We have decided to keep all of our out of season breaks at the same price as last year, and with Ryanair doing some great cheap flights, there are some bargains to be had.

A new digital SLR camera for christmas, so will be posting some pics soon

November

2011-11-14T10:20:00.001-08:00

A beautiful morning this morning and stunning sunrise over Grandmont

The Weather for November has been suprisingly warm. The trees are losing

all the leaves, the colours are wonderful but a sure sign winter is arriving.

October Half term

2011-10-16T06:01:00.001-07:00

Another busy couple of weeks and all 3 gites are full for the next two weeks. We have a scottish family who stayed with us in Sumer who are returning, a German family and a couple from Australia who have been travelling the world and chose us to have a weeks rest after the trip.

The weather is suprisingly sunny and hot, the evenings are getting a little cooler now and we will soon be lighting the fires. The pool is still 30 degrees.

Spent a day at http://tarz-en-arbre.com/ about 15 minutes away from us, an absolutely brilliant place, we spent 5 hours there, and the zip wires are the longest and fastest I have ever seen, a must place to visit and open all year, everyday.

The horses have just had new shoes and are all ready for a couple of weeks riding.

October in Grandmont

2011-10-11T00:33:00.001-07:00

We had a short cold spell last week, but today is going to be a warm one with temperatures set to get into the high 20s by the end of the week. I may seem a little obsessed with the weather but having lived in the lake district for so many years, Iam amazed with the French climate, long hot summers, short sharp winters and mostly blue skies, a far cry from the weather in the lake district, but with the scenery, forest and hills of the lakes.

We now have 4 days free with no guests, so time to potter in the garden. next week and up until the end of October we are full. A family who stayed with us in summer are returning for a break and we look forward to seeing them again.

The pool is still 30 degrees and a bit like a steam bath when I open it in the mornings, but it is still getting a lot of use.

St Sylvestre held a Lasagne evening in aid of the school which was a big success, there have been plenty of good nights at Petit Coudier with live music every weekend and it is the start of the lotto season, so plenty of that to come.

September

2011-09-26T02:18:00.001-07:00

Well, the weather is still glorious. We have a free week this week, the first time we have have no guests since the begining of the year, so we are making the most of the pool and the glorious weather. Next guests arrive on Wednesday so better stop lazing around and cut the grass.

We have reduced the price of all out of season breaks to £200 and this seems very popular, lots of week booking over the winter.

38 degrees, a little too hot !!

2011-08-22T02:31:00.001-07:00

The August weather has been glorious, although today we are up to 38 degrees, a little too hot. The horses are going out mornings and evenings as it is too hot during the day, but it seems to suit the guest who are all making use of the pool and the shade.

The Fete at St Sylvestre was a huge success, local dancers, local music and food. Our next nearest village St Leger, had fireworks and bbq last week. It seems in August there is a fete or market locally everyday.

local dancers at St Sylvestre.

Some of the guests had an evening in Limoges city. Street cafes and bands playing in the street. They took some pictures of the city by night

All in all, a busy August with everyone enjoying themselves. We have had lots of feedback from attractions locally and have added a page to the website with links to attractions. We are also booking up quickly for next year, 3 families have already booked to return. Its such a pleasure knowing they have enjoyed their stay and want to come back again.

Horses, horses, horses

2011-08-12T11:23:00.001-07:00

Well, what a busy week this week for the horses. We have had Sylvie, a french lady staying with us, and Caroline, Katie & Sylvie have gone out everyday for long rides. Our German guests son has taken to horses too and he has been on some rides. Also our English guests children seem horses mad, so they are riding too. Poor Caroline & Katie have been out all day, every day.

Saturday is the horses day off, so they are out in the fields now until Sunday morning, they have earned a rest too. So now the kids Amelie, Oran and Christian have a weeks riding to look forward too.

It seems Sylvie had a great week riding and is hoping to come back again.

Caroline, Katie & Sylvie ready for yet another trek.

BBQ and dance at St Sylvestre tomorrow evening so Plenty of food, wine and good company.

The weather is hot and the forecast is good.

Some Photos

2011-08-09T08:28:00.001-07:00

Some photos from a family holiday with us.

Star Gazing

I love this photo because this is what we do when the season is over, absolutely brilliant, lying in the pool watching the stars.

Another great photo, making a fire in the garden

Andrea looking like she is enjoying riding the horse. The other pictures tell a different story. She has promised to go on a proper ride next year.

The kids on the horses.

And my favorite. Will on the bike. We had a great ride out on the bike and a lot of fun on the quad, Will ended up riding the quad on his own after only a few minutes. A few hair raising moments, but boys and their toys. Cant wait to do it all again. We hope everyone enjoys their time with us and to see a smile like the smile on Wills face makes it all worth the while.

Two quads next year so me and Will could be out quite a lot.

August

2011-08-08T01:52:00.001-07:00

We had a bit of a rainy week the last week in July, but seems that the weather is back to normal. Had a wonderful two weeks with and English family. Their son seemed to love going out on the quad and even had his first go riding,, he ended up a natural on the horse, lets hope he keeps it up. We even had a morning out on the motorbike, I almost forgot how good the roads are for biking.

We now have a German family who are staying with us, with their dog, they have brought along the off road KTM and seems to be enjoying the freedom of being able to ride through the forests.

We also have a Lovely French lady who is staying. She is using one of the horses for the week and so far is loving the riding, she is riding at the moment with Caroline, off down to Lac de Jonas. So as I am writing this, I am waiting for a phone call to drive down to the lake to take them coffee and croissants.

Sylvie with Marmalade

Fireworks at Lac De Jonas

2011-07-31T01:58:00.001-07:00

Last night was a firework display over the lake, absolutely amazing fireworks and the reflections in the water added to it. Live music and typical french food was available, Moules frites and plenty of cakes from the local bakery. quite a buzzing atmosphere.

Big sun in the sky today and the forecast is good.

The End of July

2011-07-30T10:28:00.001-07:00

Now the end of July and the weather is hot, we had a bad week of rain in the middle of July, which was needed for the grass. Apparently this is the driest summer for decades and Hay and straw is in short supply for the animals. Everybody seems to want to ride the horses this year, so they are having new shoes earlier than usual.

We have had some wonderful people staying with is this year. Thomas, Mette and the girls were our first Danish couple and we had a wonderful two weeks with them. This year we have had English, French, American, Australian, Irish, Scottish and Dutch, and this week our first German family have just arrived and we are looking forward to some pleasant evenings of BBQ and wine.

The deer ate all our strawberries, but other than that, the veg patch has come on a treat with everyone able to help themselves to fresh salads and vegetables.

The pool is 31 degrees today and even though it is floodlit of a night, we have a little campfire set up, which the children seem to love.

All in all a wonderful July, met lots of new people and made lots of new friends. Hope August is as fun packed.

Off to Ambazac fireworks tonight and market at St Sulpice tomorrow.

All ready for summer

2011-05-17T04:45:00.001-07:00

The veg patch is growing. We have had our first batch of lettuce, radish and strawberries. Still waiting for lots more stuff to grow.

The new grass seed that was planted in March is now a lush full lawn. The pool today was 31 degrees. All ready for summer.

hot hot hot !!!!

2011-04-22T05:16:00.001-07:00

Well, Summer has certainly arrived, temperatures soaring and the garden is desperate for some rain. Pool temperature today is 28.9, lovely.

The new veg patch is taking shape now and guests can now help themselves to fresh, veg, salad and fruits….that’s so long as we can keep the deer and wild boar from feasting on them during the night. A have put an electric fence around so hopefully we don’t have to share them.

The gites have been full the last week and everyone has been basking in the beautiful weather.

Summer has arrived

2011-04-06T06:06:00.001-07:00

Well it has been a fairly mild winter and now summer has finally arrived. 28 degrees today and getting warmer and the wonderful blue skies. I realize again why I love France, the long hot days and the big blue skies.

The pool is open and heated and today the water is about 27 degrees, perfect temperature……off for a swim.

Snow !!

2010-12-02T00:15:00.001-08:00

The last week has been snow and then more snow. Absolutely stunning, there is something wonderful about walking in untouched snow.

Christmas and new year are now fully booked and we have a party of musicians staying for new year, so should be an interesting night.

Mushrooms galore

2010-11-11T02:21:00.001-08:00

A couple who stayed with us in October came here especially for the Mushrooms. I knew we had a lot of them around, but apparently very rare mushrooms and such a variety.

They Kindly sent us some pictures

Halloween Party

2010-11-04T02:54:00.001-07:00

We had a halloween party which was enjoyed by all. The children headed around the village late afternoon to collect sweets and then plenty of hot mulled wine and nibbles back at the house. Pumpkin display was great.

House all ready for the party

Katie and joe…come on Joe, smile !!

ready to trick or treat

Horse riding in Autumn

2010-11-04T02:46:00.001-07:00

Recent guests took the horses out for the day and came back with some spectacular photographs.

Fortunately the bakers don’t strike

2010-10-11T10:21:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is a national strike day in France, but fortunately the bakeries don’t strike, so we can nip down to Ambazac and get some cakes to help us get through the day.

Summer flowers

2010-10-11T10:11:00.001-07:00

summer flowers

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Now that autumn is arriving, a lot of the flowers have gone, I found an album sent by some guests who took these amazing photos of the plants and flowers in our garden. Im amazed at the variety and colour.

Heated pool is superb

2010-10-05T01:23:00.001-07:00

The heated pool is coming in useful now. The evening temperatures drop now but we are keeping the pool heating on and managing to keep the water temperature up to 28 degrees. Hopefully we can keep the pool up and running until November.

Spotted Woodpeckers

2010-08-18T01:59:00.001-07:00

We can hear and see them most days, but never realised there was different types.

Bird watching

2010-08-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

I am fairly novice when it comes to birds. Some previous guests were amazed at the different variety of birds we get here compared to the UK. We have red starts nesting in the barn and they have also seen kites around.

They have sent the first of hopefully many charts showing us how to recognise the different varieties of birds.

Another glorious week

2010-08-06T01:26:00.000-07:00

Weather scorching and all the guests since the last update seem to be having a wonderful time. The comments book is filling up with really nice comments about the place. We get a bit use to it being here all the time and often forget how lucky we are to live in such a stunning place.

A place that everyone seems to go is Oradour-sur-Glane a french village that was massacred by the germans in the war and it has been left, untouched, as a memorial. Stunning and yet macabre.

The pool is getting well used, kids are having a wonderful time and the adults seem to like a late night swim with the lights on it the pool and a glass of wine.

Petit Coudier

2010-07-24T02:33:00.001-07:00

A brilliant night at our local last night. Petit coudier. A real gem of a place, food brilliant and an open stage. All the kids had a go on the instruments and the mic. It really is a unique place.

Petit Coudier, a french house in the middle of the woods.

Nathanaélle singing

http://www.myspace.com/aupetitcoudier

Market day in Limoges

2010-07-11T09:47:00.001-07:00

We all went to Limoges market today. It is quite a spectacular site with all the market stalls surrounding the cathedral. There was all the usual local wines and cheeses on sale with plenty of free samples.

One of the many narrow streets

The start of the market walking up towards the cathedral.

Grasshopper

2010-07-10T02:06:00.001-07:00

We have quite a lot of grasshoppers and this morning one decided to take in the sun sat in our sunflowers.

The Pool is Finished.

2010-07-06T00:55:00.001-07:00

Finally……the pool is finished. 10 x 5 Salt water system and heated so we can use it all year round…wooohooo

glorious

2010-06-25T12:31:00.001-07:00

The weather has been glorious over the past week, about 33 degrees today. Finishing touches being added to the pool, the liner has finally arrived and is being fitted over the weekend so we should be swimming by mid week.

Phew….Its HOT

2010-06-24T06:15:00.001-07:00

Swimming in the lake

2010-05-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

We all went swimming in the lake last week. Weather was scorching and the water was suprisingly warm. It was fairly quiet, the pedalos and boats were not out yet.

summer is here

2010-05-29T09:10:00.001-07:00

What a difference a month makes. The colours are amazing, so much greenery. The flowers are all in full bloom, the trees are full of leaves and ......the grass is growing.....and getting cut...and growing...and getting cut...and on and on the cycle goes.

Summer is well and truly here, blue skies and the green of the forests around us...wonderful

Benjies Birthday

2010-05-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Benjie was 10 yesterday. katie made him a cake.

Welcome to the Blog

2010-05-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first posting on our new Blog. We will try and update as often as we can to let you know what is going on and whats been happening in and around grandmont.

A busy weekend with the Les Gendarmes et Voleurs de Temps. The weather was scorching and well over 30 degrees on the day of the race. Everyone went up to the chapel to cheer on the exhausted runners. Apparently nearly 5000 entrants this year. http://www.gendarmes-et-voleurs.com/

Our Gites were all occupied over the weekend and everyone seemed to have a great time and made use of all the BBQs, the kids all seemed to enjoy volleyball. It was nice to see everyone making use of the gardens.

The pool is nearing completion and should be up and running within a few weeks....luxury.