I stay at a delightful B&B in a historic home. The friendly owners have just finished updating the guest accommodation in a separate very old building from the main house. Invited to join them for dinner, we sit in the lovely salon where a roaring fire staves off the chill of the night air. Owner Mme d’Aillieres pours a glass of wine, local of course, they're famous for their wines in this part of the world and we toast each other before dinner is served in the family dining room which is immense with a very old, very long table. Dinner is prepared by Madame, she is an excellent cook, and we tuck in and enjoy more wine. This is a place to walk in the moonlight, in the little private garden, along the wooded avenue and out to the countryside. We startle a deer as we drink in the night atmosphere and soak up the stillness that’s only disturbed by owls hooting close by. It is liberating and slightly mysterious. Back in the cosy lodge we light a little fire to warm the midnight air and plan the next day, there's a lot to do and see...
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That night the sky is like black velvet dotted with a hundred million diamonds, the woods give off an earthy scent, the air is pure...