The Good Life France Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 64

And now for something completely different...

If you hanker after a hobbit house, or dream of a tree house stay, yearn to live in a yurt or go wild in a gypsy caravan then head to La Domaine de la Roche Belin. It's in glorious countryside that wouldn't be out of place in a film about bucolic locations.

Have freshly prepared, organic, seasonal meals brought to your accommodation, or eat in the beautifully converted barn where there are also barbecue facilities. The chef is an ex caterer to the French President and the food is amazing.

Sheep, ducks, chickens, horses and donkeys roam the grounds, it really is idyllic - perfect for families and couples. There's a lake filled with fish, from the double storey tree house you can see huge trout swim below you, and look out over the countryside. In the hobbit house, if you leave the skylight open - you're likely to see a sheep looking down at you as he chomps away on the grass roof! The yurts are roomy, colourful and romantic. The gypsy caravan is beautifully furnished and rather luxurious.

The night I stayed, a full moon hung in the sky, deeply yellow like a giant mimollette cheese, it looked closer than I have ever seen. I sat on the steps of my caravan, listening to frogs croaking, a gentle baaaa now and again, birds singing sweetly in the night air and just a few crickets up for a late night party. Otherwise the night was silent, the stars shine so brightly I could see the outline of the trees and the pretty duck house though the ducks had long gone to sleep. The night air was filled with the scent of blossom and fresh grass, clear and clean. When I turned in for the night, a little reluctant to end the magical moment with nature, I slept like a baby.

Pictures: Above, hobbit house; middle tree house; right Monmoussea Caves lumiere show