AT PLAY

For the home enhancers, the foodies, the wanderers

Bordeaux…the Chateau de Mirambeau

Continuing on the theme of fabulous Chateau, Apartement, Maison, Villa finds…this is one splendid Chateau!

Situated between Bordeaux and Cognac and set amid a lush, beautifully manicured park sits the Chateau de Miriambeau, a Renaissance Castle dating back to the late Romanesque period, formerly an aristocratic residence, since transformed into a luxury hotel. It’s Rossy’s choice on our 2011 journey and rather a grand one indeed!

Upon arrival we are ushered into the Salon to sip welcomed icy drinks, nibble Petits Fours and address paperwork while admiring the rich tapestries and silk brocades; fitting backdrops for the statuettes, candelabra and busts jostling for attention beneath a magnificent crystal chandelier. Passports authenticated and it’s off to our Chambres.

20120130-203246.jpgOur feigned nonchalance quickly turns to discreet awe as we stroke the furnishings, marvel at the tailor made wallpaper emulating sheer lace drapes, examine pristine white bathrooms and exhaust our cameras capturing the exquisite details before finally settling in to our respective abodes…mine has a red theme, my friends a rich buttery yellow…to appreciate small trays bearing more sweet treats, red roses and a personal welcome letter from our host.

Dinner demands dressing up and descending to the terrace to sip champagne and admire the gardens before indulging in a degustation menu of impressive proportions (can’t help feeling the  Chef worshipped at the alter of the famous El Bulli) in the elegantly appointed dining suite…after which we wander back up the sweeping staircase while rubbing our sated tums to our respective Chambers whispering ‘One could become quite used to this couldn’t one darling?’ Oh yes indeed!

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The Chateau de Mirambeau is one of the Relais & Chateaux owned by Baglioni Hotels

Fabulous Finds…a haven in Paris

Following my introductory blog on fabulous accommodation finds, seems only right to start with the most beautiful city of all…the city of lights…Paris. My love affair with this magnificant city demands regular returns, most recently with friends Ross and Jenny, the latter responsible for finding us this little accommodation gem.

Situated in St-Germaine-des-Pres, this ‘Apartement’ is on Boulevard St Germaine and right in the heart of the action, the region positively pumping with gorgeous little cafes, restaurants, boulangeries, patisseries and fromageries each nestled between antique markets, funky fashion boutiques and organic food markets and within easy walking distance to central Paris, Notre Dame, Musee d’Orsay and Delacroix, the lush Jardins du Luxembourg to name just a few of the many treasures around the 6th and surrounding arrondissements.

Oh! And those markets! Picture yourself feasting on a crisp baguette, creamy cheese washed down with a crisp white, or nibbling tenderly steamed plump white asparagus spears, slurping juicy tomatoes or supping freshly shucked oysters? Well you can, ‘cos that’s what apartment life versus hotels affords.

We are met by our English speaking Greeter bearing an enormous bunch of Peonies and bottle of wine and fell in love with the place as she introduced us to it’s beautifully appointed luxury before discreetly departing to leave us to oh and ah at a fully stocked pantry, piles of fluffy white towels and oh so soft beds while singing along to our in house Bose docked iPod. Delicieux! A note of caution… 70 plus stairs, no lifts! Great exercise I say!

St Germaine Luxe:

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To find this and similar apartments in the slightly more luxurious budget category go to: Haven in Paris

And if your as in love with this city as much as I am you will relish Carla Coulson’s work: Carla Loves Photography follow her blog, Pinterest and all scial media forums for a regular dose of Paris inspiration. Enjoy!

Fabulous Finds – Chateaus…Apartements…Maisons…Villas…,

New Year Resolutions…love ’em! Mine always involve another opportunity to explore some part of the world as budget allows. Do you have travel in your sights too?

As we blogged our 2011 travels around France and Italy (archives May-June) so many of you commented on the quality of our fabulous accommodation and those of you planning a similar journey have since been asking for details.

Thanks to our trip coordinator extraordinaire and travelling companion…the beautiful Jenny (Fifi), our journey became so much more than just sightseeing…and eating…and drinking. Carefully researched, selected and booked in advance, Jenny ensured we placed weary heads on feathered pillows in digs that were beautifully appointed, close to the action, just a little bit special, often quite unique yet still within mid range budget. I’m still telling her she should make a career out of this!

With your queries in mind and drawing from our archived details, January’s blogging will be devoted to sharing best of the best.

Looking forward to hearing your comments (click on comments below post), please share your own faves too, if you agree with mine feel free to FB Like/Share.

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