Domaine des Bidaudières - Hotel in Indre-et-Loire

Sylvie and Pascal have made their mark on this classic, pale-stone former winegrower's property. Now helped by their son, they produce a small quantity of wine from their vineyard on the terraced land above the house while cypress trees standing on the hillside behind give it an Italian feel. Sylvie, casually elegant and outgoing, lends sophistication to the whole place not least the bedrooms - fresh, carpeted and contemporary, each decorated in Designers Guild fabric. Some are light, south-facing and have valley views, while the very private suite, once a cave dwelling, is delightfully rustic in character - and has a private terrace for the views. The den-like sitting room, cosy with a wood-burner in the old fireplace (and a billiard table) is also hewn out of the rock. Enjoy breakfast in the stone-flagged conservatory, then while away the afternoon by the splendid south-facing swimming pool on the lower terrace next to the orangerie (you can reach the pool by the lift in the main house). Sun beds are separated by small bushes for privacy and every detail is given attention.