Cluny, Burgundy 71250

Secluded behind its dry-stone garden walls, this restored house is in the middle of a lovely hilltop village and close to its Romanesque church, with a small but charming garden - and a wonderful view. It has been renovated in order to give it large capacity for receving guests and family. The ground storey, built above a wine cellar, is a large entrance hall, with a vaulted opening into the living room with its stone floor, fireplace and ceiling beams, not to mention a very fine Romanesque column. Then come a cloakroom, kitchen and a smaller salon with fireplace and terracotta floor-tiles. There are no fewer than three staircases, the first leading up from the entrance hall to two bedrooms; the second gives access to a landing, a bedroom and above that a private space; while the third leads up from the smaller salon to two more bedrooms, a bathroom and Wc. The living area of the house is thus large, while giving privacy to each of its guest sectors. A former bread oven opposite the house has been restored, and a small bedroom created in its upper level. The whole property has great charm, and we are not surprised to learn that the owner is himself an architect. Cluny is close at hand, and access is easy from both the Tgv and the motorway in under half an hour.