The Merchants House

About this property

With its blue shuttered windows and pretty terraced garden, The Merchant’s House exudes Burgundy character and warmth, perfectly positioned in a hamlet just a short drive from Beaune and the wine villages of Route des Grands Crus.

A bolthole for a couple or two, or maybe a small family with older children, this 2-bedroom home is utterly charming with its traditional yet stylish interiors. As you step into the maison you head straight into the formal dining room with its stone flagged flooring and beautiful fireplace, a fine place for long evening meals accompanied by the best Côte de Beaune wine – after all, the owner is a renowned wine-maker. The spacious lounge boasts striking wood beams, exposed stone walls and glorious valley views whilst the inviting kitchen is elegantly equipped with a Lacanche range cooker.

Outside, the rustic stone patio features an al-fresco dining table, perfect for freshly delivered croissants and coffee surrounded by the aromas of summer lavender. Little stone steps lead through the terraced garden all the way up to the heated swimming pool where there are wonderful vistas of the Burgundy countryside and hamlet below.

Some of Burgundy’s most famous wine villages are just a short drive away such as Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Pommard. Visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune, and its famous Hospices de Beaune, or head south to Chagny with its Sunday morning market and 3-michelin starred restaurant, Maison Lameloise.

Beyond the endless Côte-d’Or vineyards and wineries, discover historic Autun and its magnificent cathedral or drive north to Dijon just an hour away. Then there’s the natural beauty of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan or the incredible abbey in Cluny, one of France’s National Monuments.

Closer to home, stroll through the enchanting vineyards, stopping off for picnic lunches or high-end restaurants, and discover the allure of this picture-perfect region showcasing some of France’s most prestigious wines.

With Beaune to the north-east and Chagny to the south, The Merchant’s House is perfectly located for exploring Burgundy’s Côte-d’Or vineyards, idyllic wine villages and historic market towns.

The house is set on the edge of a hamlet/little village of characterful houses, a short drive from the Routes des Grands Cru – wine-villages such as Meursault, Pommard, Volnay and Puligny-Montrachet are around a 10 to 15-minute drive away. This allows you to visit some of Burgundy’s most famous wineries and many high-end restaurants. Hiring bikes and cycling through the vineyards along the Véloroute is a wonderful way to admire the captivating Burgundy landscapes (do note electric bikes may suit some cyclists better for the steep lanes near the hamlet).

The picturesque small town of Nolay (10km) benefits from a supermarket and other amenities as well as the historic Halles, a classified Historical Monument dating back to the 16th century. There are some wonderful walks through this part of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune from pretty trails to challenging hikes across limestone cliffs, hills and valleys.

Beaune (16km) is the wine-capital of this region which also has a great reputation for its gastronomy. Experience its many excellent restaurants, characterful wine bars and twice-weekly market on a Wednesday and Saturday morning. Wander along the town’s historic ramparts, get lost in its cobbled lanes and visit the 15th century Hospice de Beaune, one of France’s most significant historic buildings.

Further south, Chagny (18km) is home to a fantastic Sunday morning market and a century-old restaurant with three Michelin stars, Maison Lameloise. Just outside the heart of the town, go for walks and cycle rides along the Canal du Centre or find picturesque fishing spots close by.

For other wonderful days out, spend time in Dijon (61km), the historic capital of Burgundy with its beautiful architecture and mustard stores, drive south to the incredible 10th century Abbaye de Cluny (78km) or marvel at the natural beauty of the Morvan Regional Natural Park with its tiny villages, woodland, hills, rivers and stunning scenery.

Accommodation

Villa Interiors

Main Floor

-    Lounge with wood-burning stove, TV and CD/DVD player
-    Dining room with fireplace and air-conditioning
-    Kitchen, fully-equipped including range cooker, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, drip coffee machine and raised deck with table

Upstairs (stairs from dining room)

-    Master bedroom with double bed, ceiling fan and portable air-conditioning unit
-    Study area
-    Small bathroom with corner bath and walk-in shower (and washing machine/dryer)

Lower Floor (stairs from kitchen)

-    Large bedroom with double bed
-    Bathroom with shower and double sink
-    Area for bike storage (and access to the road)

Outside Grounds (three levels, with steps)

-    Heated swimming pool (6.5x5m) with safety shutter. Open approximately June to September
-    Poolside sun-loungers
-    Al-fresco dining area and gas barbecue
-    Garden
-    Parking area (50 yards from property)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    Air-conditioning (dining room and master bedroom only)
-    Cable TV
-    CD/DVD player
-    Washing machine and dryer