Domaine De La Forge

About this property

Domaine de la Forge is an extraordinary retreat where centuries of history meet thoughtful restoration and contemporary comfort. This remarkable estate, once a thriving medieval ironworks, has been transformed into an eco tourist haven while honouring its industrial past. Located in the Nièvre countryside, the domaine sleeps up to 36 guests across four individual dwellings, ideally suited to a large family gathering, getaway with friends or a special event.

Near the entrance of the estate sits the first house, a graceful manoir offering generous living-dining spaces and gorgeous bedrooms for up to 18 guests. Once a 15th century mill, then the residence of the master blacksmiths, this expansive house blends historic character with contemporary comforts.

Quite close by, the smaller Garden House was originally the foreman’s home and retains its rustic charm with oak parquet floors and exposed beams. Situated next to the estate’s period greenhouse, this welcoming 3-bedroom cottage accommodates up to 7 guests in relaxed comfort, with a pretty living-dining area and wood burning stove adding warmth and character to every stay.

Perched on the heights of the hamlet, near the boules court, swimming pool and sauna, the third house offers sweeping views of the surrounding parkland and light filled interiors where contemporary design meets historic structure. Its spacious open-plan living and dining areas make it an uplifting space for socialising or unwinding while soaking up the ever changing landscape beyond.

Meanwhile, the former stables are home to two final bedrooms, each with air-conditioning - one cosy double on the ground floor alongside an impressive first-floor suite for 3 guests. A large reception room here is ideal for weddings and events whilst the games area with table football adds a playful touch to family holidays.

Beyond its distinctive accommodation, the estate’s outside grounds and historic park extend across rolling lawns, mature trees and flowering gardens. Guests can enjoy the heated swimming pool in the warmer months alongside a Scandinavian bath and sauna year round, all set against the chorus of nature and fields. A vegetable garden, resident hens and the remains of the original 18th century blast furnace add layers of discovery to every walk.

Just a short drive from the Loire River, Domaine de la Forge offers a wonderful base for exploring the area’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. The nearby town of La Charité-sur-Loire, with its UNESCO-listed church, charms with its cobbled streets, restaurants and vibrant weekly market. Wine enthusiasts are perfectly placed to visit the renowned vineyards of Pouilly-sur-Loire and Sancerre, while the fairytale village of Apremont-sur-Allier, with its turreted houses and acclaimed floral park, promises a day of unforgettable discovery.

Whether you’re planning a family escape, a special celebration or a restorative retreat, Domaine de la Forge promises an unforgettable experience where heritage, comfort and the rhythms of rural French life are in perfect harmony.

Domaine de la Forge is a place where history lingers in the air and nature sets the rhythm of each day. Once alive with the clang of hammers and the pulse of industry, this 15th-century hamlet was the heart of local ironworks that lit up the Nièvre countryside. Today, its past quietly echoes through its restored stone buildings, offering guests a chance to reconnect with the land, just a short drive from the banks of the majestic Loire.

Only 7km away, the riverside town of La Charité-sur-Loire invites exploration with its cobbled streets and rich heritage. Recognised as a unesco World Heritage Site, the town’s Notre-Dame church stands as a proud landmark on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route. Meander through bookshops, sample local delicacies at the Saturday morning market or simply admire the panoramic views across the Loire River.

For wine lovers, a short drive brings you to Pouilly-sur-Loire (18km) and the renowned vineyards of Sancerre (33km). Sancerre, perched on a hilltop and listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, offers sweeping views of its iconic Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. Here, cellar tastings and sunny terraces await, making it a must-visit for oenophiles and curious travellers alike.

A little further afield, discover the enchanting village of Apremont-sur-Allier (47km). This fairytale destination, also honoured as one of France’s most beautiful villages, is home to a stunning floral park - a “Remarkable Garden” that delights in every season. Wander its manicured paths, explore turreted stone houses and soak in the romantic atmosphere.

Domaine de la Forge is in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region of central France, in the Nièvre department close to the Cher border. If flying, the nearest airports are in Paris or Tours, or you may prefer to drive from one of north-west France’s ferry ports (Calais is just over five hours away whilst Caen Ouistreham is slightly closer). The nearest train station is La Charité-sur-Loire with arrivals from Paris Bercy (the RER train takes just over two hours or take a slightly quicker intercité service to Nevers, around half an hour by car).

Accommodation

Domaine de la Forge sleeps up to 36 guests across four individual dwellings.

Manoir Interiors (400m2)

18 guests across 7 bedrooms/6 bathrooms (and convertible beds on request)

Ground Floor

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Entrance
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Living room with two large sofas and fireplace
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Dining room
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Kitchen, fully equipped
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Guest WC
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Room with sofa-bed
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Shared bathroom (located between living and dining room)
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Laundry room

First Floor

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Bedroom 1 (reached via Bedroom 2) with double bed and private bathroom with shower and WC
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Bedroom 2 with three single beds and private bathroom with shower and WC
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Bedroom 3 with double bed
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Bedroom 4 with double bed, single bed and private bathroom with bath and independent WC

Upper Floors (via two staircases)

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Bedroom 5 with double bed, single bed and private bathroom with shower and WC
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Living room with two sofa-beds (each one for one teen or two young children) and convertible chair (for one child age 10 or under)
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Bedroom 6 (high sloping ceilings) with double bed, single bed and private bathroom with bath and independent WC
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Bedroom 7 with double bed

Garden House Interiors (90m2, next to greenhouse)

7 guests across 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms (and convertible beds on request)

Ground Floor (via some steps)

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Open-plan living and dining area with sofa, wood-burning fire and table with benches
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Open-plan kitchen, well-equipped
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Bedroom 1 with double bed, convertible chair for one child (age 10 or under) and private bathroom with shower and WC
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Bathroom (reached via kitchen/living area) with shower and WC

First Floor (sloping ceilings)

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Bedroom 2 (stairs lead straight into the room) with two single beds and two convertible chairs (age 10 or under)
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Bedroom 3 (reached via Bedroom 2) with three single beds (two of which can be joined as double)

The Sun House Interiors (180m2, near swimming pool)

6 guests across 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms (and convertible bed on request)

Ground Floor

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Open-plan living and dining area with sofas and dining table
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Kitchen, well-equipped, with doors opening to garden

First Floor (via open-tread stairs)

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Mezzanine hallway
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Bedroom 1 with wood beams, double bed, bath and sink in the bedroom, sofa-bed (for child/teen) and shower room
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Bedroom 2 with double bed
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Bedroom 3 with two single beds
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Shared bathroom (for bedrooms 2 and 3) with shower

The Former Stables (with air-conditioning)

5 guests across 2 self-contained bedrooms/2 bathrooms (and convertible bed on request)

Ground Floor Bedroom (20m2)

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Bedroom with air-conditioning, double bed and bathroom with shower and WC

First Floor Suite (45m2)

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Bedroom with air-conditioning, double bed, single bed, partially open living area with sofa-bed (for one teen or two young children) and bathroom with shower and WC

The Stables also features a large reception room suitable for events and a games area with table football.

Outside Grounds

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Heated salt-water swimming pool (13x4m, depth: max 1.5m) with electric safety shutter. Open approximately May to September. Heated via heat pump (with shutter to help retain warmth)
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Large covered terrace (near pool and House III) within outdoor dining table and seats for 8 guests
- Small area with table and chairs (outside House II, near greenhouse)
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Barbecue(s)
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Scandinavian bath (hot tub, heated using eco-friendly methods up to 37C, chemical-free)
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Sauna
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Boules pitch
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Bikes
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Vegetable garden 
- 19th-century greenhouse
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Chicken coop
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Large estate with spring, stream and century-old trees