Clos De Vaul Creux

We had breakfast in the gardens and were able to take our time. The welcome was warm, and nothing felt like too much trouble. The full English was the best I’ve ever had, with lovely bacon, sausage, eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes, plus juice, homemade bread and freshly baked croissants. Fantastic, and I’d happily come back soon.

Leigh suggested a Shakespeare spoof at the Vicarage, and I had a great time watching it. I also got to hike to La Seigneurie and La Coupee, with shops and restaurants close by. My late arrival was no problem: I’d requested dinner ahead of time, and Leigh made the most tender stuffed chicken I’ve ever had. Winnie was cheerful and helpful serving meals, and I was glad to use the clothesline halfway through my trip when I needed clean clothes. Leigh, the owner and hostess, was generous and gracious, and the back garden is lovely. The old BnB is beautiful, and I highly recommend it. Just watch your head if you’re over 5'10", since some ceilings are low.

Breakfast was relaxed, with cold choices and a cooked menu using fresh ingredients. We had vegan croissants and mushrooms and vine tomatoes on toast, and at 9:45 we could come down when we were ready. As vegans, we felt very well looked after. Leigh cooked dinner for us one evening after finally catching us at 7pm and talking through what we could eat. The risotto with fresh vegetables, mint from her garden and nasturtium flowers was incredible. Staff were friendly, and Leigh clearly cares about her work and her guests’ experience. Our en suite room was clean and well kept, with a modern, beautiful bathroom, a tub big enough for two and a great shower. A large window opened onto lush greenery and blue sky. The gorgeous garden has plenty of spots to sit or stretch out in the sun, and you could easily spend all day there. The location is handy, close to the main high street and avenue, and to where the tractor drops you after picking you up at the harbour. We had a kettle with hot drink options, a hairdryer, ample clothing storage, and little L'Occitane shampoo, shower gel, conditioner and soap. There was a dresser with a mirror; downstairs, a mini bar lets you take drinks and write down what you’ve taken. The shared lounge has board games and DVDs. Our room was up a small spiral staircase. I’m not sure whether other rooms might suit people with disabilities or limited mobility, as I didn’t check, so ask ahead if that matters. Friendly, clean, cosy, well located, and vegan friendly if you let them know in advance. We’ll almost definitely return.

The garden was a wonderfully relaxing spot, and Leigh was a lovely host and brilliant cook. I had chicken the first evening and lobster the next. I’d stay again, though I’d try for a room away from the dining and guest living room. I was in the twin room just off that shared space, along with a couple of other rooms. It felt a little odd at first to have other guests there as I came and went, but I got used to it. One night a group stayed chatting after I’d gone to bed. The room wasn’t soundproofed, so I heard their whole conversation until they left, thankfully just 1 hour 15 minutes later. Everything else was perfect.