We recently enjoyed a romantic, relaxing and idyllic two nights in one of France’s hidden treasures, Abbaye de la Bussière. Our luxurious suite ‘Ermitage’, was simply one of the best hotel rooms we have ever stayed in. It featured a slightly risqué, decadent decor of darkest grey (Fifty Shades?) and fuchsia pink, the most comfortable bed and a double sunken whirlpool bath. One of the other highlights, was its private ‘Romeo and Julie’ balcony, offering great views of the lake and beautifully tended grounds. The perfect place to sip a glass of excellent locally produced champagne!
The Abbaye has been sympathetically and lovingly restored by the English Cummings family. Having previously owned Amberley Castle in Sussex, they completely ‘get’ what it takes to transform a neglected archaeological treasure into a simply great country house hotel.
We chose first to eat in the hotel’s bistro (where breakfast is also served), followed on our second night by a simply superb gastronomic meal in the atmospheric dining hall. Head chef, Emmanuel Hébrard and his kitchen brigade create imaginative, highly-memorable dishes from locally-sourced produce. The cheese trolley simply groans under the weight and choice of goat, sheep and cows milk cheeses – so much for ‘I’ll have the brie’!
The chateau has been tastefully furnished with antiques and artwork lovingly selected, with an eye for detail. An interesting and arresting collection of sculpture by Paul Day (a friend and neighbour) can be seen in the comfortable lounges (the man responsible for the St Pancras ‘meeting place’, the ‘Queen Mother’ and the ‘Battle of Britain’ memorials).
Apart from the sight of two Shetland ponies grazing on the lawns in front of the hotel, our lasting memory must be the warmth and care of the staff.
Close to Dijon, the chateaux provides a luxurious ‘base’ for touring the wonderful Burgundy wine region or for breaking a journey when motoring through France heading south or to the winter ski slopes. www.abbaye-dela-bussiere.com R & E Roberts.