Le Gite de Caillou, Le Vernet Sainte Marguerite.

Description for B&B:

"The House of Stone is a charming family home located in the heart of the beautiful Auvergne region. The owner has lovingly decorated the house to reflect his passion for the area and to share the small pleasures of life here.

Situated in the village of Vernet Sainte Marguerite, perched over 1000 meters above sea level, the house offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. From here, you can admire the transition from the southernmost volcano in the chain of Puys to the towering slopes of Sancy. The landscape is truly breathtaking, especially when reaching the heights of Vernet Sainte Marguerite. However, in winter, the plateau can be a challenging test for drivers on snowy roads, reminiscent of adventures in Nordic countries.

This 3-star cottage can accommodate up to 4 people and is the perfect base for hiking enthusiasts. It is ideally located for exploring the volcanic craters as well as the peaks of the Massif Central.

The house itself features a beautiful slate roof and is furnished in a rustic style with antique decorations, including old boxing gloves and vintage squash racquets. Modern comforts are discreetly incorporated, such as a pellet stove and a hidden TV screen. The kitchen, although not equipped with a dishwasher, has a charming open counter that connects to the dining room.

To enjoy the sunshine, you can have breakfast on the deck or balcony, while admiring the quaint rural heritage of Vernet Sainte Marguerite. From there, you can take in the view of the village church, the town square with its monument to the soldiers of both World Wars, the town hall, the fountain, and the wash house. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of local women doing their laundry. In the distance, you can spot the Puy Allou.

Upstairs, a wooden staircase leads to the attic where the sleeping quarters are located. There are two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two single beds. The bathroom and toilet are situated on the ground floor.

The house is conveniently situated between Lake Chambon and Lake Aydat, and is also close to the Nordic areas of Pessade and Beaune le Froid. It is surrounded by the peaks of Puy Balladou and the stunning gorges of the Monne. Whether you visit in summer or winter, The House of Stone offers a perfect retreat to experience the beauty of the Auvergne region."

Description for Gite

This charming house features a beautiful slate roof and serves as the perfect retreat for those seeking a unique blend of rustic ambiance and antique decor. The owner's collection of vintage items, ranging from old boxing gloves to squash racquets, and even a transistor radio, add character and charm to the space. While modern comforts are subtly incorporated, with a pellet stove discreetly placed between the hutch and buffet, a cozy couch, and a hidden TV screen within a cabinet, the atmosphere remains reminiscent of a time when the ORTF was yet to exist. The kitchen, although quaint with its open counter to the dining room, does not yet offer a dishwasher. Ascending the wooden staircase will lead you to the attic, where the sleeping area is located, featuring two bedrooms (one with a double bed and the other with two single beds). The bathroom and toilet are conveniently situated on the same floor. To make the most of sunny days, enjoy breakfast on the deck or balcony, while taking in the picturesque views of the quaint and rural heritage of Vernet Sainte Marguerite. From the village church to the square with its monument honoring soldiers from both World Wars, the town hall, fountain, and washhouse (where you might still catch a glimpse of women doing laundry), and even the hall that occasionally hosts conscript balls – all can be admired with a sweeping glance. Finally, don't forget to appreciate the distant view of the majestic puy Allou.