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Guest Comments

We always enjoy reading comments from the guestbook in each gite. Here’s a selection of comments from our guests.

A wonderful place to be in the autumn – misty mornings, gentle sunshine and ‘mellow fruitfulness’! The heated pool has been a great development for the little ones and for us – a lovely treat each day. Thank you Jean and Mike for your hospitality, friendship and access to World Cub Rugby.

Bec, Stu, Rachel and Kay

Leicester
October 2007

We’ve had a wonderful week in the Loire. What better place to celebrate my parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary. We’ve all thoroughly enjoyed our week here. Thank you Jean and Mike for being welcoming and helpful hosts. Thank you too for the celebratory bottle of fizz!

Michael, Sara and Sophie, Derek and Margaret and David

London, Eldenhall and Chadderton
September 2007

Thank you for another great visit. The horses have been great, so have you!

Love Lisa – aged 9

Another great stay here. Pool was great with the heating. It has been a holiday to remember.

Aimee

Many thanks, Mike and Jean, another great chill. Still the perfect combination of tranquil surroundings and great hosts.

Gren and Andrea

Launceston, Cornwall
August 2007

Another year, another great holiday. We will be back next year for another does of “The Good Life” – minus Felicity!! See you next year.

Simon, Jan and Oliver

Staffordshire
August 2007

Brilliant holiday. Les Mortiers is a gorgeous spot and the pool is fab!

Paul, Clare and Claudia


August 2007

Our 3rd visit to Les Mortiers. Despite the weather enjoyed visiting favourite places again – Langeais, Villandry, Saumur and Chinon. Pool as good as ever and thankfully heated. Thanks Jean and Mike.

Margaret, Ian and Heather

Cambridgeshire
August 2007

Thanks to Mike and Jean with assistance and local knowledge. Must be one of the nicest places in France.

Pete, Elizabeth, Abigail and Sarah

Norfolk
July 2007

By far the best foreign holiday we’ve ever had. We’re all sorry to go and I’m sure we will be back. Thanks so much Mike and Jean.

Bernie, Dale, Leon and Romana

Oswestry, Shropshire
July 2007

We have had an amazing time here at Les Mortiers. Thank you Mike and Jean for being absolutely super hosts. We loved playing with the donkeys and horses. We went to lots of chateaux and our favourites were Villandry and Chenonceau.

Cecily and Elizabeth

London (here with Mum and Dad)
July 2007

Peace, rural peace!

Peter and Jane

Thame, Oxon
July 2007

Great to arrive here after our damp week in Brittany! Our third visit here. Once again, thanks for your warm hospitality. A bientot.

Jane and Andrew


July 2007

Wow! We have had such a delightful stay here! It was so relaxing and welcoming! This was our 2nd time here and it was sooo much fun! The pool was awesome and so were the horses! I really hope to come again! This is the best I will never forget it Merci Beaucoup

Galya

New Hampshire, USA
June 2007

If only you could ‘bottle’ what you have here at Les Mortiers you would be millionaires ten times over! Thank you for the peace and relaxation.

Stephanie and John

Oxfordshire
June 2007

And when your trouser button starts to pop after all the local wine and food, then it is well worth hiring bikes and heading off for the day into the woody forests. Many thanks for such a relaxing time here.

Alec and Charlotte

Romsey, Hampshire
July 2007

Another wonderful week. See you next year!

Lin and Nic


June 2007

Do try the local strawberries! Jean and Mike very welcoming without ever being intrusive.

Robert, Marie and David

Lancashire and Madrid
May 2007

It’s been a great time again.

Darby and Pip

Somerset
May 2007

Culminated in Real’s fantastic wine tour, wonderful wine, but a new perspective on French history, industry, agriculture and entire way of life.

Bill, Sharon, Rebecca and Henry

Warwickshire
May 2007

Blissful sunny days in such a beautiful part of France and in such comfort.

Hugh and Jean

Cirencester
April 2007

What a lovely escape we have had at Les Mortiers. Thank yo so much for your hospitality. PS Swimming pool – fabulous!

Michael and Della

Yorkshire
April 2007

Fabulous week at Les Mortiers – unbroken sunshine for the whole week. Our kids loved it all, especially the garden and the pool.

Clare, Ben, William and Kate


April 2007

A fine fortnight. We have had a comfortable and relaxed time.

Ian

Norwich
February 2007

Our second visit. Collecting sweet chestnuts and walks in the wood. We will miss the smell of pine cones burning in the log fire, with chestnuts roasting slowly on the top.

Alan, Bobbie, June and Hugh


October 2006

Our second visit was as good as the first – lovely weather, lovely cycling, lovely place. Thanks for a brilliant time.

Alex, Jack, Amanda and Steve


October 2006

A wonderful holiday. In all – a great week. Beautiful and even relaxing with a five and a two year old.

David, Joanna, Callum and Arron

Sheffield
October 2006

We went to Saumur on the horse and cart ride. It was really good. I can’t wait until next year.

Lisa aged 8

The atmosphere here is lovely and still. See you next year.

Aimee aged 12

Can’t think of many reasons to go home really!

Gren and Andrea

Launceston, Cornwall
August 2006

A perfect peaceful place to relax and unwind. Thank you Mike and Jean.

Dennis and Doris

Devon
August 2006

A lovely environment for the family and grandchildren to enjoy a holiday in France. A week we will all remember.

Barbara and Mike

Henfield, UK
August 2006

Just coming to the end of our eighth visit to Les Mortiers in six years – yes we like it here! See you next year.

Simon, Jan and Oliver

Staffordshire
August 2006

Glorious Food Wine Whatever Hosts Gite Pool What more can you ask for? Thank you for a memorable week.

Steph and Steve

Northampton
July 2006

Just had to come back again this year!

Jane and Andrew

Gloucester
July 2006

Les Mortiers will stay in our mind for ever as the place we got engaged, and will always bring a smile.

Louise and Ian


July 2006

What a fabulous time. Rachel (15 months) and Amelia (2 years) have pottered around picking plums and talking to donkeys! The pool has been a delight to us all. Thank you for the extra fans and a wonderfully equipped kitchen (and Dan Brown’s ‘Demons and Angels’). Would highly recommend Chinon and Langeais markets and The Moulin Bleu for a delicious meal overlooking the Bourgueil vineyards. See you soon!

Bec, Stu and Rachel

Leicester
July 2006

Everything we could have wished for, we hope to return, especially for the pool.

Pip and Darby

Somerset
June 2006

A l’annee prochaine!

Lin and Nick

Crewe
June 2006

A marvelous stay in a great place. Les Mortiers is ideally situated to explore a lovely part of the Loire – great food, wine, culture and gentle friendly people. The gite is so well thought out and excellently appointed with quality and caring showing through. It also has the very best neighbours! Jean and Mike thanks so much for the welcome and for all the helpful advice and recommendations – wine tasting was fun. Thanks for a great stay.

Chris, Vryn, Andrea and Jason

Warwick
June 2006

What a wonderful, peaceful place. Thank you for a brilliant weekend, we would really like to return. The swimming pool is fabulous, to be able to swim in October. Wish we were staying longer – we really felt part of a big family. We certainly enjoyed ourselves and our trip to the Cave. The wine was delicious. Hope to see you again.

Peter and Jenny

Shropshire, UK
October 2005

Lovely to be back, this time with Rachel, 5 and a half months. Swimming has been a daily treat for all of us. Langeais market (Sunday morning) was a great French experience – a piece of “Sanglier” is a very tasty and highly recommended purchase. Autumnal sunshine and bountiful vines and fruit trees have made this an extra special time of year to visit. Rachel highly recommends the local apples and pears. Thanks, Jean and Mike, for two delightful evenings and for those precious extra days.

Bec, Stu and Rachel

Leciester, UK
October 2005

Another great holiday. Many, many thanks Jean and Mike. Look forward to returning to see the finished Cave!

Fiona and John

Whitchurch and Manitoba
September 2005

Our second visit here and we arrived on Heather’s birthday! Have had a lovely restful time, revisited some favourite places – Zoo at Doue and Langeais. Don’t miss Candes St martin, Montsoreau and the waterfront at Chouze. If you are in to gardens don’t miss Chateau de la Chatonniere, Le Rivau and – wacky – new gardens at Parc Monpassant de Bois in Allones – comes with golf carts for driving around in! Thoroughly enjoyed our time – see you again.

Margaret, Ian and Heather

Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK
August 2005

Lovely holiday – weather fantastic – children loved the pool and there were no burnt shoulders! Babysitting service a real bonus – we enjoyed an exceptional meal at L’Oree des Bois. Many thanks for your hospitality.

Jackie, David, Gina and Harry

Collingham, Yorkshire, UK
August 2005

We looked forward to our holiday for months and we weren’t disappointed. The gite was very comfortable, you seem to have thought of everything. We all enjoyed the pool and were grateful for the cover. We visited the dog show as recommended and wanted to take all the puppies home with us! I think we managed to visit every market going. The Gourmet market in Bourgueil was a good evening out! The girls will miss the horses and the donkey and have enjoyed feeding them. I am sure we will return.

Heather, Geoff, Nikki and Becky

Chelmsford, Essex, UK
August 2005

This is our 4th French holiday on the trot and without doubt this has been the best. Mike and Jean have been exemplary hosts, unobtrusive but always there for help and advice.

Graham, Ruth, Gareth and Tim

Thornton Le Dale, Yorkshire, UK
August 2005

Thank you for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. The air-conditioning was appreciated the first few days we arrived. We enjoyed the local wines from Bourgueil, Mike’s Chardonnay, playing tennis at the tennis court around the corner, cycling to the Lac at Pincemaille (steam train on Sundays). Finally, we have all enjoyed spending time in the pool – a great asset.

Godfrey, Michelle, Matthew and Gabriella

London, UK
July 2005

Started the holiday with trepidation as it was so different to what we are used to, but didn’t need to worry, it turned out absolutely great. Good accommodation in Poppa’s cottage, good hosts and great location. Thank you Mike and Jean for your hospitality.

Maureen and Colin

Doncaster, Yorkshire, UK
July 2005

Well, it is time to head back to the rat race in the UK! Although after two weeks here in Parcay it does not seem to daunting a task. We hope to take our new relaxed lifestyle with us! You could not really ask for a better place to explore from than Les Mortiers.

Nickie, Brendon and Callum

Aylesbury, Bucks, UK
July 2005

Another lovely holiday spent here at Poppas and The Grange, but this year even more special as we brought all the family with us. We will bring an extra space hopper for you, Mike, for the 2005 Hopper Handicap Race (the handicap being the volume of wine consumed prior to reaching the starting post!).

Stephanie and John with family

Abingdon, UK
June 2005

A brilliant week of running, swimming, laughing, drinking, eating and touristy bits! A relaxing time made perfect by the ice cream Mars Bars on tap and wine by the bucket load. Recommendation No 1 can only be the La Licorne Restaurant at Fontrevaud – the langoustines were amazing! The horses and hens have kept Marie Elise well entertained. She just wishes she could stay longer! Thanks to Mike and Jean for the baby-sitting, the Mars Bars and the air conditioning unit.

Annalisa, Colin and Marie-Elise

Aldbury, UK
June 2005

We found Poppas an ideal holiday ‘spot’ for oldies and we have had a lovely restful fortnight. But we can imagine this peaceful, well-equipped gite greatly enjoyed by all ages.

Cynthia and Derek

Oswestry, UK
June 2005

Home from home as we are now on our 4th visit. We arrive and relax immediately. Always very sad to leave, the whole place is so relaxing.

Andy, Jayne, Hannah and Jordan

Hull, UK
May 2005

Had a really enjoyable holiday on our first visit to the Loire Valley. The gite was great and the weather kind to us. We really respected Mike and Jean’s professionalism and had a great time with them at our final barbecue. Hope to come back again one day.

Mair and Leighton

Bude ,Cornwall, UK
May 2005

Thank you for the warm welcome. We’ve had a lovely relaxing few days and hope to come back next year. A l’annee prochaine

Lin and Nick

Crewe, UK
April 2005

Un grand merci Jean et Mike a vous deux pour un merveillieuse weekend. Votre attention a tous les details qui rendent la vie plus belle, plus agreeable, plus humaine, plus sensible et formidable. Bravo pour ce joli gite – merci.

A bientot

Gillette et Real

La Fleche, France
November 2004

We have had an enjoyable week at Les Mortiers. Despite being late in the year, we have had some good weather. Les Mortiers is well situated and in a lovely setting. I’m sure it must look fabulous in the summer. Thanks for a great time.

Sue, James, Lewis and Owen

Essex, UK
October 2004

Wonderful week, great food, marvelous hospitality – excellent rod-building course. Thanks Mike and Jean. See you next year.

Peter Callaghan

Liverpool, England
October 2004

Another wonderful week. Thought the addition of the cover on the pool a great innovation for all-weather swimming.

Gerry, Brenda and Jonathan

Chichester, West Sussex, UK
August 2004

Lots of places in the world are beautiful, but the reason we love the Loire is because of Mike Brookes and Jean Winter. To us you are family and we love that you are part of our lives. Now we expect a return engagement on the other side of the Pond!

Bruce and Barbara

Portland, USA
August 2004

Last time we were here I wrote a poem!

We ate too much, we drank too much
We slept for a million years
To stay again in this wondrous paradise
We’ve left ---------------there will be tears.

We feel refreshed and ready to face the stresses of ‘real’ life.

Andy, Elaine, Amy and Lucy

The pool was great, the Parc du Puy du Fou was a superb day

Amy aged 10

I have had a fantastic holiday and hope to come again. I enjoyed the pool everyday and the Puy du Fou was great. I had a very good holiday and hope to see you soon.

Lucy aged 7

Dereham, Norfolk, UK
July 2004

Another wonderful holiday. Many thanks Mike and Jean. Back in September 2005 for the hat-trick.

John and Fiona
Whitchuch, UK
June 2004

A week of glorious weather (which surprised everyone!) superb accommodation with every requirement fulfilled and a wonderfully tranquil location. Our busy, bustling city at home was swopped for a week of bird song and frog song. The children spend hours in the lovely pool. The ‘dome’ was very effective and quickly raising the temperature to a very comfortable 24C.

Joy, Paul, Hilary and George
Sheffield, UK
May 2004

We had a wonderful week, the accommodation was perfect and our hosts made us feel most welcome. We would love to return.

Keith and Sue
Marazion, UK
May 2004

Les Mortiers – idyllic oasis in a beautiful part of France.

Alan and Bobbie
November 2003

It was a long journey and a long drive but worth every kilometre. The gite is top notch and so are Jean and Mike. We have managed to cram in a lot in two weeks … We finished off with a wine-tasting tour with Real which was excellent. He is a lovely man – very interesting and informative – highly recommended.

Our memories of our numerous barbecues, dips I the pool and bottles of lovely wine will help us get through the cold, dark and wet English winter.

Merci et au revoir until next time.

John and Fiona
Whitchuch, UK
September 2003

So much to see and so much to do, and such a good time had by all, we must come back.

Sheona, Neil, Katie and Lucy
Surrey UK
September 2003

Thank you very much for a splendid week in this lovely gite. We have found peace, quiet, relaxation and a wonderful sense of space to re-condition our frazzled edges… We are rested and refreshed and back to the fray in Southampton.

Mike and Isobel
Southampton, UK
September 2003

A lovely relaxing week – don’t want to leave. We found what we were looking for – tranquillity, good food, good wine and a perfect base for exploring. We will be back next year.

Janet and Gavin
East Yorkshire, UK
September 2003

The local pizza van is super (Wednesday in the village) … Above all a fantastic week was had by all, very relaxing, lovely and peaceful. What a shame to have to go home, which seems another world away…

Julie, Martin, Matt, Sam and Josh
Southampton, UK
September 2003

Many thanks to Mike + Jean and all that! And I recommend Doue Zoo Feeding those donkeys and playing with a toddler called Tia, the lake and Vilandry and that’s my recommendation for all you holiday people.

Josh – aged 7

To Mike and Jean thanks for the warm welcome, the lovely wine recommendation and the stoic acceptance of my Tim Henman overhead smash on the light-fitting whilst attempting to blot a moth!! Restaurant musts – The Moulin Blue just outside Bourgueil – 10/10 The Brochet (Pike) was amazing. Les Forges and the Auberge in Place St. Pierre both worth a visit and the 3 Cheese Gallette at the Rille Lac Creperie! Lovely weather, complete peace and quiet. Many many thanks, a beautiful holiday.

Simon, Carole, Charlotte and Josh
Kingswood, Surrey, UK
August 2003

Two weeks of bliss, weather fantastic, loved the place, the pool and the evening sunsets.

Gary, Brenda Richard and Jonathan
Chichester, West Sussex, UK
August 2003

The wine tour with Real taught us more than we could have learnt ourselves. Will be back next year

Janet, Simon and Oliver
Staffordshire
August 2003

A splendid location for the Loire attractions – plus a lovely pool and care and attention from Jean and Mike – what more can you ask.

Alan
Sussex, UK
July and August 2003

I had a really good time on this holiday. Too everyone look after the donkeys, especially Greedy they will eat all your leftovers from tomatoes to potato peelings!!!

Chelsey – aged 7
Bedfordshire, UK
July 2003

What a wonderful gite. This was our first time with an independent gite that we found on the internet. Much better than we have used before. Mike and Jean are wonderful hosts. We really enjoyed out time here. Particularly the pool.

Peter, Julie, Ellie and Amy
Gloucestershire, UK
July 2003

Michelin rating – 3 star (worth a journey!). A wonderful time – good location to go sight seeing and to relax in between.

Tom, Betty and Jennifer
Toronto, Canada
June 2003

Thank you Jean and Mike for letting us share in your idyllic and peaceful way of life!

Su, Adam, Alex, Yasmin and Geoff
UK
June 2003

This place is magical. From the moment we turned off the road – to entering the gite, seeing the garden, the pool – everything. We have had a super week. Super gite, super weather, super holiday. Don’t want to go home.

Hilary Craggs
Yorkshire, UK
May 2003

We have had a fabulous few days here with our young children. Despite what they say about the changeable weather … we’ve had nothing but ‘blue to blue’ since we arrived. Thanks for a great week

James, Wendy Lili and Edward
Paris, France
Easter 2003

Back for the second time, lovely as ever. Weather glorious and swimming pool so good. This year even I swam! Loved every minute, hopefully we can return. Such a lovely holiday.

John, Moira, Anne, Brian
Dorset, UK
June 2002

We Came…

  • After 5 nights in Paris and we felt like we were with our best friends, and knew that we had selected an "ideal home" for our vacation.

We Saw…

  • Chateaux too numerous to list.

We Ate…

  • Mike and Jean reserved a table at L’Oree des Bois for the Sunday after arrival. It was exceptional.
  • On Monday we ate at Nichole’s – whose daughters were home on vacation – and are as lovely and warm as Nichole. We all tried to converse in a foreign language and did!
  • On Tuesday we went to the market at Bourgueil to stock up on food.
  • On Wednesday our friends from San Diego arrived. We had drinks at L’Orangerie (our favourite spot in Saumur), lunch at Auberge St. Pierre – the Coq au Vin is good – and returned to Les Mortiers for dinner at the picnic table where Mike and Jean joined us for an evening (and night) of fun, food, and wine, and more wine! No-one counts wine bottles at Les Mortiers!
  • On Thursday we returned to Nichole’s where we were warmly greeted by not only Nichole, but here husband who donned a stetson hat and posed for a picture with Nichole, whom we jokingly referred to as his "squaw".
  • Friday – Sunday, we toured Normandy and Brittany.
  • Monday we lunched at Jeanne de Laval in Les Rosier – lobster salad, turbot in béarnaise – only 3½ hours because we passed on the cheese course – sensational cuisine!
  • Tuesday, back to the market at Bourgueil where we bought sea bass for Wednesday and joined Mike, Jean and their friends Iain and Jo for lunch at the Faisan D’Or. Of course, we had the Gallette Bourgueilloise for breakfast.
  • Thursday, our last day here was the best. Lunch at L’Orangerie, and after a day in the life of a gite owners buying supplies and testing the wines of Guy Delanoue – superb!

Thank you for your assistance, hospitality and friendship.

Robert, Carol
San Clemente, USA
May 2002

Lovely to be back, if only for a few days. First in the pool this year! Bought the wine for our wedding this summer from Bouvet Laduaby – highly recommended. A truly wonderful place to be…

Bec and Stu
Leicester, UK
April 2002

Les Mortiers was the perfect place to stay while exploring the Loire. Your generous hospitality made this vacation a great one. Thank you so much for all the advice on where to shop and buy food and wine. […] We appreciated how well equipped the kitchen is, since I love to cook.

Richard and Cheryl
Virginia, USA
October 2001

Managed to totally chill-out.

Gerry, Annie, Michelle, Samantha
Southampton, UK
October 2001

As it was our first time in the French countryside we didn’t quite know what to expect, however, all our expectations have been surpassed.

David and Andrea
Edinburgh, UK
September 2001

We leave feeling totally rested and relaxed

Steve, Tamsin, Harrison, Darcy
Suffolk, UK
September 2001

Thanks for a great holiday. Troglodyte caves were a great visit, but I much preferred your wonderful pool. Nichole’s chicken + chips was wonderful.

Anna

Jean and Mike, thanks for the great holiday, you’re right Nicoles is a great place to satisfy your appetite! The troglodytes gave a cool atmosphere and were very interesting but I much prefer your relaxing pool! Your chicks certainly caused some panic when we came back to find 2 escaped. Thankfully we were brave enough to pick them up, thanks again.

Katie

Had a lovely time in a lovely place. The horses opposite are really friendly and your chicks are really really sweet. We hope we didn’t traumatize them too much by picking them up (the story is opposite)

P.S. The pool was fantastically groovy.

Steve

Wakefield, UK
August 2001

Les Mortiers has the best of both worlds, old world charm and new world comforts.

Wade, Nancy, Lauren
Oakland CA, USA
June 2001

Seven days of loveliness. thanks very much Mike and Jean – you’ve got an oasis!

Recommendations:

    Train touristique @ Saumur
       Tuesday market @ Bourgueil
         Lazing about @ The pool
      Avoid the drunk @ Parcay
       Swatting flies @ The kitchen
             Earplugs @ Saumur (loud Vespas)
               Boules @ The sandpit
Sparkling Brut wine-tasting and museum
                      @ Bouvet Laudebay
Toilet seat balancing @ The bathroom
        Keep it short @ The visitors’ book

Steve, Alana, Stefan
West Oxfordshire, UK
September 2000

Everything about your place is conducive to total relaxation.

Anne, Mervyn
Hampshire, UK
September 2000

A lovely relaxing retreat for our honeymoon and our first visit to France.

Fiona and Paul
The Aussies living in Manchester
August 2000

We came a long way but it was worth every minute. Thank you Michael and Jean for a peaceful and happy time. A wonderful retreat from the rush of modern life.

Peter and Susan
Auckland, NZ
August 2000

And finally a lovely house, good weather, brilliant hosts and a magnificent pool – loved our time here!

Catrin, Michael, Rachel, Thomas
Cardiff, UK
July 2000

I think we will look back on the 2 weeks we spent at Les Mortiers as one of our best holidays ever. We loved the relaxed ambience provided by Mike and Jean. From the cotton sheets to the ice creams in the freezer, every detail was attended to. It was the perfect place for us as well as our children. Our children loved feeding the horses carrots, watching the chickens, playing in the sand and of course the pool. We enjoyed the pool as well as sitting out on warm evenings drinking wine and enjoying Jean’s lovely flowers. We hope to return next year.

Michael, Adrienne, Michael Jr., Christian
Cambridge, UK / Washington DC, USA
June 2000

Probably the best holiday so far! The most relaxing place we have been. So much for the kids to do with the animals, pool and so much open space to run around.

Carolane, Kieran, Colm, Stephen
Dublin, Ireland
May 2000

Les Mortiers is one of the few places in the world we would return to!

Keith, Jen, Debbie, Barry
Worksop, UK
May 2000

To think we found Mike and Jean’s labour of love on the bloody Internet. We never would have discovered this precious hideaway without the web, web pages and the miracle of e-mail. Hi-tech brought us to a place where the pace of life slows down and the outside world can just go away for a while.

Tom, Elizabeth, Stephen
Santa Rosa, USA
May 2000

We only paid a fleeting visit to this lovely little gem in the Loire valley … the accommodation is outstanding.

Anne and Mervyn
Hampshire, UK
April 2000

I can’t remember having so much delicious wine and relaxing this much.

Jack
San Clemente, USA
March 2000

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