La Coudraie, about 5km from Josselin, lies amongst fields and woods but is also close to the village of Guillac. The house may be ancient but the accommodation has been brought tastefully up-to-date without hiding its rustic origins. It now provides an ideal base for relaxation and for exploring Brittany. The fully-equipped farmhouse kitchen has a wood-burner, sofa seating and dining space. There is a full oven and hob, a microwave oven, a toaster, dishwasher and a washing machine as well as a range of cooking utensils. French doors lead to the garden on the east side of the house and the al fresco dining space by the stone-built BBQ. The hall leads to a large living room which has a log-burner, very comfortable seating and a DVD player and screen. There is a downstairs WC off the hall. French doors here lead out onto the south side of the house. Up on the first floor there is a double bedroom, a family bathroom and a second double bedded room. On the second floor there’s another, cosy, double bedroom, a larger, twin-bedded room and a second full bathroom. The large, mature gardens provide discrete sunny and shady areas to sit with a drink and a book but also plenty of space to play hide-and-seek! La Coudraie is only 5 minutes by car from the attractions and shops of Josselin or Ploërmel, but Guillac itself has an excellent bakery. Our farmhouse at La Coudraie is a fascinating old building dating back to the 17th century. We believe it was once a prosperous 'Manoir' connected to a nearby monastery. Dykes and lanes through local woods lead away from the house into unspoiled countryside, ideal for exploring, especially on foot. The house lies at the end of a short, no-through lane, so there is no passing traffic. The gardens are easy to relax in. During the last few years we have modernised the interior as sympathetically as possible and adapted the indoor spaces to make it into comfortable holiday hideaway. However, it is also well placed for wider exploration of Brittany and its varied charms. The clean, sandy beach at the freshwater Lac au Duc near Ploërmel is around 10 minutes away and is a great alternative to the coast if you want to while away time by the water's edge. The French sailing school has a branch based at the lake. It is well equipped with dinghies and catamarans, wind-surf-boards and canoes; these are all available for hire as well. You could also take a water-skiing lesson, go fishing or perhaps just stroll quietly along the renowned Hortensia Walk on the far shore, a safe distance from the 9 hole golf course! Attractions within 30 minutes of La Coudraie are fantastically varied. They include a zoo, a 'dinosaur park', a sculpture park, a go-carting track, woodland walks, the Nantes-Brest Canal, an Insectarium, a 2nd World War Resistance Museum and a clock museum. The nearby, wooded region of Brocelliande transports you into Arthurian legends of Merlin and Guinevere. Also within easy reach by road is the sheltered Gulf of Morbihan where the sailing centre of Vannes can open up vast possibilities. Just beyond Vannes are megalithic sites and the wonderful beaches of Carnac. The Quiberon Peninsula with its spectacular coastline, sandy bays and rock pools, provides an attractive contrast to the bustle of the seaside towns. Central Brittany has testing golf courses plus opportunities for cycling, horse-riding, fishing, hiking and driving amongst many other holiday pursuits. Brittany is also a paradise for sea-food lovers. The local markets will provide you, or your chosen restaurant, with the pick of that morning's catch. Good eateries are everywhere; the hospitality and the local cider are very good indeed!