Hunting lodge II/ On centuries old estate

Description from the owner

If you really want to get away from it all, come and stay in our hunting lodge at an estate with hilltop chateau, pigeonnier, park in the CHAMPAGNE

The c h a t e a u (and, until the French Revolution abolished their privileges in 1792, the village of Villers as well, together with several other villages and surrounding lands) belonged up to 1904 to the family of Adelbert von Chamisso (1781-1838). The famous French born, but German (!) poet , biologist, explorer (i.a. California) and creator of Peter Schlemihl, the story of the man who lost his shadow. Adelbert was in fact born and baptised as Adelaide de Chamisso at the chateau of Bon...court near a hamlet called Ante, Boncourt was publicly sold for demolition during the Revolution, hardly a mile away from this estate where his oncle lived and that survived these revolutionairy times.

It is located above the valley of the river Aisne, at the entrance of a small village, Villers-en-Argonne, 9 km away from Ste Ménéhould, 35 km from Chalons-en-Champagne, 45 km from Verdun, 80 km from Reims and 200 km from Paris. In the heart of the historic Argonne forest with its many 1914-1918 war memorials.

The h u n t i n g l o d g e forms part of a harmonious whole at an estate of 6 ha with a park, stables and other dependencies, and the XVI th / XVIII th century castle of Villers on a hill top with beautiful views on unspoilt countryside and forests.

The hunting-lodge is split into two autonomous wings:

The East Wing (App I) with 3 bedrooms sleeps 6 p.p. and

The West Wing (App II) with 2 bedrooms sleeps 4 p.p.

Each wing has its own entrance. It is let separately ( I.East Wing 120 m2 + II.West Wing 80 m2) or together ( I & II = 200 m2).

It is luxuriously restored and fully equipped, with antique furniture, open fireplaces, a stunning kitchen in App.I, which is more basic in App.II, garden furniture, picnic corner with children playground (swing, climbing tower, etc.),various games, bicycles (age 3 - 18), a topclass tabletennis facility, and barbecues.

This area of the Argonne with its huge forest is a paradise for horse riding, hunting (sanglier/wild boar, deer), fishing, cross-country biking, walking; water sports and a golf at 50 km.Read more

Additional Location Information

This area of the Argonne with its huge forest is a paradise for horse riding, hunting (sanglier/wild boar, deer), fishing, cross-country biking, walking; water sports and two 16 hole golf courses at 50 km.

Villers with its castle and 16th century church is situated at the border of the historic Champagne region and of Lorraine; the Departements Marne and Meuse.

A strategic area of utmost importance where the Gallic world met the Germanic world and where since the 13th century most of Europe's battles were fought.

All sorts of excursions are possible near by and done as our guestbook shows.

To give you some idea of the possibilities f a r t h e r a w a y than the near beyond of Villers with its historic forest and many ponds, picturesque villages and hilly landscape, where war memorials abound, herewith some hard data and timelines:

- CHALONS EN CHAMPAGNE OH41 DRIVE, 56 KM

- BAR LE DUC 0H43 DRIVE, 42KM

- REIMS 0H55 DRIVE, 88 KM

- LAC DE DER, BIGGEST ARTIFICIAL LAKE IN EUROPE, NATURE RESERVE AND WITH LOTS OF WATERSPORT FACILITIES, 1H06 DRIVE, 60 KM (Sainte-Marie-du-Lac-Nuisement, village on the lake, or Saint Dizier , worth visiting in its own right) /

° OR 1H38, 91 KM (Giffaumont-Champaubert, village on the other side of the lake)

- EPERNAY 1H09 DRIVE, 95 KM

- METZ 1H13 DRIVE,126 KM

- NANCY 1H52, 126 KM

- TROYES 1H30 148 KM

- LUXEMBOURG 1H36, 168 KM (45 minutes with the TGV from Reims)

- DISNEYLAND 1H50, 196 KM

- PARIS 2H13, 229 KM (35 minutes with the TGV from Reims).

Location Type Rural, Village

Rental fees

Additional notes from owner

N.B. ONLY in the low season less than one week rentals are possible (midweek minimal 2 nights:92 E; long week-end Frday - Sunday: 120 E), as well as a monthly rental (800E).

- LOW SEASON RENTAL FEE: 325 Euro ( basicly Januay, November and December).

- MID SEASON RENTAL FEE 425 Euro (June, September and holiday periods, notably in April - May, October and Christmas:New Year season).

- HIGH SEASON RENTAL FEE 490 Euro ( July & August).

FOR RENTAL OF THE EAST WING OF THE HUNTING LODGE (I) WITH 3 BEDROOMS and exclusive access to swimming pool and castle park, OR FOR RENTAL OF THE WHOLE LODGE ( I & II) SEE SECOND LISTING.ON THIS SITE.
* Fees EAST WING (I) Low Season: 500 E; Mid season: 716 E; High Season:1.016 E
* Fees whole lodge (I & II) Low season: 825 E; Mid season 1.141 E; High Season:1.406 E

What Past Guests Are Saying

Overall Rating

• Reinier
  Erfurt

  Lovely stay at the Hunting Lodge II

  Left on 08/09/2012 for a stay in July 2012
  
  

  We spent a week in Hunting Lodge II and we had a great time.
  The lodge lays on the grounds of an old castle and is surrounded by small villages and beautiful landscapes. Mr. Landman did a great job in decorating the house and providing so many extras (badminton, ping pong, barbeque, bicycles, board games etc.). Alongside other books on the shelves one can also find a copy of "Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte", the novel written by the famous adelbert von Chamisso, whose family used to live in the castle.
  In front of the lodge is a large playground and terrace to have dinner or a glass of wine. At night you hear and see nothing but complete silence and darkness. What a difference to the buzzing city! The lodge is perfectly located to make daytrips to destinations such as Reims, Metz, the Champagne area, and the battlefields at Verdun (to make any trips you need a car).
  We were very pleased with the service (one day the water kettle broke down and one hour later we got a new one). Every morning (except for Monday) the local baker comes to sell his fresh baguettes. It's a 10-minute drive to Sainte-Ménéhould for a big supermarket where you can buy everything you need.
  Summing up we enjoyed our time very much. The lodge is perfect for families, couples and older travelers. During the day one can visit beautiful cities and villages, walk through the forests (where, if lucky, you could spot a deer or a wild boar) or just relax at the lodge. We definitely would like to recommend this lodge to everybody who is planning to spend some time in this area.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Families

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  Response from Johannes C. Landman - 08/09/2012

  

  Johannes C. Landman

  Owner

  Thank you Reinier.for taking the trouble writing this review, and thank you again for such a positive assessment.
  
  it really was a pleasure having you and your very enterprising family.
  
  Johannes Landman

• Julia F
  London UK

  Perfect holiday in rural France!

  Left on 05/24/2012 for a stay in April 2011
  
  

  perfect peaceful location, local farm milk and cheese, child friendly, welcoming hosts, would come again!

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  Recommended for: Romantic, Families

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• Wouter & Marjolein
  Amsterdam

  Perfect location to get away from it all and enjoy the good Fren

  Left on 03/19/2012 for a stay in March 2012
  
  

  We've had a wonderful and relaxing week in the Hunting Lodge. The gite is very comfortable and cozy, we especially enjoyed the big fire place. The estate is beautiful and Mr Landman and Madame Noel were very friendly and helpful. We were lucky enough to enjoy some sunny afternoons with French wines and cheese on the terrace.
  There are a lot to of varied things to do in the surrounding area. From long walks in the beautiful nature, to the battlefields of Verdun and champagne tasting in Reims. The location is perfect.
  We would absolutely recommend the gite to everyone who would like to get away from it all and enjoy the good French life.

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  Recommended for: Romantic, Families

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• paula fontijn
  Delft

  Never get the walking blues

  Left on 03/19/2012 for a stay in February 2012
  
  

  lovely, cosy and clean apartment à la campagne.
  Walked the dog for hours in a continually changing and beautiful landscape.
  We had a wonderful time
  There was lots to do.
  We visited the remnants of ww1 at Verdun.
  We were educated at the Mercier Champagne caves.
  Spend lovely afternoons in the sun, and long evenings by the fireplace.
  The kids were very pleased with the available internet and table tennis.
  Bakery and supermarket and restaurants nearby.
  Just great.
  

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  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Families

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• Don and Cathy
  Stuttgart

  French countryside near wine/champagne region

  Left on 03/18/2012 for a stay in February 2011
  
  

  Excellent lodge separated into two apartments on a very lovely estate with very gracious hosts. Excellent restaurant in nearby village, fresh cheese across the street and bread/pastry van making morning deliveries to your door.
  
  Tips: Avoid the bigger town Sainte Mennehould as it is too touristy, overpriced and other than supermarkets not worth the trip. Off interest are the WWI battlefields, nearby villages for pottery and historical interest and great forests for hiking. if you have a dog or child be very careful of the tight open spiral stairs to the second floor, they are tricky which is probably why the hosts installed a child gate at the top.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Romantic

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• Bas
  malden

  Marvellous!

  Left on 03/05/2012 for a stay in February 2012
  
  

  Lovely cottage: very quiet, cosy & it has everything you need for a satisfying week 'a la campagne'! We felt at ease. Friendly at all. Very special happening when the estate -with old trees- was lightened in the dark; art!

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Romantic, Luxury, Families, Rugged

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  Response from Johannes C. Landman - 03/05/2012

  

  Johannes C. Landman

  Owner

  Dear Bas,
  Thank you for this poetic assessment of the lodge and its location, despite the bad weather you had, more Dutch than French.
  
  But as a Dutchman, and a hunter for that matter, you managed to see the positive side of this misty drizzle. Your dog definitely enjoyed himself most. Best regards, also to Jojanneke. It was a pleasure meeting you, and, as we say in Holland, " tot ziens ! " Johannes

• Iain
  Canterbury

  A relaxed week enjoying reading and local ameneties

  Left on 02/27/2012 for a stay in June 2011
  
  

  The accommodation was excellent with complete attention to detail from the estate staff. The morning delivery of fresh bread and pastries was a delight not to be missed. Local shopping was within easy driving time and provided all that we needed. Drives out into the ardenne area gave breathtaking views and spectacular wildlife. Local buzzards soaring and spiralling were quite a sight. A very easy location to access from England with a very pleasant drive down on the peage.

  

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers

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• berta ooms
  Haaksbergen

  perfect!

  Left on 02/27/2012 for a stay in February 2011
  
  

  In febuari 2011 my husband and I stayed in the Hunting Lodge foor a week. It was a perfect place for a week, back to where it is alle about, with the luxury of 2011/2012!

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Luxury, Families

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  Response from Johannes C. Landman - 02/27/2012

  

  Johannes C. Landman

  Owner

  Thank you very much for this rapid reaction. I really appreciate that. And my compliments for the elegant wording ! Nogmaals heel veel dank.
  Johannes Landman

• Bob
  Pretoria

  Excellent

  Left on 02/27/2012 for a stay in April 2010
  
  

  My wife and I had a fantastic time. The Landman's were very helpful during the booking process which was at late notice and hit a few snags. The area was perfect for a relaxing and romantic gettaway. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the Hunting Lodge for a quiet holiday. We visited numerous WW sites and were captivated by the rich history of the area. There were also great restaurants nearby if that is important.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Romantic, Families

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  Response from Johannes C. Landman - 02/27/2012

  

  Johannes C. Landman

  Owner

  Thank you Bob for this rapid reaction and your nice comments. I definitely remember the booking process, you being just married while I being just operated and in the hospital in the Netherlands where I had crushed my ankle. Only April last year 2011, but It looks ages away. My wife was there in Villers, however, and keeps fond souvenirs having met you both. Best of luck to You,
  Johannes

• Jeanet
  zwolle

  genieten van een prachtig huis in een bijzondere omgeving

  Left on 02/26/2012 for a stay in May 2011
  
  

  Vorig jaar zijn we met twee gezinnen in dit huis op vakantie geweest, we hebben genoten van de luxe van dit huis, fijne bedden, alle apparatuur om het zo makkelijk mogelijk te hebben. vanuit het huis kun je direkt alle kanten op wandelen, een prachtig natuurgebied dichtbij. We zijn gastvrij ontvangen, en als we een vraag hadden, werd deze z.s.m. beantwoord. ook is er veel te zien over de W.O. 1 in de buurt, en Parijs ligt op een kleine 2 uur rijden afstand van dit huis. Maar er is nog veel meer te zien in de buurt. En elke morgen kwam de bakker langs met verse broodjes! Ook de kinderen konden zich uitstekend vermaken met veel ruimte om zich heen, een tafeltennistafel, zwembad, dvd speler en boeken om te lezen.
  Dus voldoende om lang te genieten voor een relaxe vakantie!!

  

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Luxury, Families, Rugged

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  Response from Johannes C. Landman - 03/03/2012

  

  Johannes C. Landman

  Owner

  Dear Jeanet, it took apparently quite some time to get your review on line - the Dutch language must look suspicious in American eyes. Anyhow, there it is now. Many thanks for showing in such a synoptic way the many things to do, to see and to enjoy on the estate and its surrounding areas, while staying under friends; two befriended families renting together both the West Wing and the East Wing of the hunting lodge. Nogmaals heel veel dank ! Johannes

• Terry & Sue Clark
  Orkelljunga, Sweden

  A relaxing, gastronomic and cultural holiday.

  Left on 02/13/2012 for a stay in September 2011
  
  

  We drove down from Sweden, stopping to visit places of interest en route and arrived for our 2 week holiday in the East Wing of The Hunting Lodge situated in the grounds of the Chateau Pavillon de Chasse, Villers-en-Argonne.
  
  When we arrived everything was ready for us, the rooms were bright and clean. As we looked around, we found, to our delight, that the photographs on the website had not done justice to the Lodge - it was much nicer in the flesh.
  
  We thought the building had been sympathetically renovated and furnished not only to a high standard but also in keeping with the surroundings. We quickly discovered how tremendously useful it was to have Mr Landman as our host as his knowledge of the area for miles around gave us lots of hints and tips (all of which we followed).
  
  Even on our arrival quite late on Saturday we followed his first recommendation and had a super meal at the restaurant/bar in the next village - Au Relais de la Foret Passavant. The couple that run the place are real gems - they made us feel like family and kept bringing different tasters of local dishes for us to try. The value for money there takes some beating. Next morning we met "Madam Toot” (as we called her) who delivers bread and patisserie 6 days a week right to the door of the Lodge. There was nothing better than sitting outside the Lodge with some fresh bread and equally fresh Goat's cheese bought from the farm across the road - naturally with a glass of some local beverage in your hand! All in all this was one of the most relaxing holidays we have had for a very long time. All the people we met were open and friendly but above them all were the chief hosts Mr. and Mrs. Landman who made us so welcome and really helped us relax. We will be back...

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Families

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