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Looking for something special? You've just found it.

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Exterior
Exterior detail
Living area
Living area
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 40 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Outdoor barbecue
  • Deck or patio
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View map
Nueil sur Layon, Pays de la Loire
  • Place, Domaine du Grand Moulin
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Domaine de l’Été
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Château des Rochettes
    ‪10 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Blue Bedroom

1 King Bed

Coral Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Blue bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Travertine bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Looking for something special? You've just found it.

La Marlière is a charming traditional French stone house dating from 1730 set against a sunny and very private garden. Recently renovated to the highest level but still maintaining many of its original features. The house is situated on the edge of the village of Nueil sur Layon in a small commune originally created to serve the adjacent Chateau de la Grise. The village of Nueil is a short walk away and features a small supermarket, bar tabac, pharmacy, doctor’s office, post office, hairdressing salon and, of course, a bakery: can't you just taste those mouthwatering buttery croissants and freshly baked baguettes? The colourful garden is the perfect spot for relaxing with a glass of wine and a book or planning a day out at one of the many nearby attractions. Garden amenities include a stone built barbecue, comfortable seating for 8, deckchairs and umbrellas and outdoor dining table and chairs.Feel free to pick the roses which adorn both sides of the house and help yourself to anything from the abundant herb garden. Decorated with classic French furniture, with an emphasis on comfort, the large Sitting Room features oak beams and a dramatic stone fireplace, comfy sofas and an alternative dining area. A library of books and games is also available together with TV and WiFi. The large open kitchen/dining area features a dining area and sitting area together with all the modern conveniences whilst still adhering to the French philosophy of making this a convivial space where everyone gathers to cook, eat or just relax with a glass of wine.
The Blue Bedroom with its high beamed ceiling and decorative fireplace is furnished with classic French furniture, silk carpets and has a walk-in closet. The king size bed is made up with fine linens and there are lots of fluffy towels in the ensuite bathroom ensuring that you get the luxury hotel feel - we even provide toiletries, robes, slippers and a hair dryer. The Coral Bedroom is equally elegant and also has a king size bed (both kings can be converted into twin beds) and walk-in closet. The ensuite travertine-tiled walk-in shower room adds a modern touch of luxury. Windows on either side of each bedroom provide good cross ventilation and views over the garden and nearby vineyards. The bedrooms are separated by a gallery corridor for added privacy and downstairs, leading from the lobby, is a Mudroom with washer and dryer and a stylish little Powder Room. Carefully chosen artwork and objets d'art give the house that little something extra not usually found in rental properties.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue

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House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Passavant-sur-Layon

Located in Passavant-sur-Layon, this holiday home is in a rural area. Domaine du Grand Moulin and Domaine de l’Été are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park and Le Mystère des Faluns. Bioparc de Doué la Fontaine and Parc de la Vallee are also worth visiting. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
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Map
Nueil sur Layon, Pays de la Loire

What's nearby

  • Domaine du Grand Moulin - 5 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Domaine de l’Été - 8 min drive - 7.9 km
  • Château des Rochettes - 10 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Manoir Tête de la Rouge - 13 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Bioparc de Doué la Fontaine - 14 min drive - 16.2 km

Getting around

  • Brion-pres-Thouet Station - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Resto Zoo Parc - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Leroy Marie-Chantal - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪L'Etape Gourmande - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Gaignard Gérard - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Auberge du Haut Layon - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Looking for something special? You've just found it. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Looking for something special? You've just found it.?

As of 15 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Looking for something special? You've just found it. on 17 Apr 2026 start from AU$331, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Looking for something special? You've just found it.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

Where is Looking for something special? You've just found it. located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Domaine du Grand Moulin and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park. Domaine de l’Été and Domaine des Trahan are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 16 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous property in a super big garden with lots of options for sitting and eating outside.Beautiful bathroons and house very well equipped for a luxurious stay in the Loire Valley.Would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage & lovely host

Liz the property owner is very accommodating with check in / out and is only ever a call away. She lives about 5 mins away so can be called upon if necessary though we had no need. It's a very quiet property and has a lovely old French feel whilst being a very modern property having been modernised only a few years earlier. Lots of space and a private garden area to share with the local red squirrels. A great place to base ourselves for exploring the local area.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juliet B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A truly wonderful house and garden

We spent a very hot week in this lovely house. Liz has extremely good taste and has furnished all the rooms in her own particular style with great attention to detail. As it has very thick stone walls we were extremely comfortable and cool. The house is very well-equipped and we lacked nothing! The garden is beautiful with roses everywhere and numerous seating areas, our particular favourite in the heat being under the large pine tree! Liz and Ronnie were excellent hosts and we thoroughly recommend this property for anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday in a wonderful house amidst the attractive vineyards.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Beautiful house with everything we needed. We have been holidaying in France for a while and this was the best, most beautifil and most comfortable place we have stayed by a long way. Comfortable beds, light airy rooms, lovely bathrooms with lots of nice touches like soft towels and mini toiletries. Lovely garden with lots of birds singing and very peaceful and relaxing. Its in a littke village with bakery and supermarket and short drive to all the loire chateau and gardens. Highly recommended. Thank you Liz . We hope to be back one day
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vera V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Going the extra mile

Upon arrival, we were wowed by the stunning design and decor of the home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bedrooms were spacious and cozy, the kitchen fully equipped. The outdoor space, with a lovely garden and outdoor room, was a highlight. Not to mention the library in the living room stocked with English books, a delight for every anglophile 😉 The location is perfect for a tranquil getaway, offering the opportunity to unwind, visit the local museums with their private collections – which harbor some truly exceptional pieces of art - , explore some absolutely fascinating castles and last but not least indulge in some fine wine. And a big shoutout to Liz for offering to step in to help without any hesitation as soon as she heard about our car trouble. We look forward to returning in the future.
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ein kleines Paradies

Dieses Haus ist wirklich etwas ganz Besonderes. Alles ist mit so viel Liebe und Geschmack gestaltet, dass man sich sofort zuhause fühlt. Die Gegend zwischen Feldern und Weinbergen ist so idyllisch und friedlich, dass man bei kleinen Radtouren wunderbar zur Ruhe kommt. Man braucht eigentlich nicht mehr, als in dem zauberhaften Garten mit einem Buch zu sitzen, dem Vogelgezwitscher zu lauschen und all die Schönheit um einen herum zu betrachten. Es gibt aber auch eine ausgezeichnete Bäckerei im Ort und viele gute und günstige Winzer in der Gegend. Besonders die von Liz empfohlenen „Pink bubbles“ sollte man nicht versäumen. Natürlich kann man auch jede Menge Schlösser und andere Attraktionen besuchen, wenn man es denn schafft, sich von dem Grundstück loszureißen. Eine besondere Freude war es, Liz und Ronnie kennenzulernen. Charmantere, fürsorglichere und großzügigere Gastgeber kann man sich nicht vorstellen. Vielen Dank dafür. Wir kommen bestimmt wieder.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Superb

As they say, "less is more" and superb describes every aspect of our stay at La Marliere. The house is sumptuous and you will not want for anything. The location is excellent for either relaxing in the garden or visit/trips to dine or for just a gentle meander through the countryside and villages. Liz and Ronnie are simply fabulous hosts with the warmest of welcomes and fondly remembered farewells. Strongly Recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Louisa cannon

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful house

This is a wonderful house, beautifully restored, retaining many of the original features but with all the convenience of modern day living. The attention to detail for a comfortable stay has been extremely well thought out. Everything was very clean. Lovely comfy beds and lovely linens and towels. The house is situated in a small, quiet hamlet but with all amenities close by and plenty of beautiful towns and villages to explore in the Loire area. We have stayed in many houses in France but this rates as the best. Thank you Liz and Ronnie, it was lovely to meet you.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olivia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Somptueux!

Nous avons passé un séjour merveilleux dans cette demeure style "cottage"! L'extérieur est magnifique, une très belle invitation à la contemplation du jardin arboré avec son bar sous abri. Dès l'entrée, nous découvrons un intérieur confortable et accueillant avec ses fleurs fraîches, la beauté du mobilier et de la cuisine ! Les chambres sont dignes d'un hôtel 5 étoiles, avec une magnifique salle de bain attenante. Le silence nocturne ainsi que le chant des oiseaux le matin sont très appréciables. Nous avions tout le confort ( internet, buanderie, cuisine avec îlot central, lave-vaisselle...)! Je recommande vivement de venir chez Liz ( la propriétaire) qui vous accueillera chaleureusement, vous trouverez des activités agréables aux alentours ( le château de Saumur est à ne pas manquer, la Roseraie, le parc oriental de Maulévrier, le zoo, etc...) Merci Liz!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bertrand J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Traditionnelle et spacieuse maison angevine rénovée avec goût

Nous avons passé un très agréable séjour dans le logement rénové par Liz qui est aux petits soins pour ses hôtes. Tout était impeccable et encore mieux que ce que les photos ne le suggèrent: maison spacieuse et cosy, équipements très complets, draps de lits et de bain en suffisance, très agréable jardin fleuri, etc. L'emplacement est très calme et un peu en dehors des circuits touristiques classiques de la vallée de la Loire, mais au coeur des vignes pour qui souhaite passer d'agréables moments de dégustation en direct avec les vignerons.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ralf K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gem in the countryside

If you want to get away from everything, La Marliere is perfect. Close enough to many attractions and far enough to enjoy the tranquillity of a beautifully decorated home. The entire property (house and garden) are exquisitely designed and decorated with amazing attention to detail. In addition to the charming home, the area is perfect for cycling if you want to build an appetite for the delicacies from the various markets or small stores in the area. Everything is low key but extremely high standard which is exactly why we liked it so much. In addition, Liz gives the term "hospitality" a new meaning, and we were very grateful that she is willing to share her "gem in the countryside."
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frédérique B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceptionnel !

Malgré le temps mitigé (mais auquel personne n'y pouvait rien), nous avons passé un excellent séjour dans cette maison magnifique. La décoration est d'un goût exquis avec une légère touche "brittish" que nous avons beaucoup appréciée. L'équipement et le confort sont parfaits. Le jardin est ravissant. Et ce qui ne gâche rien, la literie est très bonne. Nous avons vraiment eu l'impression de séjourner dans une maison de famille. Merci encore à Liz, notre hotesse, pour son accueil, ses attentions et ses bonnes adresses !
Stayed 8 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Safia H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay

The house is absolutely gorgeous - even better than in the pictures, beautifully decorated with modern bathrooms and kitchen. It is incredibly well equipped and everything that we needed was there. Everything is so comfortable and homely and we had an absolutely idyllic stay. The location is great, surrounded by roses and vineyards, and we loved walking into Nueil-sur-Layon every morning to raid the boulangerie. Thanks so much to Liz and Iona for their fantastic hosting and communication (all at very short notice). We would love to come back!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

helen s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

everything EXCELLENT

this is a beautiful home, so very carefully decorated and organised for a fabulous vacation. the owners could not be more pleasant and helpful and their attention to detail is beyond any expectations. all rooms are large, including the modern bathrooms. the well tended gardens are pretty and relaxing. it is situated in a wonderful location, perfect for vineyards, the village and visiting many interesting places and the long view from the house is beautiful and tranquil. it is set in the quiet french countryside which makes for a serene vacation. highly recommended - will return.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James A W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Above and Beyond

How do I begin a review of La Marlier? With superlatives aplenty! In planning our vacation we searched hundreds of homes in the region. The photographs and descriptions on HomeAway sold us on the choice of this house. However, the photographs could not capture the charm and beauty of the home, grounds and countryside. We chose this location as a base to explore the Loire Valley region but wanted the experience of a French country home as well. It fit our criteria perfectly. We could walk to the small village of Nueil-sur-Layon for groceries. From this home base we could visit the Château of Angers, Saumur, Chenonceau, d’Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Montreuil-Bellay and more. And the Abby at Fontavraud. The zoo (Parc Biologic) in Doue-la-Fontaine (20 minute drive) was beautiful and unique, and a giant supermarket was down the street. Our choice for winery visits was virtually unlimited. This house was perfect for two couples. Two bedrooms with king beds and en-suite bathrooms. The kitchen is well equipped with modern appliances. The dining area and attached sitting area is large - a perfect place to relax and share the days experiences. The living room was great for after dinner relaxation. The art alone, throughout the house, will make you smile. It is a historic house on the outside, a total renovation created a modern luxury home on the inside. Now the grounds. Private parking inside the gate or park in front to unload the groceries. Out- door seating at three different locations, choose sun or shade! No detail is left to chance either in the house or in the garden. I could go on and on, but enough. It was hard to leave after a week. I will be recommending this place to friends and business associates, without fear of disappointment. If you want to experience the beauty and tranquility of the country, yet be close to explore the historic sites of the Loire, this is the place. We highly recommend it.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

michael b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquillity, and the best renovation I have ever seen.

This beautiful property was beyond our wildest expectations. It is located in the quiet French countryside yet not far from great vineyards which are open for tastings and the some excellent restaurants in the locality. The property itself is a dream. Originally built we are told by the owners in 1720 it has been restored to the highest standard with a beautiful Kitchen/ breakfast area and modern bathrooms en suite. This has been done without loosing the “ beams and fire places” which characterize this property. Every detail has been meticulously attended to. There is even an under cover “outside bar” area along with a peaceful garden area. Everything possible has been done to make this property a wonderful place to stay. We will go back!! Soon!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

About the host

Hosted by Liz Knowles

Host profile image
I am English born but have lived in The Bahamas since the early 1980's. My husband Ronnie was born in Nassau and we live in The Bahamas some of the time. We bought an old house in France almost 30 years ago as a holiday home..... we have both had a love affair with travel and especially France all our adult lives. Through the years, with lots of renovations and imaginative gardening by Ronnie, our house and large rambling garden has become our special place and has hosted many house guests and parties.

Why they chose this property

This area has so much to offer and having a comfortable home base from which to explore can really enhance the experience. Relax in comfort on those days when you don't feel like doing much and know that you are always within easy reach of many historic towns, famous sites and wonderful restaurants. The Summer months in Anjou are alive with music and theatre and each town on the Loire takes it in turn to host a Sunday Flea Market - well worth a visit and you never know what treasures you might come away with. In a region with so many wineries there is always the opportunity to have a tour and a wine tasting. Don’t leave without seeing the underground caves of the producers of the much loved sparkling Saumur wines and discover their history and secrets and, of course, have a degustation at the end of the visit! Also well worth a visit as is the ancient troglodyte village and underground workings of Rochemenier which was home to several families until as recently as the early 1900s. Step back in time with a visit to the famous pleasure palaces, gardens and fortresses of the Loire…Angers, Chenonceau, Brézé, Montreuil Bellay to name but a few, and some are still home to aristocratic French families. In Doué la Fontaine (15 minutes away from Nueil) you will find everything that a French country town has on offer (weekly market, banks, a full facility sports centre with indoor pool, amazing Patisseries, restaurants and several supermarkets etc.) as well as a Roman arena where every July they host the internationally famous Festival of the Roses ...Doué being the foremost rose growing and exporting area in France. The BioParc (not your ordinary zoo) housed in a former quarry in Doué la Fontaine is home to a great many rare animals all happily housed in a very naturalistic setting and tended by a family who have loving maintained it for 3 generations. Tourist information Offices in Doué la Fontaine or Saumur can guide you through the wealth of things to do and see.

What makes this property unique

La Marlière is situated only 5 minutes away from our own house in Passavant. We fell in love with this house whilst looking at property with friends who were looking to buy in the area. We had often driven through the commune and were always delighted by the abundance of roses and flowering trees and shrubs. The sitting room fireplace is quite unique and the beamed ceilings throughout really captured our imagination. The rooms are all very spacious and bright and the garden is a sunny and tranquil oasis. By the time that first viewing was over we had already mentally taken down walls, added bathrooms and decorated it. Renovating La Marlère has truly been a labour of love. Having spent 2 years renovating the house and garden it is now "guest ready" and we hope others will enjoy all that the area has to offer as much as we, and many of our friends, have over the years.

Languages:

English, French
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