Guestbook
A guest's photo: Jean-Jacques Barreau
Extracts from
our guest book
We’ve had a memorable holiday. This has been our best accommodation to date and this is our 21st year of holidaying together! The quality of everything was outstanding, especially the beds, and we so enjoyed just relaxing around the grounds in this ‘secret garden’ and having Satchmo entertain us daily. Having everything so near was a bonus – the shops, the town, the château. The tour of the château was well worthwhile and we leave stacked with boxes of their wine.
The hospitality offered by Peter and Sally was so much appreciated. And we’ll never forget the exceptional 29th wedding anniversary meal served on the terrace – thank you so much.
David & Christine McCammond and Cyril & Elizabeth Campbell, Northern Ireland
Peter, Sally and dogs
Thank you very much for looking after us so well. We had a very relaxing time here – shame we did not make it two weeks. Thanks for all the suggestions, recommendations, jokes, stories, toe-licking …
Fi Agladious & Gill Hibberd, London
The Loire Valley is so beautiful; we have only scratched the surface of what there is to find here. Many thanks to you both for a memorable week at La Maison Aubelle. We have been most comfortable and have loved the delicious meals (Sally rules OK!) eaten on the terrace with convivial company.
Would love to stay and help clear up but … niège notre travail! (tr: ’s’no’ our job!)
Anne & Bob Drakeford, Wimbledon
This is our ninth visit. We think we’ve beaten them all except maybe for Charles and Lesley. However, we are drawn to your beautiful house in its lovely setting and it really is our summer home in our imagination. Your hospitality and comfort are unparalleled and so we will return next year to La Maison Aubelle.
Marjory & Tony Elliott, Durham
Tony & Marjory (see above) have told us so much about your establishment that we had to come and see for ourselves. They were right!
Good food (very)
Good wine (plenty)
Good company
GOOD HOLIDAY!!
You ticked all the boxes. The pig party was a bonus!
Joan & Tony Wallace, Durham
Where to start? We had a great time and really have been impressed by what you have accomplished – from the turret to the cellar and everything “in between”! The pictures of the restoration were amazing and the finished product is brilliant. Thank you again for your help and hospitality – especially the tips on places to visit and, of course, the translation and medical services rendered … a great souvenir and set of memories to take home with us. We wish you continued success and will recommend you to all back home.
Gordon & Rebecca Cross, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Thank you for a superb slice of scrumptiousness.
Leanne & Graham Brown, Sutton Coldfield
Chapter Six
On our sixth visit to ‘our summer residence’ in the Loire, la Tour wraps itself around us comme d’habitude and the welcome from the two-legs and the four-legs is, as always, extremely warm. Therefore:
welcome 11/10
comfort 11/10
company 11/10
food and wine 11/10
It has also been very special to meet the newest member of the Smith family, Satchmo, and watch his antics with Moro. Just one last thing – Flint … he will always occupy a little corner in all our hearts.
Carole, Mike & Philippa Gillian, Pontefract
Lovely house, lovely food and lovely hosts – what more is there to say! We really enjoyed our stay here. It lived up to all our expectations!
Many thanks!
Odile & Michael Ryan, London
La Maison Aubelle is more than just a place to stay. Peter and Sally make it a place that you will remember and return to. The pool, the food, the wine, but most of all the hospitality is second to none!
John & Theresa Frost, Surrey
A visit long overdue. Many thanks for making our 40th wedding anniversary a special day – and evening, as time wore on. Hospitality and comfort once again top class.
Ian & Elaine Valentine, Ayr
It’s a long way to come, but we return like homing pigeons, for it feels like coming home. Our fourth visit in five years and the hospitality is as wonderful as ever. Thank you, Sally and Peter, the comfort level at La Maison is five-star. Big hugs, too, for Il Moro and Satchmo.
Patrick Archer & Pamela Jackson, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Having looked back through this book I see that “B-J” has made four previous entries, so it is time I proved I can write!
Though this is the fifth entry, I think we have stayed six or seven times, all with different memories. Due to Peter’s enthusiasm as a host, many of these are alcoholic, from sharing a bottle at lunchtime to being introduced to épine, 66, which we still make from time to time, and many an aperitif on the delightful terrace.
Our thanks to Sally for all her culinary efforts and to you both for all the ‘extras’, such as searching for petrol during the strike of 2004.
PS: Senility has set in! I am reliably informed that the drink is “44”, not “66” – well, just how many coffee beans can you stuff in an orange anyway!
B-J and Nigel Smith, Tamworth
Thank you, Sally and Peter, for the wonderful two weeks we have spent in la Maison Aubelle. We are so incredibly relaxed, we know it is due to the gorgeous apartment, beautiful surroundings, Il Moro, of course, your superb hospitality and keeping us from too much homesickness on Christmas Day. Your meals, Sally, were beautiful, and it is obvious, Peter, you know how to keep your guests entertained with those jokes. I am sure Dennis has already written down the catch lines. We will definitely be back in another season to appreciate more of the Loire. Good luck with all your plans. You are wonderful hosts and we have had a tremendous time.
Gail & Dennis Ring (those Aussies), Springwood, Queensland, Australia
All I can say is that you lived up to your billing. The Stable was everything you would expect from a top hotel with the bonus of your wonderful hospitality and the company of the dogs.
Paul & Danielle Lelliott, Orpington
Five days, which passed much too quickly. You have created something very special and we are glad to have found it! A perfect blend of luxury and informality which we have loved.
Andy & Liz Gladin, Canterbury, Kent
What a fantastic few days we have had. A few of the highlights were wine tasting on day one, day two, day three and day four and, of course, the good company, wine in the evenings (lunchtimes and afternoons) and especially the home brew!
Charlotte Brownlee (née Ashby)
Thank you for a beautiful few days. You have an amazing house and a fantastic way of life. I hope in a few years time we can enjoy the finer things in life, such as sun, wine and fine food.
PS: If they need a local bobby, I’m your man!
Steven Brownlee
Thank you for a marvellous week in the sun, a welcome break from offices and airports. You’ve been fabulous hosts, and the tiniest details of La Maison Aubelle are a credit to you both. We’ve enjoyed everything about it, especially the pool and the dogs (!), and of course the taste of your underground hooch.
Andrew & Diane Hall, Twickenham
What can I write that would adequately describe our stay here?! The thing that saddens us is not being able to kidnap your dogs so that they could continue training us in ball retrieval!
David, Rachel, Michael and Max McFarlane, Stroud
Swimming with dogs beats swimming with dolphins any day. What a wonderful place, what a lovely relaxing holiday. Bliss on wheels – thanks.
Carolyn, Derek and Benjamin Connon, Swansea
Thanks for making our first holiday in France a magical one! The Coach House, the excellent food and all the lovely wine were all absolutely fantastic! Montreuil-Bellay is a wonderful historical town and Maison Aubelle is a credit to you both.
Mel & Dave, Lauren and Emily Russell, Mileham
Thank you for a wonderful week at La Maison Aubelle. We have enjoyed every minute of it, from the welcoming arrival, the beautiful apartment and the pleasantly heated pool. A special thank you to you both for making Hannah’s 14th birthday such a special occasion and one that we will not forget.
Paula, Gary, Laura and Hannah Nagel, Durham
The beauty of our surroundings, the superb cooking and the convivial atmosphere have all made for a wonderful holiday. You are truly wonderful hosts.
Sylvia, Alex and Rachel Hall, Isle of Man
If you’d been mean, miserable, stiff-necked hosts, we’d still have been impressed by the loveliness of La Maison Aubelle. As it is, you’ve given us a delightful, memorable holiday, thanks to your warmth and generosity and ready friendship. We’re so relaxed now I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to wind up!
Mandy Oates and Alan Hall, West Yorkshire
Thank you for a wonderful week: excellent accommodation, beautifully prepared and presented meals, superb hospitality. Your suggestions for restaurants – especially Trésor Belge – and for places to visit on cloudy days – were much appreciated.
John & Barbara Twiselton, Isle of Sheppey
We have been instructed by the parents (Charles and Lesley) to write something witty about this being their fifth visit to La Maison Aubelle. As you know, we never do what we’re told, so instead we would like to thank you for our wonderful holiday. We really enjoyed the food, wine, swimming pool, wine, good company, wine, sunshine and all the alcohol. The home-brew was also good.
Will and Karin Ashby
Dear Flint and Il Moro
When searching the web for that get away from it all location, your kennel just leapt off the screen as a must visit.
On arrival, Peter came bounding to the door followed by much wagging of the tail and a much needed ice-cold beer. His vitality and enthusiasm chasing that rubber ball is a sight to behold!
Sally’s assistance with French pronunciation, coupled with her truly memorable exploits in the kitchen have, I am afraid to say, meant that there were no dinner table scraps left over for the two of you this week.
That said, you are truly the most spoilt dogs in France and have trained both Peter and Sally exceptionally well, but keep an eye on them as they both have infectious laughter.
Disclaimer … names and numbers of paws may have become somewhat blurred!
Mark and Adrian, Pinner
2nd … oh dear! losing track of the days – says it all! 1st July 2006. Well, as you can see I’m so relaxed by the end of the week that I haven’t a clue what day it is … but that can only be good. Yet again we have loved every minute of our stay at Aubelle. The only trouble is that the week seems to get shorter each time, and as this is our fifth visit it didn’t last anywhere near long enough. We will be back (this may be regarded as a threat or a promise depending on your point of view!)
Carole, Mike and Philippa Gillian, Pontefract
Thank you so much for your wonderful welcome, yet again. We always look forward to visiting La Maison Aubelle and once more we can tick all the ‘excellent’ boxes.
BJ & Nigel Smith, Tamworth
What can we say but a huge thank you for a wonderful week. A special thank you for the special birthday ‘do’ for Gil. We were both overwhelmed by your tremendous effort to make it a memorable night for us. Good food, good wine and marvellous company. We will remember the laughter, the jokes, some good, some bad, but all very funny. You have been the perfect hosts.
Lee & Gil Hood, Trentham
Having stayed at La Maison Aubelle before, this visit was rather special – our daughter’s wedding. She wanted to marry in the Loire and, after discussing the process with Peter and Sally, they kindly agreed to organise the blessing in Montreuil-Bellay. Every aspect of the event – priest, chapel and its decoration, accommodation, catering, wine, florist, transport, etc – was covered and the organisation was superb. Forty guests came from Staffordshire and were most impressed; many said it was the best wedding they had ever attended. We could not have believed that the the whole day could have been so successful and memorable. Thank you, Peter and Sally, for your help and support.
Alan & Sheila Fernyhough, Stone
An absolutely enormous thank you from Darron and me for ensuring our blessing was an absolutely fabulous day to remember –the ambience, food, music, wine – we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.
Debbie (ex-Fernyhough) & Darron Jones
Wow – what a place! Fantastic ambience, beautifully renovated house and amazing bed! Looks as though we’ll be back! Really enjoyed your company, Peter and Sally – many, many thanks.
Fiona & Roy Firth, Orkney
Where to begin? The wonderful accommodation. The generous and thoughtful hospitality. This beautiful part of the Loire Valley. We’ve enjoyed it all and are hugely grateful to you for making it such a memorable holiday. The first thing we did on arrival was have a drink with you on your sunny terrace. Many drinks and meals later – thank you Peter and Sally – we’re packing up to leave. Can’t wait to return.
Tim Newburn, London
We’ve all had a fabulous holiday. Thank you for your generous hospitality. We’ve loved it: food – especially the meal on the first night; wine – especially the drinks party for Lewis’s birthday; the house and garden – especially breakfast on the terrace; the town – especially Escalier Saint Pierre; the châteaux – Montreuil-Bellay takes some beating; the company – so many interesting agreeable people, and Stephen. It’s thanks to him that we booked in the first place. Next time we come I’ll beat Tim at chess …
Mary Newburn, London
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us and for being the perfect hosts, It was a delight to wine and dine on your terrace in such a relaxing atmosphere and in such congenial company.
Neil, Sue & Jennie Bradley, Tamworth
Peter and Sally have an ordinary surname and an extraordinary home. We’ve been privileged to share it with them.
David & Poula Budge, Rickmansworth
We have enjoyed our time here very much; good company, good food, excellent accommodation and extremely kind hosts!! The dogs were wonderful company and all these components had the resulting effect of us having a tremendous holiday!! Thanks very much. Thanks very much.
Theresa & James Webster, Newton Mearns
There once was a kind host called Peter,
Who gave Mother wine by the litre
His wife was called Sally
A great cook – and pally
This couple could not have been sweeter!
(Sorry, nothing rhymes with Sally! Well, apart from pally) Thanks for a great holiday!
Beth Bradshaw, Leicester
Superb hosts
Pre-empting every need
Outstanding hospitality
Terrific accommodation
Total satisfaction
Exceptional home-cooking
Delightful dogs
Dedication to guests’ needs
Immaculate apartments
Comfy beds
Kind and thoughtful - Peter and Sally go out of their way to make this a home from home.
Molly, Ali & Phil (the steamed pudding lover) Richard, Chichester
“Tempus fugit” – but on a different scale in Maison Aubelle!
Rob Baker & Sue Fernando-Smith, Stoke on Trent
We challenge anybody to find a better place to stay in France with such wonderful hosts and accommodation.
Charles & Lesley Ashby, Bramber , Sandy & Jim Brady, Bognor Regis
A lovely break in a quaint French village with nice flat countryside for cycling! Ate and drank far too much but will remember our stay with great fondness.
John & Pam Spencer, Johannesburg
We have loved every minute – the house, the garden, the food, the wine, the company of our fellow guests and, of course, Sally and Peter, Flint and Il Moro. Normally after 10 or so days of holiday I start thinking of home, but here I just wish I could stay. Thank you for a wonderful holiday.
Stanley & Dorothy Menzies, Bramham
What is there left to say when it has all been said before (surely Carole is not bereft of words!) … well, I suppose a fourth visit is its own accolade. We’ve loved it as usual – two legs, four legs, food, wine … and not forgetting the entire ambience. Here’s to the next time.
Carole, Mike & Philippa Gillian, South Kirkby
For some months now we have been looking forward to our sejour at La Maison Aubelle. Our stay has fulfilled all our expectations. The accommodation, service and general ambience have been excellent. Thank you for your warm welcome and hospitality.
Audrey & Newton Henderson, Lenzie
Our third visit in three years and La Maison never disappoints. The relaxation it offers surpasses any spa. Peter and Sally are always wonderful hosts; it’s now like coming back to see old friends. The meals are wonderful, whether on the terrace or in the dining room, the accommodation is comfort-plus, and who can forget Il Moro and Flint? Such lovely animals. We look forward to our fourth visit.
Pat Archer & Pam Jackson, Coburg, Ontario
What a lovely place! With hospitality exceeded only by the taste (and humour) that attends it. With many thanks.
David & Gert Spring, Coburg, Ontario
Peter and Sally, You have achieved a miraculous restoration and we applaud you for it, but most of all your warm hospitality and professional treatment of us will be remembered always. Thank you for making our stay such a special experience.
Chris, Essie & Liezel Potgieter, Nigel, S. Africa & Gillingham
Bravo pour avoir si bien restauré la maison de notre enfance et merci pour votre accueil. Merci d’avoir accepté de recevoir notre petite famille dans la maison de leurs grands-parents. Souvenirs, souvenirs et émotion. Encore merci pour votre accueil.
Alain & Véronique Raimbault, Niort
Thank you for making Nick’s 60th so memorable, Wonderful food and lovely comfortable surroundings. A bientôt.
Ian & Isabelle Reeve, Dorset
Thank you for sharing your beautiful house with us. The food was wonderful, hospitality unsurpassed and the pool was bloody freezing! (it was April!)
Wayne & Emma, Dorset
If this is what happens to successful accountants then I need to come back for lessons! Hopefully in the cave!
Aidan Creeden, Dorset
From us, just a huge thank you!
Nick & Jenny Forbes, Bridport
A gastronomic, historic and social delight. Thank you both so much for your hospitality.
Daphne Barkworth, Eastbourne
Encore superbe!
Ian Ritchie, Uckfield
Horrendous weather; fortunately Sally, Peter, the apartment and other guests were not!
Jan & Merv De’Ath, Jersey
“Luxury” is a much used, and abused, word but not in the case of La Maison Aubelle. We admired everything about it: the layout, space, furnishings, craftsmanship, style and quality. Thank you for a wonderful, memorable week. You have done the most marvellous thing in restoring and modernising, in a thoroughly sympathetic way, the whole complex with fantastic vision and to the highest standards. And you were the most congenial and convivial host and hostess we could wish to meet; the dinners were hugely enjoyable and a wonderful way to meet and get to know your other guests in a real house-party way. As ever with holidays, we were unsure of exactly what we would find – we found a jewel, in a superb setting with lovely people. Thank you both and best wishes for the future.
Margaret & Brian Walmsley, Guildford
Many thanks for a great holiday. We did what we wanted and needed to do which was rest and relax. It’s the ideal place! Everything is exactly how you describe it – perfect.
Linda & Pip Knights, Market Harborough
Sometimes it can be a mistake to go back as a second visit doesn’t always live up to expectations. Not so with the Maison Aubelle!
Rosemary & Chris Wilder, Felixstowe
Peter and Sally remind us of swans – a calm and serene front of house but there must be some furious paddling behind the scenes – everything is wonderful and nothing is too much trouble.
Barbara & David Cansell, Warrington
We have enjoyed our stay at Maison Aubelle:-
Fantastic château
Outstanding house
Really good dinner
Great garden and pool
Even better apartment
Re---b-e elec---city?!
Owners who enthuse
No better holiday venue.
Hilary & Joe Clinch, Kent & Jim
(explanation: “Forgeron” = “Smith” in French – and we had a lightning strike just before this visit which meant that the electricity kept tripping out, until we realised what had happened and had it fixed!)
I particularly enjoyed being trained by the dogs to retrieve their ball from the pool for them! This is a great place for relaxing and getting away from it all – it is also a great place for expanding your waistline. The atmosphere here is second to none and I have to say this is one of the nicest spots we have vacationed in.
Judith & John Fowler, Swindon
Simply – absolutely fantastic! Many, many thanks Peter & Sally.
Mim & Richard Butler, Stockport
Wonderful stay for our wedding anniversary. Jardin apartment very pretty, enjoyed the pool and the dogs are wonderful (so are the hosts!)
Jackie & Martin Dawson, Jersey
Thank you for a relaxing and luxurious stay, from our drive through the gates to leaving. Your welcome made us feel so very special. The food, apartments and everything are beyond compare. A wonderful holiday.
Alison & Richard Hamer, Steyning
The dogs are really, really cute. Ruth Hamer
The dogs are so nice. Helen Hamer
How difficult! It has all been said before: A fine holiday in a superb location, topped off with splendid hosts. Au revoir.
Enid & Ken Hume, Stockport
To Peter and the mermaid –
Grand week, great company and a dedication to hospitality. Thanks for making our stay so enjoyable.
Annette & Eric Robson, Wasdale
Yet another wonderful holiday. We love it here and so keep returning!
Sue & Bryan Banks, Newport
We thought it was all lovely, but what made it really special was just how welcoming you both were, with a great celebration of our 4th wedding anniversary to remember.
Bel & Mike Garvey, London
Thank you so much for a wonderful stay and such a warm welcome. You have created a lovely house and we have enjoyed ourselves tremendously. We will definitely be back!
Tracie & Tony Byrne, Market Harborough
Delightful house: great food and a gracious welcome – a veritable oasis! We’ll be back!
Mary & Terry Ringland, Co. Down
We love to discover something new on each holiday – to find a wee treasure – and we have done just that!
Julie & Robert Winter, Bingley
Rarely does a week fly by so quickly – fine food, good wine, good company … we’ll have to come back for more. Merci bien, et à la prochaine!
Michelle Gillian & Al Tasker, Manchester
C’est très difficile à trouver des nouvelles choses à dire quand nous l’avons dit tous dans les ans precedents (improving, or what? … if it’s correct the wine helped, if not, the wine was obviously a hindrance) but our third visit has lived up to all our expectations and it has been extra special to be ‘en famille’ this time. We hope to return … providing you will have us!
Carole, Mike & Philippa Gillian, Pontefract
Who ever said that accountants are boring?! No one who is boring could have created this idyllic haven. Peter and Sally make a great team with fabulous ambience, bonhomie, superb food.
Jenny & Geoff Winn (he’s an accountant!), Scarborough
After 15 years of visiting France we have finally found a piece of real France at last.
Moyra & Alex Harvey, Peterhead
Just the ideal spot for a bit of rest and relaxation after the excitement of Le Mans. Will miss our morning treat from the cakie shop, but suspect our waistlines will be grateful! La Maison Aubelle was just the sort of comfort we were looking for – so good that I would send my mother.
Liz & Struan Robertson, Embo
We came all the way from Canada for our second visit here and it is every bit as wonderful as we remembered from two years ago.
Patrick Archer & Pam Jackson, Cobourg, Ontario
From the time we arrived, when Peter said, "come and have a glass of wine", we knew we'd struck gold. One of the best weeks we have spent in almost fifty years of visiting France.
Mary & Ivor Marsh, Chumleigh, Devon
The beauty of the countryside, wonderful accommodation, Sally's superb cooking and Peter's sense of humour all contribute to a memorable holiday.
Pam & Ted Bishop, Toronto
….and in consideration of subsequent guests we did not completely empty your cellar.
Joyce & Gordon Hayes, Fenelon Falls, Ontario
What is best about the Maison Aubelle? The accommodation, the company, the food or the wine? It's a very close run decision; we truly enjoyed every aspect.
Pam & John Stevens, Havant
We had a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing your piece of heaven with us. Sharing two bottles of champagne on a warm afternoon in a beautiful garden in France with good company is a great way to rejuvenate.
Lori & Brian Simpson, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
The Maison Aubelle was the greatest hotel I have ever stayed in. Thank you very much.
Adam Simpson (aged 12)
Your home is an absolute credit to you both and your warmth and hospitality were appreciated by all of us.
Ken & Maggi, Matt and Dave Kirkham, Neutral Bay, Australia
La Maison Aubelle is one of those rare holiday finds.
Barbara & Peter Clarke, Heswall
I cannot think of anything flattering to say about La Maison Aubelle that will not have been said hundreds of times by other visitors. But a few are certainly worth repeating: hospitality, thoughtfulness, good food and wine and the charming ability of Peter and Sally to make one feel so relaxed and "at home." The house has been restored with love - and it shows. Thank you very much.
Tom Hunt, Constable Burton
I congratulate you in achieving the perfect balance between preserving the historic ambience of La Maison Aubelle and providing total comfort.
Joan Mallett, London
Gracious town, gracious Maison Aubelle and very gracious hosts.
Gloria & Eddy Jupp, Sussex
Thank you for organising the reception with the Mayor of Montreuil-Bellay, a truly wonderful touch!
Lesley & Charles Ashby, Bramber
Why buy a house in France when you can stay somewhere like this? What surprise will the cellar hold for us next time!!
Jen & Nick Forbes, Dorset
Previous years...
The welcome apartment, food and wine were all wonderful - not to mention Flint and Moro, who are surely the most laid back dogs in the world.
Margaret, Steve & Jess Denton, Northwich
We have really enjoyed all the special touches around the apartments that make the days good fun, hassle-free and easy to appreciate. So much to see too, round and about, and the local people are so friendly.
the Halls tribe, Tunbridge Wells
I've had a thoroughly enjoyable week at La Maison Aubelle. The house and grounds are fantastic and in a beautiful part of France. Thank you very much for your warm hospitality, Peter and Sally.
Kathryn Geekie, London
The week has flown by - it has been more like holidaying with friends than hiring an apartment.
Margaret & Alan Martin, Wokingham
A week has simply not been long enough. We have had a wonderful time and sincerely appreciate your kindness and hospitality.
Irene & Ian Bell, BFPO 40
Before coming here in 2001 we had never returned to previous holiday accommodation. This is our third successive year here - what more can we say?
Anne & Keith Cleaver, Chester-le-Street
We knew we were going to have a great holiday when you greeted us with a bottle of wine!
Sheila, Ian & Siân Thomas
The Internet has a lot to answer for - without it we would not have found you. La Maison Aubelle was beyond our expectations, everything anyone could ask for.
Glennis & Pete Wyman and Patti & Mike Hill, Salisbury
Hated every minute of it. Hope to hate it again next year.
Jane Marriot & Brian Dawson, Atherstone
Many thanks for such an enjoyable and relaxing fortnight. The accommodation was excellent, the cooking superb and your hospitality and company delightful.
Celia, Paul & David Hughes, Cuckfield
Good evening, Montreuil-Bellay. The votes from the Manchester jury are as follows: accommodation Sally's cooking fine wine friendliness helpfulness DIX POINTS
Shelagh Maye & Pete Crowther, Heywood
The warmth of your hospitality and charm of the wonderful Maison Aubelle have been an absolute delight.
Catherine Neagle, John Constable & Natalie Neagle, Haslemere
A second visit to La Maison Aubelle reinforced all the superb impressions first gained in August 2001. We have again enjoyed a lovely holiday but with the added benefit of the excellent pool - and how very kind you were to us on our wedding anniversary.
Jenny & John Underhill, Marlborough
Your hospitality has been second to none. The restoration of the house is a masterpiece.
Margo & Jim Wallace, Dunoon
Peter and Sally's warmth, hospitality and entertaining insight into all things local makes for the most enjoyable holiday. La Maison Aubelle is "parfaite" in every way.
Andrea Johns & Kevin Lamey, Essex
We will have great memories of a relaxing week full of good food, wine and fun.
Claire & Eugene O'Brien, Partridge Green
Your old friends are immensely proud of you and your achievements. Having seen La Maison Aubelle in its early stages of restoration, each subsequent visit leaves us more and more amazed. Congratulations to you both, and long may La Maison Aubelle continue to give pleasure to your guests. As usual, we've had a wonderful time. PS: And thanks to Flint and Moro for the cabaret!
Beryl & Mike Parry, Wavre, Belgium
We thought we would go and discover pastures new this year, but the lure of Aubelle was too much for us and we are very glad we succumbed. It was so good to meet our old friends - 2 legs and 4 - and make new ones too.
Carole, Mike & Philippa Gillian, Pontefract
Another superb holiday, thanks to Sally and Peter. It's as if you are at home with best friends, but with the sun and a magnificent choice of food and wine.
Jackie Clark & Lionel Jones, Churchill
We're really glad we chose to stay here. You have done a fantastic job with restoring the property - we think it's stunning - and you have also chosen to live in a lovely town.
Sue & Andy Beveridge
It has been a truly special week for the four of us. We have not all been together for over a year now and our week in the Loire was just perfect, helped of course by your magnificent hospitality and amazing, no, extraordinary house. Tim has been able to run along rivers (mad, but it's what he does!), Mrs Baird has been able to get excited about the local architecture and take lots of door photos, Mr Baird has particularly enjoyed the wine tasting, needing no encouragement from Peter (!) and I've just soaked it all up before the birth of 'the kid'.
Susan, Tim, Jan & Richard Baird, England & Australia
I love your passion for all things that are nice.
Liz & Vance Pimperton, Scarborough
A truly memorable time. New Year's Eve was exceptional - fantastic food and glorious wines with fireworks and bells to welcome in the year. Oysters and black velvet on 1st January to complete the celebrations! All wonderful! You are fabulous hosts and work so hard on behalf of your guests. Thank you.
Kate & Andrew Richards and Diane Pascoe & Michael Seagram, Maidenhead
After having heard all the rave reviews from the relatives in Canada, it was great to experience La Maison Aubelle first hand. It certainly has lived up to its reputation!
Michelle & Steve Gauder, Toronto
Previous testimonies bear out the fact that Peter and Sally are very special people in a very special setting.
Les & Liz Canning, Warrington
We have been here for almost three weeks now, and we can truly say that it feels like a home away from home! Tickets arranged for football matches, e-mails delivered under the door, directions and advice freely given - nothing seems too much for La Maison Aubelle.
Sheila & Ray Taylor, Kanata, Ottawa
Chers Sally et Peter
We thought our first visit was perfect but this one was even better.
Fran, Ross & Lance Smith, Meaford & Toronto
Fabulous new apartments - we could easily live here permanently!
Helen Harrison & Gerald Titton, Horsted Keynes
Thank you for a magical week.
Pam Jackson and Pat Archer, Cobourg, Ontario
Everything was absolutely brilliant and the holiday was made complete by your attention and kindness. It would not be possible to find a more comfortable gîte in the whole of France.
Jan & Bill Lewis and Nan & Ken Matthews, Wales
What a fantastic base to explore this wonderfully plentiful part of France, vineyards, vineyards, vineyards!! I hope they let us on the ferry!
Adèle & Colin Abel, Twickenham
Thank you for a wonderful holiday and for allowing us to share your home with you. We have felt like part of the family.
The house is perfect and your hospitality extraordinary. We have very much enjoyed dining with you and the other guests … the fact that you take Tuesday and Thursday evenings off is unnecessary and quite frankly selfish!!!! However, we will endure it if we must and look forward to further visits.
Kathleen, Fred & Alison Smith, Wigan
The stables were everything we imagined they would be. We wanted a relaxing week away from it all and we certainly got it. I hope the dogs get some rest next week!!
David, Alison, Hannah & Katy Rode, Darlington
I wrote last year that we would be back to monitor developments, never expecting to be the first to stay in the Stable. The refurbishment is stunning. Congratulations.
Anne & Keith Cleaver, Durham
We knew we had found the perfect place when our two teenagers asked us to book for next year within 30 minutes of our arrival! A l'année prochaine!
Jackie, John, Oliver & Charlotte Butterwick, Tadcaster
Best accommodation we have ever had in a gite - loved the dishwasher!
Karen & Keith Morris, Stoke on Trent
How can the unsurpassable be described!
Marjory & Tony Elliott, Durham
Lang may your lum reek.
Elizabeth & Nairn Hunter, Saltcoats
Thank you for having nice holiday potential because I think we filled all of it.
Siân Beynon (19), York
'Twas in a place called Montreuil-Bellay
We first met Peter and Sallay!
The food and the wine
Were oh so divine.
So sayeth Diane and Ray
Diane & Ray Donnan, Eire
We felt more like friends than paying guests.
Rosemary & Chris Wilder, Felixstowe
Each day, after seeing the glories of the Loire, we could look forward to returning to your beautiful corner of Montreuil-Bellay, which you made us feel was ours, too.
Mary McKenzie & Peter MacDonald, Toronto
A little bit of heaven in a lovely part of the world.
Morag & Bruce Anderson, Scotland
Superb accommodation with the best level of equipment we have ever experienced. We received a very warm and friendly welcome and the hospitality throughout was of the highest order. Excellent food and wine.
Betty & Derek Mattinson, Silsoe
…the hospitality received from both the two-legs and the four-legs was truly memorable.
Carole, Mike and Philippa Gillian, Pontefract
La Maison Aubelle proved to be a charming discovery for us. Your exquisite home set in a lovely city and environs, wonderful dinners and hospitality, but most of all charming and vibrant hosts, helped us discover and appreciate the Loire Valley.
Maureen & Tom Moakley, Rhode Island
I would recommend all my "depressed" clients to come here but that would probably do me out of a lot of business.
Irving (& Moira) McLeod, Gateshead
We didn't know having fun could be so easy!
Ilona Blue & Rob Nicholls, London
Paradise indeed!
Lynne & Nick Hubbard, Southfields
Having given up alcohol for Lent, we could not have picked a better place to spend Easter!
Martin & Paul, London
Our visit to the Loire has exceeded all our expectations. Now we have two compelling reasons to return. One is the simple beauty and history of the Loire Valley. The other is the opportunity you have generously given us to experience all that you have perfectly restored and created at the exquisite Maison Aubelle.
The zoo was a 10. I liked the snakes.
I liked the zoo a lot too, but what I really enjoyed was the outdoor chess, and Flint and Moro. They were so fun to play with.
Rosemary, Jonathan, Eliza & Jake Movsom-Crose, Providence, Rhode Island
Snippets from past years
Thank you for your detailed hospitality and food. Especially remembered will be the Christmas dinner and wines.
Our praises only echo those before us. Thank you for making our family feel so welcome - and for all the useful tips to make this trip so memorable.
What a superb week - formidable! The hospitality is beyond belief - the wine is the icing on the cake of the cuisine.
Montreuil-Bellay is probably the most attractive small town we know and La Maison Aubelle is the jewel in the crown.
We have stayed in good places and bad places in France - but this is the very best.
Sally & Peter, Mission accomplished!
Greater than all our expectations - especially the hosts.
Wonderful holiday, wonderful hosts, superb house and wonderful secrets below...
We much prefer self-catering La Maison Aubelle way, where the dishwasher serves only to remind you that you can rough it if you really want to!
Annie and I have travelled far and wide and we have never been in a place where time magically stops and where peace and tranquility reign.
5-star accommodation and 10-star company!
Now we've returned and I think we did stay with good, comfortable friends. The pool is a brilliant addition. There is one huge problem with staying here though - everywhere else we've stayed in Europe has been shabby by comparison!
Fantastic is an understatement!
A thoroughly enjoyable vacation enhanced by your cuisine, your good humour and tolerance for two old crocks!
All experiences are worth having, but some are undoubtedly more special than others.
It's just wonderful to share in your dreams.
The formula is perfect.
A wonderful house in a wonderful part of France. It did the trick for us: relaxed and ready to face real life again.
We leave with regret but with hope that our livers and waistlines may recover in time.
Thank God I was able to chill out at last!
Food wonderful - and wine - and dogs!
Staying here was like visiting two comfortable old friends.