Coet Sarre Bras - literally in Breton' large wood by the (river) Sarre' has probably existed for several hundred years. The current house, built of dressed granite has 1846 etched over the front door but the nearby 'cave' (cider store) is clearly much older as is a ruin attached to the large barn.

40 acres or so of woodland belonging to the property surrounds the house and the environment is a nature lover's paradise. Deer inhabit the surrounding woods and birds of prey can often be seen circling on the thermals overhead. Everyone who comes to Coet comments on the tranquillity of this rural idyll.

Although only 4 km from the pretty village of Melrand it is a haven of peace and quiet. The presence of the manor house next door removes any sense of total isolation. The house itself has been extensively refurbished. It has a beautiful new country kitchen with all modern appliances including dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge, fridge freezer and oven. The huge living room is beautifully furnished, matching the original Breton furniture. The house sleeps up to 7comfortably, in four rooms and has 3 bathrooms with 2 showers. There are plentiful games, books and maps, and a CD player.

For many people the peace and quiet in a beautiful house in a stunning environment will be enough but there is plenty to do in the vicinity. Closest to hand are a series of clearly marked hiking trails through the neighbouring woods and countryside. There is a circuit of historic chapels, which host art exhibitions in the summer. The area is renowned for its rivers - the Sarre that runs in the valley behind the house, and the nearby Blavet. The latter has towpaths - perfect for cycling, as well as canoeing and more sedate riverboat excursions from St. Nicholas des Eaux.

The village of Melrand has a number of bars and a very good restaurant "la Tourelle". There are small local shops including a boulangerie/patisserie. For supermarket shopping there is an Intermarche at Bubry some 5 km away, whereas the nearby major town of Pontivy has extensive shopping and many restaurants.

Fishing licences can be obtained from the Maison de la Peche in the town and there is also an ancient chateau to visit. Lake Gueledan 30 minutes away offers bathing, sailing etc. and has a number of good restaurants. The enchanting Gulf of Morbihan with its many islands is about 45 minutes southwest as are the beautiful beaches of Southern Brittany and the historic cities of Vannes and Auray. If you like contemporary history then the dramatic U-boat pens in Lorient are of interest.

There is a nine-hole course in the grounds of a ruined chateau (Rimaison) only 20 minutes away. 40 - 50 minutes away are Val de Queen, Ocean Plomeur and St. Laurent - the latter hosting both a 9 and 18 hole course.

Duvets and pillow are provided and linen can be hired

Home page