The ancient fireplace in the living room and efficient gas central heating make the house an ideal all year round let.

A combination of low voltage lighting and table lamps helps to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere in the spacious living room.

One corner of the living room has ample dining  facilities, which makes eating-in a pleasure, should you want a change from the splendid restaurants. 

The house was built in the latter part of the 15^th century in what was once the main route into Dinan from the port. It is one of the many beautiful old timbered houses built by local merchants from the 15^th century onwards and is positioned a short distance below the Tower Gate of Jerzual, just beyond the Maison du Governeur at no. 24.

The photogenic position of the house is confirmed by Brittany ferries using a full page picture of the rue du Petit Fort in their national newspaper advertising campaign - a scene just around the corner from no.30!! Indeed, the latest Signpost Guide from Thomas Cook, Brittany and Normandy, describes the road as the most picturesque street of all. It is now free of traffic apart from occasional luggage drop offs or deliveries, but there is plenty of free parking for residents just 100 metres from the house. 

Although very old, the house has been restored and renovated over the years and has all the convenience of 21^st century living, yet its ancient character and features have been retained. Parts of the house are protected under the French ancient monument laws as having significant historical interest. These are the eight wooden balustrades on the facade of the house that originated from an old galleon; timbers in the large open fireplace and living room which also came from a ship; and the original exposed roof timbers in the top bedroom which are classic examples from medieval house building.

If you look up to the roof from the street you can see a door to the loft with a large hook hanging from the gable. It was through these doors that earlier inhabitants of the house hauled up and stored away their wood, yarn, reeds and dried vegetables for the winter. The house offers spacious and comfortable accommodation and comprises:

GROUND FLOOR

The main living room

 This room is large with an area of 36 m²  [about 20ft. by 20ft]. The floor is of quarry  tiles covered by rugs. There are two sofas and occasional chairs and a coffee table, which are arranged comfortably around the huge open fireplace. In one corner of the room there is a large dining table and 6 chairs, and other furniture helps to make the room comfortable and homely. The ceiling has ancient wooden beams and very tall people might need to duck in places! There is a mini CD/radio system so bring some CDs if you wish. The radio has longwave if you want to pick up news on radio 4 or keep up with The Archers!

Utility area

Double doors to the left of the fireplace lead to an area with an enclosed WC and wash basin and to the side of this an automatic washing machine. There is a bicycle here that you are welcomed to use. You might want to move this outside by the woodpile to allow ease of access to the garden.

Kitchen

A door to the right of the fireplace leads through to the kitchen. There is a gas cooker, fridge and plenty of cupboard space and work surfaces. The kitchen is fully equipped should you tire of the restaurants! There is a range of aluminium pots and pans including a large wok. Having experienced scantily clad kitchens in holiday homes, I have tried to provide every conceivable tool, a full range of crockery and cutlery from teapots to oyster forks and  winkle pickers, a large citrus press, toaster, electric kettle and a set of sharp knives!  

FIRST FLOOR

Wooden stairs lead up from the kitchen onto the first floor. Here, on the right is the spacious bathroom which has an effective shower over the bath, together with a sink and WC. Beside the bathroom is a door to a twin bedroom with two single beds with bedside tables and lights, a mirror and a pine wardrobe and a six drawer chest. Next to this room is a further twin bedroom which is similarly equipped and of comparable size (about 13 m²). This room is separated from the landing by a wall and a ceiling height curtain which when opened gives light and an open feel to the  landing area. Here there is a small table and two chairs which could be used by children as a play area.

Please note that a high chair and cot is in the house but parents should provide their own preferred linen etc. for this.

SECOND FLOOR

Wooden stairs lead up from the first floor landing to the second floor that houses the large double bedroom. The room is fully insulated yet incorporates the beautiful 500+ year old A-framed roof timbers which, with the exposed stone at both ends of the room, combine to create a most pleasing effect. The room has two bedside cabinets with lights, a wardrobe  and six drawer chest and an antique chair and dresser with mirror. The two roof windows over look the garden to tall trees and turrets beyond. 

There is gas central heating throughout the house for off season visits. The hot water is continuous and is heated through the combination boiler so there is no need to wait for water to heat up. Neither can it run out!

THE GARDEN

The garden is walled and is reached through the utility area. There are stone steps which lead up to a patio at the back of the garden by the tall stone wall. Here there is a table and six chairs and a bar-b-que. There are outside lights for use on long summer nights. Care should be taken in the garden as there is a drop from the end of the lawn to the path below. Young children should not be left unattended and older ones warned.