The gites at Ty Hir and the surrounding area Everyone's idea of heaven is different. For us, it is escaping to the peace and quiet of the country. Admittedly, the countryside is not always quiet, especially at harvest time but that is part of the appeal for us too.
From Ty Hir you can often hear our neighbour's cows lowing, the sheep bleating in the field down the lane, or the sound of the local cockerels greeting the dawn floating across the valley. If the wind is in the right direction, peacocks can sometimes be heard calling urgently to each other at the farm at the back of the cottages.
From Ty Hir you can often hear our neighbour's cows lowing, the sheep bleating in the field down the lane, or the sound of the local cockerels greeting the dawn floating across the valley. If the wind is in the right direction, peacocks can sometimes be heard calling urgently to each other at the farm at the back of the cottages.
The scent of lavender pervades our terrace in summer Another integral part of rural Brittany are the smells. Fortunately, in the main, these are pleasant like the relaxing fragrance of our lavender plants. These attract a variety of bees as well as the fascinating Hummingbird Hawk-moth.
As we tend to take our breaks in Brittany in spring or the autumn, we also have been subjected to the delights of the odours associated with muck spreading. Fortunately, this usually doesn't last long and carrying a sprig of lavender can help mask the smell should the need arise.
As we tend to take our breaks in Brittany in spring or the autumn, we also have been subjected to the delights of the odours associated with muck spreading. Fortunately, this usually doesn't last long and carrying a sprig of lavender can help mask the smell should the need arise.
The view from the Petit Longere to the field next door One of the real delights of staying at Ty Hir are the mornings. I love waking up in the Petit Longere on a bright spring morning to the sound of bird song.
I can enjoy the views over the surrounding fields to the front and side of the gites from the velux window without fear of being spotted in a state of dishabille. Sometimes, if I'm lucky, I will spot a hare or stoat scurrying along the drive.
I can enjoy the views over the surrounding fields to the front and side of the gites from the velux window without fear of being spotted in a state of dishabille. Sometimes, if I'm lucky, I will spot a hare or stoat scurrying along the drive.
View from the kitchen of the Grand Longere Having finally dressed and descended the stairs, a leisurely breakfast of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants (hubby haven arisen first to do the necessary naturally) can be enjoyed on the front terrace which, being south facing, is often bathed in sunshine all day.
For the past two years sparrows have nested in a hole in the front wall of the Petit Longere. They get most indignant when we chose to linger on the terrace, sitting in the conifer opposite scolding us for interfering with their routine. They eventually realise that we really aren't a threat and recommence their frequent trips to the nest. We are lucky to have these cheeky little chappies nesting at Ty Hir as sparrow numbers are in decline in the UK sadly.
For the past two years sparrows have nested in a hole in the front wall of the Petit Longere. They get most indignant when we chose to linger on the terrace, sitting in the conifer opposite scolding us for interfering with their routine. They eventually realise that we really aren't a threat and recommence their frequent trips to the nest. We are lucky to have these cheeky little chappies nesting at Ty Hir as sparrow numbers are in decline in the UK sadly.
Circular walk on the doorstep of the gites We are fortunate that there is no real need to leave Ty Hir, except to pop to the general store in Collorec for essential supplies or a bit further afield to Huelgoat or Carhaix to hit the supermarkets.
If we are not spending the day working or relaxing in our large garden, we have a lovely walk right on our doorstep, the 'circuit des passerelles, or the 'footpath of wooden bridges'.
The trail is 7.5 km long and crisscrosses the tranquil river Ellez, passing through rolling countryside. Some of our guests have even completed the circuit on our mountain bikes!
If we are not spending the day working or relaxing in our large garden, we have a lovely walk right on our doorstep, the 'circuit des passerelles, or the 'footpath of wooden bridges'.
The trail is 7.5 km long and crisscrosses the tranquil river Ellez, passing through rolling countryside. Some of our guests have even completed the circuit on our mountain bikes!
River Ellez, just a 5 minute stroll from our holiday cottages Speaking of the Ellez, we are often quite content just to stroll down the lane to the shallow ford. Here you can have a little splash around in the river or just watch the dragonflies from the bridge or the bank.
From time to time we have glimpsed the iridescent blue flash of a kingfisher fishing. Ragondins (coypu), sometimes mistaken for an otter until more closely observed, can also be found occasionally. They are considered a pest in France as the were introduced from South America but we still like to see them.
From time to time we have glimpsed the iridescent blue flash of a kingfisher fishing. Ragondins (coypu), sometimes mistaken for an otter until more closely observed, can also be found occasionally. They are considered a pest in France as the were introduced from South America but we still like to see them.
Enjoy a glass of wine or your favourite tipple on our terrace Of course, the best thing of all is enjoying a glass (or two!) of red wine on terrace whilst drinking in the view at the end of the day.
Life's simple pleasures are the best!
À votre santé or yec'hed mat as they say in Brittany!
Life's simple pleasures are the best!
À votre santé or yec'hed mat as they say in Brittany!
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