Idyllic Off-Grid Pondside Eco-Retreat with Swimming Pond, Close to Villeneuve-la-Guyard, France

Description

Just steps from the Yonne River, the natural border with Seine-et-Marne, your retreat is situated on the edge of a beautiful pond with crystal-clear water during the warmer months. Come enjoy a stunning setting just 30 minutes from the Fontainebleau Forest and 1.5 hours from central Paris!

SPACE
Located on the banks of Benjamin and Gwenn’s pond, your hosts have designed the home with all amenities in 14 square meters of perfectly optimized space:
Sleeping area: a queen-size bed 160x200 cm (for 2 adults) and a convertible sofa (1 extra adult, additional bedding)
Kitchen area: refrigerator, gas cooktop, sink, utensils, dishes, and condiments
Living/dining area: high table with stools
Bathroom: sink, walk-in shower, and eco-friendly toilet (dry toilet)
Soaps, towels, and bed linen provided
Heating via gas stove
Ceiling fan for cooling (no air conditioning)
Outdoor furniture (except in winter): table, chairs, barbecue, and deck chairs
Drinking water from a 5-liter fountain: tap water is stored in a tank and is used only for showers and dishes, not for drinking
Cleaning included
Free parking
Dining & activities (extra, by reservation at least 48 hours in advance; afterward, subject to availability):
Appetizer board & beers (€30)
Bottle of champagne (€30)
Raclette or fondue set (€50)
Barbecue party: ribeye steak, potatoes, and wine (€60)
Canoe/rowboat rental for a day (€8 per person)
Romantic decoration (€30)
Fishing session in the pond, catch-and-release only (€25 per person, max 4 per session)

Swimming is possible in the pond at your own risk. A liability waiver may be requested on site.

GOOD TO KNOW:
The home is fully off-grid: electricity is produced by solar panels, cooking and heating run on gas, and running water is stored in a tank. You’ll have all the usual comforts, but the idea of alternative living is also to be conscious of your environmental impact!
Therefore, a few rules apply during your stay:
Except for phones and laptops, do not plug in any other electrical devices to avoid damaging the solar system. Hair dryers, straighteners, or raclette machines cannot be used.
Wastewater is filtered by plants: only use the 100% natural products provided (shower gel, dish soap).
Dogs are allowed in the home for an extra €30 if clean. Category 1 and 2 dogs, or dogs over 30 kg, are not permitted. Maximum 1 dog per stay. Dogs cannot go on the bed or be left alone inside. Outdoors, they must be leashed (other animals are present). Wet dogs must be dried before entering. Any damage will be charged additionally. During the day, pets can be cared for at Gwenn’s dog boarding next to the home (price on request).

ACCESS
Check-in: from 5:00 PM
Check-out: before 11:00 AM
Key box available for late arrival
Free parking is available near the home.
Note: We have two homes on the pond. You will stay in home number 2. Both homes are designed to preserve privacy during your stay.

NOTES
The home is on Gwenn and Benjamin’s property, who live and work on site. Gwenn runs a small dog boarding business. You may encounter them and their animals during your stay. You may also meet guests from the other home, particularly on the access path.
There is no Wi-Fi in the home
The entrance is not ground-level and has a small staircase with 3 steps. Not suitable for people with reduced mobility (PRM).
Nearby locations:
Villeneuve-la-Guyard train station: 5 min
Sens: 28 min
Fontainebleau: 45 min
Paris (center): 1h
Troyes: 1h10
Auxerre: 1h10
Orléans: 1h45
Reims: 2h
We immerse you in extraordinary adventures, close to local communities. Our concept? We build stunning eco-lodges and install them for free at friendly hosts’ homes, at the heart of local regions, passions, and curiosities. Our ambition: 1,000 home with 1,000 amazing hosts worldwide (Antarctica included). Welcome to your hosts Benjamin and Gwenn!

ADDITIONAL RULES
House rules during your stay:
1 - Do not run the stove for more than 2 hours consecutively and always turn off the gas bottle at night (fully close the valve). The cooktop gas bottle must also be closed after each use.
2 - Do not handle gas bottles (except for closing at night) or disconnect detectors.
3 - Gas smell: Danger! If the smell persists, open windows, avoid flames, and leave the home. Contact your hosts immediately.
4 - Except for laptops, phones, and provided devices, do not plug in other electronics to avoid losing power. Do not tamper with electrical systems.
5 - Keep indoor temperature above 10°C to prevent freezing.
6 - Do not drink tap or shower water (non-potable). A drinking water fountain is provided on arrival. You may request more if needed.
7 - If the tap runs out of water, close all taps and notify hosts immediately, even late at night, to prevent pump damage. Do not use until resolved if hosts cannot be reached.
8 - Swimming in the pond is at your own risk. A liability waiver may be requested on site.

These house rules must be followed and represent your personal responsibility. We are not liable for incidents resulting from non-compliance.

Idyllic Off-Grid Pondside Eco-Retreat with Swimming Pond, Close to Villeneuve-la-Guyard, France