La Bonne Etoile is a renovated 150 year old farm situated in the village center. The residence has five bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, and large salon with fireplace. Studio space of 1200 square feet is equipped with skylights and balanced artificial lighting. The 200 year old barn that houses the newly constructed, second floor studio faces the courtyard opposite the residence.
The courtyard opens to a sloping two acre garden that boasts trees bearing a crop of apples, pears, plums, cherries, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Nestled in the roses you will find herbs, tomatoes, peppers and other items that will eventually find their way to the dinner table
.
The common living area is furnished with french antiques and items of interest. The baby grand piano has a wonderful touch and is kept tuned. The large fireplace is in use during all the months of the year depending on the weather. There is a stereo system and wide selection of classical CDs.
Meals are taken, either at the expandable dining room table or on low tables in front of the fire. During the summer months, meals are eaten on the terrace in the courtyard
During all-inclusive workshops, all meals are prepared by the staff of La Bonne Etoile. Participants can feel free to adjust their schedule to join in the preparation gathering French cooking tips from the staff
.
All other times, the communal kitchen is open for all residents to La Bonne Etoile. Meal planning, marketing, and preparation is a joint affair with decisions being made and expenses being shared by the current residents.
Consideration for personal preferences in the amount of togetherness and privacy is always a priority of the management in order to enhance the comfort and productivity of each guest artist. However, dinners are seen as times of sharing and learning.
Self serve continental breakfast included in rates.
A full service food plan is available for retreat guests by request.
The bedrooms offer a variety of styles and sleeping arrangements of both double and single beds. Each room is furnished with chest of drawers and armoire for storage. Additional storage space is available in large closets in the adjacent corridor.
The bedrooms are located on the second floor and share two full bathrooms; one with shower, one with bathtub.
Weekly linen service is included in rates.
The following rates do not apply to all-inclusive workshops. See workshop itinerary for details.
The basic weekly and monthly room rate includes: weekly linen, shared studio space, and daily self serve continental breakfast. For meal plan, see the following topic.
Rates are quoted in Euros. Special quotes for groups of four or more are available upon request.
Room & Board (Full Pension)
All meals
Single Occupancy
110 Euros per day
Double Occupancy
184 Euros per day (92 Euros per person)
Room Accommodations
Bed & Breakfast
Weekly
Monthly
Single Occupancy, per room
330 Euros
1320 Euros
Double Occupancy, per room
450 Euros
1800 Euros
Available rooms, double with double bed (2), double with two singles (2) double room with two singles with the possibility to join twins for queen size bed (1), single room with one twin (1)
**Shared accommodations must be arranged prior to arrival.
Meal Plans for month-long independent stays only.
Monthly Meal Option A
1400 Euros per month
48 meals with beverages, including house wine
internet access
assistance with personal laundry
Monthly Meal Option B
900 Euros per month
24 meals with beverages, including house wine
internet access
assistance with personal laundry
Estimated optional expenses
Airport shuttle, 100 Euros per trip
Dining in restaurants 15-25 Euros per meal
Personal shuttle to train station or surrounding villages 10-15 Euros
Local bus to surrounding villages and train station is very nominal.
Train trip to Paris, one way 8-12 Euros
You should expect to contribute for fuel expenses for day trips and en plain air excursions.