La Maison de Jac and the Bespoke French Village Experience

Eleven years ago, my Western Australian friends Andy and Cherry and I took the plunge and bought an uninhabitable three-level village house in the picturesque French medieval village of Chauvigny. The following year, we embarked on a journey of discovery to renovate this neglected but lovely feel home. We named her La Maison de Jac (Jac standing for Jo, Andy and Cherry). As one has read about house renovations in France, ours was no exception – just about every ceiling, wall and floor needed to be replaced! Gradually, the top floor was completed, then the middle floor, then the ground floor, including the original shop space. The cellar then had a complete rebuild after it was discovered full of water!

Furnishing the home involved finding special pieces at brocantes. Some of the furniture and chandeliers were painted to fit the overall theme. Soon, she was ready to receive guests, and after seeing how friends loved coming to stay, the Bespoke French Village Experience was born.

La Maison de Jac stands as a gateway to a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s more than just a place to stay; it is a home where history, charm, and modern comfort intertwine. Each of its three levels has been restored to reflect the character of the traditional French style while offering all the conveniences of modern living.

Chauvigny, with its medieval fortifications and stunning landscapes, is a village that seems to be plucked straight out of a fairy tale. Strolling through its cobblestone streets, you will encounter historical treasures at every turn. There is always something to discover, from the ancient castle ruins to the shops and lively markets. The local community is friendly and welcoming, making it easy to immerse yourself in the authentic rhythm of French village life. The Bespoke French Village Experience is more than just a vacation and not a ‘follow my flag’ type of tour; it is about forging connections with this enchanting region’s people, culture, and history. It is about savouring the simple pleasures of life, whether it’s sharing a meal with new friends, marvelling at the beauty of a sunset, the thrill of discovering treasures at the many brocantes or finding joy in the slow pace of French country living.

There is a maximum of four in each stay, so your trip can be easily tailored to include special requests for places you want to see or things you want to do. A typical stay is over seven nights but can be extended if booked well ahead of time. Dates for 2025 are nearly full, and we are taking expressions of interest now for 2026.

See more here: linenandstone.co.nz