Abbaye De La Bussière by Mary Lussiana

Approaching Abbaye de la Bussière through the well kept park that surrounds it, complete with topiary and ornamental lake, one has to marvel at the courage of the family that have taken on this piece of heritage and their enthusiasm and commitment to turning it into a world class country house hotel. The remains of what was once a huge site have been impressively preserved with the hotel housed in the original Abbey complete with stained glass, spiral staircases and colonnades and nearby are outbuildings in which you can see the 14th century wine press and cellar where the monks made the communion wine and a crypt.

In such a small hotel service is very personal and Manager Clive Cummings really takes an interest in ensuring your visit is a success. Outside the hotel, lies the pretty village of Bussière-sur-Ouche with its charming Pigeonnier and beyond wait all the marvels of Burgundy.

The rooms
This first phase of renovation has produced 10 rooms, with another 10 or so planned in the future. They are all ample in size but different in feel with some offering Four Poster Beds under high ceilings and others with beds tucked under sloping ceilings framed by exposed wooden beams. The beds are pure indulgence with trillion thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and pillows to really sink in. All bedrooms are decorated with a mix of antique furniture and English Country House Hotel fabrics. Lighting is sympathetic with standard lamps and table lamps and hugely comfortable armchairs although the absence of a desk was noted. Flat screen televisions and DVD players are in all rooms. Bathrooms are wonderful, an unusual treat in a hotel in France. Huge windows allow natural light to flood in over outsize bath tubs complete with Jacuzzi, open walk in showers with shower heads to invigorate the sleepiest guest. Candles are there for an aromatic nocturnal soak accompanied by a Bulgari thé blanc tea bag or Floris bubble bath and afterwards you can choose between the waffle cotton dressing gown or the fluffy towelling robe…