The tiny hamlet of La Ruelmain lies at the edge of the beautiful Vilaine valley with its wide skies and ever changing colours. It is on a slight rise where water meadows (marais) meet the woodland and farms of the commune of St Dolay. Its ancient stone houses date from the 16th century. Our cottage with 3ft thick walls, few windows, and shutters - typical of this region of hot summers and stormy winters - has been lovingly restored in tune with the beauty and simplicity of their surroundings. It is perfect for couples who want to 'get away from it all', and there is room for children. The cottage is at the end of an old farm terrace. It has its own garden looking down to the Vilaine. Downstairs is a spacious living room with tiled floor, with a wood-burning stove in the original fireplace, dining table and chairs, easy chairs, bookshelves and a dresser. There is a modern gas cooker (bottled gas) and electric fridge and washing machine in the well-equipped kitchen area. The bathroom has shower, WC and handbasin, and a housekeeping cupboard. A glass door leads from the living room onto a small terrace where there is garden furniture and a cheap and cheerful barbecue. Accessible from the patio is the garden room. You can use this as you wish, as a children's playroom, cool dining room, or bedroom for a second couple in a party of four. An enclosed spiral wooden staircase leads to the airy gallery bedroom, which has a sitting area with wide views over the Vilaine. There is a double bed with pillows and single duvets. There are also two single beds, for use here (the room can be divided by a curtain) or downstairs in the garden room. The patio faces towards the Vilaine, and has the sun morning and evening. In winter during bad weather we watch storms sweep up the Vilaine valley. The summer view of this, the southern part of the Vilaine under sunny skies, is more satisfying.