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Le Macassar is very special and
quite unlike the other accommodation options we offer.
Named after the type of ebony
used for the art deco panelling of this imposing property’s
large drawing room, Le Macassar is a new addition to a growing
number of French Maison d’hotes – properties seeking to
combine the comfort, relaxation and informality of a private
home, with the service and attention to detail of a luxury
hotel.
Le Macassar sits on the main
square of the town of Corbie, near Amiens, nestled in the
Somme river valley in the Picardie region of Northern France.
Corbie is also just a few kilometres from the Somme
battlefields of 1916 and 1918 (particularly Villers
Bretonneux). Today visitors come, not only to view the
memorials of the Great War, but to enjoy the area’s outdoor
pursuits as well as a string of impressive gothic cathedrals
and abbeys. Amiens cathedral (15 minutes away) is the largest
gothic cathedral in the world and a Unesco world heritage
site.
The large property boasts
original art deco and art nouveau interiors in which the
current owners and your hosts during your stay have found a
sympathetic setting for their collection of art and furniture.
Nevertheless, Le Macassar is not a museum as the owners aim to
strike a balance between comfort and devotion to style. Guests
are encouraged to enjoy all of the public rooms as well as the
large, formal courtyard garden.
There are four distinct "lounge" areas on the
ground floor; the Majorelle room attributed to the famous turn
of the century cabinet maker Louis Majorelle; the Moroccan
salon resplendent in elaborate tiles and moulded ceiling; the
‘Gallery’ with its deco macassar panelling and grand piano as
well as the dining room where breakfast is served (at a time
to suit you, not the owners!). At the top of the house,
guests can enjoy the original art deco library, now also home
to a magnificent French billiard table.
Guest
rooms vary in size and cost. All are spacious and comfortably furnished with a
mix of antique and modern furniture, high quality beds,
feather pillows and duvets, decadent en-suite bathrooms
(several with whirlpool baths), fireplaces, CD players and
tea/coffee making facilities. Costs are based on the standard
but beautiful double en-suite rooms at Le Macassar, with the
Art Deco suite (see pictures right) being available on
request (and at a higher cost).
Why not include a personal conducted tour?
We
can easily arrange for an independent English-speaking guide
to collect you at your hotel and take you (or join you in
your vehicle) on a one or two-day tour of either the Somme
or Ypres battlefields This will be a truly personal service
and as such you will not be joining a group comprising other
persons. This option costs a lot more when compared with
joining a fixed-itinerary ‘public’ tour, but is by far and
away the best way to see the battlefield, especially bearing
in mind this may be your one occasion to make the visit you
are have in mind. A personal tour is also better suited for
the quiet exploration and reflection of past events, without
the possible distraction of others making up your group -
and the need for the tour leader to stick to a fixed time
schedule!
The tour we will arrange can easily focus on areas of
specific interest to you, such as battlefields where
soldiers from any particular country or regiment fought and
died (especially helpful for those seeking to explore
battlefields where Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians
etc saw action). This service is included in the total cost
you will pay, thus making your battlefield visit a seamless
experience with everything arranged by us in advance. |
Location (click to
enlarge)
Click below logo for independent feedback
(Click the TripAdvisor
logo for most recent comments)
TripAdvisor traveler rating:
Feb
19, 2006: A
TripAdvisor Member, Winchester, England:
You work hard, you suffer
injury, so a totally indulgent treat is in order. Only the very best
will do, but despite all your research, how many times in the past
have the promises led to disappointment? You need have no such fears
about Le Macassar. The six guest rooms are never less than very
comfortable and beautifully furnished, while some are stunning! Ian
and Miguel effortlessly give the impression that you have dropped in
to stay with good friends who just happen to live in the most
opulent of homes. Corbie is close to the Somme battlefields, and
Amiens is a short drive or train ride away, but that's not really
important - Le Macassar is a destination in itself. Go - go now! To
Ian & Miguel, again our thanks - see you hopefully soon.
Dec 15, 2005: A
TripAdvisor Member, Reading, Berkshire:
We revisited Corbie this
December after a stressed autumn. Construction work at home,
studying, new jobs etc all take their toll. So a long weekend away,
coupled with the pre-Christmas booze-cruise, was all the excuse I
needed to book 4 nights at Le Macassar. We stayed for a few nights
in June and then had a most relaxing time amid the wonderfully
indulgent environment that Ian and Miguel have created. Visting just
before Christmas really re-charged our batteries and got us in the
Christmas mood. We had time to fit in a couple of WW1 sites that we
had missed on our earlier visit. It gave the whole experience a
different edge visiting when frost lay on the ground and the sky was
so clear. The skies are huge in this part of the world by the way!
Le Macassar was, again, a haven to return to. Spatz's welcome starts
at his ears and wags down to well beyond his tail. Ian and Miguel
are like chums now, and it is no imposition to sit and watch
Strictly Come Dancing (it takes two) with them. The Christmas
decorations & music transform the whole place and, even the most Bah
Humbug person would be hard pressed not to feel Christmassy here in
December.
I love coming here and feel so privileged to have discovered it
earlier this year. We will, I am sure, make it a regular feature of
our vacations for years to come. Thanks, in the main part, to how
welcome we are made to feel by Ian and Miguel - who are treasures.
Nov 28, 2005: A
TripAdvisor Member, Lower Peover, Cheshire UK:
Spent ages typing my review
then it cleared before submission, arrghh! Here goes again, my
enthusiasm is undampened. Three of us stayed in two adjoining rooms.
Could all those glowing reports be true, I am one of the few to
include contact details, ask if you doubt the authenticity. Ian and
Miguel are so justly proud of the house although receive the
accolades modestly and almost with surprise. The unity of style in
this art deco house would ensure National Trust candidature in the
UK. It rather defies listing in French ' ratings' as it lacks those
essentials such as TV, Sat channels, internet cafe, lots of helpful
signs, minibar, phone in room etc, for those who can live without
and are glad to do so this is heaven. Whether a boutique hotel or
country house I couldn't really say, the hospitality exceeds
expectations, the wine flows, the en famille dining is company at
it's best and food to match. The small town is unassuming but just
right, the area not particularly renowned overseas other than for
the battles which raged but then still typically French, the city of
Amiens much rebuilt, a huge cathedral, a lovely market but not
touristy, again just right. Some reports rate it as expensive this
we found to be untrue with meals and drink we though it a bargain.
So forget you read this as we want it all to ourselves again next
time we visit. If you like company, good food, comfort, art deco,
friendly dogs, cats, comfy open fire in winter, patio courtyard in
summer, art collections, glass, where do I stop - but nothing works
against any other aspect mentioned , you can relish each as much as
you want. Ian and Miguel will discuss their favourite restaurants if
you want to venture out although Miquel is a superb cook I promise.
Discover the 'secret world' beyond the white wooden gates at Corbie,
you'll be glad you did, we certainly were.
Oct 31, 2005: A
TripAdvisor Member, Peterborough, UK:
We have just returned from
a week at Le Macassar, in the delightful village of Corbie, near
Amiens, France. Everything was absolutely superb, the service, the
food, and especially the accommodation. Nothing was ever too much
trouble for the English speaking hosts, and the warmth of the
welcome, not just upon arrival, but at all times, was far in excess
of that found in the usual chain hotel. It was reminiscent of an
English Country Hotel, but with the wonderful Art Deco ambience of
which the owners are justly proud. If you are visiting the Somme
region, or need a relaxing overnight stay, Le Macassar is a must! |
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Some
glimpses from within. . .
downstairs
(click to
enlarge)
The art deco
suite (below).
Rooms at le Macassar vary in size and cost.
(click to
enlarge)
Courtyard
(click to enlarge)
Corbie Abbey
(click to enlarge)
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