If you are looking for spacious accommodation for a large party, here’s a post that tells how we provided this for a large group of friends celebrating a birthday for a week this summer.

The party gang

We had the pleasure of accommodating a large party of 16 in June who were here to celebrate Sue’s 70th birthday with a surprise party. The only person who had no idea of the plans was Sue, who right up until the last minute believed her and Kevin were holidaying in the Caribbean!

The challenge for us here was to not only keep the secret but to provide accommodation for 16 and the venue for the main event and the daily parties that went on throughout the week of the stay.

Gîtes for 16

Here at La Fèrme de l’Eglise we have La Petite Maison which can include a third double bedroom and La Grange, which has two double bedrooms and a large open plan living space which turned out to be very useful for dining space for all. So far, comfortable stabling for up to 10.

La Petite Maison showing 3rd bedroom on the right

Glyn and Lorna, friends in Vanzay who this year have retired from their chambres d’hôte and gîte rental business of 14 years, opened up their gîte for our party for that week. Comfortable living only 5 minutes stroll away for 4 more. Excellent – thanks Glyn and Lorna…..

We were then able to place the remaining couple with other friends nearby in Chaunay, a 6 minute drive down the road, thanks to Jeff and Annie. Everybody sorted for accommodation for the week.

Garden Space for All

The great thing about having a garden of over 1.5 acres (6338m²) is that there’s plenty of room for everybody. Amongst our collection of garden games we have a couple of boules sets and a croquet set, games that can be played by many but only really in a large space.

From the swimming pool looking back at half of the garden

Two barbecue sets give the BBQ chefs scope for catering for the crowd:

A Hot Job

And a stage for a mini moonlit festival!

Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus, Vanzay 2011

Catering for the Birthday Dinner Party

The courtyard to the front of the buildings was chosen as the best place for the dinner party. There is plenty of space and with the gates closed the walled courtyard feels cosy and private, as well as being conveniently close to our kitchen facilities.

We had been asked to suggest a menu and then make it happen for the table of 16…… here we are getting set up:

Preparing Tables as Guests Gather

That Birthday Menu in full:

Aperitifs:

• Kir Royal
• Cherry tomatos stuffed with couscous
• Smoked salmon blinis

Starter:

• Chicken liver mousse

Main Course:

• Stuffed chicken in a coq au vin sauce, sauteed potatoes and salads

Dessert:

• Tarte Normande with crème anglais

A selection of four cheeses

Abi with the Aperitif Nibbles

The dinner party finished with a speech, carefully prepared and expertly delivered by Kevin:

After Dinner Speeches

Finally, the toast to the Birthday Girl – Bon Anniversaire!

Happy Birthday Sue!

So, if you have a large party of friends who need accommodating then La Fèrme de l’Eglise could be perfect for your group. If your group wants us to provide a catering event then we can discuss menus and arrangements for during your stay. Find out what Kevin’s party thought about their stay with us by visiting Our Guest Comments page.

I you are looking for holiday  accommodation for a large party then please complete and send the enquiry form below:

Special thanks go to Dave and Amanda from Le Bar Saint Martin in Brux for their help with the catering and to Andy Vass for his help waiting on tables.