It’s only in the last few decades that grey wolves have been reintroduced into the thick forests around Creuse, a department in central France. They roam in the fenced safety of Chabrières forest, a vast green rug that once spread across the region, encircling the tiny hamelt of Le Monteil. Today, though the trees are fewer in number than the wolves ancient heydays, the place is still blessed with a magical closeness to nature. Deer, owls and badgers thread their way among the pines. Flora and fungi abound.
Set on the fringe of the woods, a 15-minute drive from the wolves of Chabrières, Le Monteil Revolution is a site that seems to boast as much history as the trees themselves. Built during the midst of the French Revolution in 1792 (hence the campsite name), the farm cottage that owners Charley Tysler and Calum O’Connor are currently restoring wears the date, imprinted on a section of chunky stonewall, like a badge of pride. It has withstood the test of time, even through its more worn and crumbling years.
Just as wolves have been returned to Chabrières, Charley and Calum are re-introducing life to this old dwelling, too, and, since early 2016, have been restoring not just the cottage but the land around it as well. The eight-acre small holding today plays host to two luxurious glamping domes, each kitted inside with a king-sized bed, wood-burning stove and enough bedding to keep you snug and warm whatever the weather. A huge, semi-circular bay window in the dome-side allows you to look out into the trees and keep watch for wildlife of the non-wolf kind, while within, battery and solar powered lighting adds some extra function to the off-grid setup.
Explore the campsite and you quickly find extra treats. In particular, each dome has a wood-fired hot bath among the trees surrounded by rocks and with a superb view out across the valley (an addition inspired by Charley and Calum's trip to Japan). The hot, clean, chemical-free water is heated by a log stove and you can sit and wallow in the warmth to your hearts content (or at least until your fingers turn to wrinkled prunes). Your hot tub isn't the sole bathing spot though, as the domes also have their own private bathrooms, but it is the spot with the best view. It’s difficult to leave.
Elsewhere around the smallholding, pigs nuzzle among roots and geese waddle around the driveway. There are also chickens that supply the daily eggs and the owner’s have a small honesty shop allowing you to buy their fresh fruit and vegetables when in season. On hand to give any advice on the area or lend you maps if needed, Charley and Calum are also keen cyclists and plans are already afoot to offer two-wheeled holiday packages to guests in the coming seasons. For now they make do with recommending the local footpaths, with routes starting right from the campsite entrance. Take some sturdy shoes and binoculars for the wildlife. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for those wolves!
