L'Orangerie White-Palacio

Well, wow. This truly is a spectacular find. Behind a typical Versailles facade on the main road towards the palace, there is a long garden at the end of which stands a former orangerie. Bought as a near-ruin, this was completely renovated and made into two self-catering apar**ents. Looking at it from the garden, it's absolutely stunning. Its looks are the main feature, but there's much more to love. Because of copious trees and shrubbery, you are not overlooked and have privacy. You need to go through a gate and courtyard, so you are as safe as can be. This also means I'd gladly stay here on my own and feel free and safe. The beauty can be best experienced sitting outside eating a pastry, but the inside is great too. Even with all doors and windows closed, the outside is still there because of the beautiful big windows. The inside is brightly decorated in a feminine, romantic style and filled with art (much of it made by the owner herself). Even if this is not your usual taste, it's right because it suits the location. The cleanliness is impressive, especially in a space with so many nooks and crannies, accessories, etc. The very personal approach of the owner is not something we're used to but it can greatly enhance your experience if you let it. Wifi is great and uninterrupted. If you like travelling but miss your cat(s), Cleopatre, a cat rescued by the owner, will do her best to compensate that. The location is near restaurants, supermarkets, the train station and of course the palace (a few minutes by car, but please, leave the car and go by bike). Like Versailles itself, it has grandeur but also makes you feel you're in the countryside. A wonderful combination. Currently, the only methods of booking are through Booking or contacting the owner directly. Most will use Booking because it's instantly arranged. However, Booking takes a shocking 17% commission and even more if they handle the payment. After paying for the cleaning and taxes, this leaves much less for owners than you think. We will most certainly book directly next time, if she'll have us. Some practical things to manage expectations and/or enhance your stay even more: - The apar**ent has a small oven and a two-burner hob, but since almost everybody always eats out, pans aren't standard, so make sure to ask Patricia for them, she's more than happy to accommodate. - Parking is along the Avenue de Paris and remarkably cheap. - Cycling is by far the best way to get around Versailles, try it! - The shower head isn't mounted to the wall, it's hand-held. Doable, even for my 2-metre-tall husband, but just a heads-up for people who aren't used to that. - Since we're not used to accommodations with such a strong personal presence, we felt guilty and difficult about contacting the owner. Don't. She loves to socialise, recommend things and be there when you arrive and leave, so keeping her posted with regards to departure time etc. isn't seen as bothersome but as an opportunity to be a