Frank and Marjolein
Bonjour, we are Frank Zurlohe and Marjolein van Velzen. We are Dutch. Since 2019 proud owners of La Villonniere chambres d’hôtes in the undiscovered heart of France. We were charmed by the peace and nature of this area. There is very little tourism yet there are wonderful things to see: Roman excavations, ancient abbeys and churches, beautiful little towns, castles. And sports are also so good here: hiking, cycling, water sports, fishing. Furthermore, the people are very friendly and in summer they regularly organise flea markets and festivals here.
Let us introduce ourselves first.
Marjolein
I was born in Haarlem in the Netherlands and have lived there most of my life. From the age of 21, I lived in Madrid, Spain for two years. That’s when my interest in other countries and cultures started. I travelled a lot and after I met Frank, we did so together. During wich we often said, ‘wouldn’t it be great to live here?!’ But I had a nice house in Haarlem, living near family and friends and a good job as a supply chain planner at a large pharmaceutical company. You don’t give that up easily.
Still, we tied the knot. Also because of the thought: ‘Is this it until our retirement?’. Well, I can use the experience as a planner in our b&b. Since 2022, I was also able to use my experience as a yoga teacher in the yoga retreats we organised. And when the renovations here are finished, I plan to use my training as a furniture maker to design and make furniture and utensils.
Frank
I was born in Heemskerk, but have lived most of my life in Haarlem. I too have travelled a lot in my life and always enjoyed gaining new impressions, the people, culture and nature in those other countries.
From my last job as a mortgage consultant, I especially liked the contact with people and found out that when people talk about their attitude towards money, they really need to trust you. Fortunately, I have that contact with people here too.
In Haarlem, we had a cooking club with friends. That’s how I started to like cooking and now I enjoy cooking for our guests.
Chouette
Hello, I was 8 or 9 years old when Frank and Marjolein found me in the shelter in Gueret in January 2020. Since then, I have lived at La Villonnière. I am a mix of griffon and labrador and prefer to be outside and sniffing around all day. I love it when there are guests. Then I prefer to lie under their table outside, because you never know if something will fall off. I love children and they love me too. I would love to welcome the guests right away, but my owners won’t let me. They always let me meet guests under supervision. And I am not allowed in the guest area of the b&b either.
Are you interested to stay with us?
Find here more information on our accommodation