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IMPORTANT SAFTEY NOTICES
*** PLEASE READ! ***
The long and varied history of La Forge brings with it some quirks. To ensure you enjoy your stay without any disruptions, we have listed below the most important safety notices. And we do ask you to exercise extra caution when exploring the house, the out-buildings and the surrounding grounds.
Fire risks - For everyone's safety, please do not light any candles or fires inside the château, including in the fireplaces. In case of an accidental fire, you will find several fire extinguishers located in the kitchen and on the landing next to the north-facing windows.
Additionally, please note that bonfires or any type of fire are strictly prohibited anywhere on the grounds of La Forge. Beyond the risk of fires spreading out of control, it is also illegal to light fires on the property grounds. In the event of a fire, whether inside the property or nearby, please contact the fire brigade (les pompiers) immediately by dialing 18, or the emergency services by dialing 112.
The attic (top floor) is strictly off limits during your stay – This area, which included the accommodation of the service staff in the old days, has not yet been restored. The door to access this area should remain closed at all times and, for safety reasons, access is not permitted.
Swimming pool safety – Diving into the swimming pool is dangerous and is not allowed. While the pool is deeper in some parts, the area all around the pool edge as well as its shallow end is just a meter deep. Equally, please do not let children unattended in and around the swimming pool at any time! If required, the swimming pool has am electrically powered cover that can be operated via a key on the West facing wall in the billiard room. We recommend closing the cover overnight in order to avoid accidental falls during the darker hours of the night.
In the event of wildlife (mostly roe-deer) falling into the pool (which happens from time to time) do not try to reach out to them or to touch them. They will panic and defend themselves potentially causing harm to you and to the pool's liner. The best course of action is to, starting from the South side, gently guide them towards the shallow end. Once they encounter the steps in the corner, they generally walk out of the pool without difficulty and run away.
Car parking – Try to park cars or any other vehicles away from the house (not next to the façade) to avoid potential damage from falling tiles during windy or stormy days.
The two barns are off limits - We have recently obtained planning permission for the renovation of the two barns (one of which saw its roof collapse during a large storm a short time ago. As you can see, renovation work is still ongoing and, as a result, no unauthorised person should enter either of the barns.
The ancient tunnels and canals around the estate are off limits too – Given the industrious past of the estate, there are a number of ancient tunnels and canals in the grounds, mostly South of the château. They are strictly off limits for safety reasons.
The wells – As with many historical properties, there is are a couple of old wells in La Forge. The first one is located just next to the house, in the gap in between the main door and the kitchen door. This one is covered by a wooden deck on top of which we have our rain reservoir. The second well is in one of the fields (on the far West of the property) and, while not particularly deep, it remains uncovered. We have set up a white-and-red chain around this well so that people do not fall into it accidentally, but please be mindful of children playing in this area and ensure they are aware of the risk.
La Crempse river (just a brook, really) – As you drive into La Forge, you may have noticed a small river, or rather a brook, crossing the estate. While there is a limited amount water flowing during the summer months, there are some deep pools at different points in its course. It is not allowed (and it is not safe) to dive, walk into or swim in the river. Additionally, the brook captures the overflow water from all the surrounding fields (and whatever fertilisers they pour in them) so we strongly advice against using water from the river in any way.
Agricultural fields and forests around the property - Finally, while we maintain the area in the immediate vicinity of the château as well as a number of nature trails around of the property, the rest of the 32 acres around the property are occupied agricultural fields (currently producing hay in the early summer), some ancient canals, wild prairies and forests. The grounds offer some delightful walks. As always in nature, please exercise caution when walking in the fields, particularly in overgrown areas where tall grasses and foliage may hide holes. Equally, we have resident deer, wild boars, foxes, badgers, hares, rabbits and coypus in the estate as well as a wide variety of birds (including crows, woodpeckers, cranes, way too many pigeons, kestrels, kites, buzzards and owls in the barns). They normally stay away from humans but some of them can be aggressive if approached, particularly during the breeding season. Please apply common sense when in their proximity.