House and courtyard (click to enlarge)

Nearby sunflowers (click to enlarge)

Village House in Pleasant Rural Location Near Saintes, Charente Maritime
Sleeps 4/6 + baby

This is a quiet agricultural area, mostly vineyards and sunflower fields, yet close to the sea.

You will find the lanes around the village almost traffic free with few hills, and ideal for cycle rides.

There are abundant opportunities for touring the local wine estates and sampling the wines, including Pineau, a delicious aperitif from the area.

The interesting towns of Saintes, La Rochelle and Cognac are close by, and the beautiful islands Île d’Oléron and Île de Ré - make a good outing.

Gémozac - the nearest town has useful shops and banks and a large Super-U supermarket. There is an outdoor swimming pool with a waterslide near the centre of town. The town has a bar/restaurant, another bar and a pizza restaurant. Market day is Friday with a larger market (Foire) on the third Friday of the month.

Pons – is almost as close, and slightly larger with some interesting historic buildings and a riverside walk. Good views of the surrounding countryside. There are two good restaurants near to the "Donjon", and two hotels with gourmet restaurants. There is an outdoor swimming pool in the town, and a children's adventure park nearby.

Talmont - one of the 'most beautiful villages in France' is about 25 minutes drive away. It is traffic free and set on the edge of the Gironde estuary. There are quiet streets with lovely old houses and hollyhock flowers abound. A fine church overlooks the water. Take a camera.

Saintes - this is a beautiful town dating back to Roman times and has museums and art galleries as well as Roman ruins. An important festival of classical music and many other special events take place in Saintes every Summer, for information contact the local tourist information office on the main street. The river Charente runs through the town and boat trips can be taken during the holiday season.
Saintes has a good choice of restaurants and also offers excellent food and vegetable markets plus many shops in the town and a large Carrefour supermarket situated on the outskirts.

Futuroscope - an American-style theme park dedicated to films in a futuristic setting. There is a 3-D cinema, a 360 degree screen, an IMAX cinema and all sorts of other visual effects. It has its own exit from the A10 Autoroute about 90 minutes drive away.

Plage des Vergnes - one of the very lovely beaches about 30 minutes drive from the house. Pine trees come down to the wide, sandy beach. There are other larger beaches at St Georges de Didonne and Royan and all along the Côte de Beauté to the north of Royan.

The towns of Pons and Gémozac are approximately 4 miles away and have restaurants, outdoor swimming pools, supermarkets, banks, and good local shops. Each has a weekly market. The larger historic town of Saintes is about a 25-minute drive away and has excellent markets, a large number of shops and restaurants.

For entertainment in Saintes there are many special events and cultural activities including a Summer music festival. There are also cinemas in Saintes and Pons.

About our property (sleeps 4/6 + baby)

Ground floor

Kitchen / dining room double doors from the garden lead into this large room with a beamed ceiling; it features a beautiful tiled, wood burning stove for cooler nights or off season visits. For dining there is a traditional farmhouse table and chairs.

The newly fitted kitchen area has custom made units, a cooker that has an electric oven with a gas and electric hob and there is a large fridge with a freezer section. An abundant supply of plain white china, glasses, cookware and saucepans etc. is provided. There is a wood-burning stove for use during off-season visits.

Sitting room has a door leading to the garden, two large wicker sofas with cushions and one matching easy chair. The focal point is a traditional fireplace and a fire can be lit on chilly evenings. You will also find a small selection of books and toys and a mini hi-fi, so take your favourite CDs and tapes to play.

Second sitting room facing West for the evening sunshine, with optional sleeping accommodation for 1 or 2 persons on a sofa bed which converts into one or two single beds or a double.

Shower room with shower, washbasin and WC. There is also a washing machine here.

Stairs lead from the kitchen to the 1st floor

First floor

One large double bedroom with two long windows facing West and overlooking the square. This room has a large double bed, chest of drawers and a wardrobe; it also has a table and two wicker chairs.

Two single bedrooms are South facing and overlook the garden. Each has a single bed, a chair, a chest of drawers and hanging space for clothes.

Shower room with shower, washbasin and WC.

Outside

Garden completely enclosed with a grassed area and shady pergola. There is a range of furniture for sunbathing and alfresco dining.

Garage with wood store, and 2 bicycles which guests are welcome to use.

At the house there is also a sturdy cot with a new mattress and ample bed linen, as well as a high-chair.

With the exception of the traditional kitchen table and chairs and cupboard, all the furniture and bedding is new and has been chosen to complement the simple style of the house.

Getting there

The house is easily accessible from Bordeaux airport, La Rochelle airport, Angoulême TGV station, or from the A10 Paris-Bordeaux Autoroute. It is about a 5-hour drive from the Channel port of St Malo.

Prices and booking information

Prices are per week Saturday 4pm to Saturday 10am.

Flexible start and end dates available during the mid- and off-season by arrangement.

All linen is provided, but please bring your own towels.

25% deposit required on booking. Balance due 6 weeks before arrival date.

No smoking inside the house, and sorry, no pets.

For further details please visit the owners’ website at: www.villagehouseinfrance.com

For further information or to book this holiday house please contact the owners:

Paul & Gill Turley

Click here to email the owner

Tel/Fax: 01306 882910
International: + 44 13 06 88 29 10

When booking this property please mention Relax in France

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