L’Échappée Douce -a perfect escape in rural France

A beautifully presented, immaculately clean and very well-equipped farmhouse, with a perfect blend of rural tranquility, elegant surroundings and plenty of day trip opportunities. Located in a peaceful hamlet, with its endless skies and vineyard views, there is good local cycling, bikes to borrow, and your own field – for picnicking, flying a kite and kicking a ball. It has been designed with families or couples in mind and has recently been fully renovated. L’Échappée Douce, with its striking blue shutters, is in the pretty hamlet of Mortafont. Home to 11 stone houses built at the turn of the last century, it is surrounded by fields, open forest and vin-de-pays vines. The village is quiet, the neighbours are courteous and gentle and the surrounding countryside is breath-taking. We know that the small things matter and have designed the house so that you feel as if you are staying in a friend's well-appointed, elegant home, rather than in an anonymous holiday let. We can do your food shopping before your arrival or deliver everything you need for a first night barbeque. There will always be a supply of the basics – washing up liquid, soap powder, toilet roll, soap, salt & pepper, olive oil – so no mad dash to the supermarket will be required when you arrive. And we’re a family of cooks, so the kitchen is very well equipped. We’re perfectly positioned for walks (both long and short) which start literally on the doorstep. There’s a lovely circular walk through the vineyards and the forest from the house or take the back route down to Néré and treat yourself to a drink at the bar when you get there. The beds are comfortable, the towels are large, the TV has all the UK channels, the WiFi is great and the house is situated in France's sunniest region - a perfect recipe for a relaxing escape! The whole property will be available to access and will be exclusive to you. The house is very private and has a walled garden to the rear. Our lovely, English housekeepers will always try to help you with your questions. They can probably resolve most things over the phone but if not, they only live a short drive away. The local village of Néré (2 mins by car) is home to a friendly restaurant/bar with English speaking staff & there's a weekly visit from a fantastic food truck. Don't miss the incredible local markets - stalls piled high with delicious, fresh produce. Catch dinner at the local trout lake, pick your own vegetables at the organic farm in nearby Angoulême, escape from the Maize Maze or make friends with a monkey at La Vallée des Singes. Within an hour's drive of the Atlantic coast with beautiful sandy beaches. Enjoy the islands of Oléron and Ré or the very cosmopolitan, La Rochelle. Take a tour of Cognac's famous distilleries or cruise along the river at Saintes. There are chateaux straight out of fairy tales, donkeys wearing traditional pyjamas & locally produced wines and cognac. Throw in an average of 2,600 hours of sunshine per year & you can feel sure that the region has plenty to offer for a perfect holiday! You'll need a car to get here for sure but we are perfectly positioned for walks along 'chemin blancs' - literally on your doorstep. We've got maps to help you find your bearings or just start walking and see where the day takes you. Take a bike out in the morning sunshine and bring home fresh croissants. L’Échappée Douce is the perfect rural retreat to relax, recharge and spend quality time with friends and family. The countryside is beautiful, the air is clear and on a cloudless night, the stars are breathtaking. There is plenty to do and see in the surrounding area but if you want to take it easy, there is nowhere better to kick back, read a few books, enjoy the local wine, indulge in some good French cheese and turn relaxation into an art form!