A relaxing retreat in rural France

This house is in a rural setting. Easily accessible from Bordeaux or La Rochelle by plane (approx 50 minutes drive from each with car hire available at both airports) or via ferry from St Malo, Cherbourg, Caen or Dieppe. The house has been fully renovated to provide a true 'home from home'. The lounge and dining room are both 25m². There is a triple bedroom (can accommodate 4 with the pull out full sized single bed) 2 double bedrooms, 1 with an en suite. There is also a separate large bathroom. The house is situated in a quiet rural hamlet amid vineyards, sunflowers and corn fields. If looking for a self contained quiet retreat with its own garden and are conscious of the Covid 19 situation, this is an ideal location. Kitchen and dining Large fully-fitted dining kitchen with 5 ring gas range cooker with oven and grill, fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine. Kitchen table seats 6 at a squeeze and there are french doors opening out on to the patio. There is a separate dining room with beamed ceiling and exposed stone walls. There is a large dining table and a wood burning stove. If staying in Spring or Autumn, the warmth from the wood burner really heats the whole house. There are plenty of logs available in the log store in the garden. Living rooms Large living room with 2 sets of stairs to the first floor. The one set of stairs serves the large bedroom with the single beds, the other the remainder of the first floor. Comfortable settees and chairs, a coffee-table, games chest, dvd facilities with large flat screen tv. This is a really cosy room, particularly early and late season. Bedrooms One large double bedroom with king size bed, exposed beams, side window and Velux window. One large double room with a side window over looking fields, an en suite bathroom with bath, wash hand basin, wc and large Velux roof window. One large bedroom, exposed beams, with Velux roof lights and small diamond windows, 3 single beds and a further pull-out single bed. This room is served by its own staircase. All of the bedrooms have polished wooden floors, beamed ceilings and exposed stonework. Bathrooms One large family bathroom with full sized bath (shower over), wash hand basin, wc and heated towel rail. Marble tiling to parts of the walls and a large roof light for natural ventilation. En suite with bath, shower attachment, wash hand basin, wc and heated towel rail. Travertine tiling around the bath and basin and a large roof light for natural ventilation. Heating Electric wall mounted heaters in the kitchen, lounge and dining room and on the landing and in the second bedroom and a wood burning stove in the dining room. Logs are provided. Entertainment Large flat screen tv for dvd only, dvd player and dvds, cd player and radio. Childrens' games, toys, puzzles and outdoor toys (badminton, petanque, etc). A selection of books. Garden and outside Large garden mainly laid to lawn with a gravel area (ideal for petanque) and a paved patio outside the kitchen with a pergola over; further patios by the dining room and in a shady area near the trees. The kitchen and dining room patios have outside lighting. Large wooden table with parasol and 8 folding wooden chairs and additional seating. Loggia located off the side of the barn. Table and patio underneath, perfect for shady lunches and in the early evening. Barbecue area adjacent the well. (NB the well is secured with a fixed security cover) Parking and garages Ample parking on the grass for 3 to 4 cars. Visitor suitability There is some restricted headroom in the en suite bedroom and bathroom at the eaves only. Information about any additional facilities There is a £150 damage/cleanliness deposit payable on booking (refunded in full assuming no major problems) and a 50€ laundry charge payable locally. Please leave the 50 Euros in the kitchen. We do ask that you leave the house clean and tidy and as you found it, failure to do so may result in some or all of the damage deposit being retained, thank you. The Charente Maritime has an excellent micro-climate, wonderful beaches and fantastic cuisine. The landscape lends itself to cycling and walking and traditional seaside based holidays. The house is in the centre of a small hamlet, it is very quiet with no local amenities. A car is essential. The coast is an easy 15 minutes drive away and there is ample opportunity for watersports and boat trips. Beautiful Talmont is the nearest coastal village and is a must-see with its winding streets and pilgrimage church. There are many local inland towns worth a visit (Mornac, Brouage, Saujon), all with local markets and wine and Cognac producers. The local outside pool/tennis courts and crazy golf at Meursac is 10 minutes away by car or an easy cycle ride. The pool has sunbathing areas, a waterslide, toddlers area and is a great way to spend an afternoon. The famous Chateaux of the Medoc can be easily reached via the 'Bac' ferry from Royan. St Emillion and Cognac are comfortable days out as are Bordeaux, Royan, Rochefort, the Ile de Re and La Rochelle. An ideal location for cycling holidays, relaxing, or enjoying the local cuisine and the coast. Activities Antiques/Brocante Market Name of nearest antiques/brocante market: Saujon Distance: 15 km Fishing nearby Species of fish: Various Name of nearest fishing location: Coast or River Seudre Distance: 5 km Golf Name and address of nearest golf course: St Palais Golf Club Distance: 17 km Horse riding Name and address of nearest stables: Epargnes Distance: 5 km Sports Cycling Walking Name/number of nearest marked trail: St Andre de Lidon Watersports Wine tasting Name and address of nearest wine producer: Domain de Gardrat, Cozes Distance: 2 km Aerial Assault Course At St George de Didonne is a high wire aerial assault course strung between the coastal pines. Participants are harnessed on at all times to enjoy obstacles and zip wire thrills. Beach at St George de Didonne The closest beach to the house and it is a fine 2 mile crescent of sand backed by a picturesque town. Great safe swimming, watersports and perfect for a day out. Boat hire Small leisure craft can be hired without a permit from Royan and La Palmyre. Boat Trips These are available from Meschers and Royan. The choice of trips vary from a trip to the lighthouse (with a lighthouse visit, weather permitting) to a coastal tour. From Royan a sailing yacht or Catamaran can be taken as well as the more traditional excursions. Bordeaux The fine city of Bordeaux is easily reached by car in an hour. Access to the city centre is simple and the boulevards and rich wine trade history combined with city shopping and eating make for a full day out. The cathedral and its square are impressive and look out for the brass turtle! Caves at Meschers Coastal caves that were lived in until the 20th century. Visit the museum on the cliff and visit the caves. Great views across to the Medoc and an interesting excursion that is about 20 minutes from the house. Cognac The town of Cognac is 45 minutes drive away and is well worth a visit. The compact town offers an array of shops, cafes and restaurants and of course many options for a Cognac House tour. We particularly enjoyed the trip to the Otard distillery. Cozes Market Local market every Wednesday morning Ile de Re A great day out with lovely harbour towns and great restaurants Jet skiing - Royan or St George de Didonne Great fun for all. Minimum age for the pilot is 16, 1 or 2 people per jet-ski. 50 minutes for around 75 Euros per jet ski. Highly recommended. Recommend Rando ski next to the harbour in Royan. La Table Restaurant - Meursac Only 10 minutes from the house this fine but good value restaurant is a joy. The Maitre'd is charming and the food never disappoints. It is worth booking to be sure of a table as this restaurant is favoured by many of the locals. Menestral Restaurant, Saujon French fine dining with a friendly face. Book in advance. St Emilion This famous wine town can be reach in about 75 minutes. It is charming and picturesque (some may think it a little twee) There are many wine related opportunities and also art galleries. The museum of wine is interesting and the journey to and from the town offers many opportunities for Chateau tastings. Talmont One of the beautiful villages of France and on the Compastella pilgrimage route. This is a lovely small town perched on the headland and dominated by the magnificent church. There are boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. There is also a local vineyard that can be visited with free tastings (a shop in the town offers the same tastings of Talmondais wines and Cognacs) all just 15 minutes from the house. Thermal Spa - Saujon The fine Spa in Saujon, 20 minutes away, offers a range of health and beauty treatments in excellent surroundings. Zoo La Palmyre Zoo, the largest zoo in Europe is a twenty minute drive away.