Stunning 5 bedroom house. Pool. Outdoor games.

Summary: This is a stunning 5 bedroom old French stone house, nestled on the edge of a valley and overlooking four acres of gently sloping lawns, six acres of mature woodland and boasting a large, newly refurbished private pool (15 m x 6 m and between 2.2 m and 1.5 m deep). It is extremely family friendly and well equipped with anything young families could need and boasts plenty of toys and games to keep children of all ages entertained. It is suitable for groups of up to 6 adults and 4 children. The Space: The house was originally an old farm building that was sympathetically restored by the village doctor and his wife who lived there for many years. The new owners have retained the exposed oak beams, huge fireplaces and ancient stonework and furnished the property in keeping with the typical 'Maison Charentaise' style. Inside there are 5 bedrooms in total. The house boasts 3 substantial double bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms. Two of these bedrooms are on the ground floor whilst the third is accessed via a mezzanine level above the living room. The ground floor bedrooms can both be laid out as either twin or double bedrooms with super king size beds. The first has an ensuite bathroom with shower and WC and also enjoys access to the upper terrace of the property, whilst the second ground floor bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with both shower and bath. This bedroom also has a wood burning stove. In addition, there are two further attic bedrooms, each one suitable for 2 children. The house is also home to a spacious living area. This was originally a barn but was incorporated into the main house many years ago. It has wonderful high ceilings with striking exposed beams, an enormous fireplace, 2 large stylish sofas and armchairs as well as a TV and DVD corner with comfortable bean bags. French doors open out from this room to the front garden. A solid oak staircase takes guests up to a mezzanine level where you have access to the children's bedrooms in the attic (both with twin beds) and the gallery bedroom. This bedroom has a super king bed and shower room. A private balcony from this room overlooks the upper terrace. Also on the ground floor of the main house is a large open plan kitchen and dining room. It is well equipped with everything guests could need including a large American style fridge / freezer, microwave, hob, oven and dishwasher. Doors open out on to the garden and to a covered verandah, perfect for eating al fresco. There is a table and chairs in the kitchen but there is also a separate dining room which comfortably seats up to 10 guests. This is a charming room with beamed ceiling and wood burning stove. A separate laundry room has both a washing machine and dryer as well as an additional drinks fridge, wash basin, iron and ironing board and clothes dryers. The setting for this property is absolutely idyllic, surrounded by substantial parkland and mature woodland trees including ancient umbrella pines, giant furs, old red oaks, birch, maple and weeping willows. Pathways allow guests to explore the forest area and it's a great place for children to enjoy some imaginative games and simply to explore. Guests are welcome to help themselves to any ripe fruit grown in a small orchard including figs and apples. The garden immediately surrounding the house is well tended and thoughtfully planted with ancient climbing roses, mature wisteria, collections of colourful rhododendrons, huge hydrangeas and a pretty magnolia. The remaining garden is largely left to lawn and has plenty to keep younger guests entertained including a wendy house, a giant trampoline, a wooden swing and with plenty of room for garden games. Deckchairs on the lower terrace give an unobstructed view down the small valley towards the pool and huge outdoor bean bags offer shade under the fir trees. Closer to the house, the covered verandah is a vast space, with formal table and chairs for al fresco dining as well as more relaxed sofas and seating to enjoy a pre dinner drink. There is a gas BBQ. The swimming pool (15m x 6m) has an adjacent pool house equipped with drinks fridge so you don't need to head back to the main house each time you need a top up! Inflatables are provided for your enjoyment. Guests will find fresh eggs, orange juice, bread and milk in the fridge on arrival. However, if you would like to arrive to a more fully stocked kitchen please do let us know and we can provide a shopping service for you. For those travelling with young children, we can provide 2 travel cots as well as a separate wooden cot. There is also the option of using 2 pull out trundle beds which are low to the ground and so ideal for younger children however we do also have a bed guard for one of the twin beds if required. Four high chairs are also provided as is a baby bath and baby monitor, 2 potties, a toilet seat and toddler step. If required there is a stair gate that we can put in place. A MacLaren baby buggy is also available for guests' use. Guest Access: Guests have exclusive access of the house and gardens. The Neighborhood: The house is situated just outside the pretty hilltop village of Brossac, surrounded by rolling hills, pine forests and sunflower fields. The village is home to a locally renowned butcher who, as well as selling excellent meat, also offers absolutely delicious homemade dishes that guests simply need to heat up. These can be pre-ordered and collected on arrival, making that first meal exceptionally easy to prepare! We can also offer the service of a chef who can offer a range of French and Mediterranean dishes. The chef will come to the property, prepare and service a delicious meal for you as well as do the washing up afterwards! The service costs just 25 euros per head (minimum 6+ guests). There are also 2 bakers in the village, a SPAR store, a pharmacy, post office, bank and restaurant. The village can be reached on foot in 25 minutes, by bike in just 15 minutes or by car in 3 minutes. It's just an hour from Bordeaux and 1.5 hours from the nearest beaches on the Atlantic coast. The thriving market town of Chalais (which has a weekly food and craft market) is within easy reach (10 minute drive) whilst the idyllic village of historical Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne (recognised as 'one of the most beautiful villages in France') is a 20 minute drive away. The villa is also just 20 mins away from the Dordogne region which then opens up all that the Perigord region has to offer including the picturesque towns of Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne (20 mins), Brantome (1 hr) and Perigueux (1 hr 15). Many of the local 'domains' offer Pineau tours and tasting. Pineau is a fortified wine and is the well regarded regional aperitif. The nearby famous city of Cognac is less than an hour away and also offers tours of its famous Cognac houses. There are an abundance of local hiking and biking trails. Kayaking on the river Charente is forever popular and both horse riding and tennis can be easily arranged. The nearby (2km) Etang Vallier Lakeside Resort offers a sheltered beach environment with water sports, bungee trampolines, mini golf and fishing. Getting Around: A car is required. Interaction with Guests: A local property manager lives locally should you need any assistance.