La Vallée du Soleil

Perfect for two; the space is cosy but light & airy with views over the fields. Ideally situated in a small & peaceful valley, surrounded by beautiful countryside it's perfect for walking, bike riding or just relaxing. The nearest shop is 4.7km away with other shops in nearby towns & villages where you will also find restaurants, local markets & brocantes. The historic towns of Cognac & St Jean d'Angely, various Chateaux & wine tasting amongst other things are all within easy driving distance. Rural get away with private garden & shared pool. Renovated in 2019, we worked very hard to make our little gite into a special place for people to holiday in. My husband is a joiner and we have used lots of recycled wood; the light fitting is made from an old beam from one of the barns and the wooden panelling around the staircase along with the headboard is part of the original chestnut parquet flooring from the living room in the main farmhouse. It's now a light and airy mixture of modern with hints of the history of the property. While it is small at 43 square meters, it doesnt feel like it. Cleaning is included in the price as long you leave things as you find them; clean and tidy. If it is not then an additional cleaning fee will be payable. We have a barn where you can keep a motorbike or bikes etc over night. One well behaved and house trained dog is very welcome; we have a collie who loves to play! **We do have free range chickens so if your dog is not good with chickens you will need to keep them on a lead. If you have any special requests we'll do our best to meet them if we can. Want a supper provided on arrival, would like toiletries (Website hidden by Airbnb) problem, need beach towels, or anything else please ask and if we can arrange it for you, we will. A single camping style bed or a cot can be put up in the downstairs living area for a child if required. A welcome basket will be provided for all stays over 5 nights. It will contain locally sourced staple items as well as some treats; our own free range eggs as long as the hens are laying and depending on the time of year, some fresh vegetables from our garden. Fréne has it's own door so you can come and go as you please. It has it's own enclosed garden at the front of the property with a patio, table and chairs, sun loungers and a BBQ. We live on site in the main house so are available should you need us, otherwise we will leave you in peace to enjoy your holiday. The property is situated in a small hamlet in rural countryside on the edge of the village of Fontaine Chalendray, not far from the ancient towns of Cognac, Saintes and Angouleme. We are surrounded by fields of sunflowers and vines along with other crops, sometimes there are cows in nearby fields and you may see farm machinery going about their business but cars are few and far between. It's a great place for bike riding and walking and generally enjoying this special piece of french countryside. In neighbouring towns you will find brocantes and markets along with other shops and restaurants. The beach is just over an hour away. Kayaking is available nearby on the Charente river in Ruffec, Jarnac or Cognac. There is an inland lake less than 10 minutes away with a sandy beach and it's a lovely place to swim. During July, August and September there is a pop up style restaurant opposite, serving "steak and frites". Other bars and restaurants are in the neighbouring towns and villages. The nearest shop is 5 mins away with three other supermarkets within a 15 minute drive away in various directions. The local dairy is a five minute drive away where you can visit at milking time to buy fresh raw milk, delicious yogurts and creamy Beurre Cru with salt crystals - the butter of kings! Driving is essential for our location. It is very rural and not accessible by public transport. A welcome basket of locally sourced items is provided for guests staying five nights or more. It contains basic staples plus a few treats. Breakfast can be provided if required. We have two children, a dog and free range chickens and sheep in the field. The garden of Fréne borders the road. It is enclosed. It is possible to have a child to stay with you but please be aware that there is no room up stairs on the mezzanine level for another bed or cot so they will be on the ground floor, there is a picture showing the camp bed set up in the living area. If you would like any more information to help you decide if the accommodation is suitable for you, please ask.