Rural gite with pool, bikes, games

Comfy, well equipped, renovated barn. The accommodation is semi-detached, adjoining a gite of same capacity, but with own entrance & garden. Pool & other leisure facilities shared with occupants of the other gite. Bikes, tandems, baby seats, table football, nets, bats, balls, boules etc. Ideal for families, couples or friends for walking, running, cycling, horse riding, canoeing, fishing etc. Our detached house is on site, it's home to me, my husband, our 2 dogs & 1 cat - we welcome you! ACCOMMODATION / INSIDE SPACE : La Laiterie, the former milking parlour, retains many original features such as a heavily beamed ceiling and stone walls, yet provides modern comforts to make for a relaxing stay. DOWNSTAIRS: Kitchen/diner - gas oven and 4 burner hob with extractor fan over, fridge-freezer, microwave, washer, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, kettle, pressure cooker, cool box, picnic set with rug, farmhouse dining table. Lounge - 'Click-Clack' sofa bed with sprung mattress that converts into a double bed. Flat screen TV (English and French free channels), DVD player, radio/CD, selection of books (in English), games and DVDs, glass fronted wood burning fire, large patio doors leading onto south-facing courtyard. UPSTAIRS: Bedroom 1 - double bed with over-bed lights, dressing table, picture window with uninterrupted views over surrounding countryside, roof window. Bedroom 2 - two single beds with over-bed lights, roof window. Bathroom - bath, separate shower cubicle, WC, basin, heated towel rail, shaver socket, extractor fan, roof window. A child gate is available and can be mounted at the top of the stairs upon request. A baby pack is available, free of charge, but must be reserved at time of booking - it includes a travel cot, high chair/booster seat and changing mat. Other indoor facilities include a hairdryer, hoover, iron and ironing board, wash basket, pegs and clothes airer. OUTSIDE SPACE AND FACILITIES : In the photos you’ll see images showing the outdoor space and facilities (eg pool, gardens, bikes, games, parking). A written description is provided in the section “Guest Access”. There are two gites situated next to each other (semi-detached) - each for 6 people + 1 baby maximum. Each has their own garden area with barbecue, teak garden furniture and rotary clothes dryer. The pool, bikes, other leisure equipment, central courtyard and parking are shared with the occupants of the other gite. For privacy and security, the outdoor pool, large covered terrace with WC/changing and games area are set within the walls of an old barn situated across the courtyard. The unsupervised, in-ground 8x4m pool is open mid June to mid September, weather permitting. There’s a selection of bikes covering most ages, two tandems, a tag-along bike and two child seats. Basket ball and tennis/badminton nets, table football, table skittles, darts, swing-ball and a selection of bats and balls. Although the pool isn’t heated it is insulated and we use solar and security covers to help raise and conserve the temperature of the water. I open and close the covers each day. I also use a robot pool cleaner each day and test the water twice a day. The pool is subject to spot checks by the local public health authority (ARS). The wireless internet access allows guests to surf our website and the net for things to see and do locally. We live on site and are happy to help out with further information or bookings for activities etc as we want the holiday to be fun and relaxing for everyone. We particularly enjoy walking and running and can help you find your way around the pretty rolling countryside with a combination of maps and arm waving! “Le Tiolet Gites” are set in an acre of grounds, in small hamlet, amid rolling countryside often with grazing animals such as cows, sheep, horses, donkeys, goats … The small village of Benest is 1.5km away with bakers/corner shop, Post Office and tennis court. Re-opening of bar/restaurant to be confirmed for 2018. There is a greater range of shops and services at 16350 Champagne Mouton (7km) and at 16500 Confolens, 86400 Civray and 16700 Ruffec (23km). In addition to the natural treasures of the great outdoors, the area is home to many Gallo Roman sites. Details of sightseeing, activities, shopping and eating out are available in the gite and on our website. Car hire/use of a car is essential. Major centres of Poitiers to the north, Limoges to the east and Angouleme to the south all have an airport, and are an hour away from us. We are half an hour away from the RN10 at Ruffec, a major road route that runs from north to south. Using the toll motorways (péages) we are 4.5 hrs from Caen and St Malo and 7 hrs from Boulogne, Calais and Dunkerque. The TGV, high speed train stops at Poitiers, Angouleme, Limoges and Ruffec. Discounts available for couples (2P) and renting both gites together. Bed linen (sheets/pillow-cases) and towels are NOT provided, but may be hired (10€ double set, 8€ single set, 5€ set of 1 hand & 1 bath towel). If you would like to hire something please contact us when booking so it is all included. An initial supply of household and cupboard items is provided, but you will need to purchase additional supplies yourselves. These items include toilet rolls, bin bags, dishwasher tablets, washing powder, washing up liquid, salt, pepper, tea, coffee and sugar. The cost of central heating is not included, but can be provided at a cost of 10€ per night, per gite - we require advance notice of this. Please contact us when booking so it is all included and ready for your arrival. In our opinion, the fire in La Laiterie warms the accommodation well and wood for the fire is included in the price of reservations for stays from October through to April. We have two small to medium size, friendly and playful dogs - they are not allowed in the gites or pool area, but you are likely to see them (as well as us and our shy ginger cat) during your stay. The dogs both love meeting people and fetching the ball.