In the heart of the sunflower belt lies this beautiful Charentaise farmhouse. With four double bedrooms, two with ensuite bathrooms, there is plenty of space to sleep 8 people in comfort. The magnificent living room with high vaulted ceiling and large windows opens out onto a terrace overlooking a valley of sunflowers (in the season), farmland and forest. Adjacent to the main house is an open barn suitable for outdoor barbeques in any weather.
Ideally located in a tranquil setting the terrace is the perfect spot to sip the local wines and watch the sun set over fields of corn and sunflowers, or gaze at the stars on a warm summer evening.
Just 5 minutes' drive from a well appointed village with restaurants, bars, speciality shops and supermarket, this property is within easy reach of Aubeterre and Villebois Lavallette, which are among France's most beautiful villages. The market towns of Chalais and Riberac are also within 20 minutes' drive.
Day trips to the beautiful towns of Saint Emilion, Cognac and Brantome, and the historic Rochefoucauld Chateau are a must.
For the gourmet this region is famous for its duck and game, its wines and cognacs, and for the local pineau. From spring to autumn a visit to the local markets will see you take home the freshest produce to inspire you in the well appointed kitchen. During your stay a visit to Lean Louis Bruneaux's restaurant at the Chateau Talleyrand in nearby Chalais is a must - you will enjoy some of the finest food outside Paris at a fraction of the price.
Looking for entertainment for the kids? The village has a swimming pool or there's a swimming beach on the River Dronne at nearby Aubeterre or the great Nautilus waterpark in Angouleme. Kayaking on the River Dronne from Aubeterre is a delight. Tennis courts in the nearby villages of Montmoreau or Ronsenac are available for rent. Within an easy half hour drive you will have access to horse riding, great shopping, historic churches, chateaux and museums. Futuroscope is an easy day trip. Prehistoric caves and the Valley of the Monkeys, the beaches and aquarium of La Rochelle are all a day trip and an information pack in the house provides a wealth of ideas.
The house comprises a large living room with TV and plenty of English language DVDs, board games, a small library and two sitting areas. The kitchen and dining room is spacious with a beamed ceiling and a table which comfortably seats 8. The open plan family kitchen is designed for ease of entertaining a large group.
Amenities include a dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, iPod docking station, electric cooker, gas BBQ and hair dryer.
The master bedroom is huge and has an ensuite with walk in shower. The second bedroom also has an ensuite with bath - all newly renovated. The other two bedrooms have a double and two single beds respectively. A separate loo is conveniently located near the back door and adjacent to the shower room.
Nestled in the heart of the French countryside on 1 1/2 acres of parkland and surrounded by farmland, this spacious property is a welcome escape from city life.
An adjacent one bedroom cottage - Lavender Gite - will be available if additional accomodation is needed. It sleeps 2 - 4 people and is totally self-contained and newly renovated. See separate listing. If more accommodation is needed for extra family or friends, why not book both?
