Charming Beamed Cottage with Pool Set in Peaceful Countryside

The Cottage details

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The delightful cottage

The swimming pool

Home description

The cottage, which has recently been restored, is set in the grounds of our house in the village of St Michel de Riviere (2 km from La Roche Chalais). We live in the ancient centre of the village next to the 11th century church with views across open countryside. A peaceful haven in which to unwind, yet within reach of many superb locations such as Bordeaux, St Emilion and Bergerac.

The French speaking English owners live next door and are happy to help you make the best of your holiday.

For the travel weary we offer an evening meal on arrival.  And to save you shopping during your journey we will stock up for you – just send us a shopping list a few days before your arrival.

Comments from previous guests:

"A little piece of heaven"

"The best holiday we have ever had"

"The cottage was superb, one of the best we have stayed in over the past 15 years"

"Pattie and Roger have been so helpful - we will recommend this cottage to all our friends"

External features on site

• Garden
• Swimming pool (exclusive use)
• Barbecue

Accommodation detail

The living room

The blue bedroom

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The cottage was originally used for winemaking, but has been converted into comfortable 2-bedroomed accommodation, all on the ground floor. It would therefore be suitable for elderly or disabled people but not for wheelchair users - please contact us for more details.

The "blue" bedroom has a double bed and the larger "yellow" bedroom has two singles or one single and bunks. In the living room there is a well-equipped kitchen corner with gas cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, plenty of crockery, glassware, cutlery, cooking utensils etc. There is a dining table and chairs as well as comfortable seating for use on cooler evenings. The large shower room has a WC, basin and washing machine.

Outside:

You will have the use of a private garden with terrace and pergola, overlooking the 8m x 4m swimming pool and the orchard, where there are plenty of peaceful corners for sunbathing or snoozing in the shade. Garden furniture and a barbecue are provided, as well as bicycles (2 adult and 2 children), table tennis.

THE POOL IS FENCED AND GATED AND COMPLIES WITH THE FRENCH POOL SAFETY REGULATIONS WHICH ARE NOW MANDATORY

About the location

The local area is quiet and unspoilt with sleepy towns and villages forming a rural working community which is largely unaffected by tourism. Yet some of the most beautiful parts of France are within easy reach, such as Aubeterre, St Emilion, Bergerac and Cognac. Or you can just stay in St Michel and laze by the pool. The church bell will remind you when it's time to stir yourself for a meal or a glass of wine!

There are several good restaurants in the area, ranging from traditional country cooking to more sophisticated fare. It is possible to have a 3-course lunch with wine for as little as 10 Euros! Specialities of the region include mussels, oysters, fish, pate, duck, foie gras and local cheeses, especially goat's cheese. Then, of course, there is an enormous range of wines to be sampled from Bordeaux, Bergerac and the Charente. We are surrounded by vineyards which you can visit to taste and buy wine, pineau (a local aperitif) and cognac. Prices range from a very quaffable vin de table at 2 Euros a litre to whatever your pocket will allow!

The local towns offer everything you will need in the way of shopping, the nearest supermarket being only 2 km away. But much more fun are the markets: there is one nearby every day of the week. It is not just the abundance of fresh local produce that attracts us, but the sounds, scents and colours of what, for the French, is a weekly social event.

Your stay at Zelah can be whatever you choose - a well-earned rest, a gastronomic adventure, an activity holiday or an opportunity to explore the history and culture of this beautiful part of France. Or any combination you like!

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Swimming, Table tennis, Cycling, Gourmet dining, Wine tasting, Fishing, Canoeing, Golf, Walking, Horse riding

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

• Airports: Bordeaux using British Airways and Air France from Gatwick, Flybe from Southampton and Easyjet from Luton or Bristol. Or Bergerac using Ryanair from Stanstead or Flybe from Southampton.  Outlets for all major car hire companies.
• Trains: Eurostar to Lille then change on to the TGV for either Angoulême or Libourne (nearest). About 7 hours from London to Libourne. Car hire available at both stations.
• Road: St Malo 6 hours. Caen 8 hours.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.