Farmhouse in Charente, France

Le Coin Arbore details

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Gite with large swimming pool and terrace

South-facing pool and terrace

Rose bedroom (double plus single)

Snug twin bedroom

Covered dining terrace with bbq

Front of gite

Beauvallon lagoon & beach

Brossac Lake

Aubeterre hilltop village

Kayaking on the Dronne river

Montguyon Castle ruins

St Palais sur mer

St Emillion square

Home description

Welcome to Le Coin Arbore, a traditional stone Charentais farmhouse, south-facing with views across the pool in a tranquil riverside setting. This lovely rural gite adjacent to our own home is set in an acre of gardens with a large swimming pool and provides spacious, comfortable accommodation for families, couples or groups of friends. A perfect spot to enjoy the long hot sunny days in July and August or a break away from it all out of high season when the weather is still warm and pleasant, particularly as we run special promotions for single couple occupancy or longer stays in April, May, June and September.

The gite has its own entrance, a private covered dining terrace with gas barbecue and there is parking for up to 2 cars as well as a peaceful private garden area for your own use. All home comforts are provided, such as satelite (English free to view channels) TV, DVD/CD players , a dishwasher, washing machine and hairdryer.

Le Coin Arboré is the perfect place to relax and unwind, enjoy good food and wine and the pleasures of the outdoor life. Both the beautiful Beauvallon aqua lagoon and Brossac lakes with village shops and restaurants are within a 10/15 minutes drive and the newly opened Lac Frisson for water sports, jet-skiing and quad biking is just 5 minutes away.  For supermarkets, restaurants and all other amenities the nearest towns are Chalais with its weekly market and renowned Chateau Talleyrand restaurant  or the market town of Montguyon  with its medieval castle ruins, both within 15 to 20 minutes drive.  This is also a great base for exploring all this region has to offer with its many wine chateaux,  historic towns and interesting sites to see within an hour's drive, such as Cognac, Bordeaux, St Emillion, Blaye, Aubeterre, Talmont and the golden sands along the Atlantic coastal resorts such as Royan and St Palais sur Mer.  Lots of other outdoor activities nearby, from swimming, pedallos and kayaking to quad bikes, cycling, horseriding and tennis.

Outdoor Life

• Large swimming pool with deep end and sunny patio for dining and sunbathing (all garden furniture provided).
• An acre of grounds sloping down to the little river 'Le Palais' plus a private garden area.
• Covered dining terrace with gas barbecue,  table and chairs for al fresco dining day or night
• Lots of outdoor activities to enjoy on site, including soft ball games, badminton, boules and mini trampoline
• Great location for nature lovers; for bird watching, fishing, rambling and cycling as there is road track opposite through the woods and several fishing lakes nearby in addition to the large garden.

Accommodation detail

A bedroom

Sitting area with 3 comfortable sofas

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This property will comfortably sleep 7 people in 3 bedrooms.

Ground Floor

• Spacious salon with exposed beams, terracotta tiled floor and French doors.
• Sitting area: 3 comfortable sofas (including a sofa bed) around a coffee table, a large TV with French and English (free to view satellite) channels, DVD and CD players and an old piano.  Portable high chair available.
• Dining area: Italian dining table and chairs, hostess trolley and large dresser with drinks cabinet.
• Well equipped kitchen with oven, dishwasher, microwave, fridge with freezer compartment, coffee maker, kettle, toaster etc.
• Large split-level bathroom with separate shower and bath, sink unit, vanity unit with hairdryer, washing machine, electric towel drier.
• Separate WC in hall.
• Snug bedroom: A cosy bright bedroom with French doors, pine twin beds and bedroom furniture. Great for children or as an extra room to relax in - has wide screen TV for watching DVD films or connecting a play station plus a portable CD player and lots of books.

First Floor

Oak staircase in hallway leading to first floor

• Aquarelle Bedroom: Charming fully carpeted master bedroom with exposed beams and a view of the pool. King-size bed and solid antique pine bedroom furniture including bedside cabinets and a full length mirror, plus a ceiling fan.
• Rose bedroom: Pretty fully carpeted double bedroom with a double aspect and exposed beams. King-size bed and additional single bed with mahogany chest of drawers, bedside tables and full length mirror plus a built-in wardrobe. Ceiling fan. Additional WC on landing. (Travel cot available)

Outside:

• Large swimming pool and patio for dining and sunbathing (all garden furniture provided). The pool (only shared with owners - no children) has a deep end (10m x 5m) and sunny pool terrace with table and chairs and loungers. The pool has an alarm to comply with EU safety regulations. 
• Guests have full access to the lovely gardens sloping down to the river plus a separate private garden area with garden furniture for their own use.
• Large private covered dining terrace filled with tubs of flowers, with a dining table and 6 chairs and gas barbecue.
• Cycling/ rambling track through the woods opposite. Balls/rackets for soft ball games, golf practice net, mini trampoline plus a set of pétanque boules provided.

Extra Information:

• Oil central heating (usually in April, October & November) plus electric towel radiator in bathroom and electric fire in salon.
• All china, glasses, cutlery, pans, bake ware and barbeque utensils provided. Washing machine in bathroom. Also iron and ironing board, pegs, hoover, mop, brush etc.
• Suitability: Ideal for families, couples or groups of friends. Due to river setting, not suitable for toddlers or young children under 8.  Fine for babies.

About the location

This lovely gite is nestled in an idyllic woodland setting by a stream right on the edge of the South Charente and Charente Maritime, not far from local swimming lagoons with beaches, village shops, restaurants.  There are lots of things to do and see locally, from swimming, kayaking and quad biking to wine tasting, sightseeing around historic towns and pretty villages and great markets to enjoy.  We are also within an hour 's drive of  Bordeaux, Cognac, Saint Emillion, Blaye, the fabulous beaches along the Atlantic coast and the neighbouring departments of the Dordogne and Gironde.

St Vallier: Local cognac pineau producer with guided visits, jet skiing/biking

Nearby Night Markets: These are wonderful opportunities to dine on excellent local produce whilst enjoying the market and entertainment. many night markets in local villages throughout the summer and weekly at Montendre or Jonzac.

Brossac Lakes and Village: Large lake with man-made beach, picnic benches and woodland trails for walking.  Many outdoor activities including fishing, horseriding. Quai Sud restaurant overlooks the lake. Spar mini-supermarket, bakery with tabac, butchers, pharmacy, bank, post office and Saint Bernard restaurant (incl pizza takeaways). Tennis and petanque (French bowls) in the centre. (approx. 10/15 minutes drive)

Beauvallon: Beautiful aqua blue lagoon with man-made beach, set in woodland.  Designated area for safe swimming (max. depth approx 1,6m - parental supervision) in the clear, clean water.  Play area on the sand for small children, with small Wendy houses etc.  Can hire pedallos or small boats (designated boating area), also volleyball. Bar is open all day for snacks, drinks and ice creams with a barbecue restaurant for lunch or dinner. Open from May to September. (approx. 10/15 minutes drive)

Chalais: Friendly market town with all facilities including a large supermarket and a wonderful weekly street market on Monday mornings. Lots of cafes and restaurants. The Chateau Talleyrand dates back to the 13th century & was the ancestral seat of the famous Talleyrand family for over 200 years. The tour of the Chateau (in English or French) includes the main house and private garden, the cloisters and a Romanesque church. Daily visits April to September (except Tuesdays) 10am-12pm; 1.30-5.30 pm. The Talleyrand Chateau restaurant is also superb (open . (approx. 15/20 minutes drive)

Aubeterre sur Dronne: In the picturesque village of Aubeterre, one of 100 prettiest in France, there are lots of cafes/restaurants around the village square, interesting artisans shops & two churches, one an ancient monolithic church carved out of the rock. At the bottom of the village by the River Dronne there is a man-made beach where you can hire canoes/kayaks or play tennis. (approx. 35/40 minutes drive - 15 minutes from Chalais)

Saint Emillion: Set high upon a hilltop, this historic ancient town with its narrow cobbled streets and profusion of wine shops and 'caves' is a great place to wander around on a summers day.  There is also an artisans square with shops selling a range of crafts and finer wares.  Plenty of different chateaux nearby when you can go wine tasting. 

Cognac: The cobbled streets of the old town lead down to the river.  Lots of small shops, restaurants and guided visits to famous Cognac houses like Hennesy. Trips on the river from May to September.  Waterpark along the river. Famous Blues festival takes place at the end of July. (approx. 45 minutes)

Angoulème: Lots of quaint shops and pretty restaurants in the old town as well as a pleasant walk around the ramparts of the old walled city.  Many cultural events and festivals during the year, lively bars and nightlife (approx. 1 hour)

Blaye: Citadelle with remaining ramparts overlooking the Gironde estuary - details of the interconnected French and English history at the museum.  Many artisan craft shops along the old streets as well as a good Creperie/bar and the fine Citadelle restaurant overlooking the water.  Also a very good 'cave' for buying wine in the town.  Wander back by following the wine trails near the estuary and try tasting some of the famous wines of Blaye/Bourg.  (approx. 1 hours drive)

Bordeaux: A very popular city for wine enthusiasts and theatre or art lovers. Access by road or you can take the tram. Great shopping and lovely architecture in the old quarter. Tours by open tip bus or train. (About 1 hours drive)

Atlantic coast: Superb wide sandy beaches stretch for miles along the Atlantic coast.  Royan is the main resort, also St. George de Didonne and Talmont. Great area for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.  Excellent seafood in the local restaurants or have a picnic on the beach.  Also plenty of shops.  Variety of cruises along the estuary (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes drive).

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

Activities near by

Badminton, Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Cycling, Drawing and painting, Fishing, French tuition, Gourmet dining, Horse riding, Kayaking, Mountain biking, Photography, Photography, Rambling, Riverside activities, Shopping, Sightseeing, Swimming, Tennis, Walking, Water sports, Wine tasting, Wine touring

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

How to get here

By plane: Regular flights to Bordeaux, Bergerac, La Rochelle & Limoges from the UK (approx. 1.5 hour flight) via airlines such as BA, Air France, Easyjet, BMI Baby, Ryan Air and Flybe. Hire cars & taxis available. Best option for short breaks.

By train: Eurostar & TGV (via Paris approx 7 hours) to Angoulme or Bordeaux. Hire cars & taxis available.

By car and ferry: from most UK ports with Brittany Ferries, Sea France, Condor Ferries etc. or by car with Euro tunnel to Calais. Approximately 5/6 hours driving time from St. Malo or 7/8 hours from Caen or Cherbourg. Around 9/10 hours from Calais (best to stop over on route).

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