Farmhouse, 3 Cottages and Pool in Cognac Country

Farmhouse details

Home description

La Pierre Blanche is a small country estate dating from the 1680's in an attractive, tranquil village setting in superb countryside close to major tourist centres and within easy reach of the Atlantic coast and beaches. Cognac, Saintes, La Rochelle and the islands of Re and Oleron are an easy drive away.

The property comprises the main farmhouse and three separate stone cottages which can be rented together or separately - all with delightful beamed interiors and historic features. All properties are set in 2.5 acres of enclosed grounds of lawns, mature trees and shrubs, with views of sunflower fields and vineyards beyond. Relax and soak up the sun beside our heated, screened and fully enclosed large pool (10 x 5 metres). Our large grassy grounds are equipped with swings, slide and seesaw. There is room for cricket and ball games and space to just chill out in the shade with a glass of local vin de pays.

The tranquility of this unspoilt corner of Charente Maritime is a well kept secret. The landscape is rolling hills and a colourful painting of sunflowers, vineyards and white limestone villages. Country towns are rich in art and culture, including historic Romanesque churches and spectacular Gallo-Roman architecture. Thanks to the Gulf Stream and gentle microclimate, our region is the second sunniest in France. And if you fancy a swim, the Charente Maritime boasts 300 miles of coastline and some of the best beaches in Europe.

The owners - Paul and Gilli Matthews - live on site and are dedicated to making your holiday a relaxing, memorable experience.

Contact us now, or first click on the link further down this page in the 'Contact details' box to view our own web site. Our site has additional interior photos and much more information on our properties and our beautiful region.

External features on site

• Barbecue
• Garden
• Scenic views
• Swimming pool (shared use)

Accommodation detail

5 bedrooms, sleeps 12

A traditional style Charentais farmhouse with original oak beams and limestone walls throughout. Full of character and French country atmosphere. The farmhouse is ideal for 2 families or a large group of friends.

Ground floor

• Kitchen - is enormous in true country living style, complete with oak fitted units, large double sink, solid oak dining table and seating for 12, large fridge, large cooker, dishwasher and microwave. The floor is laid with attractive checker board tiles and above your head are massive oak beams set in the limestone walls.
• Lounge - is large and comfortably furnished with 2 leather sofas plus a further sofa bed and equipped with UK satellite TV and DVD. There is an imposing antique fireplace with a wood burning stove. The room is light and airy and catches the evening light as it sets in the west.
• Bedroom 1 - with a double bed is in traditional charentais style complete with antique fireplace.
• Shower room - with wash basin and WC

From the kitchen a staircase leads up to a landing where there are:

First floor

• Bedroom 2 - with two single beds
• Bedroom 3 - also with two single beds

A short step up leads to:

Second floor

• Bedroom 4 - this is the master bedroom and has an antique wooden bedstead and wardrobe with space for a cot if desired.
• Bedroom 5 - a traditional charentais-style long bedroom. This is ideal for children with 2 single beds and a bunk bed. If you wish, a curtain can split the room into two sections.
• Bathroom - which is equipped with bath, shower attachment and screen, wash basin and WC.  

Outside

You can dine in the open air in the garden patio, which is equipped with barbecue, tables, chairs and parasol. Washing machine and ironing facilities available on site. Babysitting service available.

About the location

La Pierre Blanche is located in a small hill top village surrounded by fields, woods and vineyards but is only 10 minutes away from the historic town of Aulnay-de-Saintonge (supermarket, restaurants, bank, chemist and twice-weekly market) and 5 minutes from the town of Néré.

You will never be short of things to do in our area. Choose from the following according to your fancy:

Aulnay – Restaurants, cafe, Sunday market, 12th century Romanesque church on the St. James Compostella pilgrim route and considered among the ten most beautiful in France. Close by Aulnay forest is ideal on a hot Summer day for walking, cycling, bird watching and picnics.

Dampierre - Renaissance chateau on the river Boutonne. Poitou Donkey farm where the unique Poitou donkey is being preserved and can roam freely in the fields and woods. A wonderful day out for the children.

Cognac - All the famous cognac distilleries, boat trips on the river Charente, chic boutiques, Jazz `n` Blues Festival in July.

Saintes - Well preserved Roman Amphitheatre seating 17,000, triumphal arch, historic churches and abbey, smart boutiques, Charente boat trips.

St. Jean d’Angely - Beautiful old town, abbey, covered market, fishing, water park with pedalos and canoes.

Rochefort - Naval shipyard town from time of Louis X1V, famous Corderie (rope works) and museum. Reconstruction of the 18thC warship Hermione. Pierre Loti museum.

Royan - Stylish sandy beach resort. Upmarket shops and restaurants.

La Rochelle - The old port, ocean racing yachts, museums, mediaeval arcaded streets, Aquarium, seafood restaurants, exclusive shops and boutiques, fabulous indoor market. Boat trips to Fort Boyard, Ile d’Aix, Ile d’Oleron. Francofolies pop music festival in July.

Ile de Ré - Connected to the mainland by a spectacular toll bridge. Favourite of showbiz stars and celebrities, seafood restaurants, sandy Atlantic beaches.

Ile d’Oleron - An island paradise. Choose the western Atlantic side with miles of deserted sandy Atlantic beaches, surfing, dunes and pine forests - or soak up the sun on the gentler, protected eastern side.

Angouleme - A delight. Countless restaurants, bars, cafes and galleries. The National Comic Museum is an outstanding highlight.

Venise Verte – National Park with a maze of countless small rivers and canals. Rent a punt with paddles and explore this amazing landscape.

A longer day trip is possible to: Bordeaux, the Gironde and St. Emilion, Perigeux, Bergerac, Limoges, Poitiers and the Futuroscope theme park.

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

Activities near by

Badminton, Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Go karting, Golf, Gourmet dining, Horse riding, Mountain biking, Rambling, Riverside activities, Sailing, Sea excursions, Shopping, Sightseeing, Surfing, Swimming, Theme parks, Tree adventure park, Walking, Water sports, Wind Surfing, Wine tasting, Wine touring, Yoga

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

How to get here

By road - 4 hours from St Malo, 5 hours from Caen/Ouistreham and Le Havre, 6 1/2 hours from Boulogne, 7 hours from Calais. Avoid Paris by using the A28 via Rouen, Le Mans and Tours.

By air -  Ryan Air, EasyJet, Jet2.com and FlyBe all serve our region.  Flights from - Birmingham, Bristol, Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bradford, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Southampton. We are 45 minutes from Angouleme airport (Ryan Air - new from April), 1 hour from La Rochelle Airport and Poitiers Airport.  2 hours from Bordeaux Merignac International airport and Nantes airport.

By rail - 1 hour 15 mins from Poitiers station and 45 minutes from Niort (car hire firms at the stations), TGVs to Paris Montparnasse, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, London, and Brussels.

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