Peaceful Farmhouse with Private Pool and Superb View

The Old Farmhouse details

Home description

This is traditional Charentaise farmhouse, and is a haven of real peace and quiet, far from any busy roads. Bounded by woods and vineyards, the 2.5 acres of grounds slope southwards and offer superb views towards the distant hills of the Dordogne.

A particular feature is the covered terrace, which makes a wonderful shaded dining area and outdoor kitchen; it is equipped with gas hob, fridge and sink. You can pour a drink, prepare a meal and enjoy the glorious view. Just four steps below the terrace is the beautifully landscaped swimming-pool, set in its own secluded garden.

The house itself has been carefully restored and is spacious and comfortably furnished. There are no other holidaymakers on site, and you have exclusive use of the pool.

External features on site

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

The gardens are a particular feature of the property and are mostly on the south side of the house. They have been extensively planted with a wide range of trees, flowering shrubs and perennials. Mown grass paths meander though meadow grass. There is a big lawn for a game of croquet, you could play boules round the perimeter of the garden, there's a badminton set, and more than enough space to kick a football. The pool is secluded and is set in its own garden- within -a -garden, surrounded by lawns and a sun terrace. There are plenty of garden chairs and sun loungers, and 2 outdoor dining tables.

The covered terrace that overlooks the pool is always a popular feature. Not only does it offer welcome shade for a midday meal, but it is also equipped with a second fridge, a gas hob and a sink, ideal for al fresco cooking as well as dining.

There is a second terrace just outside the living-room, and further shaded areas under the trees.

The surrounding countryside of pasture, woodland and vineyards contains many farmtracks. You can stroll off to another hamlet, or drop down into the village for a drink or a meal.

SMALL CHILDREN
Children over 5 years of age who have learnt to swim without any assistance or buoyancy aid are welcome but supervision will be necessary. The grounds are open and unfenced and adjoin woodland and farmland. There is a small pond at the bottom of the garden. Although the track that fronts the grounds is little used, it remains a public road.

Accommodation detail

The Old Farmhouse comprises:

Ground floor

• Entrance hall - with plenty of storage space
• Living room - the main room in the house is the old "sejour" (living room) with its vast stone fireplace, terracotta tiles and timbered ceiling. This is a glorious room, and like all the rooms it looks south across the garden. Full of character, there is a spacious lounge with a big sofa and armchairs.
• Kitchen / dining area - there is an oak dining table and beyond that the kitchen area which has been planned to blend into the room, with appliances carefully concealed. It is well equipped, there are two sinks and ample work surfaces.
• Bedroom 1 - has a large double-bed with extra leg-room, and an en-suite bathroom. This room has a high beamed ceiling and fine views east and south; it is wonderfully large and airy and could double as a second lounge or family bedroom.
• Bedroom 2 - with twin beds this room overlooks the garden, and has a shower room just opposite.

Attic room

• Bedroom 3 - this is a most attractive, spacious attic room with twin beds, dominated by massive old beams; headroom is slightly restricted at the edges of the room. Air-condtioning at nominal cost can be provided in this room should the need arise.

Outside

Immediately outside the main room is a wide, tiled terrace, ideal for breakfast and dinner.

About the location

The South Charente is a quiet, undulating land of meadows, copses, sunflowers and vineyards, and sleepy hamlets that seem to have been here for ever. Yet within minutes are lively little market towns like Chalais, there's the hilltop city of Angouleme to the north, and the fine city of Bordeaux just an hour to the south. Chalais has everything you need from a supermarket and 4 bakers to a colourful streetmarket.

Other nearby attractions include Brossac with its bathing lake, and picturesque Aubeterre. You could go canoeing on the tree-lined River Dronne, or visit Cognac or St.Emilion, home to some of the finest clarets. The coast is not too far away either, and there are some lovely unspoiled beaches.

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

Activities near by

Badminton, Boules, Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Golf, Rambling, Shopping, Sightseeing, Swimming, Tennis, Walking, Wine tasting, Wine touring

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

How to get here

France's excellent motorway network makes it easy to reach the Charente from all the main channel ports or the Tunnel, and with an overnight crossing to St.Malo one could even be here in time for a late lunch.

For those who prefer to fly and hire a car, both Bordeaux and Bergerac airports are within an easy drive, and are served by British Airways and Easyjet, and Ryanair and Flybe respectively.

It is also possible to travel by Eurostar and TGV(high-speed train) to nearby Angouleme where cars can be hired.

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