Farmhouse in Charente, France

Belle Etoile details

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Belle Etoile and the Swimming Pool

Sitting room

Stunning View from the Pool

Home description

Belle Etoile is a beautifully renovated 19th century Charentaise farmhouse set in a peaceful hamlet with stunning views. It has an exceptional, solar heated pool which extends to 20 metres for lane swimming. New for 2010: the pool will be securely fenced, accessed by spring-loaded, self-closing, child-proof gates. The property has wifi internet connection.

The house has been tastefully renovated with retained original features such as stone fireplaces, curved wooden staircase and exposed beams; it is in a truly peaceful location and it has outstanding panoramic views from the garden, the pool and from all principal rooms in the house. There is a private adjoining field which is available for ball games, equipped with a goalpost; a basketball hoop, badminton net and cricket stumps are also provided. The relatively traffic-free roads and gentle terrain make this an ideal area for walking and cycling. Four adult bicycles are provided. The pool is open from 1 May to 2 October 2010.

Accommodation detail

The farmhouse style kitchen

The house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and central heating for year-round use; it is equipped to a very high standard. All beds are full size and can be used by any combination of adults and children totaling 12, plus 2 cots for infants.

Ground Floor:

• Kitchen - large farmhouse kitchen which can seat 12 for dining . It has a wood-burning stove and it is particularly well equipped with a double oven, microwave, dishwasher, food processor, CD/tape player/radio, highchair(s) and a good range of quality kitchen tools.
• Sitting room - spacious and comfortable with three sofas, a wood-burning stove, satellite TV, video/DVD player, video library, books and a variety of toys and games.

First Floor:

• Double bedroom 1 - with two additional single beds
• Double bedroom 2 - with one additional single bed
• Bathroom

Second Floor:

This upper floor is a charming attic with low ceilings and beams.

• Double bedroom 3 - with one additional single bed
• Double bedroom 4
• Bathroom

Outside:

There is a utility room with washing machine and a further bathroom with shower and toilet .

The private garden has a southwest facing terrace with outstanding panoramic views of gentle, tree-covered hills, red-roofed farms and, in June and July, sunflower slopes. The terrace is equipped with tables, chairs, parasols, a barbecue and outdoor lighting.  There are swings in the garden.

The luxury 20 metre pool is solar heated and has underwater lighting. Wide steps lead into the pool from a patio area equipped with cushioned sunloungers. Guests have sole use of the pool from 10 am - the owners may swim before 10 am if in residence in neighbouring property.

About the location

Belle Etoile is on the Charente/Dordogne border in the peaceful hamlet of Isle where hollyhocks abound from June to September. The nearby village of Ronsenac, which can be reached by footpath, has a lively cafe/bar, a well-equipped children's play area, sports field, tennis court, post office and mobile shop.

Just 3 kms away is the larger village of Villebois-Lavalette with a Knights Templar chateau, excellent supermarket, restaurants and bar, tourist office and library, both with internet connection, plus a good range of shops and services; there is a produce market in the 17th century covered market square on Saturdays.

The hilltop city of Angoulême, with its vibrant cafe society and good shops is 25 kms away. 

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

Activities near by

Adventure park, Badminton, Billiards, Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Ceramics, Cycling, Drawing and painting, Fishing, Flying, French tuition, Golf, Gourmet dining, Horse riding, Kayaking, Mountain biking, Paragliding, Pottery, Rambling, Riverside activities, Shopping, Sightseeing, Swimming, Tennis, Walking, Water sports, Wine tasting

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

How to get here

• Le Havre is 335 miles; Caen is 315 miles; and Calais is 430 miles.
• Eurostar to Angouleme - 7 hours from Waterloo, via Paris or Lille.
• Economy flights - to airports at  Angouleme, Bordeaux, Poitiers, Limoges and Bergerac.
• Car hire available - at airports and Angouleme train station.

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