Country house, sleeps 7, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Contact the owner
Contact the owner directly
Alison Hudson
(Advertising since April 2007)
Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 29 65 31
Tel 2: +33(0)643022832
If requested by the owner you can print out a booking form here
Website: visit owners website.
Please mention French Connections.
Heated saltwater pool (1 / 26)
Welcome basket of home produce (2 / 26)
Wonderfully light & airy 'salle de séjour' (3 / 26)
A kitchen equipped for cooks (4 / 26)
Façade with scented roses (5 / 26)
Fully equipped kitchen (6 / 26)
Double sofa bed in second sitting room (7 / 26)
Salle de séjour (8 / 26)
Double bedroom (9 / 26)
The second sitting room doubles up as fourth bedroom (10 / 26)
Principal bedroom with ensuite (11 / 26)
Triple bedroom (12 / 26)
Attention to detail (13 / 26)
Double bedroom (14 / 26)
Triple bedroom (15 / 26)
Charentais 'oeil de boeuf' window (16 / 26)
Herb garden (17 / 26)
The open barn (18 / 26)
'Bienvenue' Welcome (19 / 26)
The 6x3 metre pool (20 / 26)
Sitting room with fireplace and wood burning stove (21 / 26)
Roses in June (22 / 26)
(23 / 26)
View across field for kite flying, picnics... (24 / 26)
(25 / 26)
Relaxing sound of water (26 / 26)
Charming Charentaise Maison de Campagne with exclusive use heated saltwater pool
Nestled on the gentle hillside of a sleepy hamlet, this lovingly restored home and garden artfully unites original character with up-to-date facilities. Set in a rural idyll teeming with wildlife, it has beautiful views onto woodland and unspoilt countryside.
The tiny hamlet of Le Sauvage, just metres away from the Charente / Deux-Sèvres border, is perched on a hillside and surrounded by pasture, fields of sunflowers in the summer and groves of magnificent sweet chestnut trees. The hamlet, which means ‘untamed’, with its honey coloured stone walls and canal roof tiles, seems to sleep and shimmer in the heat of the day. It’s an ideal area for walking and gentle cycling, especially as there’s so little traffic on the roads, lots of interconnecting lanes through fields and woodland, forgotten hamlets, stone lavoirs (ancient washhouses) which bubble with ice cold spring water, wells … lovely spots for picnics.
If you don’t feel like stirring out of the garden, you could stay at home and enjoy your private pool or simply watch the migratory hoopoes or later on in the evening listen to the song of the nightingale. There’s a wealth of good local restaurants offering excellent value, or dine on freshly cooked local produce 'at home' under the stars.
Although the owners are not on site, they live closeby and they're very happy to help with anything guests may require.
Some recent comments from our guests:
'..... a lovely, laidback oasis' - Peter & Jennie Brimacombe of Gloucestershire.
'..... a wonderful holiday in a beautiful spot. The house and garden have been restored superbly and it is set out perfectly for lazy days in the sun' - Edward & Allison Hamilton & their toddler Daniel of London.
'..... we wanted a holiday where we could relax and we found the perfect place in 'Le Ruiseau Perdu'..... combined with the peaceful and picturesque location and the excellent weather, what else could we do, but sit around the pool whilst the children had a great time and enjoy more than the odd glass of wine!' - Karen & Keith Nowland and their children, Amy, Joe & Jack of Hertfordshire.
'Restored with great flair and skill.....this lovely house is a perfect place in which to spend the winter months, with it's efficient C.H., constant hot water and logs for the stove. We watched with great interest as the countryside changed from Winter into Spring' - Priscilla & Malcolm Flower-Smith of Somerset.
'What a fantastic house in a haven of peace and tranquility. This is by far the best house we have stayed in, well equipped and cared for. Thankyou Alison and Francis for the opportunity to stay somewhere so lovely' - The Bakers & the Demoss of Shropshire.
‘Our first year in ‘Le Ruisseau Perdu’ but our 5th year with Alison & Francis. Our best ever holiday (anywhere). Even more peaceful than Mandegault! We’ll be back next year….’ Paraic, Sinéad & Siofra Hegarty, West Cork, Ireland.
‘We greatly appreciated the opportunity to stay in such a comfortable and considerately equipped house set in tranquil surroundings…’ Pat & Timothy Roberts and Sophie & Adam and their two little ones.
‘A gorgeous house, beautifully presented and well equipped. On the rare occasions when we were able to tear ourselves from the garden loungers we visited…’ Ged, Kathryn and their children, Chris & Nicola.
‘We have had a lovely, relaxing time here. Alison & Francis have made this house a home. There was nothing lacking. We have been content to stay at the house most of the time, going in the pool, playing badminton and readings lots of books!’ Lynne, Julian and their children, Tom & Victoria.
‘We have very much enjoyed this little piece of paradise that Alison & Francis have created in Le Sauvage. There is so much to see and do in this area with its beautiful villages, hamlets and churches'. Catherine, Russell and their children, Adam & Belinda, New Zealand.
‘Just had a fabulous week – everything we hoped for and more. It was lovely to simply walk or cycle along the local roads – no traffic, wonderful scenery…..’ Andy and Lynne, Hebden Bridge, West Yorks.
A traditional stone built, detached property dating back over two hundred years, set in three acres of undulating meadowland and comprising a restored 'maison de campagne' and a converted 'étable' (stable). Furnishings and decoration have been carefully chosen to exploit and reflect the preserved architectural charm. Evidence of the restoration work runs right through from the rebuilt stone walls and repositioned oak beams to the restored and hand painted furniture. The thick stone walls and cool terracotta floor tiles maintain a natural coolness in the summer and the 'artisan' made traditional wooden windows and doors, are all double glazed. Natural fabrics and linens frame the windows and doors with refreshing simplicity.
Downstairs
- Sitting/dining room - is a large, light and airy open plan room with exposed honey coloured stone walls and painted beams. At the sitting room end there's a traditional Charentaise fireplace, two comfy settees and armchairs, a low table and a painted cupboard housing a UK Satellite TV, DVD player, and MP3 micro system with USB port. The dining area has an old refectory table, carved wooden chairs and a painted dresser.
- Kitchen - has solid wood worktops, an old glazed wall cupboard and is fully equipped with a stainless steel sink, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, stainless steel electric oven, gas hob, extractor hood and microwave. Equipped for cooks and 'foodies' with 'Bodum' type cafetière, electric hand mixer, kettle, toaster, stainless steel pans, plain white crockery, oyster knives.
- Living room - a separate 'petit salon' with French doors onto the garden with lovely views over the meadow, exposed stone walls, beams, double bed settee, superb old desk, book case and armchair - an ideal writer's retreat!
- Separate toilet - with washbasin
- Utility room - housing the central heating boiler, washing machine, tumble drier, sink, recycling bins, clothes airer and a built in broom cupboard housing ironing board, iron, vacuum cleaner etc.
Upstairs
There are two bathrooms and three large bedrooms with oak beams, exposed stone walls and white washed floorboards.
- Principal bedroom - with its view onto the herb garden, has a king size bed, a built in wardrobe/shelves using old reclaimed shutters and an antique dressing table. The en suite shower room with toilet, washbasin and large shower has a sweet little window and is predominately white in colour.
- Triple bedroom - has three lovely antique pine box beds, a wardrobe, an old pine chest of drawers, wooden chapel chairs and a view onto the garden.
- Double bedroom - has a magnificent wardrobe, old double bed, chest of drawers and a lovely view onto pasture and woodland.
- Bathroom - which is bright white with a roof window, a bath with shower, a toilet and a washbasin.
Grounds
The house faces south and its front borders are planted with old fashioned, scented climbing roses and lavenders. The garden is walled to one side with iron entrance gates and a gravel driveway to the parking area. There is a small sunken herb garden inspired by the Carolingian gardens of the region and a wonderful view from the lawn over the meadow, which is occasionally grazed by a handsome horse, an adorable donkey or a few sheep.
The shady open barn, planted with wisteria and clematis, under which is a gas barbecue and table tennis table. A wooden pergola planted with young vines offers dappled shady protection from the often scorching sunshine. The large wooden table and chairs make it a perfect setting for outdoor eating and drinking with views across the rolling landscape as the sun eventually sets in the West giving way to unpolluted star spangled skies.
The heated saltwater swimming pool (6m x 3m) has been carefully designed to provide a private sun bathing area of honey coloured stone and along with the sound of trickling water from the wall fountain, it integrates harmoniously into the natural environment.
This area is ideal for gentle cycling, especially as there is so little traffic on the roads, lot's of interconnecting lanes through fields and woodland ... lovely spots for picnics. If ever you feel the need to cool down, just dip your feet into the water of any of the beautiful stone 'lavoirs' often situated at river sources. For swimmers there is a wide choice of open air pools, man-made lakes with sandy beaches and river swimming all nearby. A pleasant bike ride or walk along country lanes to the nearest boulangerie and café/restaurant at Montjean which is only 3km from the house and the market town of Sauzé Vaussais with its fishing and canoeing lake, large supermarket and selection of bars, cafés and restaurants is under 6km.
Ruffec (8 km) is a bustling town full of little boutiques and cafés and has a lively market of fresh local produce and there's Kayaking at Rejallant on the Charente river near Ruffec or for a quieter day, explore the forests or go fishing at Condac. Chef Boutonne (12km) with its fairytale château and lavoirs, (ancient washhouses), which bubble with ice cold spring water, has a bustling market with stalls of freshly caught fish and local produce. The regional speciality, 'Pineau des Charentes', is a wickedly delicious aperitif served in pavement cafés in the town square. Fishing permits can be easily obtained for a days fishing at Chef Boutonne in the well-stocked Château Lake. The Château de Javarzay and museum are open to the public and are well worth a visit.
Without moving far from home at Melle you will discover no less than three magnificent Romanesque churches, one being Unesco listed and which during the Summer months become venues for the prestigious Festival of Classical Music. Whilst at Melle, take time to visit the Silver Mines and it’s Carolingian garden which date back to Vth century. The Royal X1th century Abbey with its formal gardens at Celles sur Belle is an imposing testament to Renaissance architecture and hosts a Baroque Music festival in late August. Again, on a musical note, Operas of outstanding quality are staged en ‘plein air’ in August in the Roman amphitheatre at Sanxay. This whole area is peppered with exquisite little XIth & XIIth century churches, Medieval heritage, pre-historic remains and Roman settlements. Of particular interest is the ‘Tumulus de Bougon’, one of the oldest Neolithic burial grounds in Europe.
Equidistant from the cultural and historic towns of Poitiers, Angoulême and Niort all being within 50 minutes drive from Le Ruisseau Perdu.
Poitiers, with it’s abundant medieval and Renaissance heritage, notably the romanesque church, Notre Dame la Grande and the rare 4th century Baptistère St. Jean along with shops and cafés makes for a pleasant day out or visit the renowned (rightly so, it’s absolutely amazing) Futuroscope.
Niort, capital of the Deux-Sèvres and steeped in history, dating back to the middle ages. Make time to visit the ‘Pilori’ and the ‘Donjon’, an imposing fortressed castle keep overlooking the ‘Sèvre Niortaise’ river. Don’t miss market day at Niort (Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings) a cornucopia of fresh local produce, baskets of fresh walnuts, goat’s cheeses, regional specialities and freshly caught fish from the ‘Isle d’Oleron’.
Angoulême, town of art and history is home to several art galleries including the excellent National Centre of Comic Strip Art. The ‘centre ville’ rich in architectural heritage boasts the XIth century Cathédrale St. Pierre, churches, an abbey and a chapel as well as a ‘chocolaterie artisanale’ and a museum dedicated to the Résistance.
Further afield, although mostly under an hour’s drive, there’s boating through the leafy waterways of the Marais Poitevin also known as the Venise Vert or Cognac (for obvious reasons) or Saintes with its Roman amphitheatre. There’s the delightful historic port of La Rochelle (90 minutes drive to be realistic) with its harbour towers, art galleries, museums and superb aquarium or simply relax and absorb the atmosphere in one of the many quayside cafés or restaurants or stretch out on the sandy beach, a mere stone’s throw from ‘centre ville’. The royal naval port of Rochefort is well worth a visit; witness the meticulous reconstruction of the 16th century frigate, the ‘Hermione’.
Local amenities
Nearest bakery: Montjean (Charente)
Nearest supermarket: Sauzé Vaussais (Deux-Sèvres)
Nearest market: Sauzé Vaussais (Deux-Sèvres)
Nearest pharmacy: Sauzé Vaussais (Deux-Sèvres)
Nearest bar: Montjean (Charente)
Tourist information: Sauzé Vaussais (Deux-Sèvres)
Lorigne on the map
Property 107565 –
Nearby place of interest
How to get to Le Ruisseau Perdu (The Lost Brook)
- Le Sauvage is situated 100kms directly inland from the port of La Rochelle and just 10kms west of the N10 near Sauzé Vaussais.
- Within easy reach of the channel ports of St.Malo (4hrs), Caen (4H30), Cherbourg (6hrs) and Calais (6.5hrs).
- There is a wide choice of airports: Poitiers (50 mins) La Rochelle & Limoges (1H30) and Bordeaux (2hrs).
- The nearest TGV train station is at Ruffec (10kms) 90mins to Paris.
Access options
Car Essential
Nearest airport
The nearest serviceable airport is Poitiers [PIS]
Stayed here? Add your review >
If you're looking for the definition of heaven -Le Ruisseau Perdu is it. From the moment you enter through wrought iron gates painted in the softest dove grey, you are struck by its beauty. The house in honey coloured stone, is cascaded in perfumed roses in shades of cerise pink to cream, framing the windows and doors. The interior is stylish and welcoming; white-washed beams, natural floors, hand painted antiques and art pieces throughout, curated by delightful hosts and talented artists, Alison and Francis. Set in a peaceful hamlet with uninterrupted views, to stay here is a dream come true.
Guest rating:
There aren’t more welcoming hosts than Francis and Alison worldwide! Plus they have created a divine house that is an absolute pleasure to stay in and restored in total sympathy. Recommended visits are Saintes with river boat trip, Jarnac, Melle, Lezay market and much more.
Guest rating:
A huge thank you for an amazing 2 weeks in your amazing house! Beautiful weather , lazy days and justenoughactivity to draw us away from the pool! Oh, and a big ‘merci’ for your recommendation of ‘Les Choeurs du Bacchus, one of the best meals and evenings in a very long time. Merci encore et à bientôt!!
Guest rating:
Wonderful stay in a peaceful home from home. Everything so carefully thought through - stunning! Thank you to you both - what an amazing transformation to the property and a legacy to the area.
Guest rating:
Such a lovely holiday - hot, sunny, peaceful…the pool is wonderful…the house beautiful. We have had an amazing holiday, spent 2 weeks reading, swimming, dozing and when it got cooler, walking in the lanes - Bliss!! Can’t wait to return.
Guest rating:
Thanks again for an amazing stay. We love your properties and you are the best hots ever. We are so sad to leave.
Guest rating:
A beautiful open plan cottage set in a very relaxed, tranquil location. Very conscientious owners who are so lovely! The new pool was also a very big hit with our girls! We had a perfect holiday! Thank you!
Guest rating:
Beautiful interior, lots of attention to detail. Loved the pool. Hosts welcoming and helpful with information.
Guest rating:
This was a beautiful relaxed location. The cottage was just as advertised... all very pleasing and easy going .... nothing to fault . Spacious and extremely well equipped ... but what made it even more special were the owners whose sheer niceness and genuine welcome topped it all... thank you !
Guest rating:
Beautiful cottage and location. You simply won't find any better cottage to stay in - everything you need, clean, comfortable and quiet. The most noise we heard all week was the crickets (oh and our young children of course who really enjoyed the swimming pool - a real bonus which and bath like thanks to the solar heating. Thank you for a lovely stay. We'll be back!
Guest rating:
The location in this part of France is beautiful and very quiet. Close to lots of places to visit especially Angouleme and Poitier. The property is in a lovely spot and is superbly appointed. Everything you will need is there. The decor and quality of the rooms is second to none. In fact it's quite difficult to want to leave the gite to go out as its so relaxing. The pool, sun beds and table tennis are all great and we borrowed their bikes and there are some lovely rides all from the gite. Sauze Vaussais and Montjean both have boulangeries and the former has a supermarket and other shops.
Guest rating:
A wonderful rural retreat! So peaceful! Alison and Francis are so helpful and provide everything you could possibly need for a relaxing stress free holiday for all ages. Thank you!
Guest rating:
If you want peace, go here. The location is beautiful and all you need is included. Perfect to chill out and let the world go away for a while. The owners are truly interested in you enjoying your time there. We have stayed in their other gites and have always been completely satisfied by their attention to detail. Nothing is too much trouble and I highly recommend a visit.
Guest rating:
Le Ruisseau Perdu is a real gem hidden away in the midst of the beautiful Charente country side. However not too far away from the coast for a day trip. Francis and Alison have a wonderful eye for interiors and have collected a enviable range of shabby chic French furniture for the house. The rooms were really comfortable with enough room for four adults and four children. We loved the personal touches of homemade Pineau, and jams. The children loved the table tennis and games. They would have loved the pool too, only it was a little early in the season. All in all we had a wonderful stay.
Guest rating:
| Property type | Country house (Self-catering) |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Bedrooms |
2 double bedroom(s) 1 triple bedroom(s) 3 childs bed(s) 2 cot(s) |
| Occupancy | 7 |
| Suitability | Suitable for children, Suitable for the elderly, Unsuitable for wheelchair access, Non-smoking, Touring motorcyclists welcome |
| Linen | Bed linen, bathroom & leisure towels provided. |
| Kitchen facilities | Dishwasher, Ironing facilities, Tumble dryer, Washing machine, Gas hob, Electric oven, Fridge-Freezer, Combination microwave |
| Internal facilities | CD player, DVD player, English satellite TV, Exclusive rental, Hi-fi system, Internet access (broadband), Owner not on site, Telephone, TV, Wood burning fire or stove, Fans in rooms, Central heating (oil), Radio, Hairdryer, Board Games, Wi-Fi Broadband Internet, MP3 Player, Internet Access, Tea/Coffee making facilities |
| External facilities | Garden, Scenic views, Swimming pool (exclusive use), Barbecue, Courtyard, Heated Pool |
| Activities nearby | Adventure park, Badminton, Ballooning, Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, French tuition, Golf, Gourmet dining, Hiking, Horse riding, Kayaking, Museums, Rambling, Riverside activities, Sightseeing, Swimming, Table tennis, Theme parks, Tree adventure park, Walking, Wine tasting |
Changeover day: Saturday
Last updated on: 29th June 2020
| Available | Booked/Unavailable |
|---|
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No tariffs were found for this property. Please enquire with the owner for rental rates for this property
Additional price notes
- 'LE RUISSEAU PERDU' accommodates up to 7 (2 couples & 3 children) plus 2 babies in cots. There is a double sofa bed in a separate sitting room and if required, this must be requested at the time of booking. We make an extra charge of £150 per week to take into account extra use of utilities, linens etc.
- Special rate for couples in May, June, September and October only £895 per week rather than £995 per week.
- 'Le Ruisseau Perdu' is also designed as a Winter Retreat. It has oil fired central heating throughout with under floor heating on the ground floor, double glazed wooden windows and doors, thick stone walls, generous insulation and wooden shutters. UK satellite & French TV. Long stays are available from November to March for a minimum of 10 weeks. From £310 per week; this rate includes towels & bedlinen for self laundering, central heating, water, electricity, gas for the hob, broad band internet connection and international telephone calls.