Farmhouse and 4 Cottages with Pool in Cognac Country near Aulnay
Character Properties on Small Country Estate, Perfect for a Relaxing Family Holiday
Properties sleeping 4, 6 , 8 and 12
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At La Pierre Blanche our aim is to create happy memories of a family holiday in a home away from home. We have restored a group of historic buildings to recreate a sense of country living in the simple, traditional style of our beautiful corner of France. At the same time, we recognise that our customers expect a good standard of inventory and have equipped the properties to ensure a relaxing, stress-free holiday. That's why we include bedlinen and towels in the rental cost, and families with tots and babies will find we provide baby and toddler equipment including cots, high chairs, bed guards, baby dan playpen and stair gates free of charge. Kids can make friends with the others staying in other cottages on the estate while Mum and Dad relax in the shade with a chilled glass of locally produced vin de pays. There is a large heated pool plus swings, a slide, a see-saw, a sandpit for the little ones and a lovely big garden to play in - and the beach is only an hour way!
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| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 19 May 2012 - 1 June 2012 | £780 | 7 | ||
| 2 June 2012 - 22 June 2012 | £980 | 7 | ||
| 23 June 2012 - 13 July 2012 | £1200 | 7 | ||
| 14 July 2012 - 20 July 2012 | £1400 | 7 | ||
| 21 July 2012 - 31 August 2012 | £1500 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 28 September 2012 | £980 | - |
Les Hirondelles (4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8) Prices
| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 19 May 2012 - 1 June 2012 | £575 | 7 | ||
| 2 June 2012 - 22 June 2012 | £700 | 7 | ||
| 23 June 2012 - 13 July 2012 | £850 | 7 | ||
| 14 July 2012 - 20 July 2012 | £1000 | 7 | ||
| 21 July 2012 - 31 August 2012 | £1100 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 28 September 2012 | £700 | - |
La Maison Blanche (2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4) Prices
| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 19 May 2012 - 1 June 2012 | £475 | 7 | ||
| 2 June 2012 - 22 June 2012 | £550 | 7 | ||
| 23 June 2012 - 13 July 2012 | £650 | 7 | ||
| 14 July 2012 - 20 July 2012 | £800 | 7 | ||
| 21 July 2012 - 31 August 2012 | £850 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 28 September 2012 | £550 | - |
Les Vignes (3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6) Prices
| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 19 May 2012 - 1 June 2012 | £475 | 7 | ||
| 2 June 2012 - 22 June 2012 | £550 | 7 | ||
| 23 June 2012 - 13 July 2012 | £650 | 7 | ||
| 14 July 2012 - 20 July 2012 | £800 | 7 | ||
| 21 July 2012 - 31 August 2012 | £850 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 28 September 2012 | £550 | - |
Notes on prices
Prices include bedlinen and bath towels.
We accept payment in Sterling or Euros. Conversion to Euros at the rate published on www.hifx.co.uk at the time of booking.
Special offer outside school holiday weeks we offer a 10% reduction off advertised rental prices for families consisting of 2 adults plus a child under the age of 18 months. SPECIAL OFFER - for bookings made before December 31st reserve your property for just £50.
Changeover day
In the school holidays, all properties are rented from Saturday to Saturday, minimum stay 7 nights. However, outside of these weeks we are flexible on start and end days. Rentals start at 4pm on the first day and end at 10am on the last day.
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Les Hirondelles (4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8)
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This carefully restored former estate workers cottage is packed with period features including original oak beams, exposed stonework, antique stone fireplaces in both sitting room and kitchen and the old bread oven. The cottage is named after the families of swallows which often swoop over it as they chase insects on a hot summer's day. Downstairs - large living room with imposing antique stone fireplace and wooden beamed ceiling. TV with UK satellite channels and DVD player. Well equipped kitchen with second antique stone fireplace with family dining table seating 8, cooker, large fridge, microwave. Family bathroom with bath and shower attachment, wash basin and WC. Bedroom with 2 single beds. Upstairs - 2 double bedrooms, master bedroom with original oak beams and en-suite shower room plus wash basin and WC. Children's room with bunk bed. |
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La Maison Blanche (2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4)
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A lovingly restored, traditional style Charentais cottage with beams and limestone walls throughout. Full of character and French country atmosphere. The cottage is equipped to a very high standard. The large country kitchen is fitted out with solid oak doors, large double sink, family dining table and is equipped to a very high specification with a Rangemaster range oven, US-style fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave and toaster. Doors lead out the private patio garden. Also downstairs there is a large family bathroom a bath with shower attachment and screen and WC. The lounge is large and comfortably furnished with leather sofas and equipped with a huge 42" Plasma TV with UK satellite channels, DVD player and broadband WiFi connection. There is an imposing antique fireplace with a wood burning stove. Upstairs - two sunny bedrooms, one with a double bed and a further bedroom with a bunk bed. Both bedrooms overlook the garden at the rear. |
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Les Vignes (3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6)
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Les Vignes is a former estate workers cottage and full of authentic French country atmosphere. The cottage takes its name from the old vine which covers the front of the property. Period features include original massive oak beams, antique fireplace and an old bread oven. Another interesting feature is the original stone sink used in bygone days with the 'bullseye' window above. The downstairs living area combines kitchen, dining and living space in one. Kitchen equipped with cooker, microwave and fridge, with plenty of cupboard storage space. Massive oak beams support the upper floor and internal walls comprise the limestone stonework so typical of historic houses in the region. The living area has two sofas to relax on plus a DVD player. Also on the ground floor a good sized bathroom equipped with a bath with shower attachment, wash basin and WC. Upstairs - 3 bedrooms. One room has 2 single beds, the other 2 are doubles with the main double having a king size bed. |
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Notes on accommodation
We recognise that our customers expect a good standard of inventory and have equipped the properties to ensure a relaxing, stress-free holiday (see our own web site for full details). That's why we include bedlinen and towels in the rental cost, and families with tots and babies will find we provide baby and toddler equipment including cots, high chairs, bed guards, babydan playpen and stair gates free of charge. An automatic washing machine and clothes lines are provided on site for guest use. Note: see owners direct ref FR8048 for details of our fifth property la grange - barn conversion sleeping 6.
Outside
All our properties have their own seating area outside and are equipped with patio chairs, tables and parasols. The farmhouse and La Maison Blanche have private patio gardens. There is a large heated pool (10 x 5 metres, fenced and alarmed) plus swings, a slide, a seesaw, a sandpit for the little ones and a lovely big garden to play ball games and hide and seek in. The quiet lanes around the estate see minimal traffic so even young children can cycle safely and make friends with the farm animals down the bottom of the hill.
Our ever popular BBQ evenings are a great way to meet and mingle with other guests at a great value price. Relax and let someone else do the cooking, enjoy our range of locally produced grilled meats, home prepared salads and delicious desserts - and enjoy the free flowing wine and soft drinks. Every week our local potter Jo organises pottery painting sessions on site. You paint your plate using the special paint provided for a wonderful souvenir.
Coast/Beach
We are just over an hour from the attractive family-friendly resort of Chatelaillon Plage, south of La Rochelle. The sandy beach is protected from the Atlantic waves so very suitable for younger children. Alternatively, if you want to try body-boarding, the dunes of the Cote Sauvage are a good bet for waves. This area is north of Royan, 1 hour 10 minutes away. For an escape from it all, chill out on the jet-setting Ile de Re, an easy day trip away.
Golf
There are three 18 hole courses within a 40 minute drive at Cognac and Niort. See our website for full details.
Travel
By road - 4 hours from St Malo, 5-6 hours from Caen/Ouistreham, Le Havre and Dieppe, 6 1/2 hours from Boulogne, 7 hours from Calais.
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 1 hour 15mins from La Rochelle Airport and Poitiers Airport. 2 hours from Bordeaux Merignac International airport and Nantes airport.
Distances
Less than 5 minutes drive from the nearest small town Nere (boulangeries, cashpoint, co-op, bistro restaurant) and 10 minutes from Aulnay-de-Saintonge (full services including supermarket, cashpoints, cafes, restaurants, boulangeries, etc). Bread is delivered daily by bakers van to our gates.
Further details
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 micro-climate, our region is the second sunniest in France after Provence. And if you fancy a swim, the Charente Maritime boasts 300 miles of coastline and some of the best beaches in Europe.
You'll 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 & 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, medieval arcade streets, Aquarium, seafood restaurants, exclusive shops and boutiques, fabulous indoor market. Boat trips to Fort Boyard, Ile d’Aix, Ile d’Oleron.
Booking notes
A 25% deposit is requested on booking your property with the balance due 8 weeks before the start of your holiday. SPECIAL OFFER - for bookings made before December 31st reserve your property for just £50.
Guest comments
A paradise for the children - Grandmother, Bergen, Norway
The pool was first rate in ambiance, cleanliness and safely protected for small children. I thought the accommodation is pitched perfectly - comfortable, well equipped without being fussy. Well done. - John , Rickmansworth
We had a great time, we loved the location, the farmhouse and the pool is fantastic. Its a grey day here in England and I am feeling a tad jealous of the families who will now be enjoying it all !! - Kathy, Nottingham
When we arrived the cottage was spotless. One of the best gites we have stayed in...I can't remember having such a peaceful night's sleep. The tranquility is amazing. - Julie, Oxfordshire
The children didn't want to leave. On the way home our youngest asked if we could buy her your cottage for Christmas! Seriously, we couldn't have asked for more from a family holiday. Thank you again. - Jo W, Bath
Owner profile
About the owner
We are Paul and Gill. We have owned the historic La Pierre Blanche estate for the last 8 years. Our aim is to create a home away from home mainly for families with children. That's why we have worked hard in making our gites, our garden and pool as child-friendly as possible.
Year purchased: 2003
Why the owner chose a home in this location
The gites at La Pierre Blanche are built in the limestone so typical of the Charente, with terracotta tiles and lavender blue shutters to shade against the hot Summer sun. Each are individual character properties, not the average barn unit conversion. The story they tell is of a world of working the land in a bygone age. We invite you and your family to share in the experience of living in one of the most beautiful and tranquil regions of France.
For booking and further information
Property Ref FR7678
Contact Name:
Paul Matthews
(UNITED KINGDOM) +44 07749585532
Owners Website: Click here
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Property Ref FR7678
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