Stone Presbytery in Park with Super Pool on edge of village
On the Charente river between Cognac and Saintes
Sleeps 6 (3 Bedrooms);1 king size, 1 twin,1 double
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This 1830's former presbytery with long stone terrace, large solar-heated salt swimming pool (10 x 5m), all mod cons, furnished with antiques and with 3 large bedrooms all en-suite makes an exceptional high class get-away. Three French windows from a large living room and dining room open onto a 40' stone terrace, ideal for alfresco eating with elegant steps down to the large lawned garden. There's plenty of room to park cars too. Situated on the corner of a small village with beautiful view and sunsets, it lies between Cognac (12K) and the picturesque Roman town of Saintes 16 minutes. Lots to do in the area - good golf, the Atlantic about 1 hour away with fantastic beaches, buzzy daily markets, choice restaurants, abundant history, vineyards and sunflowers. The house is furnished with antiques, comfort and the kitchen has very modern facilities and equipment. The spacious and pastel painted bedrooms (1 king size, 1 twin and 1 double) have an air of Regency elegance.
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| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 1 December 2011 - 28 April 2012 | £500 | 28 |
Changeover day
As above - Saturday to arrive PM and leave early morning but please ask whether variations can be accommodated!
Accommodation
| Bedrooms: | The master bedroom has king size antique cane bed and a separate dressing room. All rooms en suite. Bedroom 2 with elegant twin beds can be put together in spacious room. Bedroom 3 a pretty room with 4'6 double bed. All bedrooms are carpeted. |
| Bathrooms: | En-suite to bedroom 1 in pink marble, double basins, Victorian bath, separate shower and WC. Dressing room. En-suite to bedroom 2 with shower, wash basin and (noisy) WC. Bathroom has a step-in shower, wash basin and WC with wooden parquet floor. |
| Kitchen: | New gas and electric hobs, microwave oven, 2 fridges, and all usual appliances and utensils. Very fully furnished in a country style. |
| Utility Room: | Separate laundry and covered drying area. |
| Living Rooms: | Large double salon with stone carved cheminee & sliding doors to dining room. Three French doors lead to long stone terrace with table, chairs and umbrella. Stone steps lead to lawn. TV (english) DVD, hi-fi, video and indoor games and Internet connection. |
| Other: | The imposing front doors guarded by stone lions lead into a tiled entrance hall with two storey curved elm staircase with a spacious landing. |
| Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: |
All linen is provided and the house is cleaned weekly when sheets etc are changed. |
| Amenities/Facilities: | hob/stove oven fridge/freezer fridge microwave dishwasher washing machine iron/ironing board satellite tv tv internet access central heating cot barbecue private pool (for sole use of guests) pool heating |
| Suitability: | pets accepted |
| Location Type: |
Notes on accommodation
Because of the antiques etc the house is not suitable for children between 1 and 8 years old.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access to the terrace (ramp) and ground floor only.
Outside
The property is completely fenced and apart from the terrace, has parking for at least 4 cars, large lawn with shady lime trees, barbeque, ping pong, ball games and 10m x 5m salt swimming pool with alarm.
Coast/Beach
Wonderful Atlantic beaches at Royan and surrounding area all just over an hour away by car. Colourful coastline with oyster beds, superb fish at the markets, good walking and cycling country (4 cycles provided).
Golf
Excellent golf courses at Cognac (good club restaurant), Saintes and Royan all within easy range.
Travel
Ryanair to La Rochelle and, sometimes, Angouleme. Bordeaux is about 1 and a quarter hours away. Eurostar to Lille, TGV to Angouleme -a very pleasant journey. Ferry or Eurotunnel to Calais, Norfolk Ferries to Dunkirque or Boulogne then 7 hour drive on excellent roads to Saintes. Ferries to Le Havre,Caen, Cherbourg or St Malo (4 hours to Brives) A car is really essential though vans come to the village with bread (daily), fruit, meat, fish etc.
Distances
There are very large supermarkets at Cognac 12km and Saintes 16km colourful daily markets in each. The area abounds in history (Eleanor of Aquitaine for instance); Roman sites in Saintes (Arc de Triomphe, arena, baths, Romanesque crypt, pilgrim hospitals and hospices, historic churches, Paleosite museum, fishing (sea and river) boats; there are visits to cognac and wine-making installations as well as trips to beautifully restored Bordeaux and picturesque St Emilion etc. Jazz @ classical music
Further details
There is an HSBC bank in Cognac by the market.There is a list of worthy restaurants in the house as well as things to see and do. Bordeaux, Rochfort and La Rochelle are all full of interest and within easy reach. There are lots of abbeys,the Abbaye aux Dames in Saintes and Bassac for example. The locals are very friendly but it's better if you have some French, of course.
Booking notes
The house is to let from Saturday on a weekly basis and a 20% deposit is required with booking. Final payment plus a returnable, damage deposit of 20% is payable one month before date of arrival. Payments can be made in £ Sterling or Euros to owner by cheque, paypal or electronic bank transfer. To book, please contact the owner.
Guest comments
'We really loved your home and will be back' - vet from Ireland
'We had a wonderful holiday, most relaxing, in your very comfortable and elegant house' - Charlotte and Adrian
'There was so much to see and do and the local wines are excellent' - Petit Jean
'When I woke up, I thought I was on my honeymoon, it was so glorious - Alex
Owner profile
About the owner
I was so lucky to find this superb property in the Charente valley seven years ago and though I don't spend all my time in France, I simply love being here - there is so much to do including stone carving in a 12th century chapel. I have made many improvements to the house and garden including putting in a swimming pool, stripping the elm staircase, erecting stone arches and trellises now with vines growing over them and making a small cottage from one of the stone outbuildings. The other houses my 1968 Morris 1000 and my studio - I am a sculptor and amateur musician. I am learning to play bridge - in French - go riding through the woods and vineyards, attend two drawing classes, clay modelling, a choir and am a member of the Inner Wheel which is very good for my French and making friends.
Year purchased: 2003
Why the owner chose a home in this location
I looked at a map of France - decided I wanted to live south of the Loire, not in the south (too far from UK, too hot; not in the centre - too hot in summer, too cold in winter and inaccessible; and not in Burgundy which I love but the weather is not so good. So I picked the Atlantic coast which has wonderful weather - as much sun as Provence, delicious sea food markets and is a very interesting area culturally : so many Romanesque churches, good music and lovely countryside covered with vineyards and sunflowers. I wanted to be in a village and am privileged to be on the corner of a very special village near the Charente river in marvellous walking and cycling country - not too hilly but undulating. The property has a very large garden, mainly lawn and lime trees with large parking.
For booking and further information
Property Ref FR1423
Contact Name:
EM Whittaker
Owners Website: Click here
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Property Ref FR1423
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