Holiday home near Saintes in the Charente Maritime

Holiday home near Saintes in the Charente Maritime. Holiday cottage near Saintes in the Charente Maritime in France. We bought this pretty stone farmhouse in 2002 and conserved the traditional features in the renovation while adding a modern bathroom and kitchen fittings. The thick stone walls, beamed ceilings and stone fireplace in the kitchen all contribute to the charm of the house.

Holiday home near Saintes in the Charente Maritime. We bought this pretty stone farmhouse in 2002 and conserved the traditional features in the renovation while adding a modern bathroom and kitchen fittings. The thick stone walls, beamed ceilings and stone fireplace in the kitchen all contribute to the charm of the house.

With its two large bedrooms on different floors, this house is particularly suited to families with older children, or groups of friends travelling together. Its layout with one of the bedrooms and the bathroom on the main floor appeals to people who do not climb stairs easily.

The house is located on a large property in the hamlet of Les Tards in the commune of La Clisse, 10 km from the market town of Saintes. Small shops can be found 4 km away, and supermarkets within 10 km. The beaches begin at Royan, 25 km away, and extend for 100 km. The area is known for its cognac distilleries, farmers' markets, beaches, Roman ruins, Romaneqsue architecture and fresh seafood. The hamlet is quiet and the nieghbours discrete yet friendly.

The main floor of the house consists of a large kitchen, living room, bedroom (double bed), bathroom, entrance hall and laundry/storage room. (An addition to the house, which contains the living room and bedroom, is not seen in the photo of the front of the house.)

The kitchen has a traditional appeal with its beamed ceiling and stone fireplace, but the addition of British fittings makes cooking a pleasure. There is an eating area with a table for six, as well as a sitting area with comfortable chairs around a wood-burning stove in the fireplace. Therei s a complete supply of dishes and cooking pots, and specialty items can be obtained from the owners.

The living room is furnished with a comfortable chesterfield and chairs, and had French doors that open onto a tiled terrace. There is also a desk, for those who cannot leave their work at home, and a bookcase stocked with travel and other literature. A television, VCR and telephone are found here.

The bedroom (double bed) on the main floor also opens onto the same terrace, and is decorated with a combination of exposed stone wall and sunflower yellow.

The bathroom is particularly spacious and has a tiled shower, WC and sink. Two sets of towels and bed linens are supplies without charge.

The laundry room contains the washing machine and a second refrigerator, and provides convenient storage for suitcases.

The second floor consists of one large bedroom with a double and a single bed, making it ideal for families with several children.

The large garden is consists of lawn and flower gardens near the house, and a developing orchard in a field further from the house. There is astone barbecue adjacent to the terrace, which is furnished with a table, chairs, parasol and sun loungers. Depending on the season, you will find cherries, pears, figs and currants gowing on the property, not to mention rosemary, lavendar and an enormous bay tree.

The house is cool in summer because of the thick stone walls, but if you are visiting in the cooler months, you will find the wood stove and electric heat pleasant and convenient. A supply of firewood is available.

Our names are Christina and Jean Claude Roy. I am English Canadian and my husband is French, but speaks excellent English. We will be delighted to welcome you to our area, and to provide any local information or translation that you may require. My husband is an artist (www.jcroy.com) and his studio is in the village; visitors are welcome, and artists may like to borrow some equipment. The house is decorated with his paintings in all the rooms.

Please see our second property in the village also suitable for parties 4/6

http://www.franceonecall.com/properties/west/charentemaritime/91/details.html 

Special arrangements can be made for longer or off-season stays.

To contact, email or telephone (33) 5 46 93 00 46