Kitchen facilities
The kitchen in Le Hibou is fully-fitted with a microwave, electric oven and hob, dish-washer, washing machine, large fridge with separate freezer, coffee maker, kettle and toaster. There is a comprehensive range of cutley, utensils and crockery including tea-towels (and especially a garlic press and bottle opener!). The fitted worktop provides more than enough food preparation area and there are both wall-mounted and floor standing storage cupboards and drawers.

External facilities
Le Hibou has an impressive south-facing terrace with balustrades to give it that colonial feel! There are hardwood patio chairs and a table to match plus an essential parasol and barbecue. To the right is the swimming pool which is 6m x 12m with a secure perimeter fence which still allows plenty of space for the sun-loungers and all the inflatables! In the covered barn around the corner is table-tennis and table-football. Full details can be seen on our website www.cognacvacances.com

Special features
Le Moulin de Chazotte was built sometime in the 15th century to serve a fortified chateau which stood in the grounds. The chateau has now disappeared and the mill itself was closed down in 1896. During the 1st world war the property was abandoned and stood empty for nearly a century. Surprisingly, much of the original mill machinery is still in place and has been retained as a fascinating insight into a former age. The property has vineyards to the front and woodland to the rear as well as the river Chazotte running literally underneath the mill building.
As well as the other on-site activities, in the shady poplar wood to the east side of the grounds is a tree-swing, some kiddies swings and a badminton area. The playfield at the front extends to about 7 acres so is excellent for outdoor games as well as kite-flying etc. We have a large canadian canoe which has provided endless entertainment for intrepid canoeists and is now part of competition to see who can get furthest upstream!

Local activities
The closest village to Le Moulin de Chazotte is Mesnac which has an ancient church and a well-preserved 'Laverie' where, traditionally, clothes would be washed in the river by hand! The Chateau Mesnac has a superb restaurant offering local gastronic delights together with wine, pineau and cognac all made at the distillery on site. There are also numerous excellent restaurants in lovely settings scattered all around. In summer there are numerous brocantes (bric a brac markets) as well as literally hundreds of local vineyards where you can try cognacs and pineau to your hearts content (as long as someone else is driving you back to the gite!). Cognac, Saintes, Angouleme and the surrounding towns are hosts to an extraordinary range of huge summer festivals ranging from Classic car rallies and film festivals to musical events such as the annual Blues festival in Cognac (Bluespassions). Saintes is well-known for it's wonderful repertoire of classical concerts throughout the summer.

Nearest beach: 45

Nearest airport: 90

Nearest port: 250

Nearest supermarket: 3

Location
Le Moulin de Chazotte is an historic Charentais watermill dating back to the 15th century. Set in secluded tranquility amongst the vineyards and woodlands of the river Antenne valley just North of world-famous Cognac. The surrounding countryside is gently rolling and usually traffic-free so perfect for exploring on foot or bike. In nearby Cherves-Richemont are shops and a good restaurant. The area boasts a wealth of Roman sites and ancient churches. Safe, sandy beaches or surf only 1 hour away.

Le Hibou has two floors with stunning views to the front through the South-facing windows and into the woods from the rear North-facing windows. It has an impressive solid-oak front door leading to an entrance hallway with which leads to a downstairs toilet. The hall leads to the spacious open-plan lounge/kitchen area. The lounge has a comfortable 3 piece suite with a coffee table. The TV has both French terrestrial and satellite channels. In addition there is a cd player and an extensive library of books and games. There is a large folder crammed with leaflets showing things to do ansd see in the vicinity (for those that like to keep busy!). The dining area has a table and chairs. The gite was renovated in such a way as to retain most of the original Charentais features so there are masses of exposed beams, ceiling joists and a huge supporting beam spanning the gite from front to back. A pine staircase leads to the first floor area.

On the first floor are two bedrooms and a shower room with a second toilet. The main bedroom has a double bed and an occasional fold-away bed plus an en-suite shower with washbasin. The second bedroom has two single beds. The shower-room has a large shower, toilet and vanity unit. Both bedrooms have lovely views. Once again the first-floor area has many traditional features as well as high ceilings giving a spacious and airy feel to the place. The plastered walls and ceilings are all very well insulated to keep the occupants cool in the summer and warm in the winter. For out of season use the gite has double-glazed hardwood windows and doors throughout and electric panel radiators in each room.