Kitchen facilities
Fully equipped with cooker, fridge and microwave oven plus all the pots, pans and utensils you could need to create a gourmet meal to be proud of and a dishwasher to take care of all the washing up. To make life (and breakfast) easier, we also provide an electric kettle, toaster and coffeemaker.
Should you feel the need to do any laundry, a washing machine and tumble dryer are available across the courtyard and ironing equipment can be found in the kitchen.
External facilities
An above-ground pool (7.5mx3.5m), intended for fun rather than serious swimming, can be found in a gravelled terraced area along with parasols & sunloungers. A boules court provides the opportunity for some sporting competition whilst our hire bicycles can keep you fit whilst discovering the flat surrounding countryside. Relax with a good book under the grapevines or on your private patio. Help yourself to any fruit such as apples, pears, peaches & figs growing on the many trees in the grounds.
Special features
Why not improve your basic French while you're here? Hourly morning sessions will be held for a small fee (including refreshments), giving you tips on how to communicate in everyday situations, allowing you the time to go and practice in the afternoon.
If you're on a house-hunting trip, we can help with translating/interpreting services at reasonable rates.
Barbecue and patio furniture provided for dining al fresco - a must on a summer's evening!
See our website www.grande-vigne.com for more information.
Local activities
You cannot afford to miss Lezay market every Tuesday morning, selling everything from livestock and local produce to clothes and shoes. You should be able to get everything you want and see the locals having a chat in the middle of the stalls. Lezay also has a supermarket, post office, chemists, English-speaking doctors, banks with cashpoints and a lovely park with lake, tennis courts and open-air swimming pool. Rom (approx.4km) also has a post office and small shop and a bakers. The archaelogical dig and museum at Rom is a must for history-lovers. Melle is a pretty town with some ancient churches and interesting buildings. It also has an internet cafe if you can't live without electronic communication and a newsagent selling English newspapers and magazines. There are several interesting shops in the town but also quite a few large supermarkets on the outskirts.
Nearest beach:
100
Nearest airport:
50
Nearest port:
360
Nearest supermarket:
7
Location
Located in Messe, a village in the Charente region of mid-west France, approx. 5m from Lezay and 10m from Melle. La Rochelle & the Atlantic Coast are about 1 hrs drive; the spectacular "Green Venice" 50 mins away as is Futuroscope theme park (near Poitiers). Cognac is only a short drive and has several distilleries offering guided tours. In summary, we have wildlife parks, chateaux, hilltop fortress towns and roman history abound.
Poitiers airport-40 mins, La Rochelle & Limoges 1hr 30mins
Living rooms
A sofa and armchair provide comfy seating for you to relax and watch a film (DVD or Video) or listen to some music on the radio/CD player - have a look at our library; we're sure you'll find something you like. An extensive range of English books and magazines are also available to borrow. The wood-burner provides both warmth and a cosy atmosphere.
Dining table and chairs provide seating for up to 4 persons comfortably.
Bedrooms
Original beams have been retained and stonework exposed adding charm and character to the bedrooms. Both bedrooms have a roof light allowing plenty of natural light to fill the room. The rooms are furnished with hanging space and chests of drawers giving you ample space for all those holiday clothes.
The separate shower room comprises a shower, washbasin and toilet.
Electric heating is fitted throughout upstairs making it suitable for year-round occupation.