Kitchen facilities
There is a large open living area and kitchen with a full size cooker with oven, fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine as well of course as all the smaller things like toaster, coffee maker, kettle etc. Le Figuier gets it's name because so many fig trees seem to spring up here in the unlikliest of places. The weather obviously suits them at La Cabane as the fruits are really delicious.
External facilities
Beautiful large new heated swimming pool plus a paddling pool for children available during the summer months. There is also a trampoline, a sandpit for the little ones, swings & a slide in the meadow, & a selection of toys. You can play table tennis, pétanque (French bowls) or simply stroll or sit with a good book in the gardens & meadow while you get a suntan. At the same time there is so much space that children can run about, play football or ride bikes without bothering anyone at all.
Special features
Logis La Cabane, once an important cognac producer's home, is surrounded by vines and sunflowers and yet only a 10 minute drive from historic Cognac itself. Our three attractive and comfortable gîtes in the 2 acre grounds of this stunning Logis (traditional manor house) offer perfect accomodation for couples or young families whether you want to have a holiday or are searching for a whole new way of life. Each gite offers complete privacy from the others - please see La Sorciere and Le Figuier for other gite details. A magnificent stone entrance complete with curving exterior stairway opens onto a huge sun trap courtyard with gardens and stables. Walk through another traditional stone archway and you will find yourself in a glorious meadow and small orchard. Nature lovers can hope to see to see a variety of wild creatures including hedgehogs, rabbits, small lizards, little green tree frogs, wild birds such as owls (short & long eared), kestrels, buzzards, swallows ...
Local activities
Cognac itself is only a 10 minute drive away with something to please everyone. A visit to at least one of the numerous Cognac producers is probably a 'must'. For the energetic there is golf, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, tennis and swimming. Finally sit down and relax in the gardens or at one of the many open air bars and restaurants and watch the world go by. Two lovely parks, one in the town centre and one by the river have activities for children of all ages including a very good soft play area in the summertime. Events such as the Film Festival in April, the Blues Passion (Blues and Jazz) in July and the Coup de Chauffe (street theatre) in September are worth seeing. The nearby village of Thors has a lake with a sandy beach where pédalos can be hired. The closest sea beach is only 45 minutes away and the Atlantic coast offers a wonderful choice ranging from traditional little seaside resorts to great almost deserted expanses of sand & dunes backed by pine forests.
Location
La Cabane is a peaceful little hamlet, with a bar/restaurant/cybercafe and post office only 1km away at the main village of Bréville for really good value traditional French meals and very good pizzas! Alongside a new boulangerie is under construction, and will be up and running shortly. This area of France, well within a day's drive of the Channel ports, has a wonderfully warm and sunny climate.
Living rooms
Le Figuier sleeps 5/6 and is at the far end of the courtyard, by the huge curved stone entrance leading into the meadow. With a view of the courtyard plus the meadow literally on your doorstep it has lots of light and space. For the interior we have used calm neutral colours combined with creamy exposed stone walls and terracotta tiles. There is a large open living area and kitchen with a comfortable sofa (convertible), TV, DVD and a selection of books and games. French windows open onto your own South facing garden in the meadow so you can just pour yourself a glass of wine, fire up the barbeque, eat under the shade of the gazebo, maybe read that book in peace, or simply lie and dream....in the summer we usually have clear blue skies during the day and you can pick out wonderful constellations at night. August is especially good for spotting shooting stars as there is no pollution from street lights here so just look up and start counting......
Bedrooms
Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms and the shower room with washbasin and WC.
The largest bedroom has a king sized bed plus a full sized day bed. We have made it inviting with throws and lots of cushions but it can of course be used as an extra bed, perhaps for a third child if you like the idea of a family room.
The other bedroom has full sized twin beds which can be left apart or pushed together if you prefer.
There is also space to add a cot for a baby or toddler in either bedroom and the sofa bed downstairs can also be used if it suits your family group better.