Kitchen facilities
A brand new fully fitted kitchen has ample cutlery, crockery and 'gadgets'. There is a full-sized electric oven, 4-burner gas hob with extractor above, fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, coffee machine and cold-box.
Laundry and ironing facilities are provided in an adjacent utility room.
Whilst you will find milk in the fridge; coffee, tea and sugar in the cupboard and a complimentary bottle of wine with juice for the children, a hamper of other essentials can be provided with prior notice.
External facilities
The large gardens are walled and gated to provide a safe playing environment for children; the grassed and flower-bedded areas lead to an orchard and vegetable garden and then up to our private wood. A telescope and binocculars are available for ornithologists.
Several terraced areas give a choice of outdoor dining areas; lots of garden furniture, parasols and sunloungers and a barbecue are provided. There is a splashpool available for the children , as are some bikes - please check sizes!
Special features
A 4-course dinner (Anglo-French cuisine) with aperitifs, wine and coffee, cooked to your requirements and served on the terrace, is available with advance notice (from 22€ per adult) - perfect for families with young children - the children sleep and the parents wine and dine without lifting a finger.
Meals for children are charged according to the age and appetite of the child (2€-12€)
The seasonal, mainly organic produce from our own garden provides the cornerstone of the delicious meals provided. Vegetarians are particularly well-catered for. Summer mornings regularly see the local deer coming out of our wood to nibble on the tasty shoots of our young vegetables - but never mind - there's plenty for everyone!
Ornithiologists will find that species which are rare or unknown in the UK are common here; Owls, Buzzards, Kites and Harriers are seen frequently in the fields; Woodpeckers and Hoopoes visit the garden regularly; Golden Orioles were summer visitors to our wood last year!
Local activities
La Vallée des Singes (monkey valley) a 15min drive away - where the very smallest monkeys to the largest of the Great Apes mostly wander in freedom, separated from their human cousins by water.
Futuroscope theme park at Poitiers
The infamous World War2 Martyr Village of Oradour sur Glane is less than an hour away.
A giant maize maze is just 10 minutes away.
Various chateaux are open to the public throughout the year - one local one has costumes for children to dress up as princesses and knights.
A series of pre-historic caves borders the River Charente and is 15 minutes away
Learn to fish courses for children and young people are run regularly throughout the summer and take place 5 minutes away
Antique and bric-a-brac markets are a regular feature of weekends from Easter to Allsaints
Canooing, horseriding, cycling and fishing are all available nearby; and of course, the extensive network of footpaths is perfect is perfect for just walking and enjoying the countryside and woods.
Nearest beach:
100
Nearest airport:
45
Nearest port:
500
Nearest supermarket:
3
Location
Situated in a sleepy hamlet, surrounded by countryside and woods, the cottage is convenient for the N10 motorway and the airports of Poitiers and Limoges (airport pickup can be arranged).
Whilst the coastal resorts of Royan and La Rochelle are within easy reach for a day out, a lifeguarded freshwater lake with a beach and waterslide is only 5 minutes away.
The River Charente flows sedately through Civray and has a large open-air swimming pool on an island between its banks.
Living rooms
This ancient cottage is new to the property rental market for 2007. The beautifully renovated open-plan living accommodation still maintains many of its original features, with lots of oak beams and exposed stonework. The comfortable open-plan accommodation has double glazing and heating for the cooler months and the cost of this and all electricity is included.
A TV and CD/DVD player with some CDs, DVDs, toys, books and games provided.
A ground floor sofabed could provide sleeping accommodation for an extra child.
The modern spiral staircase leads to the first floor, where a second seating area has double doors opening onto an attractive Juliet balcony which overlooks the garden.
Internet access is available on request.
This is a NO SMOKING cottage rental, although guests are welcome to smoke in any of the outdoor areas.
Bedrooms
The ground floor sleeping area has a double bed with bedside lights and night tables. Bed linen is provided and the beds are made up ready for your arrival. A hairdryer is provided. The adjacent modern shower room has a large hydromassage shower cabin with a seat for children. Bathroom towels are provided.
The twin bedroom is situated on a large first floor mezzanine. A cot is available on request.
There is ample hanging and storage space for clothes.
A baby alarm enables parents to sit outside in the evening, knowing their children are sleeping soundly!
A range of CLEAN, NEW CONDITION baby equipment can be provided on request. Adult, English-speaking babysitting can be arranged.
NB: Prices quoted are for Maximum Occupancy of 2 adults and 2 children over 2 years and include the Special Low Season Offer of Pay For 6 Nights and Get the 7th Night Free!!
Please contact the owners for reduced prices for under-occupancy and bookings of fewer than 7 nights.
Babies stay free!!