| Summary | Set amid the rolling farmland of Charente in south west France and sitting below the mediæval fortress walls of Villebois-Lavalette, lie the cluster of stone buildings that make up Les Touches. The resident owners, Chris and Susan, have two holiday cottages available for rental year round. The cottages feature exposed stone and original beams and each cottage has its own patio, barbecue and access to both the suntrap courtyard and fenced, heated swimming pool. Extensive grounds, covered parking, a peaceful setting and yet only 1 Km from shops and with many attractions within easy reach make this an ideal holiday "home from home". | |
| Property Name | Les Touches | |
 Le Cottage and Pool | ||
 Salon - Lunette | ||
 The Courtyard | ||
 A view from the pool | ||
| Bedroom(s) | 3 Bedroom(s) Sleeps 4 | |
| Nearest Town |
Villebois Lavalette, Poitou-Charentes, France |
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| On our site since | 3 July 2002 | |
| Pool | Yes | |
| Detail |
Les Touches A working farm for a century and a half, Les Touches was sold by the younger generations of the original owners who no longer wished to work on the land. Recently renovated, the stone Cottage, together with the Grange and Écuries, are set around a gravelled courtyard. The buildings are surrounded by over an acre of gardens containing the large (12m x 6m) heated swimming pool with separate paddling pool. The gardens have fruit trees and grape vines for a taste of Charente and the many shade trees provide quiet corners to relax and "get away from it all". Warmed by the Gulf Stream, this pocket of Poitou-Charentes has its own micro-climate and is considered the “second sunniest part of France”. In summer, fields pf sunflowers, maize and wheat shimmer gently in the heat with occasional soft breezes providing some respite. Spring and Autumn are mild and sunny; perhaps better suited to more active pursuits – horseriding, golf, tennis and kayaking are all available nearby. The rural by-ways, myriad wildflowers and circling hawks make this area a joy for walkers. After a day exploring or just sun-worshipping around the pool, the stone cottage walls provide a cool retreat, while the evenings are still warm enough to enjoy an al-fresco supper, a friendly game of boules or just sitting and watching the swallows swooping over the pool. Le Cottage The original farmhouse has been converted to two gîtes sleeping four persons each. Lunette has a double bedroom and two single bedrooms, Marquise a double bedroom and a twin-bedded room. In each gîte the bedrooms are in the converted grenier with a wealth of oak beams as well as a modern shower room with basin, WC and heated towel rail. On the ground floor, each gîte has an open plan sitting and dining area brightly furnished in pine with doors opening on to both the courtyard and to individual patios. The fully fitted kitchens are equipped with gas cooker, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, coffee-maker, etc… and even a British teapot! Both gîtes are supplied with bed linen, duvets, pillows, bathroom towels and space heating for off season lets. A highchair and stairgate are available by prior arrangement. Each gîte has patio furniture, parasol and gas barbecue for outdoor meals. There are table and chairs in the courtyard to take advantage of the morning sunshine for breakfast. Sunloungers and parasols are ranged around the pool which is fenced and gated for safety. The swimming pool is 12m x 6m with corner steps for easy access to the water, which is a constant 1.45 metres deep. The separate paddling pool is just 0.5 metres deep with a corner step. The stone Poulailler houses the pool filtration equipment and also a laundry with washing machine, sink, iron and ironing board for guests use. Covered parking is available for guests’ cars. For the more energetic, bicycles may be hired to explore the local area. Rentals start on Saturdays after 4.30pm and departures must be made by 10.00am to allow for cleaning. Gas and electricity are included (electricity for heating during winter lets will be charged at cost). It would be appreciated if guests could refrain from smoking indoors. We live in the main house and are always on hand. Oh – why are the gîtes given their names…? Ask us when you arrive! |
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| Location |
Villebois-Lavalette with its château and market halls is 1 Km away. In the town are Boulangeries, Tabac & Presse, Hairdressers, Pharmacies, Bank, Post Office, Antique shops, Tourist Information Office, Bars and Restaurants (with other restaurants nearby). A good supermarket with filling station on the outskirts provides most needs. There is a small market on Saturday mornings, but the bustling Friday morning market in Riberac is only 40 minutes away. The historic city of Angoulême, with its museums, shops and hypermarkets is just 20 minutes distant and, in mid-September, hosts a renowned weekend of vintage motor car racing around the ramparts. Perigueux, the historic capital of the Perigord is just over an hour away. Within easy reach lie Brantôme – “the Venice of the Perigord”, set on an island on a bend in the River Dronne; the son-et lumière at the château of La Rochefoucald; and Cognac, an attractive old town with the added bonus of guided tours of the cognac distilleries usually ending with a free tasting! Further afield, but still close enough for a day trip, are the harbour town of La Rochelle; Royan and its beaches; Rochefort with the Napoleonic dockyard; the city of Limoges with its porcelain and nearby castles of Richard the Lionheart; the beautiful valley of the Dordogne; the wine city of Bordeaux and the vineyards and old town of St.Emilion – the list goes ever on! Whatever you choose, your hosts Chris and Susan will be happy to advise, make reservations or provide brochures and directions. |
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| How to get here |
The most direct routes from the UK are PORTSMOUTH - CAEN or, alternatively, PORTSMOUTH – ST.MALO (we usually use Brittany Ferries). The journey time from Caen/Ouistreham to Les Touches takes approximately 6 hours plus breaks. The longer journey from the Dover ports or using the Eurotunnel take about 7 hours plus breaks and both journeys now benefit from new autoroute links. We are happy to recommend route details, helpful route planning websites or suitable stopovers for those wishing to amble down and break the journey. We also have guests who prefer to travel by rail Eurostar/TGV to Angoulême or by air to Limoges, Poitiers or Bordeaux (and now to Angoulême Airport)and then rent a vehicle for their stay. |
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Special Offer |
We still have availability for the last two weeks in August (22nd on)- contact us now to ensure that summer holiday. Or, how about an off season break in sunny Charente? Out of season we can offer special rates for couples only. If you are property hunting, talk to us about long lets and assistance with local estate agents. Enjoy the benefits of our experiences. | |
| Prices |
WEEKLY RENTAL (For weeks commencing) Off Season 31/10/09 on £250 [€315] Low Season 03/10/09 to 30/10/09 £340 [€425] Mid Season 23/05/09 to 03/07/09 and 05/09/09 to 02/10/09 £465 [€580] High Season 04/07/09 to 04/09/09 £595 [€745] Please contact us for special rates for Long Term Lets (Property hunting, etc.) and/or couples only outside the High Season. We can also offer B&B rates outside Mid & High Season. Conditions on request. |
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| Unknown please enquire - ALL DATES REFER TO NIGHTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||