Vacation Rental Description
This delightful and charming holiday house, with a pretty garden and swimming pool, is located in the hamlet of Vaufraîche, two miles from the market town of Saint Savinien, on the River Charente The house sleeps up to ten people comfortably. There are three bedrooms, one with a king sized double bed and en suite bathroom, a second with a double bed and a separate shower room, whilst the third bedroom (The Dorm) has flexible sleeping with two single beds and two sets of bunks: the latter has an en suite shower room. The accommodation is very flexible but the house is designed for two families with a number of children!
The house has been sympathetically renovated and equipped to high standards. It has a large sitting room with open fire, a spacious hall/dining room and a large homely kitchen with a wood-burning stove. The kitchen is fully equipped, including dishwasher, microwave, gas hob, electric oven and large fridge. There is a downstairs loo and utility room with washing machine.
The south west facing garden is bordered by a small stream and overlooks common land used by the locals to grow vegetables. The view across the valley is very pretty and a shaded patio overlooking the swimming pool is a perfect place to enjoy the evening sunsets. There is also a small stone barbecue on the patio.
The local area has a great deal to offer. Saint Savinien has an excellent Intermarché, a bank, several bakeries, post office, pharmacy, other useful shops and a lovely indoor market on Saturdays.
Atlantic beaches are about 45 minutes away by car and at any time of the year it is possible to get away from the crowds. The beaches on the islands off the coast, Ile d'Oléron and the Ile de Ré, are magnificent and well worth the drive. The towns of La Rochelle, Cognac and Saintes are all interesting from a cultural and historical point of view. Local delicacies of oysters, fish, cheese and wine (including cognac and Charente's own aperitif, Pineau) are available in the freshest form at all the local markets.
The River Charente meanders a mile from the house and walking and cycling are popular pastimes. There are bikes of all sizes in the shed for your use. Tennis and swimming are available in Saint Savinien (5 mins), golf at Saintes (20 mins) and Royan (45 mins) and there is water skiing on the Charente at Taillebourg (10 mins).
There are three bedrooms upstairs and three bathrooms. The large master bedroom has a king-size bed with an en-suite bathroom and shower.
The second bedroom has a double bed with a shower room, loo and basin, just around the corner.
The third room is the "dorm", very spacious with two sets of bunk beds, two single beds and a cot. It also has an ensuite shower/loo/basin. This room is ideal for children.
All the bedrooms and bathrooms are well furnished. Linen (except for the cot) and towels are provided and included in the price. Beds will be made up for your arrival.
Being old, the house has thick stone walls which keep it beautifully cool in the long hot summers. In winter, the fires keep it cosy. We have electric blankets on the double beds and electric heaters in the bedrooms for the winter.
We have arranged in our absence for Caroline and Matthew Bradley to manage the house. They live nearby and will meet tenants on arrival and explain the intricacies of the house, They are English, but speak pretty good French and will be delighted to help you with any queries about the house or local area. They can also arrange for some basic items to be in the fridge on your arrival, on repayment; please let us know.
Facilities
Cooking Utensils
Dishwasher
DVD
Heating
Ice Maker
Kitchen
Linen Service
Microwave
Open Fire
Amenity Parking
Private Pool
Refrigerator
Sterio
Washer
Down stairs ulily room with another toilet and an extra large sink. A terrace covered with vines and table and chairs for eating outside. There is also a built in bbq. There are 4 usable bikles in the cellar plus deckchairs and loungers. Seperate towels are provided for the pool. There is a vast chest of childrens toys and games.
Activities
Biking
Boating
Playground
Cinema
Fishing
Horse Riding
Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Restaurant
Sailing
Shopping
Tennis
Theater
Water Skiing
Zoo/Wildlife
In the local pak in St. Savinien there is a man-made lake with custom made minature replica ships. These boats can be hired for children to ride in along with an adult if neccesary. There is also a large open air swimming pool in the park. A market on Saturday mornigns in the centre and oysters of four different sizes sold outside the 'tabac' on Sunday mornings.
Travel Options