5 Bedroom Farmhouse in Aigre

La Maison Charentaise, is situated in the small hamlet of Barbezieres close to the market town of Aigre and a fifteen minute drive through the countryside to the riverside town of Jarnac in the Poitou Charentes region of France (Department 16).  
 
The house, in this, typical French farming community which offers a friendly welcome for all those who choose to stay, overlooks open countryside, sunflower fields and vineyards. Verdille, with its boulangerie, butchers, small grocery store and hair dressing salon (also tennis court and football stadium) is just 2 miles away and the larger market town of Aigre with its restaurants, bars, cafes and shops is 6 miles away. 
 
Sleeps up to ten/eleven people. There are 2 double bedrooms with queen size beds, one single with twin beds and 2 further bedrooms each housing bunk beds. The bedrooms are well furnished with plenty of storage and hanging space and are equipped with pillows, duvets, sheets, towels and pool towels. A cot is available in the main bedroom and high-chair in the kitchen. 
 
The large entrance hall with its polished wood floor (as is typical throughout the house) has a turned staircase leading to the upper floor. On either side of the hallway are two reception rooms; the drawing room to the left is spacious and offers tv/video/dvd players, comfortable sofas, coffee tables and a bookshelf. There are a selection of books and magazines for your reading pleasure and folders full of tourist information - detailing all of the exciting places to visit. All of the rooms in the house overlook the south facing garden which enjoys sunshine throughout the day making the rooms light and airy.  
 
To the right of the entrance hall is the kitchen/dining room, utility room and shower room. There is a separate access from the garden to the utility room and shower room making it easier if you are coming into the house straight from the pool. The kitchen is fitted with wall and base units with integrated oven, hob and dishwasher as well as a seperate fridge/freezer. The house has the benefit of oil-fired central heating throughout. The utility room is off the kitchen with sink, washing machine, ironing board and iron and the shower room has a wc and wash-hand basin.  
 
The garden is completely enclosed with large wrought iron entrance gates. The open barn, which is ideal for al fresco eating on hot balmy evenings, gives access via a lockable gate to the pool. The stone bbq is situated just outside of the barn making entertaining easy. There is an open air pool and 10 sun loungers. You will also find a garden table and chairs to seat 10, 2 parasols and a drinks trolley. The pool and gardens are maintained by the caretaker.  
 
Bicycles are provided; 6 adult/teenagers and 2 for young children and are kept in the barn adjacent to the house where you will also find tennis and badminton racquets as well as ‘boules’, inflatable pool toys, an inflatable canoe.  
 
Climate 
A warm, balmy, maritime climate, an early spring and a long dry summer with temperatures often reaching in excess of 30 degrees c. Winters are said to be as mild as the Mediterranean.  
 
 
 
Food 
Excellent fish and shell fish are available across in the Charente Maritime. Fresh fruit and vegetables, wine tasting, cheese and charcuterie are found in nearly every large village. Pineau, which is a brandy based wine, is also available at little tasting stations in the countryside. The pineau is taken as an aperatif and you may well be offered this at 10.30 in morning if you visit a neighbour or two!  
 
Cookery courses are being arranged in the New Year please register your interest to attend the courses. Monday - Friday during May and October 2009. 
 
 
 
 

Walking 
The unspoilt countryside is a pleasure to walk in. There are many ‘randonnees’ - you will find maps of the walks in the folders in the house or you can obtain more information from the tourist office in Aigre. There are also daytime and nighttime walks around certain villages - so you can join in with others on this type of walk if you like. Details will be in the house folders.  
 
 
Cycling 
This is ideal cycling country and you will normally see people out cycling whether they be amateurs or professional. There are village cafes and tabacs to stop off at and refresh yourselves en route. 
18 hole golf course at St Brice, Royan, Angouleme, Saintes, Cognac, and another course at La Preze near Montbron. 
 
 
Paragliding 
Available locally. Click here for more informatiom  
 
 
Fishing 
Fishing is available on the Charente - It's available at La Chappele and La Terne - which are en-route between Aigre and Mansle