Upstairs has 1 double and 2 twin bedrooms to sleep 6; the single beds may be moved together and there is a cot for baby which if required will fit into any of the rooms. The rooms have limestone walls and exposed beams and have a very relaxing feel. The bathroom has bath, shower, loo and vanity basin unit. All rooms have electric heating. Child gates for the stairs are provided.

Downstairs we have a very comfortable lounge and dining area with 2 sofas, large rug, rocker, refectory table and chairs, high chair, dresser etc. and log burning Poele (Stove). There is satellite TV with freeview channels and VHS and DVD players (You can bring your own box and card for your full service if you want to). You will also find a good supply of books, tapes, DVD's and board games. Wireless internet access is also provided free of charge. The Kitchen is fully equipped for 6 people with a dishwasher, washing machine, cooker (gas hob, electric oven), fridge freezer etc. The downstairs bathroom is equipped with a six jet massage shower, loo and hand basin. Outside is a private patio area with table and chairs, sunshade, barbeque and lighting. The lawned area in front of the cottage has an olive tree. Handy for your cocktails!

The large south facing pool terrace will in 2009 be enclosed with approved safety fencing and security gate to ensure that small children cannot enter without supervision. The heated 9.0 x 4.4 mtr. pool has shallow and deep ends, easy access 'Roman' steps and a saltwater sanitisation system which is kinder on the eyes and skin than traditional chlorination. A bed of lavender runs alongside the length of the pool, and you will find a selection of pool inflatable's, sun loungers, table and chairs on the terrace. There are lights on the terrace and an underwater pool light makes an evening swim special.

Alongside the pool is the 7 person Hot Tub with over 40 invigorating massage jets. Alternatively switch these off and enjoy a quiet soak with a glass of wine to hand as a warm evening turns into dusk and the Milky Way appears above you.

The garden is approx. 1 acre in total and fully lawned (apart from the vegetable plot) with apple, cherry and fig trees providing ample shade.

There is plenty of room for children to play and we have table tennis, badminton, boules etc. for you to enjoy. The hammock under the Pine tree seems to 'call' to people after lunch - 1st come, 1st served!

Immediately out of the garden you are onto the network of 'chemin blanc' - hundreds of kms. of white limestone farm tracks through the vines and woodland; ideal for walking and cycling. If you do bring your own cycles we have safe undercover storage in one of our barns.

Ornithologists among you will be delighted - one of our guests 'bagged' 63 species in a 10 day period.

Horse riding / pony trekking is available just 3kms from the house - novices to experts are catered for and in 2008 the cost was just 5 euros an hour! If you don't want to ride you can follow on behind in a horse drawn buggy!

St Jean D'Angely 15 mins away is a typical Charentaise town on the banks of the river Boutonne with an old market hall, bustling outdoor market, medieval buildings and the beautiful Abbaye Royale. There is Atlantys - a pool complex with a 54m flume, diving pool, jacuzzi, gym and sauna. The adjacent leisure park has a large boating lake with pedalos and kayaks, play areas and an outdoor pool. Across town you will find Karting, and there is a Motorcycle Motocross Circuit that stages an MX1 World Championship round each year in June. The charming town of Saintes just 20 mins away and also on the Charente, has many remnants of its important Roman history, you can visit the large Amphitheatre (the children can play at gladiators!) and 'Arch de Germanicus', the roman museum and many other artefacts. During the summer months the town hosts many street theatre events, and entertainment within the amphitheatre. You will also find boats for hire, river trips, Ten Pin Bowling, beautiful parks, karting, gliding, excellent shopping and many restaurants and cafes.

The challenging 18 hole golf course has a Roman viaduct along side it. The clubhouse has a good restaurant and equipment hire shop.

Cognac (again on the Charente) is 25 mins away and has the world famous distilleries of Hennessey, Martell, Remy Martin and many more. They all offer very interesting English speaking tours and 'degustation' (tasting).