The Cottage
A beautiful, rustic farmhouse style property set in the rural Charente-Maritime region of France. This 4 bedroom property is ideal for that large family holiday or a trip with friends. It has been refurbished whilst respecting many of the original features (many of which have been recovered from years of neglect) that truly make you feel that you are experiencing the countryside, while enjoying the luxuries of modern living. Much of the existing beam work still exists along with many of the stone walls being exposed and restored to their original glory. The large kitchen reflects the rural location but incorporates all the modern appliances. The two working log fireplaces makes excellent centrepieces of the spacious main lounge and cosy dining area, which certainly makes any winter evening memorable. Along with this, there is a utility room with washing machine and extra fridge as well as a downstairs WC.
The four bedrooms are located upstairs, all with wooden flooring and two with en-suites. The other two bedrooms are serviced by a large bathroom with double sink, bath and walk-in shower and a separate WC. The two bedrooms with en-suites have double beds whilst the other two rooms each have a double and single bed in them along with appropriate storage, in keeping with the house.
This property has the luxury of a large garden including a walled/hedged 8m by 4m oval swimming pool with a large sun terrace area, perfect for enjoying the French summer whilst keeping an eye on the children. The approximate 80m garden is plenty big enough to enjoy most outdoor activities that your friends or family may wish to try out, with a perfect sun trap area to enjoy the evening barbecues complete with the original (and secured) well and summer house.
The Village of Crazannes
The village is typical of what you would expect in the French countryside with a local bar and restaurant (shut in August), butcher and baker (with excellent pain au chocolat, but shut in August) all within a 200m. The bar is run by French/English family so if you get stuck there is always assistance and they serve dinner and lunch as well as having the odd band in to play. Walks in the fields and down to the river are also on your doorstep, taking in the churches, the nearby Chateau and Petanque pit if you fancied a game. Crazannes is also famous for its stone which is perfect for sculpting and on certain days there are activities in the local quarries to let you have a go at this, apparently it is the stone that was used as the base of the Statue of Liberty.
Walking down the river to the small village of Port d'Envaux you can see a number of the old houses that were used to store Cognac and other fine drinks and enjoy a couple of the restaurants. The other way down the river you get to the Saint Savinien, a picturesque town that quite often holds local markets and events.
The Local Area
Going further afield (whilst exploring the local villages on the way) the large town of Saintes can provide anything else you might need and is only 20 minutes drive. The governing town of Rochefort and Cognac, famous for its local tipple, which you can try if you visit are just 40 minutes away. The historic and beautiful city of La Rochelle is just an hour away. There are many fantastic beaches within 40 minutes and the mussel and oyster island of Ile de Oleron, and a bit further just beyond La Rochelle is Il de Re with great beaches and many water activities. If you take your travelling up to an hour and half to 2 hours then you can reach Bordeaux, which offers so much to see both new and old and make the trip longer by visiting a couple of the vineyards along the way.
Pricing
From now until 1st April 2010 the price is £350 per week. Sheets and towels can be provided at request (£20 for a set of two beds, £40 for all beds)
You can catch ferries from Portsmouth to Caen and St. Malo, from Dover to Calais and Plymouth to St. Malo as just a couple of options. It is about 4.5 hours drive from St. Malo and 6 from Caen. Alternatively, you can fly to La Rochelle which is about an hours drive or Bordeaux, which is about 2 hours drive.
More Information and Booking Information
If you are interested in making a booking, have any questions, or would like more information please do not hesitate to get in touch by one of the methods below. We will happily call you back at your convenience or to forward additional photos of the cottage.
Telephone: +44 (0)2920 456444
Email: Info@SeraphEstates.co.uk
To reserve the weeks you require, a £70.00 deposit per week is required and the balance one month before. Payment can be made by cheque to 'Seraph Estates Limited' or by internet banking transfer, details for which are available on request. We hope to be able to accept credit card payments and payment on this web-site soon.