Detached House 4 Bedroom Gite (LV002422)

La Guimbaudiere is a former smallholding set in a rural location and bordered by agricultural land.

If you yearn for privacy and the peace, tranquillity and friendliness of rural France, this is the property for you. Located on the outskirts of the small and picturesque country town of Pouzauges, this detached house is set in its own grounds adjacent to fields.

The accommodation available in this house, all of which is on the ground level, comprises 4 bedrooms, 1 of which is en suite, a separate bathroom and toilet, lounge area, newly fitted kitchen/diner and utility room. The property has recently been redecorated and fitted out and features traditional Vendéean mosaic floor tiles in several of the rooms.
Outside there is a large garden (formerly an orchard) with plenty of space for the children to let off steam, and a patio sun-trap where you can relax and enjoy your drinks and barbecue.

Pouzauges town centre has a good range of small shops, and on the edge of town a Super U supermarket will provide all the food, drink and household goods you will need.

You'll love the tranquillity, but that is not to say that there is nothing to do in the area. There is an aquatic centre and a theatre/cinema in town, plenty of marked walks and cycle routes and a nearby equestrian centre. The town also boasts a 12th century château and a Roman church complete with frescos. The 14th century Château de Saint Mesmin is also nearby. The Vendee itself is famous for its wars and there are numerous historical sites to visit.

Once on to the freeflowing network of roads, where congestion is practically unknown, you are within easy distance of a number of attractions:

• Puy du Fou (15km) - to call this highly praised and extraordinary attraction a theme park would be a huge understatement. It is a collection of spectacular historical re-enactments, mostly in the open air, such as musketeers, gladiators and Vikings, together with a breathtaking ballet of birds of prey. You can immerse yourself in a medieval village or sit and enjoy a drink or meal in a reconstructed 1900 French town. You will struggle to see it all in a day, and recognising this the organisers provide good value packages that will enable you to return another day at no additional cost. In the evenings from June to September you can extend your visit into the evening with the Cinéscénie - "the biggest stage in the world, extravagant technical effects, 1100 actors and star participation...".
• Steam train.
• Futuroscope (2 hours).
• La Maison de la Vie Rurale
• Vineyard route - like most of France, the Vendée is proud of its wine, and its vineyard owners will welcome you with open arms. The well mapped route will introduce you to the large professional vineyards and the smaller family-run operations, where you will be able to taste their wines and buy some to take home (or to drink during your stay!). And if wine is not your tipple ........
• Cider country is within an hour's drive east.
• The coast - the lovely coastal town of Les Sables d'Olonne is just over an hour's drive away, and every 3 years is the proud host of the Vendée Globe single-handed round the world yacht race - you can walk round the marina and see all the yachts before they hit the high seas. November 2008 is the date to put in your diary if this appeals to you. There are many other beautiful coastal towns to enjoy as well, including La Rochelle . 
  
  Bird-watchers will be fascinated by the large numbers of buzzards, falcons and other birds of prey often seen at close range.