Three star classification approved by Poitou Charentes Tourism Organisation. Royan beaches 20km, Saintes 15km, golf, Saujon 8km, swimming pool, supermarkets. Nancras 1.5km village shops. Cadeuil 4km, recreational lake, watersports. Local activities include golf, fishing, walking and cycling. Bordeaux 90 mins, La Rochelle 1 hr.

Charentais cottage featuring 2 storey tower with 2 double bedrooms, one with en suite shower room (ground floor), mezzanine with 2 single beds, new bathroom and single bedroom. Cot, highchair.

Downstairs. Kitchen/breakfast room (gas cooker, fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher). Bathroom and wc. Spacious lounge/diner (telephone, fireplace, firewood). Laundry/washing machine.

Enclosed south facing garden with bbq, garden furniture.

Changeover Saturday in high season but can be midweek at other times, please ask.

Facilities

Property Type:	Gites Cottages Houses
Nearest ferry port:	St Malo 384km.
Nearest restaurant:	La Ferme de Magne, St Gemme, 3km. Cadeuil 4km. Moulin de Chalons Le Gua 7km.
Location and activities:	Rural hamlet in wine-growing area with nearby farm. Undulating countryside ideal for cycling and walking. Leisure complex nearby at 4km with beach, lake and water skiing. Outdoor swimming pool at Saujon 8km, 20 min drive to coast.
Bedrooms:	Two double bedrooms in tower, both with double beds and curtained door access, 1 with en suite shower room. One single 120cm. Beds on mezzanine.
Bathrooms:	Ground floor: 1 bathroom and 1 separate wc. One shower room en suite to bedroom. First floor: 1 family bathroom.
Kitchen:	Kitchen/breakfast room with fitted kitchen, gas stove fueled by bottled gas (cylinders outside), dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer, electric toaster and kettle.
Dining:	Table and 6 chairs in kitchen, large farmhouse table with bench seating in living room.
Living area:	Three seater sofa and easy chairs in living room.
Entertainment on-site:	Tv (French only).
Outside:	Sun loungers, garden furniture and barbecue in enclosed garden for sun bathing and outdoor eating. External laundry room with boiler for central heating and washing machine. Firewood store.
General:	This is an extended stone built property and the main room was a wine store containing a wine press dating back to the late 19th century. The tower was added in the 1970's by the previous owner and modern additions by the current owner. June 2008: "Once again we had a lovely relaxing week at La Ruche...We will be back again". 'A fantastic fortnight at La Ruche. Loved the beaches. Local bakery one of the best around.'
Suitability:	Ground floor double bedroom with en suite shower room suitable for those with limited mobility. Open sided steep staircase with hand rails. Stair gate available.

Owners Recommendations

Local Area and Activities

'Coastline'
"Sandy beaches, pine forests, islands, boat trips, seafood, lighthouses, historic ports and lots of sunshine. What more do you want except to stay on!"

'Fortified Towns'
"Talmont with its church overlooking the Gironde Estuary and famous for hollyhocks. Brouage harbour where the sea has receded and birthplace of Champlain, founder of Quebec in Canada."

'Islands'
"Visit Ile d'Oleron's beaches and seafood restaurants. Ile d'Aix, exile of Napoleon, only accessible by boat. Ile de-Re, near La Rochelle, holiday area of the rich and famous is only an hour's drive away."

'La Palmyre'
"Enjoy a family day out at this zoo in the pine forest on the coast. 1600 animals in a natural environment."

'Rochefort'
"l8th century town and port on the Charente River with the Corderie Royale famed for rope making, Hermione warship being re-created and a centre for begonias!"

'Saintes'
"Roman town on the Charente River, with Roman arena and arch where you can explore the river by boat. The house is convenient for the International Saintes Music Festival which this year runs from 12th-22nd July. "

Markets and Shopping

'Cognac'
"Historic city on Charente river and centre of Cognac-producing area. Visits to famous distilleries eg Hennessy, Otard, where you can taste and purchase Cognac on-site."

'Pineau'
"Pineau is a speciality of the Charentais region, an aperatif combining cognac and wine. Can be tasted and purchased at the nearby distillery where the producer will also give you a tour."

'Restaurants'
"Moulin de Chalons, Le Gua, 3* restaurant hotel in a restored mill. Ferme de la Magne, 3km, themed restaurants, ostrich park and farm for miniature animals."

'Royan Market'
"Colourful daily morning market with fresh produce especially fish, oysters caught locally. Also pineau, local aperitif."

Rental Rates

Charentais House - Sleeps: 2/7, Bedrooms: 3

July, £435 pw
August £475 pw
May, June, Sept £340 pw
April, Oct £230 pw
Keyholder/caretaker 50m, French-speaking only.
Flexible changeover day considered.

Special Offers

August and September 10% Discount

10% off all remaining unreserved dates in August and September 2008.

Contact Details

To book this property use the contact details below quoting Holiday France Direct ref: PM001992.

Contact:	David Worthy for Redworth Properties Ltd
Postal Address:	4 Grove Way Esher Surrey KT10 8HL
Telephone:	020 8398 3565 with answerphone or mobile 07951 211280
Mobile:	Simon Worthy, tel 01159 235629 or mobile 07790 495955
Email:	Email the Owner »
Shortlist:	Click here to add this property to your shortlist
Listing last updated:	28 Aug 2008