3 Gites (PS001609) - St Maixent l'Ecole

Run by Alan and Dorothy Peel, the resident owners for the last 8 years, Saule des Bois consists of 3 gites, offering a range of accommodation of 2 and 3 bedrooms. Two of the gites are situated around a floodlit swimming pool and a third separate gite adjacent to the pool and overlooking the carp ponds and gardens.

Set in some 2 acres of landscaped gardens which attract an abundance of wildlife and birds including kingfishers, woodpeckers, hoopoes and even the occasional golden oriel. The grounds offer a tranquil setting for a relaxing holiday and as a base for exploring this interesting and historic area.

The National Forest, (L’Hermitan) is easily accessible to walkers and cyclists on peaceful roads, whilst horse riding is available at a nearby riding centre.

The pond, which is stocked with carp, is at the disposal of guests. For the more enthusiastic fisherman, there is a choice of fishing lakes nearby, one of which has leisure facilities and a sandy beach. On-site, we have table tennis, badminton, table football, volleyball and boules and of course our 10 x 5m floodlit swimming pool, which is fitted with a alarm which complies with current French safety legislation.

Wi-fi access available by arrangement.

Each gite has its own portable bbq but there is a larger communal bbq in the grounds with outdoor dining area which can seat up to15 people.

As well as the tranquility of the countryside, Saule des Bois is an ideal centre for touring and sightseeing with La Rochelle and the Atlantic coast, Cognac, the Loire Valley and Futuroscope at Poitiers all within easy day trip distance. The Marais Poitevin, an area of rivers, canals and wetlands, offers a superb day out and is only 40 minutes drive away.

Easily accessible from the N10, we are approximately 3½ hours from St. Malo and 5½ hours from Cherbourg, Caen and Le Havre. Local airports are at La Rochelle and Poitiers connecting with a large number of UK airports. See details under Location Menu on our website. 

We are always pleased to help you plan your visits and introduce you to the real French way of life. We speak French and are involved in the local community and are therefore in a position to keep you informed of local events and points of interest. See the events under Community Menu.

Over the years we have welcomed many families to Saule des Bois, a good number of whom have chosen to return, often several times, some even every year we have been here. We hope you choose to spend your holidays here and look forward to welcoming you.

Vienne is our largest gite with 3 double bedrooms, one of which can accommodate various arrangements including two sets of bunk beds.

There are 2 bathrooms, one with shower, vanity unit, toilet etc. the other with bath with shower over, vanity unit, toilet.

There is a separate fitted kitchen diner with double sink, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge, microwave, full cooker and a table seating 6 to 8 people. This adjoins a large private patio, with garden furniture and bbq.

The separate sitting room, with tv, dvd has direct access onto the poolside terrace and gardens. One of the settees in this room can be folded down to provide an extra bed, if required.