3 Bedroom Holiday Cottage with Heated Pool, Deux Sevres, France / Marguerite

*2018 Tour de France stages 1, 2 and 3 are in the area 7, 8 and 9 July* The surounding unspoiled rural landscape is perfect for fishing, cycling, walking, painting and more, and yet we are located just 1 hour from either Puy du Fou or Futuroscope theme parks, making it the ideal spot for a family getaway. There is an excellent boulangerie and superb bar/restaurant in the village. L’Absie and Secondigny, with their shops, bars, and restaurants, are just 10 minutes away, and we are 30 mins away from the historic town of Parthenay, and 45 mins away from Niort and Fontenay le Comte, all with traditional outdoor markets.The grounds themselves are on the estate of the old Château de Fontenioux, which was taken down in 1952. Our fully renovated gîtes, Violette & Marguerite, are converted from the old worker’s cottages, with all modern conveniences while still retaining the charm of a bygone era. Nature abounds on the property, which looks out over rolling fields, and encompasses part of the nearby forest. When we watch rabbits playing tag up and down our lane, deer trotting away, spot a wild orchid on the grass verge, or listen to the birds singing, we know this is a wonderful place to be, and we love to share this with our visitors. MARGUERITE sleeps six people in three bedrooms, one double and two twin. All bedrooms have a wardrobe and chest of drawers, plus a hair-dryer and mirror with power-point adjacent. all bedding supplied (king-size duvet on double bed). There is one shower-room on the ground-floor (handy after a swim) and another on the first floor. Each has: shower, toilet, washbasin, heated towel rail, shaver-point. Baby baths available on request. Two generous towels per person supplied also pool towels, for use within the gitê and grounds only.The ground-floor is an open plan living/dining room with a kitchen area to the rear and a feature spiral staircase from the living room to the first floor. Stair-gates are available on request.The fitted kitchen has: dishwasher, gas cooker, microwave, fridge with freezer compartment, coffee machine, electric kettle, toaster utensils,crockery, T-towels, hand towel and oven mitts. The dining area has table and six chairs. Highchairs on request. The living Room has a three piece suite and coffee table. 32″TV with UK channels. Small TV/DVD player & selection of English DVDs, books & games. Cleaning & Laundry: Washing machine, iron, ironing board, folding airer plus outside covered drying area. Swimming pool heated from 1 May until 1 October. Wood burning stove, with logs from 1 October until 1 May. Electric fans and oil-filled radiators provided. Barbeque area with two charcoal barbeques. All fuel, logs and charcoal are included. Outdoor furniture picnic tables and a variety of sun loungers. Clean, dry, secure "bike shed" storage. Free WiFi throughout. The two gîtes can be booked together and have a connecting door.(see listing for Les Gites de Fontenioux ref: 4500)