Rural Sainte-Lheurine Holiday Cottage with Shared Pool, Charente Maritime, France

Totally renovated country cottage located in the Petit Champagne region of Cognac, between the Atlantic beaches and the Dordogne. La Garde was the grain store and baking house of a large farm, and it stands near the old manor house that has been converted into a vacation home and is also available for rent (sleeps 9-11). The two houses share the private pool and the grounds. They stand on three acres of grassy park-like setting on a hillside overlooking vineyards, sunflower fields and farmsteads in the Haute Saintonge region of the Charente-Maritime.

The property is secluded, with the closest neighbor 300 m away. A long chestnut tree alley leads from the country road up the hill to the two houses. The small forest on the hilltop is part of the estate and separates the property from the small village of Ste. Lheurine with its 12th century church. The grounds include a small orchard of various fruit trees and berry bushes, a boules (petanque) court and several outbuildings, as well as ample parking space.

The Cottage

The two-story cottage has been completely renovated, inside and out. The ground floor is occupied by a single large room, 9.5 x 5 m in size, with tile flooring. It comprises a large kitchen and dining area at one end and a sitting area at the other. The two are partly separated by a lovely wooden staircase that leads to the bedrooms above. A large old fireplace has been closed off and is today only decorative. Four large windows facing east and south provide ample light. French doors open up to a terrace on the West side, a perfect place for leisurely evening meals while enjoying the light of the setting sun on the countryside below and later the huge clear sky with the Milky Way above.

The kitchen area is equipped with working countertop, four-burner gas stove, electric oven, large refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, coffeemaker, and lots of pots, pans and dining ware. Adjoining it is a small pantry with laundry washer and dryer. The water comes from the public water supply system of Ste. Lheurine and is safe to drink. There is ample storage space in wall cabinets and under-counter cabinets. For indoor dining there is a dining table with six chairs. In front outside of the kitchen area is a terrace with teak outdoor furniture, with a tall hedge protecting it against views from the main house.

The sitting area at the Southern end of the room has a couch, four easy chairs, a coffee table, and a flat-screen TV with satellite reception (French, English, German programs). There is WiFi internet access inside the house and on the front terrace.

Outside - The 12 x 6 m in-ground pool is reached by the stairs from the back terrace. It is shared with the occasional vacation renters of the near-by main house. To ensure safety, the pool and pool terrace are completely fenced in by a wall and a metal fence.