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Holiday Cottage in Saint-Seurin-de-Palenne, Near Saintes, Charente-Maritime - Pâquerette

Weekly Rental:From EUR 995 to EUR 1380

Property

Cottages / Gites

Sleeps

6

Single/Double

Option of 4 singles and one king size / Option of 2 king size and 2 singles

Bathrooms

2

Pets

Not Allowed

Pool

Yes

Les Gîtes du Vigneron et Chambre d’Hôte

Our gîtes and facilities have been classified "3 star" by the Meublé de Tourisme. While Rose, our Chambre d'hôte, has has been classified "Chambre d'hôtes référence" by Charentes Tourisme. We can accommodate 22 people. We have a beautiful renovated cognac chai (barn) where we can arrange catered functions (see photos).

We look forward to welcoming you, in person, to this beautiful part of France where you will be able to enjoy the peace of rural life amongst the vineyards and fields of sunflowers.

We are situated in the heart of our small village in the Petite Champagne and Haute Saintonge regions. There are several local ‘vignerons’ (wine growers) in the village who still produce wine for the cognac houses and there is also a small distillery producing ‘eau de vie’ for one of the leading cognac houses.

At the same time as renovating our gîtes, we renovated an old stable to create a modern classroom which forms the centre of our new language school, Papillon Ecole de Langue. We offer both residential and non-residential language courses in French and English. Why not brush up your French while you are staying with us? This could either be to help you with your day to day shopping or clarify those technical grammar issues that has always been such a mystery. Vanessa has over 30 years' experience of teaching GCSE, AS, A2 and Pre-U level French in the UK so why not book some revision lessons?

The Maison du Vigneron was originally the vigneron’s (wine grower’s) home and farm outbuildings. It now forms a terrace of three gîtes (Pâquerette, Myosotis and Pervenche) and a laundry / library. The fourth gîte (Chèvrefeuille) and Salle de Jeux are located in two of the old barns and the Chambre d’Hôte (Rose) is situated between Chèvrefeuille and our house.

All of the buildings are fully insulated and double-glazed with electric radiators in all rooms.

The thick stone walls and insulation mean that the gîtes remain cool in summer and the addition of the radiators keep them warm in winter, enabling us to offer holidays throughout the year or long lets in winter.

The occupancy numbers quoted are comfortable maximums and are based on actual beds and rooms. However, some of the rooms have flexible bed layouts where singles can be changed to doubles with foam toppers for added comfort. 

Please note that we operate a no-smoking policy in all our properties and also within the grounds. All of our bedding is hypoallergenic and we regret that we do not accept animals, to ensure that no guests are adversly affected by an allergy.


Pâquerette Gite

This is the second of our three-bedroom, 2 bathroom Gîtes on two floors. Pâquerette is able to comfortably sleep six in a choice of bed configurations. There is a terrace to the side of the gîte where you can eat and relax in the warm Charentais sunshine.

This gîte is within the original Maison du Vigneron and was once the vigneron’s family home.

On the ground floor the original exposed beam, joists and ceiling have been restored and the stone wall cleaned and repointed giving the room an abundance of character. There are windows and doors in all three of the external walls allowing plenty of light to illuminate the room. There is also a renovated stone wall in bedroom 2. This Gîte has the wow factor.

Ground floor:

The main living space (40m²) includes a fully fitted and well equipped kitchen. The lounge, with its comfortable sofa, armchairs and bean bags will suit all the family. Should the sun not be shining then you may adjourn to the dining area and enjoy a convivial family meal around the cherry wood dining table.

There is also a television, satellite box, DVD & wifi but, be warned this is rural France.

First Floor:

The master bedroom (17m²) has a king size bed along with plenty of storage space in the large half-mirrored wardrobe, a chest of drawers & two bedside cabinets. There is also a sitting area to allow you to read quietly or simply sit and reflect. The ensuite bathroom has a shower, toilet, wash-hand basin and vanity unit.

Bedroom 2 (13.5m²) has an exposed stone wall. The room can be configured to include a king size bed (160cms) or two single beds (80x190) to suit your needs. There is also plenty of storage space in the half mirrored wardrobe, chest of drawers and two bedside cabinets. There is a door from bedroom 2 to the large “Jack and Jill” family bathroom.

Bedroom 3 (10m²) has two single beds (90x190), a wardrobe incorporating two large drawers and two bedside cabinets. Similar to bedroom 2 there is a door that gives direct access to the large Jack & Jill family bathroom.

The large family bathroom is accessed from both bedrooms 2 & 3 and contains a shower, toilet, wash-hand basin, vanity unit and additional storage space.

Baby equipment including a high chair, stair gate, bed guard, baby bath, potty, travel cot (no linen), night light, plastic bowls & cutlery, can be borrowed free of charge if available and reserved at the time of booking.

The private terrace is to the side of the gîte. It is south facing and sheltered by the large stone wall, being the side of the neighbour’s ‘chai’ (wine storage barn). It has a dining table and chairs together with sun loungers, deck chairs and a BBQ.

Laundry and  Library:

There is a Laundry and Library situated in the Maison du Vigneron. The laundry contains two washing machines, a sink, an iron and ironing board, airers, pegs, vacuum cleaner, mop, bucket and long handled brush (although Pâquerette has a vacuum cleaner, mop, bucket and brush of its own).

The library has a selection of books and DVDs in French and English for adults and children. There are also a number of board games and a wealth of tourist information.

Toddlers Play Area:

We have converted the old tractor hanger into a large (approx 50m2) covered, fenced and gated toddlers play area. It includes a slide, swing, sand pit, wendy house, beautifully decorated old school desk, rocking horses and much more. There is also a comfy 3 piece suite in which the adults can relax while the children play.

Games Room:
In our Games Room we have a table tennis table, table football and various other indoor and outdoor toys for all ages.

Swimming pool:
We have installed a large heated salt water swimming pool (11mx5m) which is wrapped around by a large terrace with plenty of sun loungers and deck chairs. The pool is 1.40m deep throughout ensuring that the full area can be played in by, nearly, everybody! There is no need to crowd in the shallow end.

There is an extended first step into the pool which can be used as a "beach" area for babies and toddlers. We also have two half-moon inflatable paddling pools so that babies may enjoy the water whilst being shaded from the sun.
 
There is a handr-rail to assist entry to and exit from the pool.
 
There is a large pavilion (7mx4m) to the south side of the pool giving shade from the sun.
 
The pool is fully fenced and has a security gate for added safety. We have also installed a rigid cover, which is closed at night, to ensure the safety of everyone.
 
There are two wooden cabanes at the end of the pool. In the left hand side there is a toilet and baby changing area and in the right hand side a selection of pool toys and inflatables. 
 
Garden:
 
In the garden we have a terrain de boules, sturdy swing and slide combination, 3.5m diameter trampoline, football goal and swing ball. In the Games Room there are also other garden games including giant Jenga, giant dominoes, racquets and balls of various shapes and sizes.

PHOTOS

Kitchenware Appliances

Cooker/Hob Fridge Freezer Microwave Toaster Kettle Dish Washer High Chair Washing Machine

Fixtures & Equipment

Hairdryer Iron Central Heating TV Satellite DVD Player Internet Access Games Room Table Tennis

External Features

Shared Pool - Heated Pool Barrier/Alarm Fitted Shared Garden Private Garden BBQ Trampoline Swing Sun Loungers : Yes Suitable for Children

Other Interior Facilities

Free wi-fi is available throughout the property.

Local Attractions

From your base in Saint Seurin de Palenne you can visit the ancient cognac houses in the town of Cognac (20 minutes to the north east) or simply take a walk along the banks of the Charente. Alternatively you could visit the Roman town of Saintes (20 minutes to the north west) with its amazing Roman remains, including the amphitheatre. Or you could head south to Jonzac, also only 25 minutes away to the south, with its Caribbean themed water park, ‘Les Antilles’.

The beautiful west coast is only 35 - 40 minutes away with the wide, safe, sandy beaches of the Gironde Estuary or, for the more adventurous, a few kilometres further north, the wide sandy beaches of the Côte Sauvage (Atlantic coast) where body boarding, kite surfing, wind surfing are all possible.

The amazing city of Bordeaux is approximately an hour to the south. The city itself has been renovated over recent years and has a plethora of wonderful buildings, cafés and restaurants. The former docks, along the banks of the Garonne, have also been renovated providing a beautiful promenade with more shopping and eating opportunities! Alternatively there are always the famous vineyards of AOC Bordeaux where you can spend a happy day or more touring and tasting the famous wines.

Generally, in the immediate area there are many attractions for young and old. There is the Château des Énigmes within 10 mins drive from us. This is not only a small theme park with pirates and treasure to be found but also an historic Château. Other, more traditional Châteaux within 35 mins are the Châteaux of Crazannes and La Roche Courbon. There is the Paleosite (dinosaurs) just north of Saintes and a live archaeological dig in a quarry where a large collection of dinosaurs are being unearthed (very restricted opening). In Rochefort there is L'Hermione, a replica frigate from 1780s that you can tour as well as the historic building of the Arsenal - I could go on but I do not have enough space!!

An hour to the north is La Rochelle. The beautiful Vieux Port, with its wide selection of cafés & restaurants, the medieval cobbled streets and arcades and the Aquarium are all exceptional and well worth a visit.

At Les Gîtes du Vigneron et Chambre d'hôte we can also offer you a few little extras. For instance:

Dégustation: We can arrange an intimate dégustation of cognac and Pineau des Charentes (cognac based aperitif) at a local, family run, vineyard. Or, alternatively or indeed as well, a visit to a family run vineyard in Blaye to taste their wines.

French & English lessons: We are able to offer French or English lessons at our language school – Papillon école de langue. Vanessa taught French to A level / Pre-U for over 30 years in the UK, at a leading public school. Her modern classroom is a converted stable to the rear of our house. The cost would be between 20€ - 25€ depending upon your level and the amount of preparation required.

Tennis: We have arranged a “holiday membership” of the tennis club in the neighbouring village, Pérignac. The cost would be 10€ for the week, no matter how many times you play. So, if you are interested, don’t forget to pack your racquets & tennis balls.

Art courses: While you are here you may like to take art lessons with a local artist, Annie-France Notari. who has a studio in the neighbouring village of Colombiers. Annie-France offers 2 hour lessons for beginners up to experienced artists in various mediums including pencil, dry pastels, gouache, acrylics, wax, water colours and Chinese ink. The cost per 2 hour lesson would be 40€.

Bike hire: We can also arrange for you to hire bikes of all sizes to suit everyone from 3 months to 100 years old through Bike Hire Direct! They also offer 'Tag-a-Long' children’s bikes, tandem bikes, rear mounted child seats, children’s chariots, pull along cargo trolleys, baskets, panniers and car bike racks. The bikes would be delivered to and collected from your gîte and we have safe storage on site. Alternatively, you may prefer to contact Bike Hire Direct and arrange the hire yourself using the following link / website: www.bikehiredirect.com. If you do can you please let them know that we gave you the recommendation, thank you.
Their minimum hire period is 2 days.
You may also follow the below link to find out details of the many cycle routes in the Charente Maritime:
https://www.bikehiredirect.com/cycling-in-charente-maritime.php
https://www.laflowvelo.com/

Special Rental Conditions

You may arrive (after 16h) any day of the week and leave (before 10h) any day.

The minimum stay, in a gîte, is 3 nights except during the Peak season (4th July 2020 - 28th August 2020) during which the minimum stay is 7 nights.

When booking direct with us a 30% non-refundable deposit is payable when the booking is made. We would advise you to take travel insurance which will allow you to recover this sum in the event of cancellation. The balance is due 8 weeks prior to your arrival. Reservations within 8 weeks of the arrival date requires full payment at the time of booking.

We are required to collect a taxe de séjour (Occupancy Tax) from each adult staying. Details will be provided at the time of booking.

A damages deposit of 250€ will be required prior to your arrival. This is intended to cover minor damage to the property and / or its contents. Following any adjustments for damages the deposit will be returned to you, by electronic transfer, within a maximum of 2 weeks following your departure. The deposit shall not limit the Client’s liability to the Owner.

We expect the gîte to be left in the same condition as it was when you arrived. If it is not then we will deduct 100€ from the deposit to enable us to arrange cleaners at short notice. However, if you prefer, we can arrange for the gîte to be cleaned after you have departed. In this case you must advise us at least 2 weeks ahead of your arrival so that we may arrange a cleaner. We will advise you of the cost of the cleaning prior to the commencement of your holiday and this will be payable to the Owner upon your arrival.

The occupancy numbers quoted are the maximum except for babies sleeping in travel cots.

High chair, stair gate, bed guard, baby bath, potty, travel cot (no linen), night light, plastic bowls & cutlery may be borrowed, if available, free of charge. Please advise us, when booking, if these are required otherwise we cannot guarantee their availability.

The Client should treat the property and its contents with respect, as if were his own. Nothing should be fixed or attached to the walls, ceilings or floors.

The client should attempt to save energy where possible. For instance the client should try to use the laundry during the off peak hours which are between 23:30h and 07:30h each day.

We regret that we are not able to accept any pets staying in our gîtes or on site.

There is a strict no smoking policy (including e-cigarettes) both within the gîtes and grounds.

Free wi-fi is available in all of the gîtes and throughout the whole property, including around the swimming pool.

Outside peak season, the minimum stay is 3 nights with fully flexible arrival/departure days.

In peak season the minimum stay is 7 nights, again with fully flexible arrival/departure days.

Availability Calendar

2024
January   2024
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February   2024
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April   2024
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September   2024
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October   2024
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November   2024
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December   2024
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2024

Property Exterior

Shared Pool (Heated):
Yes
Pool Barrier / Alarm Fitted:
Yes
Shared Garden:
Yes
Private Garden:
Yes
Near a Beach:
Yes
BBQ:
Yes
Trampoline:
Yes
Childrens Swing:
Yes
Sun Loungers:
Yes
Safe for Children:
Yes

Local Attractions

From your base in Saint Seurin de Palenne you can visit the ancient cognac houses in the town of Cognac (20 minutes to the north east) or simply take a walk along the banks of the Charente. Alternatively you could visit the Roman town of Saintes (20 minutes to the north west) with its amazing Roman remains, including the amphitheatre. Or you could head south to Jonzac, also only 25 minutes away to the south, with its Caribbean themed water park, ‘Les Antilles’.

The beautiful west coast is only 35 - 40 minutes away with the wide, safe, sandy beaches of the Gironde Estuary or, for the more adventurous, a few kilometres further north, the wide sandy beaches of the Côte Sauvage (Atlantic coast) where body boarding, kite surfing, wind surfing are all possible.

The amazing city of Bordeaux is approximately an hour to the south. The city itself has been renovated over recent years and has a plethora of wonderful buildings, cafés and restaurants. The former docks, along the banks of the Garonne, have also been renovated providing a beautiful promenade with more shopping and eating opportunities! Alternatively there are always the famous vineyards of AOC Bordeaux where you can spend a happy day or more touring and tasting the famous wines.

Generally, in the immediate area there are many attractions for young and old. There is the Château des Énigmes within 10 mins drive from us. This is not only a small theme park with pirates and treasure to be found but also an historic Château. Other, more traditional Châteaux within 35 mins are the Châteaux of Crazannes and La Roche Courbon. There is the Paleosite (dinosaurs) just north of Saintes and a live archaeological dig in a quarry where a large collection of dinosaurs are being unearthed (very restricted opening). In Rochefort there is L'Hermione, a replica frigate from 1780s that you can tour as well as the historic building of the Arsenal - I could go on but I do not have enough space!!

An hour to the north is La Rochelle. The beautiful Vieux Port, with its wide selection of cafés & restaurants, the medieval cobbled streets and arcades and the Aquarium are all exceptional and well worth a visit.

At Les Gîtes du Vigneron et Chambre d'hôte we can also offer you a few little extras. For instance:

Dégustation: We can arrange an intimate dégustation of cognac and Pineau des Charentes (cognac based aperitif) at a local, family run, vineyard. Or, alternatively or indeed as well, a visit to a family run vineyard in Blaye to taste their wines.

French & English lessons: We are able to offer French or English lessons at our language school – Papillon école de langue. Vanessa taught French to A level / Pre-U for over 30 years in the UK, at a leading public school. Her modern classroom is a converted stable to the rear of our house. The cost would be between 20€ - 25€ depending upon your level and the amount of preparation required.

Tennis: We have arranged a “holiday membership” of the tennis club in the neighbouring village, Pérignac. The cost would be 10€ for the week, no matter how many times you play. So, if you are interested, don’t forget to pack your racquets & tennis balls.

Art courses: While you are here you may like to take art lessons with a local artist, Annie-France Notari. who has a studio in the neighbouring village of Colombiers. Annie-France offers 2 hour lessons for beginners up to experienced artists in various mediums including pencil, dry pastels, gouache, acrylics, wax, water colours and Chinese ink. The cost per 2 hour lesson would be 40€.

Bike hire: We can also arrange for you to hire bikes of all sizes to suit everyone from 3 months to 100 years old through Bike Hire Direct! They also offer 'Tag-a-Long' children’s bikes, tandem bikes, rear mounted child seats, children’s chariots, pull along cargo trolleys, baskets, panniers and car bike racks. The bikes would be delivered to and collected from your gîte and we have safe storage on site. Alternatively, you may prefer to contact Bike Hire Direct and arrange the hire yourself using the following link / website: www.bikehiredirect.com. If you do can you please let them know that we gave you the recommendation, thank you.
Their minimum hire period is 2 days.
You may also follow the below link to find out details of the many cycle routes in the Charente Maritime:
https://www.bikehiredirect.com/cycling-in-charente-maritime.php
https://www.laflowvelo.com/

In the area

This Property is situated in Charente-Maritime, Poitou-Charentes

Nearest Airport: La Rochelle & Bordeaux

Nearest Station: Pons, Saintes, Cognac, Angoulême

Nearest Ferry: St Malo

Nearest Beach: Gironde Estuary & Charente Maritime Coast

Nearest Ski Resort:

Please note that the location on this map is an approximate guide, normally to the closest town or village.


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Whether you're planning your next holiday, or simply want to find out more about our properties, you can contact our Owners & Agents directly for more information

Contact Person: Tim & Vanessa Westacott

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