Large 17th Century Farmhouse with private pool

Description from the owner

ONE WEEK IN MID-JULY STILL AVAILABLE.

Ideal for a large group, this 17th Century building, was originally 3 labourers cottages, recently converted into one large property. It sits opposite a night lit 16th Century Church (not used these days) and Chateau (not open to public), giving stunning views day and night. Book for 2 weeks and get a 5% discount on the total.

It has a private 8mX4m pool. very large (500+ SQ METRES) lounge, a dining room that seats 14, 2 fully equipped Kitchens, 7 bedrooms (2 en suite, including a family room with a double bed and 2 single beds) and 5 bathrooms. There is a large bedroom on the ground floor... with 2 double beds, a family bathroom is adjacent to this bedroom, the facilities would be good for people that have some mobility issues, but not those that cannot climb any stairs or who would need special washing and toilet facilities.

Children are very welcome here. For the youngest we have two cots and two high chairs in the house. For safety the pool is fenced with a locked gate and a pool alarm.

SHOPPING - There are two Boulangerie within 7 km. One is in Brossac, the other is in Challignac. Brossac also has a small Spar and a pharmacy.

SUPERMARKETS

For bigger shops try Barbezieux or Chalais (both 15 km from Chillac) where there are good supermarkets with a wide range of goods.

If you need a huge store, Angouleme and Cognac (about 30 miles away) have hypermarkets on their outskirts.

BARS

Most towns and villages have a bar. The nearest to the house is in Brossac (5 minutes drive), there are several in both Challais and Barbezieux - drink drive laws are as strict in France as they are in the UK, make sure you have a designated driver.

MARKETS

The French love their open air markets and several are held locally, our favourite is probably the one at Riberac. Generally markets only operate in the morning and will close down at 12.00.

THINGS TO DO

This is a very historical area, with a number of wonderful old towns and villages, we enjoy just driving around without a specific goal to enjoy what we discover, our hamlet is not unusual in having a church that is over 700 years old, although it is not open to the public and so gets few visitors as a rule

For a change of scene and to mix in with the locals, try visiting the loisir at Brossac (10 minutes away). This is a site set around a man made lake which, in addition to playing on or in the water, offers horse riding, walking and other outdoor activities. There is also a good restaurant on site and this has proved to be a very enjoyable day out for previous visitors.

Just past Brossac near the village of Guizengeard is an exciting new addition to the area, a water park with Jet Skis, ATV's, water slides and other adventure activities - new attractions are being added each year.

Another popular family venue is the old town of Aubeterre, which has a number of good shops and restaurants on the hill overlooking a river setting. There is a beach alongside the river and many people have mentioned that hiring Kayaks and paddling off downriver was great fun. For a bit of history don't miss the spectacular underground church of Saint-Jean, this is a church that has been hewn out of the hillside and walking around it is awe inspiring.

The famous wine town of St Emilion is about 50 km from the house, this is a marvellous old town with great views of the Dordogne as well as being home to some of the finest wine houses in France. The tiny village (and possibly with even better wine) of Pomerol is close by. If touring in this region you will have the opportunity to sample wines through degustations, signposted along the route.

Cognac and Jarnac are good places for a half or whole day visit, explore the history of Cognac by taking a tour at one of the major houses like Hennessey or Martell. Great places to wander around and explore.

You may also like to consider a day out and visit the beaches on the Atlantic coast, where La Rochelle is a very nice French port town and just over an hour away by car. The seaside town of Royan, has an old centre and a more modern shopping area, you can also hire cruisers in Royan - I think you will need to have a certificate of competency to take one out, check before you leave to confirm the rental requirements.

Bordeaux is about 50 miles away it is a large city with an interesting and lively centre, the tourist areas are enjoyable with good shops and interesting places to tour, or just sit in the cafes and people watch. Three of it's churches are on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO as part of the "French Pilgrim Routes".

The Lascaux Cave paintings, one of the major sites of European civilization, are about an hour and a half from the house. These incredible caves were discovered some 70 years ago and house some of the most extraordinary paleolithic cave paintings in the world.Read more

Additional Location Information

Set in a small hamlet in the Charentaise countryside, surrounded by fields of sunflowers and vines. 30 miles from the historic city of Cognac and a similar distance to the fantastic wine producers of the Dordogne at St Emilion. 5 or 6 minutes from convenience store and Boulangerie in Brossac and 15 minutes to large supermarkets in either Challais or Barbezieux. See full description for more information and suggestions for activities.

Location Type Away from it all, Rural

Rental fees

Additional notes from owner

5% LONG TERM BOOKING DISCOUNT, book two consecutive weeks get 5% off of total rental cost.
25% Deposit of rental cost secures dates, final balance due 2 months before holiday commences.
Book 2 weeks and receive 5% discount on total rental cost.
Linens and Towels included in cost.
Refundable security deposit of £350 will be taken with final payment.
Normally Saturday - Saturday bookings, but we do allow flexible arrival departure dates outside of peak weeks, also short breaks/extra days available in low season.

What Past Guests Are Saying

• N Riddle
  Newbury, UK

  Absolutely amazing - totally exceeded expectation. A fabulous fa

  Left on 07/27/2012 for a stay in July 2012
  
  

  We were a party of four families; 8 adults and 6 children under 5 years old. We were not sure that it would work out or that there would be enough space for us all and, to be honest, I thought some of the previous reviews had been written by the owner as they were so glowing and praiseworthy! However, we were totally blown away by this fabulous house and the setting in Chillac. The house is massive and beautifully decorated with period furniture and homely artifacts that add a wonderful atmosphere and blend well with the stone walls, huge wooden beams and sprawling space. One young four year old stated that it was much nicer (and bigger)than his house. It is probably as big as all of our houses combined! Had the weather been inclement we would have had no problem entertaining the kids inside without too much stress. Fortunately we were able to enjoy the pool and outdoor living as well as the many great local spots to explore; Brossac lake area, jetski and water slides in Guisengeard, the wines of St Emillion and the very popular aubeterre river beach which we visited twice!
  The holiday was a huge success due in no small measure to the accomodation and its facilities and the ease of booking and dealing with both Steve the owner and Steve the caretaker in Chillac. Thanks very much for an amazing and very memorable holiday. We highly recommend Le Tournesol for a large family group or group of families.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Luxury, Families, Rugged

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  Response from Stephen McAllister Pell - 07/27/2012

  

  Stephen McAllister Pell

  Owner

  Thanks Nic,so glad you had a great time.

• AjD
  Southampton

  A fabulous gite that we haven't beaten yet.

  Left on 01/09/2012 for a stay in August 2009
  
  

  We really didn't have any faults at all with our stay in this gite. Booking was easy and we had privacy at the gite with help from Steve if we needed it. Having 2 kitchens was a massive bonus for such a large group. With the lovely pool some of the group didn't even venture away from the gite. Others went for a spot of quad biking at a local lake and to visit some of the nearby villages and towns. The velo rail wasn't too far. We loved the amount of space in the gite and the pool was certainly the best maintained we have had yet in France.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Families

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• Colin and Debra
  St. Albans, Herts, England UK

  An idyllic French retreat in the countryside

  Left on 01/07/2012 for a stay in January 2008
  
  

  Very well appointed to a variety of amenities but a car is essential.
  Easy drive from airport and local shopping.
  Very warm in winter and a delight to meet the neighbours.
  We look forward to the pool in the summer!

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Romantic

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