Chez les Hirondelles, a spacious three-bedroomed farmhouse, is located in the valley of the River Vienne, classified as an area of outstanding beauty, and has uninterrupted views across the fields to the River Vienne which passes by on its way from the Central Massif mountains to the Loire Valley.
Set in approximately 1 acre of land, with a large 10 x 5.5 m swimming pool and with shaded outside dining area, the three-bedroomed house (2 double and 1 twin) offers lots of space for that perfect family holiday. There is a large dining and lounge area, freeview UK TV, Wi-Fi, kitchen with gas cooker, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, toaster and coffee maker.
Chez les Hirondelles is just a few minutes' walk from the old water mill with its small river beach.
Extracts from the visitors' book:
* "What a setting! Laying by the pool, overlooking the fields that gently roll down to the river." GM, Kent
*"There are three things we wanted to do on our holiday: relax, relax and relax. Achieved all three. Perfect holiday." SF, Surrey
* "Children playing safely, glass of wine (large), sitting in the evening sun. 2 weeks wasn't enough. We're coming back!" HD, Surrey
* "Houses rich with history. French village where time stood still. Stunning scenery from our bedroom window. Breakfast, lunch and dinner under the pergola, watching the cows amble down to the river. And the stars at night were unbelievable." CF, Herts
* "5th year. See you next year." LG, Ireland
We offer you a self catering holiday where you have space and freedom. Once you've unpacked you're in charge: breakfast is ready when the croissants have been warmed in the oven: the bar is open when you pull the cork from the first bottle of wine of the day. Sit in the heat of the evening sun, looking at the River Vienne (at this point more than 80 metres wide), with a glass of pineau (a blend of cognac and wine) in your hand and watch the cows as they take their evening stroll across the fields.
Further details indoors
Chez les Hirondelles is a 400-year-old farmhouse and is attached to Domaine Rive Gauche but is completely private from it and has its own separate facilities.
Downstairs there are enormous oak beams, a traditional Charentais open fireplace, exposed stone and tiled floors. Along with the Louis XV style lounge furniture, a beautiful oak cabinet houses the TV/DVD player and CD player. The dining area has a large Basque oak dining table, with six chairs. The fully equipped kitchen has a Smeg dishwasher, microwave oven, gas cooker and fridge, together with plenty of cooking utensils, serving dishes and cookware.
Upstairs there are three bedrooms - two double and one twin. The two double bedrooms have traditional French bedroom furniture, with chevets and bedside lamps for that late night reading. The two front bedrooms have spectacular views of the River Vienne. The large showerroom has a mosaic-tiled shower, washhand basin and WC.
It is unlikely that this house has been occupied for at least the past 200 years, apart from the families of swallows (les Hirondelles) who visit each May. They have been banished from the inside and now make their nests in the nearby barns. However they still like to see where they used to live and during the months of July and August it is quite usual to have five or six of the small birds perched on the window shutters chattering to each other.
Further details outdoors
The farmhouse is situated in one acre of land with a large 10 x 5 m swimming pool. It has a shaded outside dining area with table, chairs and essential barbecue.