No pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Beautifully restored stone bakery on two floors housing the original vaulted bread oven. Accommodates four to six people. Features include pretty external steps and authentic diamond shaped ‘œil de bœuf’ windows. Furnishings and decoration have been carefully chosen to exploit the existing architectural charm.
Set in the tiny, friendly village of Mandegault and surrounded by beautiful French countryside, we have set out to create an authentic environment allowing you to appreciate the simple pleasures of rural France. Many of our visitors are struck by the tranquillity of life here, ‘the rural charm of England 50 years ago’! The village farms have goats and cart horses and you can buy fresh milk direct from the farm. Set amidst fields of sunflowers in the summer and chestnut coppice, Mandegault with its honey coloured stone walls and canal tile roofs seems to sleep and shimmer in the heat of the day.
We produce our own seasonal fruit and vegetables, including cherries, strawberries, figs, walnuts, sweet peppers, garlic, aubergines, and of course the famous Charentais melon. We keep a rare breed of sheep and a variety of free-range hens and ducks. They are kept well away from the cottages although children are welcome to participate at feeding times. Whilst each cottage offers private and independent accommodation, access between the two private gardens can be arranged for family groups ‘holidaying’ together who wish to take both cottages.
Secluded garden of 'Le Four de Boulanger'
Double Bedroom
Sitting/dining room
Our 'penguin' ducks!
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/42621
The Poitou-Charentes / Vendee / Deux Sevres region
Niort, our nearest large town and capital of the Deux-Sèvres is just 45 mins from Mandegault. Steeped in history and daing back, to the middle ages, Niort's imposing fortressed castle keep, the 'Donjon', which overlooks the ‘Sèvre Niortaise’ river is well worth a visit. Make time to visit the ‘Pilori’ as well and don’t miss market day at Niort (Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings) a cornucopia of fresh local produce, baskets of fresh walnuts, goat’s cheeses, regional specialities and freshly caught fish from the ‘Isle d’Oleron’.
Further afield, although mostly under an hour’s drive, there’s boating through the leafy waterways of the Marais Poitevin also known as the Venise Vert or visit the renowned (rightly so, it’s absolutely amazing) Futuroscope at Poitiers, or Cognac (for obvious reasons) or Saintes with its Roman amphitheatre. There’s the delightful historic port of La Rochelle (90 minutes drive to be realistic) with its harbour towers, art galleries, museums and superb aquarium or simply relax and absorb the atmosphere in one of the many quayside cafés or restaurants or stretch out on the sandy beach, a mere stone’s throw from ‘centre ville’.The royal naval port of Rochefort is a must; witness the meticulous reconstruction of the 16th century frigate, the ‘Hermione’.
Chef Boutonne area
Chef Boutonne our nearest town, (3km) with its fairytale château and ‘lavoirs’, (ancient washhouses) which bubble with ice cold spring water, has a bustling market with stalls of freshly caught fish and local produce. The regional speciality, ‘Pineau des Charentes’ a wickedly delicious aperitif is served in pavement cafés in the town square. Fishing permits can be easily obtained for a day’s fishing at Chef Boutonne in the well-stocked Lake at the Château de Javarzay. The château and museum are open to the public and are well worth a visit.
Without moving far from home at Melle you will discover no less than three magnificent Romanesque churches, which during the Summer months become venues for the prestigious Festival of Classical Music. Whilst at Melle, take time to visit the Silver Mines which date back to Vth century. The Royal Abbey with its formal gardens at Celles sur Belle is an imposing testament to Renaissance architecture and hosts a Baroque Music festival in late August. Again, on a musical note, Operas of outstanding quality are staged en ‘plein air’ in August in the Roman amphitheatre at Sanxay. This whole area is peppered with exquisite little XIth & XIIth century churches, Medieval heritage, pre-historic remains and Roman settlements. Of particular interest is the ‘Tumulus de Bougon’, one of the oldest Neolithic burial grounds in Europe.
If ever you feel the need to cool down - bearing in mind this region is second only to the Côte d'Azur for it's sunshine scores - just dip your feet into the water of any of the beautiful stone ‘lavoirs’ often situated at river sources. For swimmers there’s a wide choice of open air pools, manmade lakes with sandy beaches and river swimming all nearby. The Lac du Lambon (25 km) is a large swimming and boating lake with restaurant and 'acro-branche' activities.There's the sea near La Rochelle for beach combing, swimming and body boarding. It’s also an ideal area for gentle cycling, especially as there’s so little traffic on the roads, lots of interconnecting lanes through fields and woodland… lovely spots for picnics.
How to get there
*Within easy reach of the channel ports of St.Malo (4.5 hrs), Caen (5hrs), Cherbourg (6hrs), and Calais (7hrs)
*Fly to Angoulême or Poitiers and hire a car. Mandegault is just 45 mins drive from the airport
*La Rochelle and Limoges airports are a 90 min drive and Bordeaux airport is 2hrs approx
*Cheap flights available from Easyjet, Ryanair, Flybe and Bmibaby
*Car hire available from all airports.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Poitiers: 50 km
Railway:
Ruffec: 30 km
Ferry:
St. Malo: 350 km
Activities near Chef Boutonne
Sports: Tennis in town Waterpark Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation Cycling holidays
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (2), Double beds (1), Cots (2), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 4
Other:
Please check with the advertiser regarding linen and towels. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available, Shared outdoor pool (heated)
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Kitchen: French windows onto private garden. Natural stone floor and custom built range of kitchen cupboards. Gas hob, electric oven, electric food mixer, stainless steel saucepans, plain white crockery. Bathroom: Bath with shower, washbasin and toilet. Sitting/Dining Room: Original oak beams, exposed stonework and beautiful stone bread oven/fireplace, wood burning stove in the winter months. Circular old pine dining table & chairs, double bed/settee and comfy armchairs. Internal wooden staircase to Bedrooms 1 & 2: Exposed oak beams and wooden floorboards, one room has two single original iron beds, the other, a pretty French antique bedroom suite with double bed.
Further details outdoors: The private walled garden has a shady pergola planted with wisteria & climbing roses, a barbecue and a set of wooden garden furniture, which makes a perfect setting for outdoor eating & drinking. The gravel sun terrace with its potted plants and lawn along with trees, flowers and herb garden, offer an ideal relaxing environment. If you don’t feel like stirring out of the garden, stay 'at home' and enjoy our discrete above ground, solar heated swimming pool (6x4m) - carefully chosen to integrate harmoniously into the natural environment - or simply watch the migratory hoopoes or listen to the song of the nightingale in the evening. There's an exterior table tennis table, a selection of bikes and safety helmets and finally, in true French style, a lovely pétanque court. Guests are very welcome to stroll the grounds, help themslves to fruit and vegetables, say 'bonjour' to our rare breed sheep and hens and cool down in the rose covered arbour by the wildlife pond.
Further details
Bedlinen and bathroom towels available for hire. Baby and Toddler Friendly Home.
Conditions
A Booking Deposit of 25% is required to secure a booking. Bookings can only be confirmed upon receipt of payment.
The Final Balance is payable six weeks before rental period commences.
A Refundable Security Deposit of £100 is required as a separate cheque along with the final balance. This is refunded within two weeks of your departure.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Long Let
3 Jan 09
28 Mar 09
150£150
0-
0-
2 Months
Low Season
28 Mar 09
3 May 09
230£230
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
3 May 09
27 Jun 09
310£310
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
27 Jun 09
29 Aug 09
495£495
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
29 Aug 09
31 Oct 09
310£310
0-
0-
1 Week
Long Let
31 Oct 09
27 Mar 10
150£150
0-
0-
2 Months
Low Season
27 Mar 10
1 May 10
250£250
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
1 May 10
26 Jun 10
330£330
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
26 Jun 10
4 Sep 10
545£545
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
4 Sep 10
30 Oct 10
330£330
0-
0-
1 Week
Long Let
30 Oct 10
26 Mar 11
150£150
0-
0-
1 Week
101
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
* Book 2 weeks and receive a 10% discount on the second week.
* Babykit supplied free of charge
(includes a cot and bedding, high chair, buggy, baby bath, changing mat)
* Free Bike hire
* Bedlinen hire 20€ double, 12€ single
* Bathroom towel hire 5€ per set (please bring your own leisure towels)
* We can accept payment by PayPal or cheque in GBP or Euros
Guestbook for Le Four de Boulanger
`Alison & Francis, can’t thank you enough - what has been so special is being immersed in a holiday ‘au naturel’, a holiday with minimal impact on the planet ….’ Ruth, Peter & Daniel, Chilcompton, Somerset April 2008
Absolutely loved the fresh vegetables, cherries, raspberries, eggs etc and abundance of fresh flowers throughout the gîte. A fantastic place to recharge and escape. Most definitely will be returning without hesitation next year! Charli & Bradley, Surrey. July 2008
`The love, time and effort that has gone into this lovely place simply oozes everywhere. We have loved staying in your `house of secrets’ with lots of lovely little treasures, amenities, pots of garden flowers and fragrant herbs! Thankyou for providing such perfect luxuries that we love, tea lights & incense sticks, ambient music, crisp linen etc. A taste of the divine – a little piece of paradise. We will return!’ Alison & Louis, Nottingham. July 2008
`Wow ! Words cannot describe how amazing our stay in your gîte has been. We have never come across two more kind people that made such an impression in such a short time. Our 7 days of tranquillity & relaxation will never equal the [small] amount you charge! Trevor & Shelley and their children Brittany (15yrs) Logan & LuLu (both 5yrs), Devon. July 2008
`We couldn’t have imagined a more glorious place. You have created a small paradise! Loved being here and enjoying the luscious garden and great accommodation. Ann Marie & Mark and their daughters, Chloé & Eloise, Kendal. July 2008
‘The new pool was a great bonus to an already beautiful location. Have enjoyed the table tennis ‘Olympics’, boules and animal experiences (sheep shearing and duck delivery etc) and cycling to Melleran for fresh bread’. Chris & Vickie Watts. (Motocyclists) West Sussex. August 2008
`Thanks, Francis, Alison & Jack for your warm hospitality and fab gîte. A special thanks for the superb evening meals and to Jack for organising the horse riding’. Phil, Claire and Jamie (5yrs). August 2008
`We have had a lovely time in ‘Le Four de Boulanger’, which is probably the best gîte we’ve stayed at – wonderful attention to detail. A perfect holiday & most relaxing environment. Jan, Des, Emma & Adam. Birmingham September 2008
`Francis & Alison are so friendly and welcoming and the whole ethos of helping yourself to veggies is brilliant. The `aperitifs’ on the front lawn were lovely and yes, the Basil Wine is yummy!’ Jason, Katie, Luke (3yrs) & Emily (15 mnths). Wiltshire September 2008
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Send Enquiry
To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/42621
Contact details for the advertiser of home 42621
Name:
Alison Hudson
Tel:
+33 (0)5 49 29 65 31
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
Print this page
Email to friend
Be aware of time-zones
