Confolens holiday farmhouse rental, Manot with walking, beach/lake nearby, log fire, balcony/terrace, internet access, rural retreat, TV

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Chez les Hirondelles (farmhouse)

Home description

Chez les Hirondelles is one of three spacious 17-century farmhouses in the Confolens area of the Charente with stunning views of the River Vienne. Situated in a quiet hamlet surrounded by unspoilt countryside, most people agree that the farmhouses are amongst the best of the rental properties available and that they have one of the most stunning locations in the Charente. The farmhouses are set in one acre of land with large 10 x 5 m solar heated swimming pool. Each house has its own exclusive outside dining area - table, chairs and essential barbeque - under its own covered pergola. The houses have been restored to reflect the period in which they were built, but with the added luxury of today's home comforts and are far removed from the idea of the typical French gite of yesteryear.

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.

Swimming Pool	Chez les Hirondelles
Dining Room	Bedroom

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/40399

The Poitou-Charentes / Vendee / Charente region

Situated in the Charente-Limousine, which is famous for its gently rolling countryside, and within easy reach of Poitiers, Limoges and Angouleme, this area is perfect for those who have dreamed of finding a holiday which offers the freedom to live the French way of life in one of the most beautiful and sunniest regions of France. The Charente is also the second sunniest region in France.

Confolens / Manot area

The area around Confolens contains many typical French villages with medieval quarters, local markets, chateaux, old churches and lakes with beaches - perfect for swimming or just for relaxing.

Manot is situated between Confolens and Roumazières, a route indicated as one of outstanding beauty. A typical sleepy French village with the old bridge crossing the River Vienne, the beautiful church dominates the skyline on your approach. Manot station may not have seen a train for some years, but many people pass through it or board from it using the velo-rail. The best way to describe the velo-rail is to liken it to pedaloes that run on rail tracks - a great day out for the whole family. Manot also boasts a very small beach by the ruins of the old mill. Here, the beds of the local river contain minute deposits of gold and garnet for which you can prospect whilst paddling in the cool clear water. For the more ambitious it is one of the starting points for the canoe school, where you can paddle up river to Confolens. The village shop is a short stroll away from the farmhouses and is great for the odds and ends you may need. There is also a boulangerie where you can get your freshly baked bread and croissants each morning.

Confolens, with its bars and restaurants, stands at the confluence of the rivers Vienne and Goire, and is a delightful medieval town with a castle keep and natural spring. Every year the whole world meets in its streets to celebrate folklore and traditional music from all over the globe. Canoes and pedaloes are available to explore the river.

The ruins of the fortress of Saint-Germain-de-Confolens, built in the 12th and the 15th centuries, dominate the valleys of the Issoire and Vienne. Its inner courtyard is flanked by four towers. For several years a group of young volunteers has been working to preserve and restore the site and largely thanks to their efforts you can admire the arrow slits, loopholes and vaulted rooms of the basement. Saint-Germain is a pleasant village to explore with its weaver's house, medieval house and 12th century church.

How to get there

There are regular flights to Poitiers and Limoges via RyanAir and FlyBe and a number of other small regional airlines fly to Angouleme and Poitiers. Please consult independent airlines and travel agents for details. (Poitiers is 90 mins north and Limoges is 50 mins east of Chez Mesnier). Eurostar and Rail Europe carry you all the way to the Charente. Routes are via either Paris or Lille with connecting trains to the Angouleme and Limoges. All major car hire companies can be found at the airports and mainline train stations.

Activities near Confolens

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Chez les Hirondelles was built in 1603, and this was always the major consideration during the restoration. Reclaimed materials and traditional building methods were used to repair and reinstate many features. We have also selected traditional French furniture, especially in the bedrooms and the lounge and dining areas. Whilst the farmhouse was restored to reflect the period in which it was built it also has the added comfort of today's luxuries.

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. There is a downstairs showerroom complete with mosaic-tiled shower, a wash basin inserted into an oak surround and WC. There is a 200 litre hot water supply so there is always lashings of hot water available.

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.

There is a communal laundry area in an adjoining building with washing machine, iron and ironing board.

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:
These farmhouses are set in one acre of land with large 10 x 5 m solar heated swimming pool. Each house has its own exclusive outside dining area - table, chairs and essential barbeque - under its own covered pergola.

Further details

Household pack and towells can be provided if requested.

Conditions

Before booking you are encouraged to read carefully the Conditions of Rental. After confirming your dates with us, please print off and complete the Online Booking Form. Although we can accept provisional bookings via telephone or email, you then have one week to confirm your reservation by sending your signed and completed booking form plus a 20% non-refundable deposit. We can also take payment by credit card.

Refundable breakages deposit of £200 required on payment of final balance, to be refunded within two weeks after your departure (subject to satisfactory property inspection).

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Christmas	22 Dec 07	5 Jan 08	600£  600	0-	0-	1 Week
Low season	5 Jan 08	26 Jul 08	500£  500	5050	5050	2 Nights
High season	26 Jul 08	30 Aug 08	830£  830	0-	0-	1 Week
Low season	30 Aug 08	20 Dec 08	500£  500	5050	5050	2 Nights
Christmas	20 Dec 08	3 Jan 09	600£  600	0-	0-	1 Week

The owner's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.

Duo rate: £330 per week for 2 people sharing (includes pack of essential household items and towels)

Duo plus rate: £345 per week for 2 people + baby (under 4 years old)

Duo rates also offer changeover days of Saturday and Wednesday

Weekend and short breaks: £50 per night based on 2 people sharing (£15 per night for each additional person)

Payment can be made by cheque or by credit card. We can also accept payment in Euro.

Long term lets available for off season househunters

Guestbook

"A wonderful 2 weeks. Gary & Carol are great hosts. Very peaceful. didn't do half of what we planned - too much time relaxing" - Mr & Mrs H, Wiltshire

"Thanks for a wonderful holiday. Beautiful house and beautiful surroundings, never tired of the views from our bedroom window each morning, and the view of the stars at our 'fresco' meals" - Mr & Mrs H, Oxon

"Carol & Gary are fantastic - I could kidnap them! The locals are fantastically friendly and I shall miss you all. We will definitely be back!!!" - Mrs M, West Sussex

"A great, relaxing holiday in a wonderful region of France that we have really enjoyed exploring. The kids have had a ball roaming the countryside and we are sure to return" - Mr & Mrs H, Essex

"Thanks Gary & Carol for my best holiday yet in France. I really enjoyed the kayaking and gold panning. The house was lovely and the star watching was fun. I hope to come back one year" - Jack (13), Monmouthshire

Availability notes

To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/40399

Contact owner

To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/40399

Contact details for home 40399 Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:	Carol Seale
Tel:	+33 (0)5 45 30 23 13
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Contact Notes: Email
Advertiser joined: 29 May 2007 This property added: 29 Oct 2007

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