Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Thue is an 18th century converted Water Mill set in six acres of private land, located in the Vendee region of Western France. Recently converted into The Mill and The Wheelhouse which can be interconnected giving a very large 11 bedroom property, or rented individually. Both are large properties, the Wheelhouse with 4 bedrooms and the Mill with 7. Each has a private heated pool. Thue is only a 10 minute walk from L'Hermenault, a small farming village. It is ideally situated, combining easy access from Cross Channel Ferry Ports and the fabulous climate found South of the Loire Valley. Facilities include fully equipped kitchens, large lounge areas, two heated swimming pools and large private garden areas surrounded by woodland. 3 hours easy drive from the nearest Cross Channel Ferry Port, St Malo and a 50 minute drive to beaches and the bustling fishing town of La Rochelle. Thue is secluded but within 10 minute walking distance of the quiet village of L'Hermenault, which boasts friendly local bars and shops including a fantastic bakery, butchers, post office, supermarket, bank/cask point etc. The grounds comprise 6 Acres of garden and woods with shallow stream, cycle track through wooded area, 8m Diameter round pool and a 10m x 5m oval pool, and two large BBQ areas with large fixed stone built BBQs.
View of Whole Water Mill
Wheelhouse (4 Bedrooms)
Mill (7 Bedrooms)
Mill Master Bedroom
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/10331
The Poitou-Charentes / Vendee / Vendee region
Famous for numerous gently sloping beaches which are ideal for water sports or just sunbathing. The region is also noted for the 'Venise Vert' (Green Venice) canal system, and water sports and walking around the Mervent area as well as the Pierre Brune fun park for children. For the connoisseur the Vendee is surrounded on three sides by the Loire, Cognac and Bordeaux. Inland the landscape is dominated by vineyards and sunflower fields with small villages every few miles. Ideal for a quiet holiday in the sun, the Vendee is said to equal anywhere in France for hours of sunshine each year. The climate means the season extends from Easter to late October - the average monthly temperature in September is 70 degrees.
Fontenay le Comte / L'Hermenault area
La Rochelle (www.larochelle.fr/english/index.php) (http://www.larochelle-tourisme.com/en/) is France's 2nd largest boat building port and the historic Vieux Port remains largely unchanged. A daily fish market can be found in the old town until 12:00 midday. The port is very attractive and waterside cafes and restaurants offer arelaxing break. The seafood platters are their speciality and are excellent especially for large groups, where a single huge dish of shellfish is produced. The new marina holds Europe's largest aquarium which is open 365 days a year and has a large selection of fish from highly coloured tropical types to eels and sharks. £4.
Futuroscope (www.futuroscope.com/eng/index.php) is situated near Poitiers, it combines latest cinematic developments with the entertainment and fun of a theme park. there are a dozen or so main attractions comprising some of the largest cinema screens in the world (seven storeys high), 3-d special effects, flight simulators, cinema seats on hydraulic pedestals, all around cinema with picture that extends underneath you, 360degree cinema screens, huge curved screens etc. These all show spectacular 20 minute films on various topics. There are also educational areas showing the history of cinema, and numerous restaurants and cafes. There are a number of smaller attractions also which include pedalos, fun mirrors, slides etc. Be warned though queues in peak holiday periods are massive, best to do this outside main French holiday periods.
Mervent (www.tourisme-sudvendee.com/decouvrezan) is only a short drive ride from L'Hermenault, it has a dam and a large reservoir. The area has been developed with tourism in mind. There are large wooded areas ideal for walking and particularly mountain biking. There are places where pedalos and wind surfers can be hired, and wind surfing lessons are offered at reasonable rates. There are also restaurants, a small zoo and a very extensive fun park known as 'Pierre Brune', which has dozens of rides from castles, crazy bikes, and slides to hamster wheels and see-saws. This is good value at approximately £3.
Venise Vert (www.la-venise-verte.com/english.htm) is the canal system the Vendee is famous for. There are numerous places (Maillezais is one of the best, 20 min drive from L'Hermenault) where small rowing boats can be hired (with or without guides). Maps are provided and you can navigate round canal systems to set routes. The canals range from 20m wide to narrow stretches barely wide enough for the boat. All the canals are completely covered with a very distinctive weed giving them the appearance of flat green land, hence the 'Venise Vert' name. At Maillezais there is also a restaurant, souvenir shop and crazy golf course. A fun day out, though beware, boat hire is more expensive than you would expect.
Puy de Fou (www.puydufou.com/UK) is well worth a visit, by day there is a theme park which includes mediaeval jousting, villages with traditional crafts and actors dressed in the period of the day. The highlight is a twice daily display of falconry. The display is held in an amphitheatre with hawks, falcons and eagles swooping over the crowd and collecting food from the falconers who are dressed in traditional costume. This includes every bird of prey you have ever imagined including some enormous vultures. Great fun and highly professional ! By night during the summer Puy de Fou is renowned for holding France's foremost Son et Lumière spectacle. This is a re-enactment of the dress history in full costume by night and includes battle scenes, village life and laser special effects set around a castle and lake. It includes a cast of hundreds of locals and is carried out on Friday and Saturday nights. Every show is sold out in the height of summer, but tickets can be booked in advance. There is also an English translation available on cassette.
Ill de Re is a quiet island off La Rochelle, a new road bridge makes it accessible by car. It is picturesque and has numerous beaches, cafes, towns and parks. Toll bridge approx £10 but free if you cycle or walk out to the island. There is also a very good value golf course on the island.
Cognac (www.ville-cognac.fr/welcome.php3) is approximately 1½ hours drive south and well worth a visit for the connoisseur. In the centre of the town the best tour is that of the Otard distilleries, where cognac has been made for hundreds of years. A sample session follows the tour, but drivers beware, new laws on drink driving are more strict than UK.
Saumur is more for the wine buff, it is similar distance north and this town on the Loire also offers numerous caves (cellars) along with various historic buildings.
St Emilion is 1½ hour drive south of Cognac, this historic wine producing region is for the red wine enthusiasts and boasts excellent tours of vineyards and historic sites.
Beaches in the Vendee are excellent, clean and sandy. The nearest are approximately 40km away and take a little under an hour to reach. There are three resorts next to each other on the coast, la Tranche-sur-Mer, l'Aiguillon-sur-Mer, and la Faute-sur-Mer . All are excellent for families, for the larger more touristy type of resort les Sables-d'Olonne offers full facilities expected of a more commercialised resort. This very popular resort is 70km away and takes approximately 1½ to reach.
Vouvant is a quiet historic town with a church overlooking a valley and river. There is a very good creperie and pedalos can be hired out by the hour. This is ideal for the kids as it is only 15 minutes away.
Equestrian Riding School Farm (www.ripaud-equitation.com) Equestrian Farm riding and discovery school - Beatrice et Bruno RIPAUD, Tel. 02.51.00.81.55 - Fax. 02.51.00.81.55
Karting - Fontenay Le Comte-85 Circuit de la Michetterie. Route de Niort 85200 Fontenay-le-Comte Tel: 02.51.69.34.34
La Vallee des Singes, Primate Protection Reserve: (www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr/UK/index.html ) 30 species to be discovered at Monkey Valley with shady paths, brooks and waterfalls invite you to explore the calm beauty of its natural countryside. A new sight appears at each turn in the path. Use all of your senses and you will be transported into the fascinating universe of the primates!- 110km, about a 90 minute drive.
How to get there
Cross Channel Ports to use are St Malo, Caen, Le Havre or Cherbourg. St Malo is the easiest and involves only a short drive of some three hours on good roads. The drive from Calais can take up to seven hours. The best route generally is to get onto the N137 as soon as possible, heading south signposted Nantes then La Rochelle until you reach the village of St Hermine
Flying with Ryanair or Flybe is very quick, easy and usually cheap, though prices vary a lot. La Rochelle is the best airport to use as it is only 45 minute drive, Poitiers is a lttle further and takes about an hour.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
La Rochelle: 50 km
Railway:
Fontenay Le Comte: 10 km
Ferry:
St Malo: 250 km
Activities near Fontenay le Comte
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
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, Internet access, DVD player, Private outdoor pool (heated)
General:
TV, Video player, CD player, Table tennis, Games room, Safe, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (14), Double beds (8), Cots (3), Dining seating for 26, Lounge seating for 26, Sleeps maximum of 28
Other:
Please check with with the owner regarding linen and towels. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: All quilts, pillows & covers provided for up to 28 people 25 foot long main lounge/dining area with original six foot wide traditional stone fireplace. Bathroom and shower rooms newly built 2004. Electric wall heaters in each room provide heating in addition to the log burning stoves. Large widescreen TV, UK Satelite system.
Further details outdoors: Garden furniture, 2 large stone barbeques, decking area with furniture round pool, table tennis room with table that can be moved outside.
The grounds comprise 6 Acres of garden and woods with shallow stream, cycle track through wooded area
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
High Season
4 Aug 07
31 Aug 07
3800£ 3,800
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
31 Aug 07
28 Sep 07
1200£ 1,200
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
28 Sep 07
14 Mar 08
995£ 995
0-
0-
1 Week
Easter
14 Mar 08
28 Mar 08
1200£ 1,200
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
28 Mar 08
16 May 08
995£ 995
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
16 May 08
23 May 08
1200£ 1,200
0-
0-
1 Week
Half Term
23 May 08
6 Jun 08
1400£ 1,400
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
6 Jun 08
18 Jul 08
1600£ 1,600
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
18 Jul 08
1 Aug 08
3000£ 3,000
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak Season
1 Aug 08
29 Aug 08
3800£ 3,800
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
29 Aug 08
5 Sep 08
1400£ 1,400
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
5 Sep 08
4 Oct 08
1200£ 1,200
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
4 Oct 08
21 Mar 09
1100£ 1,100
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
21 Mar 09
3 Apr 09
1100£ 1,100
0-
0-
1 Week
Easter
3 Apr 09
17 Apr 09
1295£ 1,295
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
17 Apr 09
22 May 09
1195£ 1,195
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
22 May 09
29 May 09
1495£ 1,495
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
29 May 09
5 Jun 09
1325£ 1,325
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
5 Jun 09
12 Jun 09
1495£ 1,495
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
12 Jun 09
19 Jun 09
1595£ 1,595
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
19 Jun 09
26 Jun 09
1625£ 1,625
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
26 Jun 09
3 Jul 09
1725£ 1,725
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
3 Jul 09
10 Jul 09
1850£ 1,850
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
10 Jul 09
17 Jul 09
1995£ 1,995
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
17 Jul 09
24 Jul 09
2550£ 2,550
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak Season
24 Jul 09
28 Aug 09
3925£ 3,925
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
28 Aug 09
4 Sep 09
1595£ 1,595
0-
0-
1 Week
Mid Season
4 Sep 09
2 Oct 09
1250£ 1,250
0-
0-
1 Week
Low Season
2 Oct 09
19 Mar 10
1100£ 1,100
0-
0-
1 Week
281
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Guestbook
"We had a really relaxed time, got the wood burners on, we used loads of wood and did nothing. We split into two relaxed groups and took half of the property each. We each did half of the cooking and then brought everything together on the kitchen table in the Mill, served ourselves and all ate at the big table in the Mill. After that we just decided which game to play next. We took a murder mystery game and played the other games. We use the mountain bikes and spent one afternoon in the cafes overlooking the harbour at La Rochelle, but other than that we just relaxed and chilled out" (Visitors took Mill and Wheelhouse- which can be linked)
"We had a fantastic time at Thue - we all agreed it was our best holiday yet! The house was very comfortable with plenty of space for all 11 of us and had all the little 'extra's' that you only normally expect to find at home. The plastic plates and cups were a real bonus with six boisterous children, it certainly made mealtimes more relaxing! The pool was in constant use by both children and adults and we particularly loved the outdoor covered eating area which we made good use of both day and night. The bikes were great and we had lots of family bike rides locally. Thanks for the write up on the area which we found very useful, we visited many of the recommended places and had a great time. All in all a really enjoyable holiday home which we would thoroughly recommend to other families"
"We have returned from a wonderful two weeks at the mill. the house suited our three families perfectly and the weather was wonderful. we were also impressed by the area - we had not expected herminault (L'Hermenault) to have so many facilities. we used the pharmacy and doctor once while we were there and both were sorted within 5 minutes ! we had also not expected fontenay-le- compte to be so pretty and we spent a couple of lovely days and evenings there. it turned out to be the sort of holiday where we didn't have to travel far at all. we are looking at trying to arrange another booking for next year and will check out availability on your website"
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/10331
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/10331
Print this page
E-mail to Friend
Add to Facebook
Be aware of time-zones
