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Tranquil. The ice in your Pineau des Charentes chinks and settles as you laze back, the book still unread beside you. The sun begins its descent across the rows of vines and sunflowers. It’s still hot.
Laughter splashes over from the pool and just distantly the pock of boule hitting boule and a shout of triumph declares the end of a game. But what of tonight? Another barbecue? The La Rive bistro at the little harbour? Delicious food. Relaxed atmosphere… Maybe... And tomorrow? Well, there are always the beaches to explore.
Then again, you haven’t really touched chic Bordeaux, and Cognac sounds very tempting. And of course, there’s the Zoo at Palmyre and the theme park at Futuroscope. But not yet… Save these for the moment. Besides it’s so nice to just stay put at La Renaudrie. The kids haven’t got tired of the Wendy House or the play area and perhaps you’ll find time for a little private go on the trampoline… but maybe not just yet…
For more information see the website via the link below.
In detail -
La Renaudrie is a nineteenth century 'petite Maison de Maitre', which in 2006 underwent a luxurious and total restoration.
It is in a truly rural setting amongst vineyards and sunflower fields overlooking a valley, which gently slopes towards the Gironde estuary. The light and airy house comfortably sleeps 10, having five double bedrooms, (three en-suite). The dining area, sitting room and new kitchen are combined into one comfortable space.
The garden has plenty for children to do with a 14' trampoline, a swing/slide/climbing frame, a Wendy House and a skateboard area. The former dairy was converted into a games room (pool table) and there is a table tennis table in an open barn. The 11m x 6m L-shaped swimming pool has been designed for family holidays and sited for day long sunshine. It is in a fenced area (with lockable gates). It is set by a fig tree and has wonderful views across the countryside.
La Renaudrie provides a peaceful haven for those who wish to explore the area, sample the excellent sea food restaurants and investigate the liquid delights of Cognac, St Emillion and the Medoc.
The house and pool.
The house comfortably sleeps 10:
Bedroom 1 has a double bed and an en suite bath/shower room, Bedroom 2 has double bed and an en suite shower room,
Bedroom 3 has a double bed and is across the hall from the separate family bathroom,
Bedrooms 4 has two bunk beds and an en suite shower room and
Bedroom 5 has two bunk beds.
The garden has well established fig, cherry and plum trees, loaded with fruit in season when you are welcome to help yourself. The garden has plenty for children to do with a 14' trampoline, a swing/slide/climbing frame and a Wendy House.
The house is in a tiny, rural hamlet; there are only four other houses nearby, on a road that averages about one car every five minutes.
Inside the house
Local craftsmen, who worked to high standards, undertook the recent renovation of the house. All the shutters have been replaced and the new, wooden shutters are of the traditional Charentais design. Upstairs all the double-glazed windows have an integrated mosquito screen; so cool, fresh air at night comes without the irritating whine of a midnight mozzie! Three of the bedrooms have en suite shower, or bathrooms. There is also a separate large bathroom on the ground floor.
Downstairs is light and airy. The kitchen, dining area and sitting room are combined into one comfortable space. The kitchen is brand new and the electrics are mainly Bosch.
A separate walk-in tiled pantry keeps food cool and the utility room off the kitchen is the washing and drying area for wet swimming costumes and towels. Also on the ground floor is one of the double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
The whole house is well insulated, keeping it warm in winter. Heating downstairs is under floor and the radiators upstairs are run off an electrically heated boiler.
The Pool
The 11m x 6m L-shaped pool has been designed for family holidays, open for the first time this summer. The large shallow area makes up half of the pool and is accessed by wide, easily negotiable steps. The pool then slopes to the deep end, to give competent swimmers the opportunity to play too!
The pool is in a fenced area and equipped with an alarm so as to give you peace of mind. It is set by a fig tree and has wonderful views across the vines and fields of sunflowers. The paved area around the pool is excellent for sunbathing, or relaxing with a drink and watching the sun go down. |
