Charming, comfortable barn conversion for four/five in idyllic setting

About Josie Ogley

After many years holidaying in the are we decided to buy a house just for the summer. We bought a ruin and gradually renovated it ourselves. We have a Charentaise house and the barn to let is at the rear of the property. Gradually, we fell in love and never wanted to go home at the end of our stay. We had the opportunity to retire early and have now lived here permanently for 20 years. Our property is the last down the lane. Therefore there are amazing views over open countryside. The sunsets are incredible so it seems a pity not to sit with a glass of wine and watch the sun go down. We have lived our dream and all our guests follow suit. I often see guests late at night taking photographs. We were fortunate to be offered to purchase a piece of land opposite and this is an ideal spot to play games. As we live at the front this gives privacy for our guests but we always are on hand to help if needed. We just love to share our home and are pleased to say that others appreciate the location, the views and the tranquility.

Josie Ogley purchased this Barn in 1989

Why Josie Ogley chose Corme-Royal

Our first holidays in France were in Brittany. Each year we tried further south until we reached Biarritz. The Charente Maritime became the area of choice. The French countryside, roman architecture, markets, beaches, climate .... this area became our second home. Before buying the property we drew a triangle on the map - Royan, Pont l'Abbé' Saintes. We searched and searched and eventually found Fribaud in the commune of Corme Royal. We didn't want our house to be directly on the coast but near enough for an afternoon out. There are beaches here to suit all tastes. We have two French grandchildren and their favourite beach is on the Cote Sauvage. Our English grandson's beach is St Palais sur Mer. For me it is St Georges de Didonne. But the list is endless ....... Saintes is our nearest large town and we just love it. The roman architecture, boat trips on the Charente, the shops and the markets. A good way to spend a Sunday is to visit the market, buy wonderfully fresh ingredients for lunch, stop for a coffee to soak up the atmosphere and then home for a long leisurely lunch in the garden, a stroll round the village and then a glass (or two) of Pineau de Charentes watching the sun go down.

What makes this Barn unique

Our property is ideally situated for all types of holiday. La Rochelle, Rochfort, Cognac, Bordeaux, Atlantic coast and beautiful countryside are all here. The area is flat so is ideal for cycling and walking. We try to make our guests very welcome. We are not intrusive but are always on hand to help. (Bicycle repair kits, trips to the doctor). We have a large garden and land suitable for children to run, play football, etc in safety. You can be sure of a warm welcome.