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Holiday rental River Cottage with 17th century surroundings near Saintes & river

The house facing the garden you will enjoy the pristine environment by the river

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Barbecue grill
Kitchen
Outdoor space

Explore the area

Chaniers, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Abbaye aux Dames
‪11 min drive‬
Saintes Cathedral
‪12 min drive‬
Saintes Golf
‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Chambre Bleue

2 Single Beds

Vigne Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Holiday rental River Cottage with 17th century surroundings near Saintes & river

It will be great to have you here !
Several guests keep coming back every year, from Paris, France and the UK. Merci !
The cottage, detached, made for relaxing holidays, is equipped for business stays as well / teleworking / house searching. WIFI is available.
www.anciennefermedelabaine.com
Convenient and relaxing for bike riders : we are on the FLOW VELO trail.

New : we have a Bed and Breakfast hospitality service also for 2 -3 persons, in our old dairy : La Laiterie du Logis. It can be used by itself, or as extra beds next to the cottage.

GITE L'Ancienne Ferme de La Baine : a gîte de caractère, an exceptional site, dating back to 1675, a riverside cottage built with the famous white stone of Saintonge, appreciated for its ORIGINALITY. TYPICAL charentaise farmhouse facing a large sunny GARDEN.

Accomodation rental ideally located : in a 4 houses hamlet near the village of CHANIERS, close to Saintes (7 kms), Cognac (16 kms), Royan on the Atlantic coast (40 kms).

An alley leads to the property, giving at once a sense of PRIVACY and of the PICTURESQUE : the Charente River is right there, with a private access for the guests, the cottage is surrounded by fields, and the views are amazing. AUTHENTICITY prevails here.

DETACHED 100 sq.m house, functional, COMFORTABLE, many original features with the added benefit of all modern facilities.

In HISTORICAL Saintonge Romane area : close to village (700 m, shops, restaurants), to the long sandy beaches of the Atlantic COAST. Golf courses nearby. Plenty to do in the countryside or nearby seaside.

ALL YEAR ROUND rentals, convenient base for house - job hunting, off season family and friends visits : CENTRAL HEATING, INTERNET, PARKING. In spring and summer, enjoy the pleasure of swimming in the river or ocean, fishing, cycling on the FLOW VÉLO, canoeing (rental) or relaxing in the courtyard.

Holds the distinguished 'Three Seagulls' label. 3 STARS rating.

GOLF : Three 18 holes golf courses nearby. Golf de Saintes, only 10 min away. Friendly atmosphere. Golf de Royan, 44 km away. In the sand dunes, 1 km from the sea shore, magnificent views. Golf de Cognac, 20 min away : in the vineyards.

FISHING : right there in the river.

CANOE / PADDLE / BIKES : can be stored in the secured garage.

WALKING : miles of fields around, a path along the Charente river takes you to the village for shopping without using your car.

Yoga - Relaxation : you can join my morning practice outdoor ! (extra charge).

SERVICE + : We pay attention to your comfort during booking, preparation and your stay :

* ::: Check our ''GUEST MANUAL'' available in the house : detailed tips and hints, both in English and French, whether for discovering the area or making the house your own. House floor map available on request, no bad surprise on arrival !
* ::: We tell you the BEACHES not to miss, the best spots of the Poitou-Charentes Région for both adults and children, the best bike rides, even where to get the best oysters and your bottle of Cognac, the most famous world brandy !
* ::: According to Guests arrival schedule and our possibilities, we can supply you with a food basket and dinner, on your arrival day (extra charge).

BOOKING FORM and RENTAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (Rental Agreement available on the website) sent on request.

RATES

* HEATING : 13,50 €/night (any time heating is required throughout the year) except Christmas holidays dec 23-jan 5, 2023 (included in the rental price).
* CLEANING service : 20 € weekend and 3 nights stay, 60 € above and per week (compulsory service, so you can enjoy your stay until the last minute).
* INCLUDED in the price : kitchen linen and baby equipement (baby bed, baby bed sheets, baby high chair).
* NOT INCLUDED : sheets, pillow cases and towels, which can be supplied : 15 €/bed, 40 € towels for 4.
* GUARANTEE DEPOSIT : 250 € on arrival and remitted on departure.

All services to be paid ON ARRIVAL in €. Thank you.

COMFORT & SAFETY
* ::: For the comfort of all our guests, we do not allow smoking inside the house. Pets not allowed.

* ::: The house is close to the river and has its own direct access (about 30 m). However, the access to the river is protected by 2 gates which remain shut at all times and cannot be opened by young children. Secured garden. Tall walls.

* ::: No tent, no camping car.

SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS
in the nearby village : bakery, grocery store, weekly market, oyster stand, tobacconist and newspapers, ATM machine, pharmacy, doctors, post office, flower shop. Several restaurants, pizzas. A vast selection in SAINTES also, 10 minutes away, amazing fresh food MARKETS and grocery stores. You will love it !

You're most welcome to come and experience ! Have a nice holiday rental in Charente-Maritime.

Kind regards, A bientôt, Nathalie

Property manager

Nathalie Raïssac

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Water view

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Kitchen
Washer
Outdoor space
Parking available

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:30 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

There is plenty of space for children to play.

Events

No events allowed

If party : talk to us first pls.

Pets

No pets allowed

Sorry about that.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

We're a non smoking cottage

In case of cancellation : please check our Rental Agreement or our Brochure "Description". Our cancellation policy is more lenient than HomeAway's.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Note from host: If party : talk to us first pls.

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

Property Registration Number NA

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Chaniers

Located in Chaniers, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Abbaye aux Dames and Cognac Museum of Arts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Golf Louis Rouyer-Guillet and Martell. Kayaking and canoeing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.

Chaniers, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

What's nearby

Abbaye aux Dames - 11 min drive - 8.6 km
Saintes Cathedral - 12 min drive - 9.3 km
Saint-Eutrope Church - 13 min drive - 10.3 km
Saintes Golf - 13 min drive - 10.3 km
Saintes Amphitheatre - 14 min drive - 10.6 km

Getting around

Saint-Sever-de-Saintonge Beillant Station - 6 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬19 min drive
‪Sukhothai - ‬20 min drive
‪Bar le Té Gé Vé Snack - ‬19 min drive
‪Auberge de la Fontaine - ‬8 min drive
‪Auberge de la Boiserie - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Holiday rental River Cottage with 17th century surroundings near Saintes & river pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Holiday rental River Cottage with 17th century surroundings near Saintes & river?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Holiday rental River Cottage with 17th century surroundings near Saintes & river?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Holiday rental River Cottage with 17th century surroundings near Saintes & river located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly cottage is within 6 mi (10 km) of Musée d'Archeologie, Golf Louis Rouyer-Guillet, and Abbaye aux Dames. Arch of Germanicus and Paléosite de Saint-Césaire are also within 6 miles (10 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Helen A.

14 Jul, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

property

the property was in a very good location. Nathalie was very welcoming and helpful. We were very comfortable at the property with plenty of pleasant cycle rides around the area. the garden was a pleasure to sit in.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Gareth G.

12 Jun, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relax

Very relaxing environment and the host Natalie was first class.

Stayed 12 nights in May 2023

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Ellen S., Ridgeland, MS

17 Jun, 2016

La belle campagne!

I've always wanted to experience life in the French countryside and staying at Gite La Baine is a great way to do that! The surrounding area is lovely and the house itself well-equipped for a "do it yourself" vacation. We loved shopping, cooking, and generally taking our time each day to decide our itinerary. There are many interesting places to visit within a short distance, but having a car is an absolute must. We were a little disappointed that, although the village of Chaniers is just steps away, there were no restaurants or even a cafe open during our stay. Maybe a little too early in the season? A big merci to Nathalie for helping me fulfill a life-long dream!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

12 Sept, 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Merveilleux !

Un séjour extrêmement agréable dans une très belle maison. Un jardin et la proximité de la Charentes. Et l’accueil chaleureux et attentionné de Nathalie ! Nous recommandons !

10/10 Excellent

tony f.

15 Sept, 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place for me to stay. Fishing in the river and central for Saintes and royan

Easy. Booked it and went.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Susan T.

21 May, 2019

Comfortable and peaceful riverside cottage with charm

We were very pleased with the homey furnishings and comfort of this secluded stone home facing a lovely walled garden with lawn and flowering trees. There is a simple kitchen with good appliances and generous supplies of cutlery, plates and glassware; a spacious bathroom with both shower and large bathtub; and parking away from the road. The owner welcomed us warmly and ensured that we had what we needed.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Paul F.

4 Sept, 2018

A Beautiful cottage in an idyllic location

We spent a lovely 2 weeks holiday here with our children, and found there was plenty of activities and interesting places to see without the need of a car. The cottage has a lovely garden, rich in wildlife (including barn swallows and bats) where we spent most evenings having tea and lapping up the peace and tranquility of our surroundings. Swimming in the river was an absolute delight, especially in the morning before midday when the cruise arrives. The roads are very quiet and you are within easy reach of the beautiful medieval village of St. Sauvant and the lovely abbey of Fontdouce which is well worth a visit. Take the ferry at Chaniers to the other side of the river and follow the cycle trail which is very scenic and also very flat. There are plenty of culturally interesting places to see in Saintes including the Roman ampitheatre and the cathedrals, and our children also enjoyed the river boat trips and the large swimming pool. One of the highlights of our stay was when we caught the train from Saintes to La Rochelle, (a lovely town with plenty of things to see and do) and then took the coach to the Ile de Re with its lovely beaches. All in all we had a great holiday in River Cottage, it was very relaxing and we were blessed with beautiful weather. The village bakery and the small but well stocked supermarket in Chaniers are a gentle stroll from the cottage. I enjoyed nipping up here each morning on the bike and buying fresh baguettes and pain au raisin for breakfast for the family. Nathalie was a wonderful host and made us all feel very welcome. Thankyou Nathalie !

Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Nikki D.

2 Aug, 2018

Rustic charm by the river

The property on the whole was as described and has a rustic charm that you would expect of any French farmhouse, Nathalie was not available on arrival day, but we managed to settle in with the assistance of our broken French! Nathalie was very helpful and accommodating throughout all communication. All the kitchen appliances worked, the TV sat was a bit unreliable, not that it mattered and it is worth noting that there in no air conditioning. The river is 50m from the gate, so the property does not overlook the river but there is a lovely garden to relax in. The river was good for fishing and many locals enjoyed swimming off the pontoon at the weekend. The area is quiet but a short walk into town with necessary shops and the main town of Saintes is a short drive for the main supermarket. Perfect place to relax, unwind and hide from the world!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Vincent M.

20 Aug, 2017

La Ferme de la Baine: Peace, tranquility and so much more.

Of the many times we have visited this, our favourite region of France, this was without doubt the setting which has given us the greatest pleasure. Now our family has 'grown and flown' our requirements are fewer but equally demanding. We look for a home with character within walking distance of a village boulangerie and bar; within driving distance of a larger town with market and restaurants, close to a river (or coast) where fine weather is pretty much guaranteed. La Ferme de la Bain provided all the above and more. On entering the property through the imposing gates, you find yourself within a beautiful garden - which also provided our dining room as we ate every single meal out of doors during our August stay. Nathalie, the owner, will be on hand at your arrival to show you around and, if you wish, provide you with the fascinating history of the property. She is nearby to offer local knowledge and advice but is equally aware that you may wish simply to be left alone - she (and her family) make you feel so welcome without ever intruding into your holiday. The cottage itself was well equipped and provided for all our needs - only two of us but the second bedroom had twin beds so there was provision for a family of four. There was something rather special in having access to the River through our own Porte Privee (combination available in the house) and every day began with a stroll up the riverbank to the village for baguettes, croissants and pain au chocolat whilst the coffee was filtering. Walking back through the village along the road made this an ideal circuit each morning. There are a couple of pontoons near to the property from which we were able to go for a swim in the river - very few people to bother you. The village Creperie is a must and we were really impressed by the menu - well worth an evening meal. Chaniers also has a wonderful butcher's shop and a well stocked Coop (Baguettes available from here when the Boulangerie is closed on Thursday) We spent time just looking at the river, in all its moods, from the bridge by the cottage - beautiful! Saintes offers all one can ask from a larger town and we dined out at Le Parvis which was really quite special. The whole region is steeped in history and the pace of life was calm and easy. If you enjoy reading, eating, drinking, dozing and generally unwinding, I can think of no better place than this. Sincere thanks to Nathalie and her family for sharing this jewel with us. Merci.

Stayed 18 nights in Jul 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

12 Jul, 2016

Delightful house and garden close to river

This is a beautiful, very well equipped cottage with a very charming and helpful owner. The house and large garden are great for lazing around and there are lovely river walks close by. We enjoyed discovering the local towns and markets, buying delicious local produce to take home and cook! There are many places to visit close by, the Atlantic coast and the Isle d'Oleron are well worth a visit for the oysters alone! Mostly, we just enjoyed relaxing in the garden,we highly recommend this property

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Russ H., uk

27 Oct, 2015

It is an beautiful cottage in an idyllic location

Our stay was amazing, the cottage is beautiful, set in an amazing grounds next to the river. We have a teenager a 7 year old and a baby and they all enjoyed the stay. Nathalie the owner couldn't have done enough for us, very very helpful and such a pleasure to meet. we hope to stay again next year, if not we will definatly return very soon. we can recommend staying here.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Agata J.

27 Apr, 2014

exceptional and an idyllic place of unique charm

We have used Homeaway offers many times, but this place we liked the most. We spent the most beautiful vacations of our lives. The house is beautiful, clean, comfortable, very tastefully decorated. The area is full of interesting places you can visit (the children and adults). We stayed with our two children (6 years old and 14 years old) and all had a great time. The house, the wonderful garden, the surroundings and its inhabitants provide the opportunity to know France with the best. We appreciated the charm of a clean river that flows behind the house, where we bathed and swam on the pontoon every day. The owner of the house is a wonderful, open person, full of inner peace and joy of life. She provides guests with professional information about the area and places worth visiting. I recommend this place with all my soul. Agata Jalowiecka

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

amy b.

7 Sept, 2013

Beautiful property, peaceful picturesque setting

We fell in love with this beautiful property in the most wonderful of settings and the peace was just bliss! The lovely owner Nathalie and her family are the most warmest of hosts of whom were very discreet during our stay. The river is just a stone throw away ideal for canoeing ,fishing and swiming. We enjoyed the daily walks along the river bank into the village for fresh bread and croissant and a bière at the bar in the evenings! The coast just 30 mins away and many other places of interest not far. Admittedly we just went to chill and barely left the property and its surroundings. A highly recommended gite (although we would like to keep it a secret! )Very well equipped, comfy beds all the things that make it home from home! We can not wait to return! :0)

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Laurent D.

31 Aug, 2012

Du charme en Charente

Une belle maison de charme en bon état, des bords de Charente très agréables pour la baignade et la balade, du calme et de la tranquilité, une propriétaire charmante, et un bon point de départ pour découvrir la Région ou rejoindre la mer. On pourrait juste recommander de renouveler le matériel audiovisuel, de proposer un accès Internet pour les journées pluvieuses...

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Famille D A.

8 Aug, 2012

Gite charmant

Nous garderons un très bon souvenir de nos 15 jours passés à Chaniers. Le gite est très agréable situé au bord de la charente et à 40 minutes des plages. L'accueil de Nathalie est très chaleureux. Gite que nous recommandons.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Famille D A.

8 Aug, 2012

charming cottage

We keep very good memories of our 15 days in Chaniers. The cottage is very nice situated on the Charente and 40 minutes from the beaches. Hosting Nathalie is very warm. Cottage that we recommend. Delicata family.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peter H.

4 Jul, 2012

L'ancienne ferme de la Baine

Beautiful, characterful cottage, exactly as described and pictured, with all the facilities and accoutrements we needed. The large, walled garden was a delight to relax and eat in, and the river a few yards a way down the lane and the village ten minutes or so walk away. The owner was welcoming, helpful and efficient, answering all our queries and supplying lots of useful leaflets on the many places of interest nearby. We are thinking of staying there again and would warmly recommend it to friends.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Darren M., Rugeley

14 Sept, 2011

Beautiful Cottage ....

Our family of four including our 13 and 9 year old daughters had a wonderful stay at La Baine. The cottage is well equipped and comfortably furnished with traditional fixtures and fittings along with some modern conveniences. It has some beautiful features and a wonderful, spacious, and peaceful garden. The photos do not do the property justice especially the garden which is now more mature. There is ample storage space inside and parking is provided at the rear of the cottage, next to the private driveway access. The owners are friendly and welcoming and although are on hand to assist with anything from directions and local knowledge to interesting places to visit they allow you privacy. Nathalie and her family are the perfect hosts. The cottage is ideally located with just an easy 40 minute drive to the beautiful clean beaches at St Georges de Didonne or nearby charming Saintes, (10 minutes), for brandy fans Cognac, (25 minutes) and beautiful,historic La Rochelle, (50 minutes). Also of interest and not to be missed is Oradour-sur-Glane which has been preserved as a memory to the 642 men, women and children massacred by the German SS in 1944. It is a 2 hour drive but well worth it. La Baine is the ideal location if you want a either a quiet and relaxing stay or if you want to sample the locality. Without travelling too far you can visit La Chappelle de Pots with it's beautiful pottery factory shop, take a ten minute walk along the river into quaint Chaniers for your Pains/baguettes from either of the two bakeries, or go horse riding at the nearby stables. This was a wonderful holiday that will live long in the memory and choosing La Baine will ensure you have only to worry about where to visit next.

About the host

Hosted by Nathalie Raïssac

Why they chose this property

It is quite a story!
The property was a former agricultural domain, built in 1675. You can still see the date engraved on the front porch, as well as two beautiful écussons on the main house.
It was bought during the french revolution by one of our ancestors, as a 'bien national', while the former owner had to flee France so as not to be killed by the révolutionnaires as he was as an aristocrat and a land lord.
We have managed to pass it down through the generations ! Thanks to the women of the family ! We have bookshelves full of old papers which are fascinating!
There was a farm and its farm house, which is now a cosy gîte, a wine store house : ''le chai'', a dairy : la ''laiterie'', an orangery with high ceiling, the main house ''le logis'' facing the river, with its tower to watch the Charente river, and the mill with seven wheels. Also fields, woods, and vineyards. At one time, we owned two of the seven mill wheels...
The property stretched out to the village probably, at a time when there were no roads, no railways... and transportation of good and and people was done on the Charente river.
Today, and since 2005, we are proud and happy to share it with our guests and they all ove their stay here !

Welcome at La Baine
Nathalie and her family

What makes this property unique

1. Our guests mention a cosy house ! A home-like environment (facilities).
2. The gîte environment is quite special !
3. The sightseeing program is very rich as the area where the gîte is located has a lot to offer !
4. Enjoy the river and the sea, which is only about 50 kms away, beautiful long sandy beaches and pine forests ! A countryside rental is less expensive than a seaside rental, plus being inland means less crowds and more calm !

As soon as you enter the property, you get a sense of uniqueness... as the private driveway takes you straight to the river - we have our own access to the Charente river, and this feeling will last throughout your whole stay... wether you relax in the easy chairs in the garden looking at the old stones around you, go for long walks along the river banks - a very special path from the house takes you to the village to buy your croissants or baguette aux graines, or enjoy melon au pineau bought at the local market, along with Bordeaux white wine in the garden, after touring the pedestrian streets of Saintes and La Rochelle or Cognac, or after a day at the long white sand beaches of the Atlantic or a trip to the local islands (' Aix ' - by boat only ! ' Madame ' - by foot or bike only, ' Oléron ' - drive on a beautiful bridge, ' Ré ', the trendiest), very "bobo" !

We hope you will like to do what we like the most on a perfect summer day with bright blue sky : go to the Alassins beach on the Oléron island, enjoy the waves, their sound, the heat; drive back at sunset and jump in the river where it feels so quiet after the Ocean -;)

Plus, we have listed the top 10 sites in the area, without too much driving.