The property is a lovely old farmhouse that has been converted into a very comfortable and characterful home, with 4 good sized bedrooms, loads of bathrooms, 2 spacious living rooms and a well-equiped kitchen. There are lots of places to sit out and eat and a very nice pool. The main rooms have lots of character and period features and the house feels like someones home instead of a standard holiday let.
The gardens are really charming, with secret paths and fruit trees, and good views across the valley and river. There is a large bbq, small lawned area and plenty of space around the pool for lounging. The river is about a 10 minutes walk along a quiet road and is great for swimming and canoeing (one 4-man canoe and 1 single kayak in the garage, plus some bikes).
There are several small 'locals' bars 200m to 400m away where you can also buy some bread and basics. The supermarket is about a 15 min drive and there are countless lovely beaches within 30 minutes drive.
The daily maid service is excellent and very discrete, and there are more plates, dishes and glasses than you could ever hope to use.
There are many interesting places to visit within 50kms, although, like us, you may spend most of your time around the pool or in the river. The weather in August was very hot and sunny (28-30 degrees) but cool in the evenings - perfect!
Positives - spacious, quiet, lovely grounds and pool, characterful and 'homely', well equipped, close to river and coast.
Negatives - none really, If I had to come up with some negatives then the kitchen could be larger (although it is perfectly adequate and there is also a utility room), and there doesn't appear to be anywhere to eat out within walking distance, other than the golf club (which we didn't try).
Overall I would certainly recommend it. Our party comprised 2 kids (3 and 5) and 4 adults (ranging from 27 to 72) and everyone enjoyed the house.
We hope to go back next year!
Laurence, Aug. 2009
London