Grounds
Our smallholding and former farm are set in over three acres of pleasantly naturalised grounds bordered by mature walnut trees and limestone walls. We have orchards, an organic vegetable garden and soft fruit plots, flower gardens and a small fish pond, which we like to think is our very own mini nature reserve – breeding toads, dragonflies…… Guests are very welcome to stroll the grounds or simply relax under the rose covered arbour and listen to the soothing trickle of water .
The soil here is wonderfully fertile and we produce our own seasonal fruit and vegetables including cherries, strawberries, figs, walnuts, tomatoes, sweet peppers, aubergines, and of course the famous Charentais melon. Feel free to help yourselves to fresh produce to create your own culinary delights!
There’s a magnificent lime tree in the grounds, where we set out a long table for outside dining. Many guests enjoy joining us on the Saturday evening for a home cooked French style meal using much of our own produce. It’s also the occasion to sample our home made basil wine!
We keep a rare breed of sheep and a variety of free-range hens and ducks which graze the pastures a healthy distance from the cottages. Children and adults are welcome to participate at feeding times and help collect freshly laid eggs.
The shared above ground wooden swimming pool (6 x 4 metres) surrounded by beautiful stone walls has been carefully chosen to integrate harmoniously into the natural environment. Because of its above ground nature, it’s not only much safer for young children but also poses very few risks to local wildlife.
Should you feel energetic, there’s an exterior table tennis and in true French style, a lovely pétanque court shaded by trees. A selection of child and adult bikes and safety helmets is available for days out exploring the many waymarked tracks and ‘forgotten’ hamlets.
The farmhouse courtyard offers ample private parking and as from 2011, there’ll be additional private parking for the exclusive use of gîte guests.
Gallery
Latest News
14-02-2011
The longer nights drawing in this Autumn were compensated by the first sampling of our home…
14-02-2011
New artisanal wooden double glazed French doors/windows have been made to our specific requirements and installed…
Places To Explore
Markets
You can’t live in or visit France, without experiencing the local markets and fairs, and Poitou Charentes is no exception.…
Restaurants
The Poitou Charentes Food and Gastronomy traditions are very lively and visiting the French region is thus not only a…
Arts & Culture
There are many and varied museums and art galleries in Poitou Charentes. Too many to list them all!. Our listing…
Shopping
Whether you are just visiting Poitou-Charentes for a holiday, or living here permanently, the cities and towns of the region…
Guestbook
'Completely and thoroughly enjoyed our wonderful stay with you. Such an abundance of memories we're taking home from 'Le Four du Boulanger', whether its the walnuts, the warm welcome (when…
'Thank you so much for your trailblazing vision, which has gifted us such a wonderfully relaxing and peaceful holiday, as well as inspired us to somehow seek to create a…
'Well we're back again! Again the holiday was a success. We saw a lamb being born in the Summer! Thank you Alison for cooking a delicious meal'.