Just a short stroll from a typical French village, Maison Folle Blanche is a stylishly renovated abode set in three acres of lawned gardens featuring a superb swimming pool, perfectly located in the sunny region of Charente-Maritime near the distilleries of handsome Cognac and the historic sites of Saintes.
This characterful maison is owned by a welcoming English family who followed their dreams and moved to France to restore a pretty château which you can admire just across the château’s private courtyard. Within the estate is a historic barn which has been remarkably transformed into Maison Folle Blanche and its adjoining apartment.
As you step into this delightful home, be amazed by the double-height ceiling of the vast open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen space where classic charm meets contemporary style. Beneath the wood-beams, two bedrooms each with their own bathroom can be found off one side of the living room whilst on the other side are two cleverly designed cabin-style bedrooms which share a dressing area and bathroom. Guests of all ages will also love the games room with a pool table, table tennis and giant jenga. The adjoining one-bedroom apartment is just as charming and ideal for accompanying friends/grandparents or perhaps older teens seeking a little independence - this is included only in the 10-person rate. Outside, the glorious swimming pool awaits, set in the large lawned garden which also features swings and a little playhouse. The shaded terrace is such a wonderful place to dine al-fresco and a barbecue is available for leisurely lunches and warm summer evenings.
It’s handy being able to stroll to the traditional local village with its café-bar, butchers and supermarket as well as other useful amenities. Cognac is also nearby, just a 15-minute drive away, such a picturesque and historic town by the banks of the Charente. As well as visiting one of Cognac’s iconic distilleries, enjoy a river cruise as far as Jarnac or simply potter around the town with its café terraces, gourmet restaurants and daily covered market.
A trip to the exquisite riverside town of Saintes is also a must, home to the famous Basilique Saint Eutrope de Saintes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you can find the time, venture to the Atlantic coast and spend the day in the charming seaside resort of Royan. Alternatively, explore the salt marshes and oyster beds close to the Seudre River, not far from the beautiful beaches and nature reserves of Île d'Oléron.
In the sunny Charente-Maritime region of south-western France, 13km north-west of Cognac, Maison Folle Blanche can be found on the edge of a typical French village and close to brandy-producing vineyards. Situated just off the road between Cognac and Saint-Hilaire-de-Villefranche, there is a petrol station close by and you can walk to other useful amenities including the village’s café-bar, pharmacy, butchers and a good-sized supermarket.
Abbaye de Fontdouce is also nearby (a short drive or you could walk in around 30 minutes) with its tree-top adventure centre and other activities whilst Paléosite, a museum and educational park based at a Neanderthal site, is within a 10-minute drive.
It's fantastic being so close to Cognac (13km), a paradise for gourmands as well as brandy-lovers. The small, picturesque town is on the banks of the Charente and is home to a charming old quarter with its château and distilleries alongside a modern part with vibrant shops and café terraces. Pick up all sorts of local delights at the daily covered market, then enjoy a picnic near the riverside. Discover the glorious surroundings on a river cruise all the way to Jarnac or look out for canoeing and kayaking opportunities.
On the banks of the Charente River, Jarnac (26km) is another attractive town to visit, known for its chocolate, brandy and wine production, whilst in the other direction is Saintes (20km) with its fascinating Roman and medieval heritage. The historic architecture in Saintes is beautiful from its old quarter with white stone houses and Cathedral of Saint-Pierre to the incredible amphitheatre with stunning views. Furthermore, Basilique Saint Eutrope de Saintes, a pilgrimage site dating back to the 12th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The beach also beckons for a great day out with Royan (59km) just over an hour away. With its sandy beach, range of watersports, promenade, architect-designed covered market and bustling cafes and restaurants, it’s a joy to spend time in this charming French seaside town. Further north along the coast, visit the traditional salt marshes and oyster farms by the Seudre River and head to Île d'Oléron, an amazing island with superb beaches and nature reserves.
Further afield, other brilliant day trips include the handsome city of Angoulême (59km), some of northern Dordogne’s picture-perfect towns such as Nontron (110km) and Brantôme (111km), the UNESCO World heritage vineyards of Saint-Émilion (130km) and even grand Bordeaux (141km).
1) Maison only - 8-person price (4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms)
2) Maison and Apartment - 10-person price
Maison Interiors (split-level with some steps)
- Open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen, fully-equipped including two ovens, large induction hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, Nespresso coffee machine and Nutribullet blender. Doors lead to garden and swimming pool on one side and the château’s private courtyard (no access) on the other
- Games room with table tennis, pool table and giant jenga
- Laundry room and WC Bedrooms Wing I
- Master bedroom with double/twin bed and en suite bathroom with shower and sink
- Separate WC
- Bedroom with twin bed and separate bathroom with shower and WC
Bedrooms Wing II - cabin-style bedrooms each accessed via a wooden platform/steps
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with double/twin bed
- Dressing area
- Bathroom with shower (shared between above two bedrooms) Apartment Interiors - Open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen area
- Bedroom with twin beds (can be joined as a double)
- Bathroom
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (11x4.5m) with safety alarm
- Al-fresco dining terrace
- Barbecue
- Swings and playhouse
- Lawned garden (three acres) and wooded grounds
- Private parking area
- Entrance via electric gate
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- TV (for DVD player only)
- DVD player
- Board games
- Table tennis
- Pool table
- Washing machine/dryer
