Between ancient Angouleme and the West Coast. Ideal for exploring
A centre for everywhere in the middle of nowhere!
Hidden between the mill stream and the forest, Chez Meunier offers complete privacy and peace.
But not remote. Supermarket, Boulangerie, Newsagent, Bar, Chemist, and a Bank are only 4kms.
While you enjoy the sun-trap private pool you will hear nothing but the birds in the surrounding woods . Also brilliant for star-gazing after a hard day doing nothing! The Charente skies are some of the least light polluted in the world.
The local countryside presents a mosaic of colour, with sunflowers, maize and wheat and the occasional family group of cattle grazing in the fields. The area is best known for its vineyards, supplying grapes for Cognac and our local delicacy Pineau.
The house: The low, unassuming façade belies the huge amount of space contained within. The entrance, beside the 10 x 5 metre pool, leads into a large bright hallway and the ground floor. Overlooking the pool is the bright, airy and fully equipped kitchen/diner. The giant oak table will seat 10 with room to spare and the kitchen has all the appliances and utensils you will want. Across the hall is the sitting room which again looks out onto the pool and beyond into the woods. With duel aspect windows this room is delightfully bright and restful, being comfortably furnished with armchairs and settees, TV and DVD and a supply of books and games. At the end of the hall is a toilet with hand basin. Beside this cloakroom is a large area for any outdoor wear, boots and coats, ideal for hikers and explorers!
The wrought iron staircase leads up to a large hall and into the stunning Master Bedroom, which has a super king-size sleigh bed, under a beautiful vaulted ceiling, showing all the ancient oak beams. There is a full-sized wardrobe and large chest of drawers, plenty of space to store all your bits and pieces. The large en-suite wet room is fully tiled and fitted with a skylight to let in the sunshine. This bedroom has views to the east across the mill stream, Le Ne, and the rising sun.
On the same level but at the opposite end of the hallway are two further bedrooms, a double and a twin. Both have ample storage and idyllic views over the forest. These 2 rooms are directly opposite the large family bathroom which features a bath as well as shower for those folk who enjoy a soak!. Both the bathrooms are newly fitted with the best quality and style. Fully tiled with beautiful vanity units to contain all your bathing paraphernalia.
All towels and linen are supplied and renewed each week.
Outside, the 10 x 5 metre pool is protected by a European Standard Security barrier which has child-proof locks. The outside dining area has a large table under a canopy on the paved patio and is next to the stone barbecue. The view from here is just the fields and forest. Next to the pool area and patio, the small gravelled garden has figs and walnuts aplenty in season and also the pigeonnier is here, which houses bikes for your use.
The Charente region has many attractive towns and villages and a sightseeing holiday could include:
Cognac and a visit to one of its world famous Brandy Houses – watch the process and sample the product!
Angouleme, with its beautiful Cathedral in the heart of the Old City, where a wander through the maze of narrow streets offers a delightful range of pavement bars and gourmet restaurants to suit everyone. Angouleme is also the capital of the cartoon industry and a visit to the paper making museum on the banks of the beautiful Charente is a must.
The famous Chapelle des Templiers at Cressac ( historically connected to La Commanderie des Templiers) is just a healthy bike ride away from the house. Enjoy the frescoes before pedaling on to Blanzac for a coffee.
Visit Jarnac, which straddles the lovely Charente and enjoy a boat trip on the river.
Golf enthusiasts can play the championship course at Cognac, beautifully designed around a Chateau and its vineyard. There is also an 18 hole course in Angouleme and a pleasant 9 hole course at nearby Pillac.
The Charente river offers numerous opportunities to hire canoes and kayaks, for an hour or for a day. Aubeterre sur Dronne, with its underground cathedral, has a range of options and is 25 minutes away. For the ramblers and cyclists, the quiet lanes and rolling hills provide a perfect setting. There are marked paths and bridleways, one of which passes the end of our lane.
Other activities and experiences: In early July 'Cognac Blues' attracts internationally renowned artists every year. In Barbezieux, there is Music Week, early July, where local and regional musicians play a variety of styles in the bars and streets. Also a spectacle not to miss is the bi-annual Balloon race,15 mins away. it is here this year 2-6 Aug. Sept in Angouleme, the Rampart Rally hosts vintage cars from all over Europe to race around the City streets.
