Description
Surrounded by Cognac vineyards and fields of sunflowers discover Manor Cottage nestled in the 2.5 acres of gated grounds of La Rose des Vents, a former Cognac Domaine in the Charente Maritime; where you can chill out by the 11 x 5.5 metre heated swimming pool set in the orchard. The domaine is just 5 minutes from the busy market town of Matha, 15 minutes from Cognac and within easy reach of the Atlantic beaches and the chic Il de Re. Manor Cottage has been awarded 4 stars by the French Tourist Office.
This sunny, spacious former Estate Manager's House has been tastefully renovated with it's honey coloured stone and sky blue shutters. Step inside the entrance hall to find a home full of original features including terracotta & waxed wooden floors and high beamed ceilings. There is an open fireplace with antique woodburner in the spacious sitting/dining room where double doors open onto the private walled courtyard. Comfortably furnished there are well stocked bookcases and glossy magazines and indoor board games as well as FIBRE high speed internet connection, Sky Freeview TV and DVD player and a music system. The fully equipped kitchen opens onto a private terrace ideal for those sunny breakfasts. There is also a large ground floor family bathroom with views over the vineyards.
On the first floor a spacious landing leads to 2 double bedrooms, each with ensuite shower room featuring rain showers, and a twin bedroom - all with views over the gardens.
To ensure a relaxing stay quality beds are made up for your arrival with Egyptian cotton sheets and provencal throws. Cosy bedrooms have good reading lights and there are snuggly duvets for the cooler months, and electric fans to keep you cool in summer. All three bathrooms have heated towel rails, and are stocked with fluffy white towels, pool towels and hairdryers
Outside there is a secluded terrace with its' cherry tree and hollyhocks, wrought iron furniture and shady parasol - from here, step through the archway into your private walled courtyard garden. Filled with the scent of honeysuckle and lavender, there are pots full of geraniums and fuschias, a tinkling fountain and ancient, pigeonnier. Shaded by an enormous fig tree it is furnished with table,chairs and parasol, plus a stone BBQ and outdoor candelights where you can dine under the stars.
A personal gate from the courtyard leads into the orchard with its view over the vineyards and the guests 11 x 5.5 metre heated swimming pool. The pool is alarmed to ensure the safety of younger guests. Guests are invited to enjoy the herbs, apples, plums, damsons, cherries, apricots and figs growing in the gardens and organic orchard.
There is a large grassed area for ball games and badminton, swing ball and boules are also available on site. Bring your own raquets, as guests have access to the tennis courts in the commune, free of charge. Bicycles can also be hired in advance, and delivered to your cottage.
You can choose from a self catering holiday, or outside high season you can enjoy a B & B mini break which includes breakfast delivered to your cottage each morning, with tea and cakes on arrival, a welcome 4 course dinner served in the Manor House and a trip in a Morgan 4 seater sports car through the vineyards to visit one of the famous Cognac Houses.
Or why not start your self catering holiday, on your first night, with a reservation for a 3 or 4 course candle lit dinner to be served in your cottage,or under the stars in your private walled garden. If you have young children, put them to bed, light the candles, sit back and relax. Menus and special dietary requirements will be discussed in advance with you
A complimentary welcome pack includes a bottle of wine, home made jam, fresh fruit, tea, coffee, milk and sugar, and if you like classic cars, enjoy a complimentary tour through the local vineyards in one of our 4 seater Morgan sports cars.
Although located in a quiet hamlet, the full range of shops and 3 supermarkets are located 5 minutes drive away in the market town of Matha, and Cognac is just 15 minutes drive away. The local bread van delivers to your door each morning and you can visit a market every day of the week in one of the many nearby towns and villages ..... and you can sample the local cuisine in a range of restaurants from open air cafes to gourmet restaurants within 5 - 15 minutes drive.
An information folder in your cottage is brimming with ideas of places to visit, restaurants to try, supermarket opening times and local markets, and up to date brochures supplied by the Tourist Office.
Travel to La Rose des Vents:
By air 1hr 15 minutes drive from La Rochelle airport; and 1 hr 45 minutes drive from Bordeaux airport
By Train: 40 minutes drive from Angouleme if taking Eurostar and TGV (fast train)
By Sea: 4 hrs.30 minutes drive from St Malo; 8 hrs drive from Calais