Les Cimes des Arbres - 1 Bedroom (Sleeps 2) Gite in Saint-Séverin

Description

This luxury hideaway, privately located in the glorious Charente countryside, is just a few minutes from Aubeterre Sur Dronne, one of France's most beautiful villages. The one bedroomed gite with king size bed is tastefully furnished and has french doors leading out onto a private patio and 10x5m swimming pool exclusively for your use, both with stunning rural views. Perfect for couples looking for peace and quiet amidst glorious countryside but close to many excellent restaurants and with plenty of local attractions and activities to enjoy nearby.

'Les Cimes des Arbres' literally means 'the tops of the trees', and being set on a ridge, the panoramic views from the gite across the lush green landscape are simply stunning. Facing south, the sheltered, flower-filled courtyard in front is a real sun-trap, and with a 'table for two' right outside, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast of coffee and croissants from the local boulangerie on those warm, sunny mornings.

And if you prefer a little welcome shade later on, you can relax under a parasol on the L-shaped outdoor sofa nestled amidst the honeysuckle and jasmine, making yourself comfortable on the cushions while you enjoy a glass of wine and a good book or perhaps have an afternoon snooze.

The 10x5m heated pool is right next to the gite and has roman steps leading down onto a gently sloping bottom, deep enough to swim with ease yet shallow enough to relax in and cool off after sunbathing. Whilst not a true infinity pool, the ground drops away steeply from the front edge, allowing you uninterrupted views even when swimming. A large south facing decked area with sun-beds and parasols runs alongside the back of the pool, plus there is another delightful eating area under the banana tree, perfect for whiling away the evening while you enjoy some french fare and, finally, watch the sun go down across the tree tops.

The gite has been fitted out to the highest standard, with a french style to the furnishings and decoration. Much of the furniture has been sourced from local brocantes and lovingly refurbished with chalk paints in an authentic french style

The Rococo inspired air-conditioned bedroom has an elaborate and fabulously comfortable king-size bed with non-allergy duvet and pillows dressed in smooth, soft cotton bed linen. The bedroom window offers views across the courtyard and scenery beyond, ideal if you want to enjoy a lazy breakfast in bed. There's plenty of hanging and drawer space in the characterful painted french furniture, plus a bright, modern en-suite with its rococo sink unit and mirror and a large walk-in shower.

The sitting and kitchen area is light, bright and sun-filled due to the double-width french doors which open directly out onto the private courtyard. The solid wood kitchen is well-equipped with fridge, washing machine, combination microwave oven and ceramic hob, plus a Nespresso coffee maker for those of you who appreciate really good coffee. And for those rare occasions when you might want to eat inside, there is a breakfast-bar just perfect for two.

In the cosy sitting area, there are two leather tub-chairs facing a wall-mounted flat screen smart TV with DVD player and Freeview box. There's free wifi of course, plus NetFlix available to watch should you fancy closing the curtains and having a quiet night in.

Les Cimes des Arbres is the last property on a rural no-through road which continues on to a green lane and offers lovely walks around the beautiful charente countryside straight from your door. Famous for its fields of sunflowers, the rolling green landscape of the Charente is both picturesque and easily accessible by car, or at a slower pace, by bicycle along the quiet back lanes and 'chemin blancs'. The gite is just a stones throw from the rivers of La Brousse and La Dronne where you can rent canoes on several different stretches of the river, plus golf enthusiasts will love the 9-hole golf course at the nearby Manoir de Longeveau.

The friendly little village of St Severin is just a couple of minutes away by car and has all local amenities you might need, including a bar, two restaurants, a boulangerie, hairdresser, chemist and bank - and a useful Spar shop open every day. There is also another boulangerie (and restaurant) in nearby Petit Bersac which is just a 3 minute drive away or a 25 minute walk if you want to work off a little bit of your morning croissants!

The stunning 'plus beaux village' of Aubeterre Sur Dronne, the jewel of southern Charente, is just 5 minutes by car and has a choice of numerous excellent cafe's and restaurants surrounding its tree-lined square. Tumbling down the hillside from the chateau, its cobbled back streets and interesting little artisan shops make it a pleasant place to stroll around and take in the atmosphere. Not to be missed is the awe-inspiring monolithic church of St Jean, hewn from solid rock in the 12th century and the largest subterranean church in Europe. Aubeterre's small Sunday morning market is well worth a visit, as is the river beach and cafe at the foot of the village, where the meadows meet the River Dronne.

Less than 20 minutes away is the bustling town of Riberac, whose Friday market is one of the best in the area, or in the opposite direction, the Chateau-topped town of Chalais has a busy Monday market. Both towns have large supermarkets plus numerous restaurants and pavement cafes, great for spending lazy afternoons soaking up the french atmosphere.

Further afield, the idyllic riverside town of Brantome is only 45 minutes away and the picturesque medieval village of St John de Cole is just 10 minutes further east. The lovely old town of Perigueux, the capital of the Dordogne, is less than an hour to the east and its 12th century cathedral is a stunning must-see. 45 minutes north is the historic town of Angouleme, standing on a rocky promontory overlooking the Charente river. A bit further on to the west you’ll find the stunningly beautiful world-heritage town of St Emillion, renowned for its wines, and then another half an hour on, the vibrant and historic city of Unesco listed Bordeaux.

Bedroom Details

16 Reviews

Leave Review

Safety

Property Features

Entertainment

Outdoor

Themes

Spa

Kitchen

Accessibility

Location