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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.
...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.
Home from home - peace and tranquility in the woods
We've had three blissful summer holidays here with our two boys, and if you are looking for peace and quiet this is the holiday for you. A beautiful well equipped house in the middle of the wood, with a private pool just outside the front door (with safety railings), local shops and pretty towns to visit nearby. The owners, Steve and Harry, are just next door which is a great help if you want local information or help with anything. A home from home for us, and we are returning for our fourth stay in summer 2018.
Visited August 2017
Written 20 December 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve H
Thank you Alison, we are looking forward to seeing you all again, don't forget to let me have your shopping list nearer the time!!
Written 24 December 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer C
2 contributions
Peaceful retreat in lovely surroundings
The house is located in the trees with the only sound being birdsong! This was a great place for relaxing and de-stressing.
The two nearest small towns are very picturesque - with Blanzac being the friendliest and most welcoming village we have been to in France - as well as having everything you need. It also had the best pain au chocolat ever and the Dr and pharmacy (which unfortunately we had to visit!) were very accessible and helpful.
Stevie and Harry were great hosts - with the contact before we got there being absolutely excellent. They were on call when you needed them but otherwise really discrete - and nothing was too much trouble.
The house and facilities were very good and very well equipped - we made very good use of the table tennis, badminton, adult bikes and swimming pool - the favourite being the late night swims in the illuminated pool. We also all had excellent nights' sleeps and found the beds very comfortable!
Visited July 2017
Written 10 August 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve H
It was your first stay at Chez Meunier and I just hope you will join our fairly long list of 'returners' !
Thank you so very much for such a lovely review. Stevie
Written 15 November 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jillmac1
East Grinstead, United Kingdom1 contribution
The warmest welcome, the highest quality accommodation, and the most enjoyable holiday we have ever experienced.
We arrived to be greeted by our hosts, Steve and her husband Harry, who showed us around, explained how to use every thing in the house, and the beautiful pool. A welcome package was left for us, some of which they had bought for us, when they asked if there was any shopping we would need, and some of which was a welcome gift.
The nearby village of Blanzac had everything for our day to day needs, and Barbezieux, about 10mins away is a lively, pretty French town with plenty of restaurants. The local scenery and wild-life is great, and we were offered the use of bicycles which were great for relaxing and leaving the car behind for a change. Angouleme, about 20mins by car, is a very pretty bastide town. So many pretty places to visit. Also a big lake with a sandy beach not far away!
Visited June 2017
Written 2 July 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve H
As a new member on the Trip Adviser site it was sad that all our previous 5 star Reviews on a competitors site could not be shown. So it is all the more rewarding to receive, so promptly, your lovely comments. It was your first visit and we sincerely hope you will do as you promised and join the families who return to us each summer. Thank you again, Stevie Hope
Written 3 July 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
carmenhill2017
Birmingham, United Kingdom1 contribution
What a wonderful place. A must if you want a fantastic holiday!
A beautiful home in the heart of the French countryside.
The house is fully equipped with everything you could need. The owners have done an amazing job renovating this beautiful building and if you are lucky enough to have a drink with them you are sure to feel at home and welcomed by a fantastic couple.
House is close to local towns and a great location to appreciate this beautiful country.
This home is definitely a wonderful place to stay and would highly recommend.
Visited June 2017
Written 2 July 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve H
It was such a pleasure to meet you and thank you for the lovely photographs you sent of the family enjoying the house. We look forward to seeing you next time.
Written 3 July 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
T8883RCmarian
London, United Kingdom1 contribution
Home from Home
We have been visiting this lovely house every year since 2012 and we are never disappointed. The house is very well equipped and the wifi is a great hit with our teenagers.
Steve and Harry are excellent hosts, always there if needed but always keep a respectful distance. Nothing is too much trouble.
Very much looking forward to our return in August.
Visited August 2016
Written 2 July 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve H
We look forward as always to your return in August. Thank you for the kind words, see you soon, Stevie
Written 3 July 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bikes are available. But a car will be essential for shopping and sightseeing.
Access
Car required
How to get there
We are 90 minutes from 3 airports, Bordeaux, Limoges and Bergerac. We are 30 mins from Angouleme train station and car hire is available right opposite the station. The new fast train TGV stops at Angouleme en-route to Bordeaux from London via Paris-Montarnasse.
By ferry, Portsmouth-Caen is a good route on Brittany Ferries. Or you can go into Calais if you want to explore France from the top.
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