Claire Barn

Description

This converted barn is now a delightful holiday cottage in Charente, just outside the market town of Saintes. While a quiet and peaceful country retreat, the French cottage is within close proximity of many of the region's main attractions.
Warm and inviting, the open-plan floor space boasts a cozy living room and dining area beside a stone fireplace, with a book and DVD library to make yourself at home. The adjacent family room doubles as a game room for some indoor fun, and includes a sleeper sofa to sleep two extra guests in addition to the three charming bedrooms upstairs.
The spacious farmhouse kitchen is fully fitted with modern appliances and a breakfast table, with French doors leading out to the sunny garden. Outside, an acre of mature and secluded gardens filled with lavender, rosemary, and bamboo will delight the senses, while the private pool will help make the most of the ample sunshine.
Within a half hour from the property guests can enjoy the celebrated wine and Cognac regions, sandy beaches and coastlines of La Rochelle and Royan, and plenty of cultural sites – not to mention the great shopping and rich history even closer in Saintes.


#### Features
The converted barn is made up of 3 bedrooms:
- 2 double rooms, 1 with en suite bathroom.
- 1 twin bedroom with additional bathroom.
- There is also a sofa bed in the family/games room on the ground floor.

The house will sleep 8 adults and can accommodate an additional 2 children in a travel cot and cot bed that can be provided on request. There are also 2 extra adult camp beds should your party be more than 6 adults. All bed linen is included in the price as is the children's linen.

#### Location
The closest town, Saintes, is a large provincial town, with designer shops, cafes, markets and restaurants and is only 10mins from Retaud.

At Royan you can laze on long stretches of safe sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast, which is only 20 mins away from home. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the promenade and local shopping too, such as Timberland, Esprit, D&G, Christen Lacroix and Benneton. There is also a beautiful Carousel for the children and a small fun fair. Further beaches can be found at Meschers with secluded coves and children play areas.

Further along you will find a wonderful zoo at Palmyer for a whole day out. There is a wide range of animals and they provide good entertainment with regular shows. The seal and whale show is particularly amusing.

La Rochelle is home to a large and exciting aquarium and has plenty of designer shops and galleries to keep you occupied, as well as many cafes and restaurants. There is also a large Casino, beautifully kept gardens and a park in which you will come across a children's mini zoo.

As you leave La Rochelle, you will see signs for the toll bridge directed to the Ile de Re. This is a beautiful island with sandy beaches and clear sea. It is easy to cycle around, as bikes can be hired and the island caters to the cyclist with plenty of cycle lanes.

Cognac is within half an hour by car and is worth a visit.

Supermarkets can be found in nearby Saintes. Many supermarkets opening on a Sunday will close at midday and they are very prompt.