Charming Country Gîte | Pool & Private Garden

Escape to L'Oume Lodge, a charming countryside gîte set within the grounds of a beautifully restored 200-year-old Charente farmhouse. Nestled in nearly 12 acres of orchards and meadows, it offers a private entrance, parking, private garden, terrace and built-in BBQ. Enjoy the large 12 × 6 m pool, shared with just one other gîte, plus a separate splash pool for younger children. The pool house has a summer kitchen, BBQ and shaded dining beneath beautiful wisteria. The space L'Oume Lodge is a bright and spacious single-storey countryside gîte, thoughtfully designed for families and couples looking to relax and unwind in the peaceful Charente countryside. The open-plan living, dining and kitchen area creates a sociable space for spending time together, while large patio doors open directly onto your private terrace and garden. With everything on one level, L'Oume Lodge is particularly popular with families with young children, grandparents and guests who simply prefer to avoid stairs. The lodge has two comfortable bedrooms: one with a double bed and the other with a bunk bed and a bespoke extra-long antique pine sleigh bed, offering plenty of space for taller children or adults. Both bedrooms have direct access to the spacious family bathroom, which includes a bath with overhead shower and double sinks, while a separate toilet is conveniently located off the hallway. The well-equipped kitchen includes a dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, filter coffee machine, and everything you'll need to prepare relaxed family meals or leisurely breakfasts before heading out to explore the Charente. The extendable dining table provides plenty of space for everyone to eat together. Outside, you'll find your own private garden and terrace with a picnic bench and built-in barbecue—perfect for relaxed outdoor dining. The garden enjoys welcome shade from a cluster of mature fir trees during the warmer months, while the surrounding grounds provide plenty of space to relax and enjoy the peaceful countryside. The lodge comfortably sleeps five guests, with a double sofa bed in the living room providing flexible accommodation for up to seven guests if required. During the cooler months, the living room is heated by a remote-controlled thermostatic pellet stove, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. A portable heater and bathroom radiator provide additional comfort. The surrounding grounds are yours to enjoy during your stay. Wander through the neighbouring meadow that inspired the name *Les Champs de L'Oume*, enjoy a game of boules on our new court, relax beneath the trees, or simply take in the beautiful countryside views. Inside the lodge you'll find a selection of family games, books, binoculars for birdwatching, a guide to local wildlife, and a comprehensive welcome folder filled with local recommendations, walks and places to visit throughout the Charente. There are also plenty of leaflets and magazines to help you make the most of your stay. By the pool you'll find table tennis (bats are kept in the pool house), swingball and a selection of outdoor games. Guests are also welcome to borrow our two Schwinn cruiser bikes to explore the quiet country lanes—just let us know and we'll unlock them from the barn. Travelling with young children? We're happy to provide a travel cot, high chair, baby bath, changing mat and potty. Simply let us know before you arrive and we'll have everything ready for your stay. Guest access The gîte has its own private gated entrance with a spacious parking area and a path leading directly to the patio and front door. The accommodation is all on one level, making it ideal for guests who prefer to avoid stairs. Please note there is one small step into the double bedroom. The wide patio doors provide generous access to the living area. The garden is step-free, although, as with many countryside properties, the ground is a mixture of paving, gravel and grass and may be uneven in places. The shared swimming pool is accessed via built-in steps and does not have a handrail. Other things to note ### Swimming Pool The swimming pool is shared exclusively with guests staying in our second gîte. For your peace of mind, the pool is fitted with a safety alarm. The main access from the gîte to the pool is through a lockable gate, and a key is provided in the gîte should you wish to keep it locked during your stay. As the surrounding fields are open to the rear of the pool area, the alarm provides an additional level of safety. We kindly ask that children are supervised at all times. The main pool measures 12 m × 6 m with a constant depth of 1.25 m, making it ideal for swimming and family fun. Please note that diving is not permitted. A separate shallow splash pool provides a safe area for younger children. Next to the pool is a pool house with a summer kitchen, fridge, sink, toilet and changing room. There is also a large dining table beneath a beautiful wisteria-covered pergola, making it the perfect place for relaxed lunches or evening meals. You'll also find plenty of sun loungers, deckchairs and parasols, with ample space to unwind while enjoying the peaceful Charente countryside. As both gîtes share the enclosed pool area, we kindly ask that dogs are not taken into the pool enclosure. ### Exploring the Area L'Oume Lodge is perfectly situated for exploring the beautiful Charente while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. The market town of **Mansle**, just an 8-minute drive away, has everything you'll need during your stay, including Super U and Aldi supermarkets, a bakery, butcher, pharmacy, cafés and restaurants. During the summer months, you can also hire kayaks and paddleboards on the River Charente. We highly recommend **La Marmite**, a popular riverside restaurant located next to the kayak centre. The historic city of **Angoulême**, around 30 minutes away, overlooks the Charente Valley and is famous for its charming old town, indoor market, independent shops and excellent restaurants. Throughout the year it hosts a variety of festivals, including the world-famous International Comics Festival in January and the Circuit des Remparts historic motor race in September. Other nearby attractions include the magnificent Château de La Rochefoucauld, the picturesque riverside village of Verteuil-sur-Charente, and La Vallée des Singes (Valley of the Monkeys), one of France's most popular wildlife parks. The historic town of Cognac, renowned for its vineyards and distilleries, is less than an hour's drive away. The surrounding villages host weekly markets throughout the year, as well as regular brocantes and antique fairs where you can browse local produce, antiques and hidden treasures. If you're looking for a day at the beach, the Atlantic coast is around 1 hour 45 minutes away. Closer to home, several rivers and lakes offer sandy beaches, swimming areas, cafés and lifeguards during the peak summer season. Whether you're looking for peaceful countryside walks, family adventures, historic villages, river activities or simply lazy afternoons by the pool, L'Oume Lodge provides the perfect base for discovering one of France's most beautiful and unspoilt regions.