Guest house

The perfect tranquil destination for family or friends, this charming 17th century traditional stone cottage offers delightful accommodation for up to six people. Hidden away at the end of a quiet country lane in southern Charente, it is situated along the lower southern boundary of Les Chauvins, with its own entrance and private courtyards to front and back. A large pool nestles within the stone walls of a former barn and the grounds offer ample places to play, relax and enjoy the views. The space This totally self-contained three bedroom cottage offers delightful accommodation for up to six people over two floors. The cottage sits along the lower southern boundary of the site and is set back from the main courtyard by its own sunny, east-facing terrace which has an original stone bread oven and seating area. This is a perfect place to enjoy a delicious breakfast of fresh croissants and pastries from the local boulangerie. Enter through the open plan kitchen and dining area with painted beams and exposed stone walls and your eyes are drawn through to the private courtyard area beyond. Sheltered from the summer sun with a striking shade sail suspended overhead, this is a cool spot for lunch or pre-dinner drinks. From here you can reach the pool and explore the rest of the grounds of Les Chauvins. Take the open-tread wooden staircase and you’ll discover the large and bright sitting room with dual aspect windows offering views over the front terrace to the east and captivating sweeping countryside to the south. Another traditional Charantaise fireplace with wood-burning stove and more beams grace this peaceful and relaxing space with a television, DVD player, a treasure chest of DVDs as well as books and board games to keep everyone entertained. Maison d’Amis offers two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. The first double bedroom, Acanthus, is a good sized double bedroom with generous storage and space for a cot. It has a minimal and rustic feel with exposed natural stone walls and timber flooring. Enjoy views out over the east-facing terrace and courtyard, to the breathtaking views of the countryside beyond. This room shares a bathroom with the adjacent twin bedroom. The second bedroom, Laurier, is a twin bedroom perfect for best friends or little people, located in the same area as the double room and shared bathroom. Exposed natural stone walls add to the charm of this bijou room, with a picture window overlooking the rear grounds and swimming pool. The most romantic bedroom at Les Chauvins, Chavagnon, is a spacious room with a desk and seating area, and is hidden away through the original heavy oak door and down a few steps from the first floor sitting room. A beautiful mahogany antique French bed is the dramatic centre piece of this dreamy dual aspect room, which also has an ensuite shower room and cosy reading area. All of the bedlinen on our beds is Fair Trade organic cotton from Dip and Doze, so you can sleep peacefully in the knowledge that your head is on a pillow which is free from harmful chemical residues but also that the environment and the producers have been treated kindly and fairly in the production process. If you are bringing little ones, let us know and we can provide cots and bedding (as well as a stair gate, baby baths and potties if requested). Pets - We are sorry but as the outside areas are not enclosed, this gite is not suitable for pets. Please see La Chaumière as a possible alternative! Guest access Guests have private use of their own courtyards, and shared use of the pool and grounds (shared with La Chaumière the two bedroomed cottage). We live in the Farmhouse which is adjacent to, but separate from, Maison d'Amis and have our own, separate outside space. Other things to note Pet friendly? We are very happy to welcome one furry friend. There will be a small charge for your animal to cover additional cleaning, and we would ask you to restrict dogs to the courtyard and gîte only unless on a lead. Please - no access to the pool area, and dog or cat mess should be cleaned up and deposited!