Step back to a slower pace of life this summer, surrounded by fields of sunflowers and maize. Sunset Cottage, one of two of our lovingly restored holiday homes, next to our own converted farmhouse, near the lovely village of Verteuil-sur-Charente. In an ideal location for walking or cycling to discover the rare varieties of wildflowers, wildlife and birds on our doorstep. The cottage sleeps 5 in 3 bedrooms. Relax on the sun deck and cool off in the 10m a 5m pool. Enjoy eating al fresco on one of your 2 terraces, experience a slice of life in rural France, relax outside with a glass of wine on a warm summer evening and enjoy the spectacular night skies. Just two and a half kilometres, from the cottage, is the lovely village of Verteuil sur Charente. In the village are all amenities including a baker, post office, butcher/charcuterie, village shop, hairdresser and bars/restaurants and of course the beautiful chateau. The cottage is comfortably furnished. In the lounge area is a woodburner, 2 x 2 seater settees and a matching armchair. There is a flat screenTV and DVD player and a selection of books, dvds and games. We offer unlimited WiFi broadband access. The dining area has a large farmhouse table which seats 5 and a sideboard with all the crockery, cutlery, glasses and dishes that you will need. There is high chair for a baby/toddler.  In the kitchen is a sink unit, , gas range cooker, microwave, fridge, freezer, toaster and washing machine and all the necessary pans and utensils. The bathroom has a bath with shower, WC and washbasin. The large double bedroom has a chest of drawers, hanging space and bedside cabinets. The twin bedroom has a chest of drawers, bedside tables and a fitted cupboard for hanging clothes and storage. Both bedrooms have the traditional little floor level windows, exposed beams and roof windows.  The third bedroom is a single with bedside cabinet and chest of drawers. A travel cot is available on request. Outside the front of the cottage is a patio and a terrace to the side. There is garden furniture, parasols and a barbecue. Surrounding the property is an acre of land, which is mainly grass. The whole outside area is fenced and has double gates for access. There are no immediate neighbours, the nearest being 500m away. The property has plenty of parking space. Champ Giraud is surrounded by fields of maize, sunflowers and woods with tracks and paths ideal for walking and cycling. There is plenty of wildlife to spot including, deer, foxes, hare and buzzards. The clear night skies are spectacular, because of no light pollution, ideal for star gazing.  Ruffec (9km) has large supermarkets, various shops, bars and restaurants, indoor and outdoor pool, 2 screen cinema, train station and a weekly market.  Canoes can be hired from here and you can meander down to Verteuil. Within easy driving distance for a day out are the towns of Poitiers (Futuroscope), Limoges (porcelain), Angouleme (home of the Comic Book and Ramparts Race) and Cognac (visit a distiling house or experience the Blues Festival in early July). Kids will enjoy Monkey Valley 30 minutes away. The coastal town of La Rochelle and west coast sandy beaches are about one and a half hours drive, visit the Marais Poitevin (Green Venice) on the way. The medieval town of Confolens is 45 minutes away. It is particularly famous for its international folklore festival of song and dance in August. Oradour-sur-Glane is a village that was brutally destroyed by the Nazis in WWII and now preserved as a memorial. It stands today exactly as it was left on 10th June 1944. A very moving and worthwhile experience.  The area has a lot to offer for interesting days out and we can advise on day trips in different directions. Dogs welcome on request, we have a Labrador cross and a Retreiver who are very guest friendly. Special notice. In low season (Beginning of September to end of June) surcharges apply for the use of electricity and wood pellets. A generous allowance of 4 bags of wood pellets and 21 euros of electricity per week will apply. For more information, please contact the owners.