Chez Guionnet (LAL.17)

Chez Guionnet is a 2-bedroomed cottage, sleeping 4, in the hamlet of Laléard (Charente-Maritime), 1.5km from St-Hilaire-de-Villefranche, 21km N of Saintes, 52km NE of Royan (Michelin map: 521). VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 1993. Saturday arrival

Set in a tiny hamlet among the extensive farmlands of Charente-Maritime, this 18th-century farmhouse was transformed during 1990 into entirely new and spacious holiday accommodation. While the comfortable homely interior has a very good standard of fittings, is well-equipped and furnished, it is the sunny enclosed flower garden (150m²) that really catches the eye. Bedroom windows also open on to a spacious balcony overlooking the garden with its small goldfish pond and pleasant terrace (8m x 4m - with built-in barbecue) and beyond to sunflower and rape fields and the nearby Château Laléard; a parc of 2500m² is also available for the sole use of guests. Outdoor living is greatly enhanced by the garden being totally secluded from the neighbouring property. An impeccable cottage, well-placed to enjoy country and village life and numerous excursions, including nearby Cognac and the Roman and mediaeval delights of Saintes in the picturesque Charente valley. Just over 45 minutes to the west lie Rochefort and popular Royan, the famous oyster-beds of Marennes and the sandy beaches of the Ile d’Oléron.

Accommodation: Ground floor: kitchen/dining room, living/dining room (with glazed fireplace), bathroom, wc. First floor: 1 twin and 1 double-bedded room, wc.

Activities: Swimming pool (mid May – end Sept.) and tennis in St-Hilaire-de-Villefranche and Saintes. Heated swimming pool and horse riding in St-Jean-d’Angély (10km). Bicycle hire, boat trips and golf in Saintes. Beaches at Royan and Châtelaillon (80km). Boat hire in Port d’Envaux (10km) and Ile d’Oléron (70km).

Services: Essential shops and services in St-Hilaire-de-Villefranche and St-Jean-d’Angély (10km). Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays in St-Jean-d’Angély and Saintes daily except Monday

Location
In the hamlet of Laléard (Charente-Maritime) – 25 inhabitants – 1.5km from St-Hilaire-de-Villefranche, 21km N of Saintes, 52km NE of Royan. Michelin map: 521.
 
Activities
Swimming pool (mid May – end Sept.) and tennis in St-Hilaire-de-Villefranche and Saintes. Heated swimming pool and horse riding in St-Jean-d’Angély (10km). Bicycle hire, boat trips and golf in Saintes. Beaches at Royan and Châtelaillon (80km). Boat hire in Port d’Envaux (10km) and Ile d’Oléron (70km).
 
Services
Essential shops and services in St-Hilaire-de-Villefranche and St-Jean-d’Angély (10km). Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays in St-Jean-d’Angély and Saintes daily except Mondays.
 
Description
Set in a tiny hamlet among the extensive farmlands of Charente-Maritime, this 18th-century farmhouse was transformed during 1990 into entirely new and spacious holiday accommodation. While the comfortable homely interior has a very good standard of fittings, is well-equipped and furnished, it is the sunny enclosed flower garden (150m²) that really catches the eye. Bedroom windows also open on to a spacious balcony overlooking the garden with its small goldfish pond and pleasant terrace (8m x 4m - with built-in barbecue) and beyond to sunflower and rape fields and the nearby Château Laléard; a parc of 2500m² is also available for the sole use of guests. Outdoor living is greatly enhanced by the garden being totally secluded from the neighbouring property. An impeccable cottage, well-placed to enjoy country and village life and numerous excursions, including nearby Cognac and the Roman and mediaeval delights of Saintes in the picturesque Charente valley. Just over 45 minutes to the west lie Rochefort and popular Royan, the famous oyster-beds of Marennes and the sandy beaches of the Ile d’Oléron. Featured by VFB since 1993.
 
Note 1: The Niort/Saintes branch line runs 200-300m from the property, carrying light traffic: up to eight trains per day from 0700 up to 2300 or so. Toddlers will need supervision due to the fishpond in the garden.
 
Note 2: We regret that children under 2 years are not accepted at this property.
 
Accommodation
Ground floor access from outside via terrace (up ½ step) into:
 
·     Kitchen/dining room (4m x 3m60) with dual hob, electric (2 gas ring, 2 electric), split-level electric oven (watch out for low cooker hood), fridge with small freezer, microwave, open fireplace (ornamental). Tiled floor. Door to dining room/sitting room (1 step up) and inner hall (1 step up).
·     Living/dining room (8m50 x 3m50) with glazed fireplace. Tiled floor. Stairs to first floor (low beams).
·     Inner hall with doors to:
·     Bathroom with bath with shower attachment, washing-machine. Tiled floor.
·     Separate wc.
 
First floor (please note low ceiling near bottom of stairs) landing (with 2 steps up) with doors to:
 
·     Bedroom 1 (4m50 x 2m70) with 1 double bed (1m40). Board floor. Door to balcony.
·     Bedroom 2 (4m50 x 2m40) with 2 single beds (0m90). Board floor. Door to balcony.
·     Second separate wc.
 
Gas for cooking included – Electricity not included (electric radiator in every room) – Bed linen included, household linen not available.
 
Breakage Deposit: 100€   Sleeps: 4 MAXIMUM
 
There is a local tax (taxe de séjour) applicable at this property for all guests. The cost is 0.20€ per guest (over 13) per day, and should be paid directly to the owner.
 
Comments
“The welcome we received from Georges and Nicole was second to none.” “The gîte is first class and the garden and nearby parc a real bonus.” “Delightful gîte and very well equipped, everything we needed was at hand.”  “We have very much enjoyed the quiet and privacy of the garden and the excellent facilities of this cottage. We had a wonderful welcome from Georges and Nicole and have been looked after really well.”
 
Description updated July 2009