An oasis of peace and quiet in the midst of the french countryside

The gite is situated in the small hamlet of Le Maine Chabrol on the borders of the Charente and Dordogne. You are, therefore, ideally placed to explore both these departments during your stay. Although newly refurbished, the gite has lost none of it's original character and charm with large Charentaise fireplaces, wooden beams, wooden floors, shutters and thick stone walls which keep the rooms cool in the height of summer and the heat in when the fires are lit. In addition to the real wood fires are electric wall heaters for convenience and immediate heat should the mornings or evenings be a little chilly. It is a two bedroom property with en-suite bathrooms. There is a superking size bed in one bedroom and a king size in the other (this can be swapped out for two single beds if required). The open plan kitchen/dining/living area comprises a fully equipped kitchen with all the modern day amenities you might expect and a comfortable sitting/dining room with large screen TV and 4G connection to keep you in touch with the world, or not of course, the choice is yours. Outside on the balcony, sit and watch the world go by from your elevated vantage point with sunset views of the medieval chateau at Villebois Lavalette. Below is a small front garden with barbeque area which is a real sun trap on a summer's day. The basement to the gite houses the utility area with washing machine and tumble drier and is also a handy storage area for any bikes etc. you may have brought with you. Although there is no on site pool as yet the outdoor lido at Gardes-le-Pontaroux is only a ten minute drive away. Despite being surrounded by countryside with no visible signs of day to day life you are within easy reach of many attractions, from the capital cities of Angouleme and Perigueux to the west coast beach resorts including Royan and La Rochelle. The Bordeaux and Medoc wine districts, the world famous Cognac region and, not forgetting of course, the beautiful Dordogne valley are all easily within distance for a day out. The nearby village of La Rochebeaucourt is of interest as it marks the border between occupied and free France during the second world war and the site of the old barrier is still visible. The town of Villebois Lavalette is a ten minute drive away where you will find a large supermarket, cash machines, restaurants and a bar. The town lies beneath the enchanting fairytale style chateau which offers guided tours in the summer season and the medieval covered market which is located at the foot of the chateau is a perfect place to sit and enjoy a meal or a coffee. The Saturday morning market takes place here offering fresh produce and oysters are on sale to be enjoyed outside the bar with a beer, glass of wine or coffee.