La Grande Fougere

La Chapelle Baton

Located just 3 km from the medieval village of Cherveux with its 12th Century chateau, we are secluded but not isolated. Our property has been sympathetically restored and converted to a very spacious and comfortable home, which, with its tastefully furnished accommodation, attractive stone walls, original beams and ancient fireplace, provides a tranquil setting and base to explore this truly unspoilt part of France.

The Ground Floor

The kitchen and dining area is well appointed with cooker, microwave, fridge, dishwasher and washing machine (plus iron and ironing board). It is fully equipped with ample cutlery, crockery and glassware  for 8 people - and more should you wish to entertain. As well as the feature stone wall and beamed ceiling the kitchen and dining area contains the original 16th Century hay byre.

Adjacent to the dining area we have kept part of the original cobbled floor which leads to the VERY spacious sitting room  with sofas and seating, open stone fireplace, feature stone wall, beamed ceiling , well stocked bookshelves and drawers full of videos and games. There is also a TV (BBC and ITV) video player and hi-fi. French windows lead directly onto the sun terrace - an ideal spot for breakfast.

The First Floor

A large, airy bathroom with white suite and tiles,wc,washbasin and bath with showerscreen.There is also an additional seperate wc. Three bedrooms (two doubles with king size beds and one very large 'family' room with 4 single beds). Each bedroom has the very attractive, exposed beams and are carpeted throughout.

The Outside

Leading from the sitting room is a sun terrace with table, chairs and sun umbrella. This overlooks the pool. Steps lead from the terrace down to the barbecue area and 10 metre  swimming pool which is surrounded by lawn with sun loungers. There is also, a delightul area under the trees with a table and chairs to enjoy a drink in the shade.

At the rear of the property is an acre of  meadow where you may like to sit and and enjoy the miles of uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside -  perfect at sunset - though  should you wish  to indulge in something more energetic, table tennis and boules are here for your use.

The surounding countryside of open fields, gentle hills and woodland  is ideal for walkers and cyclists while local ammenities include golf, horseriding, fishing and a Plan D'eau with it's inland lake, sandy beach, childrens playground, restaurant and bar making it ideal for families.

Close by are the historic towns of  St Maixent L'Ecole,  Parthenay and Niort, where you can wander through the narrow streets, visit the markets, eat gourmet food at the restaurants or simply sit at one of the many street cafes and watch the world stroll by.

Only 25 mins from us and not to be missed is a visit to the Marais Poitevin -  known locally as the Green Venice. Here you can rent a boat and glide through the miles of small, winding rivers and streams, waving to  passing cylists as you lay back, sipping the local wine before stopping at a riverside restaurant to sample the delicious, locally-caught fish.

Within easy driving distance is The Valley of the Monkeys. A wonderful valley park where 350 species of monkey roam, while just 45 mins - 1 hr drive are the cities of Poitiers with the famous Futuroscope and La Rochelle with its walled city and picturesque historic harbour. From here you can rive accross th bridge to the Isle de Re, with it's quaint house and picture-postcard scenery, or visit the wonderful beaches of the Atlantic coast. Also nearby is Cognac, where many of the famous distilleries are open to the public and offer tours.

Inclusive in the price are linen, towels and a welcome meal and box of groceries and wine will be waiting for you to start your holiday.