The Cottage

The cottage - "La Marée" - was once part of a typical Charentais farm, situated in a small hamlet close to the scenic coastal route.  The property has been sympathetically restored, retaining its original beams, and comprises:

- One double and one twin-bedded room - New shower room with double basins - Living room with TV/DVD & open fire - Open-plan kitchen & dining room - New 4-ring gas cooker and oven - Microwave - Washing machine & fridge-freezer - Woodburning stove - Electric radiators throughout - Vacuum cleaner - Hair-dryer

"La Marée" means "the tide" in French... on a still night you can hear waves lapping on the shore, with a clear view of the water from upstairs.  The pretty walled garden is shaded by a mulberry tree and looks out over fields and a small windmill.  There is a built-in barbecue on the terrace and bicycles can be made available.  

We lived in the cottage for over a year whilst our barn behind was being converted, so we've done our best to ensure that everything is functional and well-maintained.  We hope you'll agree that it's been decorated and furnished to a high standard, without being overdone. 
 

All beds have firm, comfortable mattresses and pillows, with good-quality cotton sheets - plus duvets for cooler seasons.  
   

This coastal area has one of the highest sunshine ratings in France.  Proximity to the Atlantic brings the benefit of mild winters and cooling breezes in summer. 
 

Apart from a few sheep and chickens, the couple who own the farm next door cultivate mainly vines, with additional fields of maize, barley and sunflowers.  It's a rural location which is only ten minutes from fine beaches - and just a little further from the bustling town of Royan.

A five-minute stroll down the road brings you to the little fishing port of "Les Monards".  There's a café on one side of the inlet, with a garden play-area for children, and the excellent "Auberge des Monards" restaurant is on the other bank.  (This friendly auberge has a 16 Euro set menu every day except Sundays, which includes four courses together with wine and coffee!)

For more pictures of the interior, see the Photographs page.