Les Vignes France

In the captivating countryside of the Charente, with surrounding landscapes of summer sunflowers, vineyards and pine forests, Les Vignes is a beautifully restored farmhouse which will amaze its guests in every way.
As soon as the owners arrived at this enchanting yet neglected home a few years ago, they fell in love with it. They had a strong vision of what it could become and worked hard with dedicated builders to renovate it into a spectacular farmhouse which offers luxury and comfort alongside original charm.
Les Vignes offers four stylish en suite bedrooms, one a master double with its own bath, another a delightful family bedroom featuring swings! Downstairs the living space is serene with a pretty lounge with a log-burning fire and an elegant kitchen-diner featuring a range cooker and other high-end appliances including a Nespresso machine. Other modern features include high-speed Wi-Fi, Blue-tooth speakers, an X-Box for the kids and Satellite TV with British channels. For guests staying a week or more the owners will ensure the wine rack is full as you relax at the stylish dining table with a fine glass of local wine.
A pretty vineyard covered terrace just off the living area is a lovely spot for a tranquil coffee or quiet lunch and also features a ‘Spacegrill’ barbecue. Yet the real pièce de résistance of this incredible home is the open-top barn which has been stunningly converted into a social hub with a swimming pool, hot-tub, decked sunbathing terrace and a traditional farmhouse table for al-fresco dining at its very best. Long days can be spent relaxing in the barn, preparing lunch at the plancha as the kids splash around in the pool or play games. As the evening approaches, gather around the long wooden table with family and friends, enjoy feasts and great wine together as the barn is beautifully lit up at night.
Food-lovers should head to the Monday morning market in nearby Chalais, just a fifteen-minute drive away, where you will also find the local boulangerie, some lovely restaurants and shops. Other great villages and towns to explore include one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne and Ribérac, in the Dordogne which is so close. Wine-lovers will appreciate being within striking distance to Cognac and Saint-Émilion, both within an hour, as well as Bordeaux and Bergerac for spectacular days out.
Closer to home you may just want to spend summer days exploring the nearby turquoise lakes at Guizengeard, discovering pretty nature trails, pony-trekking at Étang Vallier or hiring boats near Saint-Aulaye.
Whether exploring the wider region or enjoying relaxing days discovering local countryside and towns, Les Vignes is an impressive and striking holiday home where you can create wonderful memories in this delightful part of south-western France. Les Vignes has a beautiful rural setting in a small hamlet in the Charente department, near the border of Charente-Maritime. Enjoy summer fields of sunflowers as well as vineyards and pine forests in this picturesque location. 
You’ll find the nearest bakery, shops and restaurants in Chalais (12km), around fifteen minutes away by car as well as a couple of supermarkets. An especially great time to visit Chalais is on a Monday morning when you can visit the lovely Farmer’s market followed by lunch in one of the pretty restaurants or cafes.
There is so much to do in the local region. Why not pack a picnic and head to the turquoise lakes at Guizengeard where you can admire the amazing scenery and relax on the man-made beaches. There are also some beautiful nature trails if you love walking or just exploring.
There is also a beautiful lake where you are permitted to swim at certain times of year near Montguyon (13km), a lovely day out for all the family. La Jemaye (40km) is another picturesque lake popular for walkers and swimmers.
For active guests, Étang Vallier, near the village of Brossac, is a great place for watersports and pony trekking in July and August or head east to Arbor Parc in the height of the summer, near Saint-Aulaye, where you will find boat hire as well as a tree-top adventure centre.
Another highlight of this area is Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (24km), on the border of Dordogne and Charente and classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Set above the river Dronne, admire it’s pretty architecture and fascinating Monolithic Church carved into the rock.
Indeed, this is a great location for visiting the Dordogne region which is so close. Wonderful places to visit include Ribérac (40km) with its atmospheric weekly market and also the small and historic city of Périgueux (77km) which is especially famous for it’s fine local cuisine and markets. The historical sights and famous Maison des Vins of Bergerac (80km) also make a great day trip in just under ninety minutes by car.
Indeed, wine-lovers have a great choice of places to visit across this region. A little closer to home Cognac (62km) with its riverside restaurants, Cognac houses and beautiful historic town. Perhaps you could combine your day with a trip to Jarnac (58km) where you can enjoy brandy tastings and try yet more excellent restaurants.
Heading south, the hilltop wine town of Saint-Émilion (50km) is only an hour away whilst the vineyards and city of Bordeaux (80km) would be a spectacular day trip, especially when visiting Bordeaux’s Cité-du-Vin and surrounding wineries.
Blaye (60km) on the Gironde is also worth a visit with its great citadel and good Côtes de Blaye wine. If you are travelling during asparagus season, buy some from the Blaye market on a Wednesday or Saturday morning.
Coastal lovers can head to Royan (100km) or Saint-Georges-de-Didonne (95km) in around ninety minutes or a little further to Rochefort (130km) to learn about the fascinating maritime history of this region and admire the stunning landscapes. At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!