Manoir Colombard | 6-Bedroom Manor in Javrezac South West France

Fourteen guests arrive at the gates of Javrezac, cross into 3.5 hectares of walled parkland, and step into a world where 19th-century grandeur meets 21st-century comfort. This luxury manor rental in Aquitaine positions you on the edge of Cognac’s prestigious wine region, yet far enough removed to hear only birdsong and the occasional rustle of ancient oaks. The moment you cross the threshold, the proportions speak: high ceilings, 600 square metres of living space, and windows that frame the garden as if it were a permanent painting.

Inside Manoir Colombard

Manoir Colombard sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, distributed across three distinct levels designed for both privacy and togetherness. Ground floor living begins in the entrance hall—genuinely spacious, genuinely graceful—which opens into the grand salon with full-length doors spilling onto the garden terrace. The light here is exceptional, pouring through generous windows that overlook the mature treeline. A petit salon faces the courtyard, offering a secondary retreat. The dining room strikes a balance between formality and warmth; the kitchen is comprehensively equipped with both everyday cookware and the tools for ambitious entertaining, accompanied by a utility room and a separate study/playroom (stocked with children’s toys and desk space) adjacent to the kitchen.

The ground floor bedroom features a dramatic four-poster super king-size bed with an adjacent shower room and separate WC—ideal for guests who prefer not to climb stairs or for those arriving with mobility considerations.

Upstairs, the master bedroom commands its own wing with a super king-size bed, en suite bathroom featuring both bath and shower, and a separate WC. Three additional king-size bedrooms occupy this floor, each with its own en suite facilities: one with full bath and shower, two with shower rooms. A spiral staircase ascends to an attic bedroom (double bed) with shower room and separate WC—perfect as a guest suite for teenagers or as a hideaway study. A dressing room houses the washing machine.

Every bedroom benefits from double-glazed windows and traditional wooden shutters that regulate summer heat while maintaining cool interiors. Ground floor rooms feature electric blinds that preserve views while controlling glare. The bathrooms are proportionate to the bedrooms themselves—never cramped, never an afterthought.

Below ground level, accessed from outside, the games cellar houses both table football and pool table—the kinds of activities that transform lazy afternoons into genuine competition.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The gardens demand exploration. Mature trees—some over a century old—create natural corridors of shade. Rose borders line the pathways. Grapevines produce their own crop each autumn. Fig trees stand sentinel near the pool, their fruit dropping into summer afternoons. A working pond near the entrance gates adds another dimension to the grounds. A 2-metre boundary wall encloses the entire 3.5-hectare property, ensuring complete privacy from the surrounding vineyard landscape.

The salt-water swimming pool measures 16 metres by 6 metres with a depth ranging from 1 to 1.5 metres—suitable for both confident swimmers and families with younger children. An electric safety cover operates seasonally (typically late May through late September). An adjacent poolside kitchen and WC ensure refreshment breaks need not mean returning indoors. An outdoor shower flanks the pool area. A generous patio with table and chairs accommodates al-fresco dining; a built-in barbecue station anchors the cooking space. The grounds also include several barns and outbuildings—some retain their original equipment, others serve practical storage purposes.

Location: Javrezac and the Surrounding Area

Javrezac sits within the Charente department of south-western France, positioned 4.5 kilometres from the historic centre of Cognac. This proximity offers the best of both worlds: the tranquility of rural farmland and vine-covered slopes, combined with immediate access to urban amenities and cultural attractions.

Cognac itself—122 kilometres south-east of the Atlantic coast, approximately 100 kilometres east of Bordeaux—has reinvented itself as a gastronomic destination. Two Michelin-starred restaurants operate within its boundaries. The town’s covered market runs daily, offering seasonal produce, local cheeses, and regional specialities. The distillery quarter is walkable and atmospheric: 16th and 17th-century stone buildings line narrow lanes. Guided tours and tastings operate year-round at major producers including Rémy Martin, Hennessy, and Martell. The Charente River flows through town, and summer boat trips depart regularly to Jarnac (25 kilometres north-west, famous for its own brandy production).

Water-based activities include seasonal canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and electric boat hire along the Charente between May and September. Closer still: a large supermarket operates 2 kilometres away; a respected boulangerie sits a 5-minute drive into Cognac’s outskirts.

Saintes (25 kilometres south-west) ranks among the region’s most significant heritage towns, with Roman amphitheatre ruins, the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilique Saint Eutrope de Saintes—a 12th-century masterpiece of stone carving. The historic quarter rewards slow exploration on foot.

Angoulême (48 kilometres north) attracts visitors for its September vintage car race (one of Europe’s oldest motorsport events) and the Musée de la Bande Dessinée, a world-class collection celebrating comic art and illustration. The city walls offer panoramic walks across the Charente valley.

Wine enthusiasts drive 90 minutes to reach the Saint-Émilion vineyards (139 kilometres south-west), or approximately the same duration to Bordeaux (121 kilometres south-west), both UNESCO-listed wine regions with château tours, tastings, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Royan (66 kilometres west, approximately 60 minutes by car) provides beach access: a long sandy shoreline, a modernist covered market designed by architectural innovator Auguste Perret, and waterfront dining. Île de Ré (113 kilometres north-west, accessible via a 2-kilometre toll bridge from La Rochelle) functions as a holiday destination in its own right—quiet villages, salt marshes, oyster farming, and cycling infrastructure. En route, the Seudre River valley and Île d’Oléron (90 kilometres west) offer further beaches and protected nature reserves.

Golf du Cognac operates 12 kilometres south, accommodating players of all levels. Horse-riding centres are located within a short drive. Cycling and walking routes traverse the Charente landscape in multiple directions.

Explore our luxury villas in south-west France and discover our full collection of Aquitaine properties. For broader destination planning, consult our Aquitaine travel guide, which covers seasonal highlights, local markets, and lesser-known attractions across the region.

The main N-route connecting Cognac to Saintes lies 850 metres away. Occasional traffic noise may reach the manor when wind conditions align, though the landscaping and distance typically ensure this remains minimal.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended Family Gatherings: Two grandparents, three adult children with partners, and four grandchildren find complete separation between generations (ground floor bedroom for those avoiding stairs, attic bedroom for teenagers seeking independence, generous common spaces for collective meals). The games room absorbs energy; the gardens provide exploration without hazard.

Friends’ Trips and Group Celebrations: Twelve guests distribute comfortably across six bedrooms. The second salon and study space allow smaller groups within the group to pursue separate activities. The kitchen accommodates collaborative cooking; the dining room seats everyone together.

Couples Seeking Destination Experiences: A romantic pairing might occupy the master bedroom while inviting another couple or two, retaining bedrooms for privacy and the extensive grounds and location for day-trip exploration. The wine tastings, Michelin-starred restaurants, and river cruises align precisely with couple-focused itineraries.

Families with Children and Teenagers: The salt-water pool with safety cover, the games cellar, the open grounds enclosed by high walls, and proximity to family-oriented attractions (Royan beaches, kayaking on the Charente, Angoulême comic museum) combine for straightforward planning. The study/playroom keeps younger children occupied during adult social time.

Practical Information

Capacity: Manoir Colombard accommodates 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The ground floor bedroom plus five upstairs bedrooms (including the attic) ensures flexible arrangements.

Nearest Airport: La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport (LRH) lies 130 kilometres west, approximately 90 minutes by car. Poitiers Airport (PTC) sits 80 kilometres north, approximately 70 minutes away. Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), a major international hub, is 100 kilometres south, approximately 90 minutes’ drive.

Transfer Times: Ground transfers from La Rochelle typically require 90-110 minutes; from Poitiers 75-85 minutes; from Bordeaux 90-110 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and precise routing.

What Is Included: Utilities (water, electricity, heating), Wi-Fi internet access, smart television with Netflix streaming, bed linen, towels, pool heating (seasonal), and initial welcome cleaning. Salt-water pool maintenance and electric safety cover operation are included during the season.

Check-In Logistics: The electric entrance gate allows secure arrival and departure. Standard check-in times are 3:00 PM; standard check-out is 10:00 AM. Flexibility for early arrival or late departure may be arranged with advance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Manoir Colombard

How many guests does Manoir Colombard sleep?

Manoir Colombard sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Bedroom distribution includes: one super king-size four-poster (ground floor), two super king-size beds (master bedroom and one upstairs bedroom), three king-size beds (distributed across the remaining upstairs bedrooms), and one double bed (attic bedroom). This configuration allows couples, families, and mixed groups flexibility in room assignment.

What is the nearest airport to Manoir Colombard in Javrezac?

La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport (LRH), serving the Charente-Maritime coastal region, lies 130 kilometres west, requiring approximately 90 minutes by car. Poitiers Airport (PTC) is 80 kilometres north (70 minutes). Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD), France’s eighth-largest airport with direct European and international connections, sits 100 kilometres south (90 minutes). Most US and UK visitors connecting through major European hubs find Bordeaux most convenient despite the distance.

What is the best time of year to rent Manoir Colombard?

Late May through September offers warm, dry weather, fully operational salt-water pool, river boating activities (including kayaking and paddle-boarding), and open-air dining. July and August bring peak temperatures (25-28°C) but also peak tourist crowds and higher accommodation rates. June and September provide more moderate crowds, comfortable daytime temperatures (20-24°C), and lower prices. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) suit those seeking countryside exploration and wine-tasting without summer heat. Winter is off-season but increasingly popular for intimate group gatherings—fireplaces and heating function fully, and nearby restaurants and distilleries operate year-round.

Is Manoir Colombard suitable for families with children?

Yes, with practical considerations. The salt-water pool operates under an electric safety cover, preventing unsupervised access. The walled 3.5-hectare grounds provide secure outdoor exploration without roadside hazard. The ground floor games room (table football, pool table, table tennis) absorbs teenage energy reliably. The study/playroom with toy selection serves younger children. Nearby Royan (66 kilometres) offers supervised sandy beaches. The Charente River supports child-friendly kayaking tours with outfitters near Cognac (4.5 kilometres). Angoulême’s comic museum engages teenagers. Practical note: supervision of very young children near the pond (near the entrance gate) is recommended, as with any rural property water feature.

What is included in the rental price at Manoir Colombard?

Included: water and electricity utilities, heating (active October through April), Wi-Fi internet access across all areas, smart television with Netflix login capability, full bed linen (all sizes), towels (bath, hand, and pool), pool heating during the operational season (late May through late September), electric safety cover operation for the pool, and initial cleaning prior to arrival. The kitchen arrives fully stocked with cooking equipment, dishwasher tablets, and basic condiments. Excluded: alcohol, fresh groceries, and specialist cleaning (though standard cleaning occurs between guests).

What restaurants and shops are near Manoir Colombard?

A large supermarket (hypermarché) operates 2 kilometres away. A highly regarded boulangerie sits approximately 5 minutes’ drive into Cognac’s outer districts, producing traditional French bread and pastries daily. Cognac town centre (4.5 kilometres) concentrates the region’s finest dining: two Michelin-starred establishments (Michelin Guide 2024), multiple one-star options, and dozens of casual bistros and cafés lining the riverside and historic quarter. The daily covered market operates year-round, featuring produce, cheese, charcuterie, and regional products. Restaurant reservation through the property management office is possible; many establishments accommodate private group bookings with advance notice. Nearby Jarnac (25 kilometres north-west) offers additional dining and brandy-house restaurants overlooking the Charente River.