La Grange: Farmhouse Rental, 4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8 in Saintes area

I had a suspicion that this was going to be something rather special, and we weren't disappointed. Les Tilleuls is set in lovely countryside and surrounded by vineyards and undulating hills, about 5 minutes drive outside Pons. Originally a barn attached to a typical Charentaise farmhouse, it has been cleverly converted to provide four excellent bedrooms and large open-plan living space. Unlike may gites we have stayed in that provide only just enough of the essentials, Les Tilleuls has sofas and arm chairs galore, enough crockery, cutlery and utensils to host a large garden party, two sets of dining furniture (one indoors, one out), not to mention two barbecues!. The only thing missing was a teapot!
There are more pool toys, sets of boules and other toys/games equipment than a family could possibly use in a week, together with board games, books and dvds if the weather isn't kind. The pool is large and clean, and one of the most memorable aspects of our stay for our children was the nighttime swimming due to the fact that it is illuminated!
Pons (5 minute drive) is a pretty town with good amenities including supermarkets and a railway station - check out the €35 two day roving pass for 2 adults and 2 children which just proves how we're being right royally scr*wed here in the UK. The attractive square with impressive 'donjon' (or keep) and Hotel de Ville hosted a great night-time competition of local brass bands followed by a firework display whilst we were there, something that happens quite often by all accounts.
Jonzac is another interesting historic town within 20 minutes by car, with excellent restaurants and a water park with lots of outdoor activities for children.
One tip - if you're taking a laptop to use the wi-fi, stand with your back to the wall, behind the kitchen island looking out through the triple french doors out to the pool and the hill behind the house - the walls are very thick and this is the only place you'll pick up the network!
Our hosts, Derek and Lesley were very friendly and welcoming, and very relaxed. Derek is laid back, bordering on the horizontal, but always willing to help if necessary. We stayed with another family who also loved it, and I would unhesitatingly recommend Les Tilleuls if you're looking for a relaxing holiday.

Actually we have been 3 families during the 1st week of our 2 weeks' vacation, sharing both gites with the inbetween door wings opened. This gave lucious space for our whole party of 10 people.
Both gites were absolutely stunning, individually designed to the local rural touch, absolutely clean, completely equipped and well maintained.
While our friends had the smaller gite Le Chai, featuring the ancient Cognac Distillery in the living room, as the highlight, we were sharing the La Grange.
The latter became the center of all social activities because of the big enough kitchen, the dining table with sufficient seating capacity and the terrace which was facing the huge garden with the pool.
Incidentally, the Soccer World Championship took place in South Africa during our stay. While the English team had to leave for home early, we probably gave Derek and Lesley a hard time while watching the German team's games.
Thank you again, Derek, for allowing the crazy Germans to hoist our flag in your Garden ;-)
The 2nd week, our friends went home and some very nice Irish family took over Le Chai - with the sound prrof door between the gites locked.
We easily made contact and soon the new party was fully integrated for common vacation enjoyment.
During the last day of our stay, we also had the unique chance to enjoy a guided tour at famous Sebastian's vineyards, cellars and cognac distillery.


Some final words:
The given description of the property on the website is absolutely accurate and fully comprehensive.
The pool is even better than described, well cleaned regularly with a mini robot and covered over night which helps preserving its temperature.
We will be happy to return to this great place again at any time.
Our stay has been a extremely recreating experience with a nice English host couple in an traditional French rural setting, providing our kids with a fantastic Italian cooking on the 1st evening which eventually led to a Sauce Bolognaise contest between Derek and ourselves ;-)
We really learnt to love that place!!!

Les Tilleuls is the perfect place to keep the children occupied during their half term breaks from school. With three acres of meadow for ball games, kite flying, badminton or boules along with the swings and bicycles, child seat provided for our youngest, the four children were always ready for their meals and beds.
We stayed in La Grange as two mums and four under eights in both May and October although out of season the kids enjoyed the pool, regardless of the water temperature.
The accommodation is spacious and well equipped, beds comfortable and the owners could not have been more helpful to our and the childrens demands, with useful tips for trips out.
We'll return with other halves in the summertime.