Relaxation and rustic charm in stunning setting
Review Submitted: June 26, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
We're just back from a week's holiday at White Shutters, with my parents, sister and brother-in-law and their baby and my husband and our toddler. The house is about a six hour drive from Caen. The owners gave very clear directions to the house, and it was also found by the sat-nav.
The description of the house was very accurate. The owners recently bought the property and having booked the holiday, I'd been following their blog to see the progress of the renovations. The house seems to be a labour of love for the owners who were extremely nice, helpful and offered very good customer service and advice. Their website is very useful and has a floor plan, pictures and local information.
The house has lots of character with enough room to give everybody space. It's very secluded and set in beautiful rural surroundings. The kitchen has everything you'd need - including two fridges. The huge outdoor patio table with gazebo was perfect for alfresco dining both in the day and the evening. We had plans to go out for dinner a couple of times, but it was just too relaxing to sit outside each evening and enjoy the serenity and a couple of games of pool.
Staying with a baby and very busy toddler was easy. There are two brand-new IKEA high chairs, booster seats and importantly, stair gates at the top and bottom of the staircase. The pool gate is very secure, which gave us peace of mind. The owners had left toys for the children, including a Little Tikes ride on truck, which was the highlight of my toddler's holiday.
The swimming pool is large and had plenty of inflatable toys as well as a paddling pool, which was a nice touch for the smaller guests. There's a table and chairs and six loungers around the pool, which gets the sun all day.
It's a short cycle to get bread each morning and a five minute drive to the nearest town for shops and the market. Cognac and Saintes are about 30 minutes away and are worth a visit. There are lots of villages to explore by bike if you're feeling active. There's a market twice weekly in Aulnay, but we found it quite pricey.
I would definitely recommend this property to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway with family or friends. We wanted somewhere that was a home from home, with a private pool. We all felt extremely relaxed after a week here and would have loved to stay longer. It offers very good value for money accommodation. I'd love to go back.
Owner's Response: As owners, we have had many gite holidays with our own three children from when they were babies, through to their teenage years. We have tried to make White Shutters as welcoming and practical and as stress free as possible for parents, whether holidaying with extended family and/or friends. We just want everyone to have a great but relaxing time, whatever their age!
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