Reviews of Property: Summary of La Châtaigne 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12

We had a week here with family and friends and throughly enjoyed ourselves. The pace of life slowed down beautifully - lots of time for cooking in the big open-plan kitchen, long lunches in the shade on the terrace overlooking the pool, a stroll before supper in the woods on the hill, and barbecues by night before stargazing and restful sleep. The building is full of French charm and character, clean, well-decorated and with all mod cons. Bedrooms have comfy beds, with great spaces downstairs for socialising. There's a hefty swimming pool too. The whole thing is on a rolling hillside, screened off from a small road by trees - you really feel like you're well away from any hustle and bustle - yet it's just a short walk to the local village for bread and beers. Jo and John were excellent hosts - helpful, welcoming and with fantastic local knowledge. Get them to point you in the direction of the foie gras restaurant!

We were a party of six (older) ladies, and we enjoyed a most excellent stay in the Barn at Les Taloches in June 2008. You cannot fault any aspect; we were all most appreciative of the lovely furnishings - most particularly that wonderful baronial table! The weather wasn't good, so evenings we had imagined around the pool were instead happy sprawlings before roaring log fires with books from the library upstairs. We made good use of the games room- huge fun- as well as exploring this lovely area. Very highly recommended.

What more is there to say! I agree with all three of the previous reviews. I have sadly only been once in '08 but would love to return. We went in the height of the summer so it was lovely to just relax by the pool but we did manage several local must see sights on Jo's recommendations. We were part of a large group of people all of different ages (two small children) & activity levels but everyone was catered for. Superb. You find it exactly as advertised here.

Having enjoyed two summer holidays at les taloches I would not hesitate in recommending it as a holiday destinations for large groups either with or without children. The accomodation and facilities are excellent combining traditonal French country charm with modern amenities. Both properties are well maintained and the owners Jo and John are excellent hosts, striking a good balance between being available and giving their guests space and privacy to enjoy their holiday.

We have been three times now, that is to Les Taloches, which is lovingly cared for by the owners Jo and John (who are helpful whilst respecting your privacy). We have stayed in both houses and have not found any better in France or Italy. The houses are traditional spendour, set in amazing countryside, with swimming pools large enough to accomodate sun bathers and kids alike. What we love so much about Les Talouches is the atmospehere, a week or two here restores the spirit and the soul. On every occassion the weather was perfection which allows for evening BBQs with a few Gin and Tonics by the pool as the kids sleep in the house following an exhausting day of playing. And their is lots of playing to do. John and Jo have bikes which you are free to use. The beautiful countryside also offers a river which allows for canoeing as well as boozy picnics. The local surrouondings offer fantasic walks into the woods and local countryside and if you want some shopping action, the nearby towns offer all you could want.
Once you are there you spend very little. A huge hyper market provides for all your holiday food and drink at very, very reasonable prices so once you get there this is not the holiday that will break the bank.

We will continue to return and recommend to our friends -all of which have come back loving it!

Miss it and miss out!

We visited Les Taloches in July 2008 for two weeks - first week with one set of grandparents and siblings and the 2nd with the others - 11 and 12 people in total.

We had a fabulous time - the house and pool were wonderful and we had everything we needed for a big family ranging from 4 years to 74 years!!

Everything you need is there, lovely grounds, peaceful and quiet, great games room and boule pitch for 'tournaments' pretty patio for soaking up the sun with your morning coffee and croissants.

Hope we'll be back soon.

We have done a couple of trips to Les Taloches now and have stayed in both properties, on both a family holiday (at xmas) and with friends - perfect for both!

Jo and John (the owners) have described the properties very accurately, and the houses and pools are maintained in immaculate condition.

There is loads to do for both adults and the kids (lots of pool toys in the garage in La Chataigne!). Bikes are provided (there are about 8 of them) and on the last trip we did a fun canoe trip down the nearby river. The houses are also great in winter (we were there Dec '07), and were super cosy. Lunches and suppers around the huge trestle table in Le Grange, and both houses have roaring log fires (wood is provided, although the boys rather enjoyed chopping their own in the courtyard!).

The local chateau is worth a visit and there are 3 lovely restaurants in the nearby town of Hautefort, with hundreds of others a short drive away - fois gras and carnard are the local specialities!

Jo and John are charming hosts and can tell you anything you need to know about the local area, although it is also a great place to just go and explore. I would thoroughly recommend either of these houses, and will most definitely be returning again.