Reviews of Property: Summary of La Vieille Etable. 6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12

The Gites are very well furnished, comfortable and in an excellent location. As our family is forever growing we were looking for somewhere that could accommodate all 16 of us and the dogs! We occupied the two gites for two weeks in August 2007 the weather wasn’t particularly good, but there was still plenty for everyone to enjoy. During the thunderstorms there was plenty of space to sit quietly reading a book, play games, watch the telly even play indoor table tennis and when the weather was dry we enjoyed garden games or time by the pool.

There is plenty of space to walk and play with the dogs and some lovely places to visit close by.

Ian & Linda are very friendly owners who provide an excellent service. A fantastic holiday had by all.

It was around five years ago when we first saw the property known as Le Grand Bois. A typically old French farmhouse with numerous barns and outbuildings all set around an internal courtyard which was home to two adopted, feral and very untouchable cats. Linda and Ian had owned the property for about two years at that stage and had sympathetically converted the farmhouse into a modern home for themselves with all creature comforts without losing the French style of architecture and internal ambience.

The barns and outbuildings had yet to be converted into gites, and from their condition at the time, it seemed a daunting if not impossible task. However, having recently seen the results of their labours, Linda and Ian should now be justly proud of their efforts in providing luxury accommodation for their guests in traditional French style.

With their new roof structures completed, the gites are spotlessly clean, very nicely furnished with comfortable beds, well-fitted bathrooms and kitchens and both have wood-burning stoves for those chilly evenings. Outside there are paved terraces with tables and seating to go with the barbecues provided for alfresco dining on the warmer sunny evenings. A wellcome pack of basic foods for breakfast and the bottle of wine on the table adds the finishing touch.

On entering their own farmhouse, it didn’t escape our notice that the feral cats had now made themselves at home as well on their own individual blankets and just love being made a fuss of, obviously, old barns are not the only things that have been converted.

There is a beautiful swimming pool in a sunny position for guests, all surrounded by an orchard and open fields, offering a very peaceful country setting. Nearby towns have several supermarkets for provisions, along with local shops and restaurants. A very relaxing spot to get away from things, with the back-up of Linda and Ian on the premises to help out with anything you need and advice on visiting the nearby towns and attractions. Well worth a visit.

When you think of a holiday in France you have an image of superb food and even better wines and then the reality of finding suitable accommodation sets in.

Big cities are not really a holiday if you already live in a big city in your home country - so you plan to head for the countryside and wonder what sort of accommodation is available - no Ritz or Hilton in the country side - maybe some small hotel/motel with a one or two star rating. Even at home these small motels are a hit and miss affair.

What about a B&B, they can be good sometimes. Then someone suggests a 'gite'. Never heard of one of those - something like a 'cottage' maybe? Oh why not, we'll give it a go.......

We have travelled throughout England, Wales, USA, Southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand and have never found anything as good as Le Grand Bois in the tiny village of Angeduc.

Not only has the property been beautifully renovated by a brilliant Architect, the owners, Ian and Linda would have to be the best hosts we have ever meet anywhere in the countries in which we have travelled.

There is a welcoming bottle of good wine placed in the Gite to set the mood for a great holiday. And it doesn't stop there - everything you need to make you comfortable is thoughtfully included.

With accommodation way beyond expectations the rest is up to you - we travelled throughout the Charente area, usually full day outings and returning to the gite with local produce and wine for a great evenings fare.

Despite a 23 hour flight for us to travel to France from Australia we will be back at Le Grand Bois for our next holiday, this time with all our family (12 people altogether - three generations) and will be looking forward to once again catching up with Ian and Linda and enjoying another bottle of wine or two.

Oh! did I mention the wine???

We stayed here in the Gite for 2 weeks in summer 2007 and could not have been more pleased. The only thing that they could not do for us was change the weather, but this was not under their control. They even accommodated last minute change in travel arrangements.
Its a good area to explore and house hunt, if thats what you want to do, location and accommodation perfect, owners delightful. There is nothing more to say!