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DELIGHTFUL STONE COTTAGE, PEACEFUL COUNTRYSIDE, GOOD ACCESS TO BEACHES

 
 
 
Saintes area cottage rental - Cottage with south facing garden with terrace
Cottage with south facing garden with terrace
  • Saintes area cottage rental - Cottage with south facing garden with terrace
    2013 living space.
    Main living area, full height beamed space with stone walls. (photo April 2013)
    Spring time daffodils and the warming fire
    Fully equipped kitchen april 2013
  • Saintes area cottage rental - Kitchen and living area with exposed stone walls
    Upstairs bedroom with two comfortable single beds
    Shower cubicle
    Shower room facilities
    Under the shade of the Albezia tree
  • Saintes area cottage rental - The garden and farmland beyond
    Entrance to Benèze, hollyhocks and the bergerie
    Kitchen and dining area
    Gemozac public swimming pool with slide and paddling pool
    View of the garden and countryside beyond
  • Saintes area cottage rental - Ding-dong, your front doorbell complete with a charentais cagouille.
    Peaceful and attractive ports along the estuary
    Romanesque architecture abounds in the local area, here is nearby Rioux
    The abundance of local markets, here the market by the cathedral in Saintes.
    Cognac still in the neighbouring farm
 
Saintes area cottage rental - Cottage with south facing garden with terrace

Cottage with south facing garden with terrace

2013 living space.

2013 living space.

Main living area, full height beamed space with stone walls. (photo April 2013)

Main living area, full height beamed space with stone walls. (photo April 2013)

Spring time daffodils and the warming fire

Spring time daffodils and the warming fire

Fully equipped kitchen april 2013

Fully equipped kitchen april 2013

Kitchen and living area with exposed stone walls

Kitchen and living area with exposed stone walls

Upstairs bedroom with two comfortable single beds

Upstairs bedroom with two comfortable single beds

Shower cubicle

Shower cubicle

Shower room facilities

Shower room facilities

Under the shade of the Albezia tree

Under the shade of the Albezia tree

The garden and farmland beyond

The garden and farmland beyond

Entrance to Benèze, hollyhocks and the bergerie

Entrance to Benèze, hollyhocks and the bergerie

Kitchen and dining area

Kitchen and dining area

Gemozac public swimming pool with slide and paddling pool

Gemozac public swimming pool with slide and paddling pool

View of the garden and countryside beyond

View of the garden and countryside beyond

Ding-dong, your front doorbell complete with a charentais cagouille.

Ding-dong, your front doorbell complete with a charentais cagouille.

Peaceful and attractive ports along the estuary

Peaceful and attractive ports along the estuary

Romanesque architecture abounds in the local area, here is nearby Rioux

Romanesque architecture abounds in the local area, here is nearby Rioux

The abundance of local markets, here the market by the cathedral in Saintes.

The abundance of local markets, here the market by the cathedral in Saintes.

Cognac still in the neighbouring farm

Cognac still in the neighbouring farm

  • Per night £50 - £65
  • Per week £165 - £510
  • Per month £625
USD Conversion (ESTIMATED)
Per night (USD) $76 - $98
Per week $249 - $771
Per month $945
  • Bedrooms2
  • Sleeps4

Photos and Description of the Saintes area vacation cottage rental
Well equipped with private garden and open views over the surrounding farmland

Our two-bedroom country cottage in Charente-Maritime is comfortable for up to four people. The cottage is a tucked away in the peaceful hamlet of Chatenet near Cravans in Saintonge Romane region of Charente Maritime. Built from local stone the facade is south-facing with a tiled terrace and private walled garden to the front.

The main double french doors from the terrace open into the full-height living space with exposed beams, stone walls and fireplace with wood-burning stove. There is ample space for the seating, dining and kitchen areas in this room. The kitchen area is fitted with high quality units, a full-sized cooker, 11/2 bowl sink, dish washer and fridge/freezer. The main, ground floor, double bedroom has stone walls and tiled floor; the double glazed window and door open directly onto the terrace. Shower room and separate toilet are also on the ground floor. Stairs lead to the second twin bedded room. Lockable stone built out-house with a washing machine & storage space.

Benèze: Benèze is a local dialect word which means 'feeling happy and at ease'. Loosely 'Je suis benèze' could be translated as I am cool or I am chilled. We chose the name for our cottage many years ago because it summed up how we always felt when we were on holiday there over 20 years worth of visits. Now we have moved permanently to France and experienced our own 'Grand Design' self-design building project whilst living full-time at Beneze and we want you to enjoy being 'beneze' too.

To help you get the Beneze buzz, we are always at hand in our home just between Chatenet and Cravans. Our aim is to leave you in perfect peace to experience this special place, but you will know we are nearby if help is needed.

Benèze is not part of a 'gîte complex', it is a stand-alone, detached property.

Off-season short and long lets: A short break or a longer stay to refresh and reflect. Talk to us about what you want to achieve and we will see if we can help. With the low-cost airlines offering deals outside normal holiday times why not take advantage and spend a few days in a completely different environment? All the downstairs rooms in Beneze have electric radiators and the wood-burning stove offers the possibility of snuggling down by the fire with a drop or two of the local produce. We can stock the cupboard and fridge for you (milk, bread, champagne, oysters etc.) just give us your shopping list and we will give you an estimate of the cost.

Terms for long lets are negotiable.

Activities and culture: Charente Maritime works hard to maintain its reputation as a attractive holiday destination. That's not just about clean, sandy beaches and sunshine. There are a host of events throughout the summer months from the classical music festival in Saintes and blues festival in Cognac, evening concerts in the local churches and 'proms' on the beach in Royan to the village atmosphere of the quatorze juillet celebrations down the road in Cravans. There really is a lot on offer.

The history of the area is much in evidence with the remains in the ancient Roman city of Saintes the excavations of the Roman port at Fa near Barzan. The old fortified port towns of Rochefort and Brouage are nearby and La Rochelle is worth a day trip. Or just wander round the local villages to admire the dressed stone Maisons de Maitre that speak of the rich heritage of the area.

Then there are all these vineyards. Whether it is wine, pineau the local aperitif or cognac there is an unlimited supply of places to visit

More Details
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About Martin Thatcher

Hi, we are Anne and Martin Thatcher, your hosts and the owners of Benèze. We have owned Benèze for nearly 30 years and have been residents of Cravans since 2007. Anne is French and Martin is English. Prior to moving to retire in France we lived in England. Apart from England and France we have also lived and worked in Belgium and Switzerland.

Our aim is for you to have the best holiday possible and we will do our utmost to help you achieve this.

Martin Thatcher purchased this cottage in 1986
Why Martin Thatcher chose Saintes area

Following a holiday spent in a rented a cottage in Chatenet we bought a tumble-down farm building that was destined to become Benèze and our family, holiday home for more than twenty years. Over that time both the cottage and the Charente Maritime region gave us the peace and tranquility that makes for restful, fun and reinvigorating time away from the pressures of work.

What makes this cottage unique

Benèze is first and foremost a family holiday home that we created over the years. It is not just a property that we bought with the idea that we would let it to provide an income.

The cottage is completely self-contained and independent (not part of a 'complex') we live nearby but not next door.

Saintes area cottage rental - Cottage with south facing garden with terrace

Cottage with south facing garden with terrace

2013 living space.

2013 living space.

Main living area, full height beamed space with stone walls. (photo April 2013)

Main living area, full height beamed space with stone walls. (photo April 2013)

Spring time daffodils and the warming fire

Spring time daffodils and the warming fire

Fully equipped kitchen april 2013

Fully equipped kitchen april 2013

Kitchen and living area with exposed stone walls

Kitchen and living area with exposed stone walls

Upstairs bedroom with two comfortable single beds

Upstairs bedroom with two comfortable single beds

Shower cubicle

Shower cubicle

Shower room facilities

Shower room facilities

Under the shade of the Albezia tree

Under the shade of the Albezia tree

The garden and farmland beyond

The garden and farmland beyond

Entrance to Benèze, hollyhocks and the bergerie

Entrance to Benèze, hollyhocks and the bergerie

Kitchen and dining area

Kitchen and dining area

Gemozac public swimming pool with slide and paddling pool

Gemozac public swimming pool with slide and paddling pool

View of the garden and countryside beyond

View of the garden and countryside beyond

Ding-dong, your front doorbell complete with a charentais cagouille.

Ding-dong, your front doorbell complete with a charentais cagouille.

Peaceful and attractive ports along the estuary

Peaceful and attractive ports along the estuary

Romanesque architecture abounds in the local area, here is nearby Rioux

Romanesque architecture abounds in the local area, here is nearby Rioux

The abundance of local markets, here the market by the cathedral in Saintes.

The abundance of local markets, here the market by the cathedral in Saintes.

Cognac still in the neighbouring farm

Cognac still in the neighbouring farm

Nearest Airport : Bordeaux at 100 Kilometres
Nearest Ferry : St Malo at 433 Kilometres
Nearest Train : Pons at 15 Kilometres
Nearest Motorway : Pons at 12 Kilometres
Nearest Beach : St Georges de Didonne at 25 Kilometres
Nearest Barpub : Cravans at 1 Kilometres
Nearest Restaurant : Gemozac at 5 Kilometres
Car: recommended

Located on the west coast of France just 100 kilometres north of Bordeaux, Benèze is 12 kilometres from the nearest exit of the main north-south, Paris to Bordeaux A10 autoroute that connects to all the channel ports. The nearest airports are Bordeaux and La Rochelle both of which are well served by low-cost airlines from UK during the summer months, Bordeaux also has year-round scheduled and low cost flights from London. Eurostar/TGV trains from Paris stop at Angouleme with connections to Saintes, or from Bordeaux trains arrive at Pons.

Gemozac 5km is the nearest town of consequence with supermarket, shops, post office, doctors etc. Saintes is the most active of the nearby towns with daily food markets and plenty of restaurants. The coast is within easy reach with a wealth of resources from the small fishing and recreational ports along the estuary, the resort beaches of St Georges, Royan etc. to the more open, natural beaches of the Grande Cote and Cote Sauvage.

Other Activities: music festivals, village fetes, fireworks on the beach, cultural visits

Golf: For the golfer the immediate area offers three main options 1) the Saintes golf course in Fontcouverte just to the north-east of Saintes 2) the Royan course that is near the Grande Cote and 3) Cognac golf course.

Available
  
Unavailable
Special Offer
Updated:
May 24, 2013
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Changeover Day: saturday

Rental Rates for this vacation cottage rental in Saintes area, France

Rental Basis:
Per property
Rental rates quoted in:
British Pound
Convert Currency
Rate Period Nightly Weekend Night Weekend Weekly Monthly Event Minimum Stay
 
Early summer
May 18 2013 - Jun 28 2013
£65
£65
£310
3 Nights
 
 
Summer
Jun 29 2013 - Aug 31 2013
£495
1 Week
 
 
Late summer
Sep 1 2013 - Oct 5 2013
£65
£65
£320
3 Nights
 
 
Autumn
Oct 6 2013 - Nov 9 2013
£50
£50
£260
3 Nights
 
 
Winter
Nov 10 2013 - Mar 28 2014
£165
£625
2 Weeks
 
 
Spring
Mar 29 2014 - May 16 2014
£50
£50
£275
3 Nights
 
 
Early summer
May 17 2014 - Jun 27 2014
£65
£65
£315
3 Nights
 
 
Summer 2014
Jun 28 2014 - Sep 5 2014
£510
1 Week
 

Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency (British Pound) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.

Notes

  • A deposit 30% of rental cost for the period of the reservation is payable in order to confirm the booking. The balance of the full rental cost is payable 8 weeks before the start of the rental period.
  • Winter lets - electricity metered and charged at cost, extra wood for stove available at cost.
  • Owner accepts payment in sterling into UK bank account or Euros into French bank account

Accommodation and Amenities for this vacation cottage rental in Saintes area, France

Property Type:
  • cottage (detached)
Meals:
  • Guests provide their own meals
Floor Area:
  • 75 m²
  • 2 stories
Location Type:
  • Near The Ocean
  • Rural
Theme:
  • Tourist Attractions
  • Family
General:
  • Washing Machine
  • Wood Stove
  • Local Maps
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron & Board
  • Parking
  • Firewood
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Activities Guide
  • Parking Off Street
  • Linens Provided ...
    Bed linen - sheets duvet covers and pillow cases
  • Living Room ...
    Full height living room with exposed beams and stone walls. Comfortable and cosy.
Kitchen:
  • Dishes & Utensils
  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen
  • 4 Ring Stove
  • Toaster
  • Coffee Maker
  • Grill
  • Freezer
Dining:
  • Child's Highchair
  • Dining Area
  • seating for 4 people
Bedrooms:
  • 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4
  • Bedroom 1 - 1 queen , 1 double
    Bedroom 2 - 2 twin/ single
  • Bedroom 1 is on the ground floor with direct access to patio. Access to the first floor bedroom is via a relatively steep staircase and may not be suitable for toddlers or those with reduced mobility. A cot, high-chair and stair gate are available on request.
Entertainment:
  • Radio
  • DVD Player
  • Books for Adults
  • CD Player
  • Television
  • Stereo
  • Books
Outside:
  • Lawn / Garden
  • Bicycles
  • Patio
  • Deck / Patio ...
    South facing part shaded by attractive albezia tree.
  • Barbecue
  • Terrace
  • 4 garden chairs
  • 2 beach chairs
Suitability:
  • non smoking only
  • pets not allowed
  • Long-term Renters Welcome
  • children welcome ...
    A cot is available free of charge. Please bring your child's own bed linen.
  • suitable for elderly or infirm
Attractions:
  • winery tours
  • restaurants
  • churches
  • museums
  • ruins
  • zoo
  • water parks
  • cinemas
  • botanical garden
Leisure Activities:
  • bird watching
  • horseback riding
  • gambling casinos
  • scenic drives
  • walking
  • sight seeing
Local Services & Businesses:
  • groceries
  • medical services
  • ATM/bank
Sports & Adventure Activities:
  • hiking
  • tennis
  • wind-surfing
  • deepsea fishing
  • cycling
  • fishing
  • sailing
  • swimming
  • equestrian events
  • golf
  • surfing
Notes: The whole ground floor area and the tiled terrace are on one level with no steps or slopes.

Reviews for this vacation cottage rental in Saintes area, France

Delightful stone cottage, peaceful countryside, good access to beaches
average rating of 4.7777777 based on 12 reviews
business
Delightful stone cottage, peaceful countryside, good access to beaches
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p408080
+33 (0)546 906533
Saintes area Charente-Maritime
Yorkshire
4

Beautiful and traditional cottage

4 of 5
Submitted: November 14, 2012 Stayed: October 2012
The cottage is situated on the edge of a small village. It is in a hamlet of 4 or 5 homes including a farm. The cottage is surrounded by vineyards. It is in a beautiful rural location. The cottage is old but has all the mod cons. It is beautiful both outside and inside. Unfortunately we were not blessed with good weather and did not have the opportunity to sit outside. We enjoyed a drink with the owners of the house, Martin and Anne, who live close by and were very helpful. It is in a great spot to visit many of the great beaches and historic sites. We really enjoyed our stay and would recommend the cottage to anyone wanting to visit Charante Maritime.
business
Delightful stone cottage, peaceful countryside, good access to beaches
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p408080
+33 (0)546 906533
Saintes area Charente-Maritime
4

Peaceful and relaxing Benize

4 of 5
Submitted: August 13, 2012 Stayed: July 2012
A most enjoyable stay in a lovely area. Benize is a lovely cottage in a quiet and peaceful area yet close enough to lots of interesting and beautiful villages and chateaux. Martin and Anne are very welcoming and are on hand if you should need them.The area around Benize is flat enough to enjoy cycling around the area or just down to Cravans for your daily bread from the well stocked Boulangerie. Talmont and Meschers-sur Gironde are a must see and are no more than (1/2 hour) 25km away. Royan is also within easy reach as is the Zoo at La Palmyre. Family of 3 adults
Helpful votes: 2/2
business
Delightful stone cottage, peaceful countryside, good access to beaches
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p408080
+33 (0)546 906533
Saintes area Charente-Maritime
Guest Comment Entered by Owner
-1

Bénèze

Submitted: August 29, 2011 Stayed: July 2011
Famille: 2 adultes 2 enfants
Appréciation envoyée: 24 juillet 2011 Date de séjour: juillet 2011
Comme l'indique son nom Bénèze c'est la tranquillité. Propriétaires charmants et attentionnés qui vous font découvrir dès l'arrivée les produits locaux. Location propre et bien entretenue où nous avons passé un excellant séjour. Nous n'hésiterons pas à retourner dans ce gîte. Nous conseillons vivement cette location.
business
Delightful stone cottage, peaceful countryside, good access to beaches
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p408080
+33 (0)546 906533
Saintes area Charente-Maritime
5

A lovely week at Beneze cottage

5 of 5
Submitted: August 29, 2011 Stayed: August 2011
A beautiful cottage in a peaceful location. The cottage was clean and well equiped, including having a washing machine which was very useful. Our eleven year old daughter loved the updstairs bedroom.

Martin and Anne were very friendly and helpful and had provided a very useful information pack, including lots of leaflets on places to visit.

We would recommend the beaches at St Georges, there was lots of parking close to the beach. The zoo at La Palmyre was excellent, one of the best zoos we have been to. If you visit Bordeaux we would recommend using the park and ride which only cost 3E for the whole family including the tram. Saintes was lovely too, especially if you like looking at roman remains.

We would certainly recommend this cottage for a holiday.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Delightful stone cottage, peaceful countryside, good access to beaches
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p408080
+33 (0)546 906533
Saintes area Charente-Maritime
Worthing sussex England
5

Charming, relaxing retreat

5 of 5
Submitted: July 16, 2011 Stayed: June 2011
We were looking for a relaxing peaceful location for a well earned break from the hustle bustle of daily life back home. In Beneze we found just that!
The location is excellent for exploring the Charente Maratine, in which these are a few of our suggestions, Talmont, Mortagne sur Gironde, and Mornac seudre.
We highly recommend that during your stay you try le cottage restaurant in Arces, tres bon!
We made use of the bicycles, and could discover the local area on two wheels, great fun.
Anne and Martin where lovely hosts, they made us feel very welcome to Their lovely gite, we hope one day to return, until then we hope others have a lovely stay there as we did.
Thank you once again Martin and Anne.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, People with Disabilities, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 2/2
See All Reviews Write a Review
Payment Methods
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Contact the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

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