Charente Vacation Rental cottage: La Tuiliere, Cherves-Chatelars

This holiday was perfect for us and our two girls (5 and 2 years old). The gite was extremely comfortable, well equipped and tastefully decorated. Our girls particularly loved their mezzanine bedroom. Just outside the gite is a terrace ideal for a late morning coffee and croissant before shaping up for a table tennis tournament. Right next door to the games room is an art room ideal for keeping two young girls occupied.
The grounds were very picturesque. We loved relaxing in the sunshine looking out over the farmer's fields with the chateaux just beyond.
There is plenty to do in the local area but we tended to head for the beaches on the nearby lakes. They were pretty, quiet and with good facilities.
All in all a great holiday.

Despite our late arrival (10.00pm), we had a warm and enthusiastic welcome from James & Tamsin. When we woke (our group consisted of two adults and a 10 year old boy) and saw the property in the daylight we realise what a wonderful location we were in.
Area: La Toulilere is located in rolling farmland with wooded hills, the nearest other property is across a field. The property lies back off a country road and is accessed via a long tree lined drive.
The Gite: Is at one end of the main farm building. The ground floor was very light, well appointed with stone floors and plenty of space.
On the first floor was a large bedroom with plenty of storage and hangers. The bathroom was accessed through the bedroom and very well fitted with a fabulous shower and bidet. The only toilet was in the bathroom.
The second bedroom was accessed by a flight of stairs from the main bedroom, even with three single beds in place there was still plenty of room, perfect for children.
We stepped out of the door into a very large covered terrace, perfect for open air meals and just lounging if the sun was too strong. The front of the terrace was open and overlooked the front lawns; a gate in the rear wall accessed the extensive gardens and swimming pool. There were unobstructed views of the countryside in all directions.
Our Holiday: We only had 6 days but they were so relaxed it felt much longer. James & Tamsin have children who welcomed our boy as a playmate without imposing themselves on us at all. There were plenty of local villages and towns to visit, we found Confolens very picturesque. The lakes were stunning with spotless beaches, good safe swimming (no powered craft) and reasonable bars & cafe's.
We took advantage of the bikes and rode to some of the local villages, however it is quite hilly so we did not go as far as planned.
We tended to have breakfast and evening meal at the gite with lunch out. The local Spar and butcher provided good food which we cooked on the barbecue and stove. Lunch was easy to find and "Plat de Jour" is usually very reasonable, the Bar Tabac in Cherves-Chatelars yielded a very conventional French Lunch 5 courses including 1ltr of water and 1ltr of good red wine for a total of 33 euros! not only that they sold the cheapest fuel in the area.
Final Comments: Fantastic!!

Ein wundervoller Ort zum Erholen erwartete uns bei den ausgesprochen herzlichen Vermietern. Die Räumlichkeiten sind liebevoll eingerichtet, mit einer Wohnzimmer-Küchenetage im Erdgeschoss, einem Schlafzimmer mit angrenzendem Badezimmer in der 1.Etage sowie einem weiteren Schlafbereich in der 2.Etaage mit 3 Einzelbetten. Unsere Kinder (7 und 2 Jahre) haben sich mehr als wohl im großen Pool bzw. Babybecken und m riesigen Garten mit Schaukel, Hängematte und Tischtenniplatte gefühlt. Nach einer Abkühlung im Pool konnten wir uns auf den Liegestühlen unserer Lekttüre widmen. Herrlich!!! So kann mn sich entspannen! In der Umgebung gibt es zahlreiche Dinge zu besichtigen (z.B. Activity-Park,Tropteinhöhle oder eine Tour durch eine Cognac-Brennerei). Uns hat es ein paar mal an den nahegelegenen See gezogen, der uns herrliche Stunden bereitet hat. Selbet unsere 2-Jährige war nicht mehr aus dem Wasser zu bekommen. Nochmals ein herzliches Dankeschön für eine wirklich schön Woche. Thank you again for an wonderful week at your place!!!