Le Poulailler (the Henhouse) - perfect for all your gatherings

This house is a wonderful find! We plan to come back next year. It is really two separate homes connected by an interior door and unified by a wrap-around porch. Each home has its own large kitchen, its own large laundry room, and most remarkably, its own huge loft. Each of the two lofts could have been divided into five large bedrooms -- no exaggeration -- which would have made this a 14-bedroom home. Instead, there are two completely separate huge lofts, each with its own staircase, and each of which has lots of comfortable furniture, including multiple futons and couches. Each loft can sleep 6 people on the futons and couches, and dozens more with air mattresses. There are big-screen TVs in both lofts, and also a pool table and half-bath in one loft. Both lofts have large windows with a great view of the treetops and lake. Each loft is open to the first floor, creating a connected feel throughout each of the two homes. This house is ideal for having both a quiet home and a lively home side by side, connected by the single door. When that door is closed, you can't hear anything through the thick separating wall. This house is huge! It is bigger than a 7-bedroom home on Lake Gaston that I've stayed in for the last several years, and also has more baths than that 7-bedroom home. And it has 17 ceiling fans! The entire home has been creatively and tastefully furnished by the owners. Clearly the decorating was done as a labor of love, with many items carefully chosen and collected over a period of years. The couple who own it are exceptionally responsive by phone or email, and the women who care for the property are also extremely helpful. A small drawback: the huge peaceful porch could use a coat of exterior paint. This makes it all the more surprising to walk inside the house and find a flawless and very attractive interior. The lake view isn't as dramatic as from some lake homes because there are some trees between the home and the lake. The lake peeks out from between the trees, which is nicer in some ways than an unbroken view of the lake. The outdoor porch has shade trees and outdoor ceiling fans, making it comfortable even on the warmest day. I liked this house so much that I found myself wishing that I could stay here year-round. At least I can look forward to a week here next year.

Our family had a great time at the Henhouse which is quite large. The house has a wonderful location on the lake and a dock which our grandchildren enjoyed jumping off of. Steve & Debbie, the owners of the house, and Tina, the caretaker, were all very accommodating. When we reported that the AC filters were dirty, Tina brought in new ones the next day. We had 14 family members there and we could all fit at the two tables in the dining room. We rented a pontoon for 2 days from a marina that Steve recommended and we were able to tied it up at the dock over night. We have many great family memories from our long weekend at the Henhouse. One of our granddaughters said she wished it would never end.

We stayed at the Henhouse and it was a wonderfully relaxing vacation. The home was comfortable for all of us. At one time we had 14, and everyone slept peacefully and undisturbed, with room for even more if needed. The two lofts are the coolest things ever. The teens stayed on the Northside and watched movies, with adults right below playing games and you would never know it. The 2 kitchens were great for prepping meals with The Bistro offering great views of the lake. We were not able to get cell service, which was WONDERFUL, and with the tv's in the lofts, the kids talked and played, and never got to text, adults disconnected from life and totally enjoyed our vacation. The porch was pleasant, even with record temps in the area, you would never know it was as hot as it was. The main bedooms beds were as comfortable as any bed I've slept in. Awesome. Futons for the teens and young kids were easy, and they never felt they were crowded. Those lofts could sleep 50 per side. It was great. We rented a boat from Holly Grove Marina and a speedboat from Morningstar Marina and it was great for all of us to enjoy the lake. Tina the caretaker came by to check on us, and take trash out daily but was never intrusive. With all linens provided, all we needed were lake towels, which is a nice touch. The kids fished right off the deck which as the owner stated, is literally about 20 feet from the house, and were able to clean and prep our catch at your fish cleaning station below. The kitchen had every tool needed to make great meals with plenty of dishes for large groups. Even having spices there made for easier packing for us. We made great meals using the spices you have there for guests. GREAT vacation. VERY relaxing. Just what the Dr. ordered. Owners are very accommodating, and house is EXCELLENT for large groups, teens, and short getaways. Pictures don't do the size and space of this house justice. Would go back again in a heartbeat. THANKS!