Maison Poutrelles

About this property

Watch morning sunrises and evening sunsets from Maison Poutrelles’ glorious garden surrounded by vineyards. This Maison de Maître is set in the sunny Charente-Maritime of south-western France offering seclusion, authenticity and beautiful surroundings, close to the historic market town of Jonzac.

The setting is indeed idyllic – listen to birdsong as you sip your morning coffee on the terrace and hear the sound of owls as you rest at night. Maison Poutrelles sleeps up to 10 guests across the house and garden annexe. Guests can expect high standards alongside traditional features here – relax in the elegant living room overlooking the garden, chill out in the TV lounge with its Smart TV and cook up a wealth of regional delights in the wonderful kitchen, brilliantly equipped including Smeg appliances.

On the first floor there are three pretty bedrooms including the master double with a king-size bed, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom alongside two further double bedrooms. The attic bedroom also features air-conditioning and there is a delightful garden annexe with a king-size bed, en suite, sofa and kitchenette for peaceful breakfasts overlooking the grounds. Back to the main house, the family bathroom features a roll-top bath and there is a family shower room upstairs.

With 3.5 acres of gardens and grounds, spend long summer days outside playing boules, football, badminton and other relaxing games followed by delicious lunches next to the summer kitchen with its open fire. Admire apple and fruit trees across the lawns, play table tennis in the open barn, watch kids have fun on the trampoline and make the most of the fantastic indoor swimming pool, reached via sliding doors from the gardens, front and back. As the end of a busy day approaches, walk up to the bench perfectly positioned to enjoy the romantic sunset, perhaps accompanied by a glass of Pineau des Charentes.

Jonzac is just a 10-minute drive away with its restaurants, shops, historic castle and, on the edge of the town, thermal baths and summer Base de Loisirs. A bustling market takes place three mornings a week, there’s a twice-yearly brocante, jazz concerts in July and August and an atmospheric night market on Wednesday evenings when you can enjoy good local food, wine and live music.

Come across local wineries producing wine, Cognac and Pineau des Charentes, cycle or hike past vineyards, farmland and wooded trails and admire the beauty of Lac Bleu de Guizengeard. Within half an hour is the handsome town of Cognac, loved not just for its distilleries but also its historic centre and riverside setting with boat trips and canoeing along the Charente.

Wine and history lovers alike will also appreciate some of France’s most famous wine destinations within an hour including Margaux, Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux. You may prefer instead to spend the day by the coast in charming Royan or venture a little further to Île d'Oléron or Île de Ré, two of France’s magnificent Atlantic islands for more incredible landscapes and sweeping sandy beaches.

In the countryside of sunny Charente-Maritime in south-west France, Maison Poutrelles is set in beautiful grounds just a short drive south of the small market town of Jonzac (7.5km).

If flying, Bordeaux Airport (87km) is just over an hour away whilst the nearest train station is in Jonzac (change at Bordeaux if arriving from Paris). A pre-booked taxi can take you to Maison Poutrelles but please note that a car is needed to be able to fully explore the region.

Pass vineyards and farmland as you approach the house, situated around 200m off a country road leading to the local village. The small local village (2.2km) is home to a depot de pain, Post Office and Pharmacy and there’s a restaurant just 3.5km away. Two large supermarkets, shops a a choice of restaurants can be found in Jonzac.

Jonzac (7.5km) is such a wonderful place to spend time, loved especially for its grand castle and natural thermal baths. The bustling market takes place on a Tuesday, Friday and Saturday morning and look out for the summer market (mid-June to mid-September) on a Wednesday evening where you can enjoy good local food, wine and atmospheric live music. The town also hosts an antiques market (brocante) in June and October as well as jazz concerts in the height of the summer.

Close to Jonzac you can tour vineyards producing wine, cognac and Pineau des Charentes (a local sweet wine) including Cognac Bertrand (10km), dating back to the 18th century. Further afield, wine connoisseurs will also be keen to spend time in some of France’s finest wine destinations including Margaux (60km), Saint-Émilion (77km) and Bordeaux (79km).

Of course, Cognac (35km) is also known for its vineyards and distilleries, an attractive historic town by the banks of the Charente – look out for Cognac tasting on the river alongside summer boat trips and canoeing opportunities. Over recent years Cognac has also gained a great reputation for its gastronomy and there are some excellent restaurants in the historic centre.

Meanwhile, enjoy long walks and cycle rides through the French countryside along vineyard trails and wooded paths. Follow the hiking paths or hire bikes and discover a wealth of wonderful cycling routes around Jonzac and beyond via the “Loopi” app.

This part of south-western France has so many other highlights for a superb day out including the charming seaside town of Royan (65km), the historically significant city of Saintes (48km) and the wonderful Atlantic islands, Île d'Oléron and Île de Ré, both easily reached from the mainland in just over a 90-minute drive.

Accommodation

Maison Interiors
Main Floor
-    Entrance hall with doors leading to front garden and courtyard garden
-    Lounge with sofas
-    Dining room with table for 8 guests
-    TV lounge with Smart TV (Amazon firestick/Sky TV/giving access to UK terrestrial channels and French channels), working fireplace and doors opening to front terrace
-    Kitchen, well-equipped including Smeg appliances (range, gas hobs, fridge-freezer), dishwasher, coffee maker, kettle, toaster, microwave and table and chairs
-    Laundry room
-    Family bathroom with roll-top bath, sink and WC

First Floor

-    Bedroom 1 with king-size double bed, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
-    Bedroom 2 with king-size double bed
-    Bedroom 3 with double bed
-    Family bathroom with walk-in shower, sink and WC

Attic Level

-    Loft-style bedroom 4 with queen-size double bed and air-conditioning

Garden Annexe

-    Bedroom 5 with double bed, sofa and side kitchenette with cooker, hob, fridge, dishwasher, kettle, toaster and coffee machine
-    Bathroom with shower, sink and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Indoor swimming pool (9x4m, depth: 0.9-1.5m) heated (via heat pump) approximately March to October, with retractable safety cover and reached via three sets of sliding doors opening out to garden
-    Poolside lighting (for nighttime use) and sofa/sun-loungers  
-    Sun loungers (x8), deck chairs (x2) and parasols (x2)
-    Outdoor kitchen with open stone fireplace, sink, fridge/freezer, built-in barbecue and al-fresco dining area  
-    Portable gas and charcoal Weber barbecues
-    Separate al-fresco dining terrace
-    Outdoor fire pit
-    Open barn with table tennis
-    Boules pitch
-    Portable football goals (5-a-side)
-    Badminton/volleyball net
-    Other outdoor games (tennis rackets, swing ball, balls)
-    Trampoline
-    Fruit trees (figs, apples and cherry)
-    Secured well (x2)
-    Ponds (x2) – usually dry in summer
-    Garden and parkland (3.5 acres)