About this property
Just a short stroll from a French village, Maison d’Éte offers a refined take on rural French living. This beautifully renovated barn, set in the grounds of a pretty French château, is where cathedral-style ceilings, contemporary design and timeworn textures come together in harmony. From the moment you step inside, the space feels both expansive and intimate, a place designed to inspire slow mornings, relaxing afternoons and unhurried evenings.
The heart of the home is the stunning open-plan lounge and kitchen-diner, where oversized sofas invite long, lazy conversations beside the wood-burning stove. The newly fitted kitchen is sleek yet welcoming, anchored by a large dining table ready for family feasts and relaxed breakfasts alike. Patio doors open onto the swimming pool and beautiful Orangery.
Upstairs, three attractive double or twin bedrooms (one with an additional single bed) cater effortlessly for up to 7 guests, alongside two modern and stylish shower rooms.
Outside, your private pool is edged by decking with loungers, offering a tranquil retreat for warm summer days. The Orangery, with its barbecue, lounge area and generous dining space, is made for long lunches and leisurely evening meals. Meanwhile, the west-facing terrace is the perfect spot at sunset.
Around 700m away lies a typical French village, complete with a local café-bar, butcher and supermarket, all within walking distance. A short drive brings you to Cognac, just 13km away, for days filled with culture, cuisine and discovery. Meander through its cobbled streets, sample from world-famous distilleries or drift down the river by kayak or cruise boat.
Whether gathered with family or sharing moments with friends, Maison d’Éte captures the essence of French country living with style, ease and just the right touch of indulgence.
Set amid the golden landscapes of Charente-Maritime, Maison d'Éte enjoys a fantastic position on the edge of a traditional French village, just 13km north-west of Cognac. Surrounded by vineyards famed for their brandy production, this rural location offers an authentic taste of south-western France with easy access to charming towns and countryside pursuits.
Located just off the road connecting Cognac and Saint-Hilaire-de-Villefranche, guests can stroll to the village’s café-bar, butcher, pharmacy and a handy supermarket, while a nearby petrol station adds further convenience. The Abbaye de Fontdouce is just a short drive or a 30-minute walk away, offering family-friendly activities including a treetop adventure park.
Also close by is Paléosite, a fascinating museum and interactive park built on an ancient Neanderthal site, just a 10-minute drive from the house.
Being within such easy reach of Cognac (13km) is a real treat—this delightful riverside town is not only famed for its brandy but also offers a vibrant culinary scene. Discover its atmospheric old town, complete with a château and historic distilleries, or explore the more modern centre with lively boutiques and pavement cafés. The daily covered market is a treasure trove of regional produce, ideal for gathering ingredients for a riverside picnic. To enjoy the scenery, consider a leisurely river cruise to Jarnac or try paddling your way through the peaceful waters by canoe or kayak.
Downstream on the Charente, the pretty town of Jarnac (26km) is another gem to visit, celebrated for its fine chocolates, wines and brandy. Meanwhile, 20km in the opposite direction is Saintes, a town steeped in Roman and medieval history. Wander through its heritage-rich old quarter, admire the striking white stone houses and visit the impressive Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. Don’t miss the Roman amphitheatre with panoramic views or the Basilique Saint Eutrope, a unesco World Heritage site that has welcomed pilgrims since the 12th century.
For a change of pace, the Atlantic coast is within reach—Royan is around an hour’s drive (59km) and makes for a wonderful seaside outing. Enjoy its sandy beach, watersports, promenade cafés and distinctive covered market designed by renowned architects. A little further north, discover the salt flats and oyster farms around the Seudre River or cross to Île d'Oléron, where you’ll find wild beaches, nature trails, and coastal charm in abundance.
If you're up for venturing further, day trips could include the beautiful city of Angoulême (59km), northern Dordogne favourites like Nontron (110km) and Brantôme (111km), the celebrated wine region of Saint-Émilion (130km), or even the grand city of Bordeaux (141km), rich with culture, history and world-class wines.
For friends or family holidaying at the same time, consider also renting Maison Folle Blanche within the same estate.
Accommodation
Barn Interiors
Ground Floor
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Open-plan lounge with corner sofas, wood-burning stove
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Open-plan kitchen and dining area with large dining table and patio doors opening to terrace, pool and Orangery
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Shower room with WC
First Floor (via open-tread staircase with wire handrail)
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Bedroom 1 with two single beds (can be made up as a double)
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Bedroom 2 with two single beds (can be made up as a double)
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Bedroom 3 with two single beds (can be made up as a double)
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Shower room with WC
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Separate WC
Outside Grounds
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Swimming pool (11x5m) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to October
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Palm-lined garden
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Orangery with dining area, sofas and barbecue
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West-facing terrace for dining (great at sunset)
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Bikes (on request)
- Gated château entrance