Maison Des Lustres

About this property

It was the timeless charm of the Charente that first drew the owners in - Maison des Lustres revealed itself during one of those leisurely, unplanned drives. Set discreetly behind stone walls and framed by trees, it wasn’t until they stepped through the gates that they truly felt its magic. The soft hue of the stone, the delicate towers and the perfume of old roses mingling with bay leaves created a sense of arrival, as though they had stumbled upon a well-kept secret.

The house itself holds echoes of another time. Built in the early 1800s by a local notaire, its heritage is still visible in every carved detail. Fleur-de-lys motifs crown the grand front entrance and the fireplace in the dining room bears his family crest. Locals still refer to it fondly as Le Petit Château, and there’s even a whisper of buried treasure - the notaire’s daughter is said to have hidden her jewels somewhere in the grounds, their resting place still unknown.

Inside, the layout flows with understated elegance. A fine Charentaise staircase rises from the central hall. To one side, the salon, library and study, perfect for reading, music or relaxing with the Smart TV. To the other, the kitchen and dining room invite long, laughter-filled meals. With four thoughtfully arranged bedrooms and four bathrooms (three en suite), the house is well-suited to families or groups of friends.

The large garden is a true highlight. Mature trees offer deep shade, while hidden corners invite exploration and play. The swimming pool is perfect for warm summer days and there’s plenty of space for games and relaxation alike.

Maison des Lustres sits in the heart of Sainte-Sévère, a traditional Charente village surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields. With a boulangerie and it’s working mill just next door and a Sunday market offering fresh oysters, vegetables and rotisserie chicken, village life unfolds at an easy, welcoming pace.

Beyond the village, the treasures of the region await. The Cognac houses of Jarnac and Cognac are a short drive away, along with riverside walks, lively food markets, festivals and the rolling fairways of Golf du Cognac. For those who enjoy the water, paddleboards are provided for leisurely excursions along the Charente River.

Whether you're drawn to the rhythm of village life or the rich heritage of the region, Maison des Lustres offers a setting where old-world charm and relaxed living come together in perfect harmony.

Surrounded by rolling cognac vineyards and sunflower fields of the Charente, Sainte-Sévère is a traditional French village only 11km from the historic town of Cognac.

Here you are truly can experience authentic French village life amongst locals. The house is set in the heart of the village (with passing traffic as you would expect), next door to a boulangerie and its working mill. It is a short walk to a self-service shop (open 24/7), a post office and tennis courts (free to use, no need to book). Sundays bring a little village market offering local vegetables, oysters and rotisserie chickens.

There is a village shop in nearby Nercillac (5km) whilst large supermarkets can be reached within a 10-minute drive. Guests are also spoiled for culinary choice, with numerous excellent restaurants and café-bars in Cognac (11km) and Jarnac (11.5km) – the owners will of course provide guest recommendations. Don’t miss the large open-air market in Cognac on a Saturday and Sunday morning, a great way to stock up.

The surrounding region offers a host of activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can paddleboard on the Charente River from Saint-Brice (9km) or Bourg-Charente (11km), with two paddleboards provided for your use at the house. Golfers will enjoy the nearby Golf du Cognac, while festival lovers can time their stay around July’s Cognac Blues Passions and the lively Fête du Cognac.

Take time to explore the historic town of Cognac, home to world-renowned cognac houses such as Hennessy and Martell – many of which offer guided tours and tastings. River boat excursions lead to Jarnac with its pretty riverside setting and historic sights.

Further afield, Angoulême (37km), with its bustling city centre and striking architecture, is perfect for a cultural day out, while the coast is within reach too – enjoy a seaside escape to Royan (77km) or venture to La Rochelle (104km) and even Île de Ré in less than two hours.

Whether you're seeking fine food, outdoor adventure or vineyard visits, Maison des Lustres offers a superb base in one of southwest France’s most captivating corners.

Accommodation

Maison Interiors 

Ground Floor (via a couple of steps)

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Entrance hall with Charentaise staircase
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Salon with Smart TV
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Library and study
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Dining room with historic fireplace
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Kitchen, well-equipped
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Bedroom with queen-size double bed, doors opening to garden and en suite shower room with shower, toilet and basin
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Bedroom with two single beds and doors opening to garden
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Separate shower room (in hallway outside bedroom) with shower, toilet and basin

First Floor

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Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite shower room with shower, toilet and basin
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Bedroom with queen-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath, toilet and basin

There is also an attic bedroom with en suite bathroom, available on request only (not available in summer months)

Outside Grounds

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Swimming pool (8x4m, depth: 1.2-1.6m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately May to September
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Barbecue
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Various places to sit and/or dine al-fresco
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Large garden with plants, flowers, pond and wooded area with centuries-old well
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Games area with table tennis
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Bikes
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2 x paddleboards (to use locally)