Maison Brives
Brives sur Charente
Your stay
A stay at Maison Brives is a chance to re-charge your batteries in an elegant house with extensive views over the rising fields and dramatic sunsets.
The stone built house is set in a large garden with large shady lime trees, a 40' long stone terrace, large solar heated - salt swimming pool (5m x 8m), plenty of places to relax in the sun, high quality appliances in the kitchen. It is furnished thoughtfully and elegantly.
Its 3 en suite bedrooms make it an exceptionally high class get-away. Situated on the corner of a village, it lies between Cognac (12 minutes) and the picturesque town of Saintes (16 minutes away). There is so much to do in the area - good golf, the Atlantic about 1 hour away with fantastic beaches, buzzy daily markets, choice restaurants, abundant history, vineyards and sunflowers.
The Interior
The main entrance is guarded by two stone lions and the hall has old terracotta tiles on the floor and a winding elm staircase, lovingly restored by the owner.
Decorated with comfort and elegance, the living room is large and features a magnificent carved stone cheminee. Double sliding doors reveal a spacious dining room and three French windows open out onto the terrace and the large, shady garden.
There is a TV with English freeview channels, including BBC, ITV as well as French channels; a CD player, video, DVD, a good upright piano and lots of indoor games .
The fully equipped kitchen has a dishwasher, gas and electric hobs, a combination microwave and 2 fridges It has recently been re-furbished to a high standard with a French, rustic flavour.
Bedrooms
The three double rooms, all en-suite and catering for up to 6 guests lead from the spacious landing.
Master bedroom
The powder blue master bedroom has an en-suite marble bathroom with large Victorian bath, shower and double inset basins The bedroom room has a walk-in dressing room, and a very comfortable king-size bed.
Twin bedroom
The twin bedroom has 2 elegant single beds (which can be put together) as well as an en-suite shower with washbasin and a noisy loo.
Third bedroom
The third bedroom has a standard double bed with an en-suite shower, wc and washbasin.
The Pool and Garden
Maison Brives has a well-kept lawn with mature, shady lime trees, geranium-filled urns, a long pergola with vines, climbing roses and magnolias.
The salt-filtered (ie not chlorine) pool which is solar heated is situated on the west side of the of the house, and, with its wide stone borders, is perfect for a little Dead-Sea-style floating and just lazing around, preferably with a glass of the cold, local Pineau not far away.
In the grounds is a small cottage used by the owner sometimes but this does not impinge on the privacy of the large house and garden. Some visitors have found it very helpful to have the owner nearby. She has a wealth of knowledge of the local area, for site-seeing, cycling and exploring. You may have occasionally to share the washing machine!
Near to the pool is an outside WC and wash basin, a covered sitting area, and a sturdy barbeque sheltered in the corner where the water was heated for washing in two huge terracotta pots which are still in the garden. There is plenty of room for al fresco dining at the large table on the terrace under the parasol, beneath the lime trees or for playing ball games and ping pong.
The gardener, swimming pool guardian and cleaners, who will change the linen, will visit once a week
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On your bicyclette!
There are 4 bikes at the house which means you can pedal around the, gently rolling countryside through the vineyards and woods or along the bank of the Charente.
Coast/Beach
Atlantic beaches at Royan and surrounding area all just over an hour away by car. Colourful coastline with oyster beds, superb fish at the markets, good walking and cycling country.
Golf
There are excellent golf courses at Cognac (good club restaurant), Saintes and Royan and a small 9 hole plus pitch and putt course near the famous Sleeping Beauty chateau of La Rochefoucauld at Saint Porchaire, all within easy reach.
Further details at Golf courses in Poitou-Charentes
