La Jottrie is an 18th century stone farmhouse with adjoining barn and pigeonnier (dove-cote) converted into a single spacious and well-equipped property.
It is our family home for most of the summer but we return to the UK in July when we can make it available for others to enjoy.
The house sits in its owned gated and fenced grounds with a large heated pool (10m x 5m), grassed areas, flowering bushes and trees. It is normally surrounded in July by fields of sunflowers or corn.
There are ample sun loungers around the pool as well as space in the garden for badminton, boules or other games. For those who prefer a more peaceful time there are outdoor sofas in the shade for reading.
We have a well equipped kitchen with an island for food preparation. During summer most meals will be eaten on the patio under the shade of a mature mulberry tree. A gas barbecue and gas paella cooker are available for cooking al fresco.
The house has a large family room with smart TV (Netflix, Amazon as well as UK channels via satellite) plus a pool table and plenty of games. The salon/library is well stocked with books, DVDs and records which guests are welcome to borrow.
Charente Maritime is one of France's sunniest regions in summer so you may prefer to stay at home and enjoy the weather but there is no shortage of things to do in the area.
You can enjoy the local countryside on foot or by bicycle (we have a small selection of bikes for you to use).
There are weekly markets of different sizes in several local towns and villages.
Within a 15 minute drive there is a water park at Jonzac, go-karting at St Genis or the Gironde estuary.
Slightly further away are the sandy beaches at St Georges and Royan or the Roman amphitheatre at Saintes.
If you are interested in wine you can visit our local chateau at Plassac or take the ferry across to the Medoc to explore its more famous vineyards.
If you are a golfer there are 4 courses within an hour's drive.
And of course there is a wide choice of local restaurants cooking great food to suit all budgets.