This spacious farmhouse has been beautifully restored and renovated (completed in 2016) to provide luxurious accommodation for 2 to 10 people. Set in over half an acre of private land, this traditional farmhouse and adjacent barn are in the heart of the peaceful Vendee countryside between La Roche-sur-Yon and La Tranche-sur-Mer. This secluded rural location is just minutes from the O'gliss water park, the Indian Forest - Land of Adventure, historic village of Moutiers Les Mauxfaits, and 15 minutes away from golden sandy beaches.
The traditional stone built farmhouse has wooden shutters on all windows and doors. Two large patio areas overlooking the countryside with sun loungers, hammock and wooden tables - providing ample space for outside dining, BBQ's, games and relaxing in the sun. There's three generous double bedrooms (2 en suite) and a family/kids bedroom for 4, as well as a separate family bathroom. All bedrooms have doors leading to the patio areas. Inside there's a large open plan living space with UK satellite TV & DVD, two comfy sofas for relaxing on and a dining table. The farmhouse also benefits from a fully equipped modern kitchen and breakfast area, a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer, and ample space in the courtyard for parking several cars if required.
The picturesque city of La Rochelle is just over an hour away if you fancy a spot of shopping or sightseeing, and Ile De Re is just a little further on accessed via a bridge from La Rochelle. Saint-Martin-de-Re is the island's most popular destination, full of charm and character with bustling restaurants and a beautiful harbour.
The Vendee boasts 140km of golden sandy beaches that gently slope down to the sea from pine tree back drops. Water quality is excellent for swimming and water sports, with most beaches having achieved the blue flag award for cleanliness. Top picks close to the farmhouse include: Les Sables d'Olonne, La Tranche-sur-Mer and Les Conches.
Activities on offer in the Vendee;
Surfing - The Vendee is home to some of the best surf destinations in France with waves to suit all riders from beginners to experts. Nearby spots include la Tranche, la Terrier and les Conches in the south, and la Tranchet near les Sables d'Olonne and la Sauveterre further north in the Vendée. Surf schools can be found at most destinations.
Windsurfing and Kite Surfing - both are popular activities in the Vendee and lessons can be booked at nearby La Tranche or Les Sables d'Olonne. For more experienced riders its worth noting that some beaches in the Vendee may require a licence for kite surfing.
Sailing - Hugely popular and widely available activity both on the sea and inland lakes. Kit hire and lessons are readily available along the Vendee coast.
Cycling - There's a vast network of safe sign posted tracks running throughout the Vendee, make sure you get hold of "Les Sentiers Cyclables de la Vendée'' map of the cycle routes available from any local tourist office.
Walking - As with cycling, visitors to the Vendee can make use of over 1000km of safe tracks to take in the beautiful scenery.
Golf - France is fast becoming one of Europe's top golf destinations, there are 5 excellent courses to choose from in the Vendee; Les Fontenelles, La Domangere, Golf Olonne, St Jean de Monts, and Port Bougenay. Clubs can be hired at all of the courses if required.
Horse riding - You'll find numerous locations throughout the Vendee that offer horse riding for all abilities, in particular the Sablais Horse Riding and Pony Club offers horse and pony lessons for beginners, whilst the Sauveterre Horse Riding Centre offers beach and forest riding to all abilities, both are located at Les Sables D'Olonne. La Roche-sur-Yon also has a good selection of equestrian centres.
Fishing - The number one sport in the Vendee with a wealth of river, lake and canal fishing - all of which require a permit called 'Carte Peche-Vacance' available from tackle shops and tourist offices, alternatively there's 146km of coastline to make the most of sea angling or beach and rock casting.
Other attractions;
O'Gliss Water Park - Recently opened in summer 2016 at the O'Gliss is the third largest water park in France and is only a 2 minute drive from the farmhouse just down the road from Moutiers-Les-Mauxfaits! The park caters for everyone, boasting twelve giant water slides, 400 meters of rapids and a wave machine, as well as a soft water play area and pirate ship for younger children.
Indian Forest - Another fun packed day for all ages right on your doorstep when staying at the farmhouse - the Indian Forest adventure park is the largest in France set in 5 acres of ancient oak forest with over 300 events across 17 courses, test yourself at parcour, wakeboarding, paint-balling and much more, as well as tree top buggy racing, bungy jumping and zip wires!
Le Puy du Fou - A rural theme park extravaganza in the grounds of the ruined 16th century Puy du Fou castle, this is France's second most visited theme park full of action-packed shows involving hundreds of actors, horsemen, swordsmen and animals.
For more info on the activities and attractions mentioned above visit www.vendee-guide.co.uk and www.vendee-tourism.co.uk
We are more than happy to discuss rates and availability for smaller groups and will do our best to accommodate larger groups where possible, so please get in touch with any questions you might have!
