Peaceful Countryside Gite with private pool near Aubeterre

😊: Great location very peacful. Beautiful country side. 😢: No negative comments.

😊: The gite is located in a quiet and pretty rural setting. It's 7 minutes drive from the picturesque village of Auberterre sur Dronne. The bathroom was clean with a good rain shower. The living area is spacious with ample comfortable seating. A range of books and games augments the tv with many dvds. While we did not meet our host, check-in was easy and she responded promptly to the few messages I sent.. 😢: Our primary issue was with the temperature of the property - it was not made clear from the listing that the wood burning stove is the only heat source. The gite is a well insulated stone farm cottage, which I am sure would provide cool respite during the warm summer months. However, we visited in October and although afternoon temperatures reached 21 degrees Celsius, the interior of the gite was chilly during the day, and particularly cold overnight. A basket of firewood was provided when asked for, but as we were out and about during the day there wasn't sufficient time to light the fire and allow it to heat the property before bed, and the heat did not reach the bedrooms. This was highly unsuitable for our young baby, particularly during nightfeeds. The travel cot provided had evidently not been used in some time as it was covered in dust, and while the bedding provided for it had been washed it was stained. The 'mattress' provided for the travel cot was floppy and soft and not in line with UK or French safe sleep guidelines which states a firm mattress is to be used. Many other items provided in the gite were well used and could do with an update, particularly in the kitchen - we had concerns about using the silver wear that was visibly corroding. Regarding the outdoor space, the swimming pool would benefit from a cover as the water surface contained several large insects and bird feathers. Outside lighting at the front door could be improved to reduce the trip hazard caused by plant containers, which became almost invisible when returning to the gite after sunset. Finally, there was no 'House Information' booklet with information such as the bin and recycling procedures, the wifi password or guidance on local amenities. We did not meet our hosts throughout the entirety of our stay, despite them living at the farm next door..

Beautiful gite with all the facilities you could think of. A lovely welcome package of bread, butter, jam, biscuits, tea, coffee, sugar, eggs and a bottle of sparkling wine. The hosts Fran and Johnny were on hand if needed and very friendly along with their lovely children. The gite was well decorated and very clean. The pool was extremely appreciated in temps of 42 degree.Could not fault anything. Would definitely recommend this holiday home to anyone. Local areas have lots to offer. We will definitely be going back

from the moment we arrived we felt so welcome and the feeling grew as the stay progressed. Fran is a very friendly host and her husband John was just as welcoming. The gite and pool are in a beautiful, quiet, nature filled part of the Charente. The decor in each room is a clever mix of antique and modern. It is immaculately clean; generously equipped; a well insulated house. We enjoyed feeding their hens too!! We fully recommend this gite.

Loved this property and our holiday there. Fantastic gite out in the beautiful countryside with everything you need for your holiday - the open plan layout worked really well in the hot weather. Owners are next door and are super friendly and are ready to help if needed. We took our bikes so a short ride (also walkable) down to Laprade for the cool pizza restuarant/bar or a little further to Aubterre which has a beach by the river and the stunning village has plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants and little shops to keep us entertained. Didn't explore too much further but enjoyed a kayaking trip on the Dronne, Firday morning market in Riberac, Brocante market in Verteillac and ice creams in Brantome.