Cottage at Bois Blanc

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Entire home

The pool is available for your use 24 hours a day.

It's a bit more overgrown now so this is an older photo that shows the outside!

Open plan living - but there is underfloor heating so comfortable all year!

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

Parking available

Pool

Washer

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Outdoor space

Explore the area

Verrières, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Cognac J. Painturaud

11 min drive

Hennessy Cognac Company

25 min drive

Château de Cognac

25 min drive

Cognac (CNG-Chateaubernard)

20 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

You can relax in a 200 year old cottage with all the comfort and amenities of the 21st century. The cottage has a traditional stone exterior and contemporary interior. The master bedroom is on a mezzanine overlooking the open plan living area. Oak beams, with modern lighting and original artwork sit comfortably stylish furniture and beds. The master bed is king sized with a full Tempur mattress. The 2nd bedroom, downstairs, has twin beds also with Tempur mattresses. There is 1 wet room with modern walk-in shower. This has a rain shower head as well as a traditional shower. The German kitchen is top quality, with Gaggenau ceramic halogen hob, Siemens oven, microwave, fridge, dishwasher and washing machine. Black granite work surfaces, French crockery, plenty of glasses for wine, champagne and cognac! The living - kitchen - dining area has been completely updated with new sofas, dining table, chairs and kitchen fronts for 2021. Come and be one of the first to try it out. Walk out of double doors onto a generous decking in a private garden, with stylish Royal Botania table and chairs. There is a Mac computer for DVD's and music with Bose speakers and a wifi internet connection.

Property manager

Badger Davis

Languages

English, French, German

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool

Kitchen

Washer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Parking available

Similar properties

Pool

Kitchen

Washer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

For bookings in July and August we only accept bookings Saturday to Saturday for the full week. Outside these months we are more flexible.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

Property Registration Number 29876172688XZ

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation

About the area

Verrières

Located in Verrières, this holiday home is in a rural area. Francois Mitterrand Museum and Birthplace of François Mitterrand are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Tonnellerie Allary and Archiac Swimming Pool. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Verrières, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

What's nearby

Remy Martin - 23 min drive
Les Antilles de Jonzac - 24 min drive
Martell - 24 min drive
Hennessy Cognac Company - 25 min drive
Château de Cognac - 25 min drive

Getting around

Gondeville Jarnac-Charente Station - 19 min drive

Restaurants

‪Cognac François Voyer - ‬7 min drive
‪Le Chevalier de la Croix Maron - ‬11 min drive
‪Société du Maine Drihon - ‬20 min drive
‪B&B d'Couvert - ‬13 min drive
‪Aux Delices du Terroir - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Cottage at Bois Blanc have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Cottage at Bois Blanc pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cottage at Bois Blanc?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cottage at Bois Blanc?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cottage at Bois Blanc located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Tonnellerie Allary, Archiac Swimming Pool and House of Vine and Dine. Cognac J. Painturaud and Chaigne Gardens are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

29 Aug 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility and comfort

Badger and Mandie are the perfect hosts to their fabulous properties. The pool is great and very well maintained. We enjoyed a very relaxing week in the Cottage.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Paula K.

28 Sept 2018

A fabulous holiday stay

In July this year,we spent a very restful week at Bois Blanc. The website and photos are a true reflection of this very beautiful holiday home. The Design Cottage was immaculately clean with everything you require and more from a holiday rental. Badger was incredibly helpful with advice on places to see and visit. He has mastered the art of being available whilst being unobtrusive. We will definitely be booking again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sam P.

10 Sept 2018

Without doubt the best holiday we have had in a long time!!

If you are considering this as a holiday destination.... stop thinking and book it! Badger and family are incredible hosts, they made us feel so welcome! Attention to detail is superb, beautiful house, amazing pool, lovely gardens,fresh bread every day! The best cognac I’ve ever had! We would love to go again soon!!!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

David S.

8 Oct 2017

Bois Blanc - A Perfect Place to Stay in France!

This was our second stay at Bois Blanc and we love it there. We've stayed in Design Cottage and Modern Barn and they are both exceptional properties, beautifully designed and well thought through. The pool is lovely and well maintained with comfortable pool furniture around it. The properties are set amongst vineyards in the French countryside and it's beautiful as well as peaceful. We stayed a second time as there is so much to see and do we couldn't manage it in one visit. The owners, Badger and Mandie are amazing hosts and nothing is too much trouble. There are ingredients for a meal and drinks when you arrive, helpful additions such as dishwasher tablets, toilet rolls, fruit and veg generously offered from their kitchen garden and fresh bread delivered by Badger. They can also give lots of advice and tips on places to visit (saved us making a wasted journey on a French bank holiday) if you want. All in all a wonderful place to stay in beautiful rural France and we will be back as we will struggle to find anywhere else that compares to Bois Blanc!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Paul M.

7 Sept 2017

Relaxing

This is a beautiful property in rural Southwest France. It is surrounded by gorgeous French countryside and the vineyard runs literally to the wall of the cottage. Badger made us feel very welcome. Pool is excellent for relaxing in. If you're looking for a holiday which is quiet and gives you the chance to get away from it all this is the place to go.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tara B.

29 July 2017

Bliss

We have had a wonderful week despite the weather being wetter than the norm for the season. The accommodation is beautiful, comfortable and peaceful. The attention to detail makes the experience. The hosts are friendly, welcoming and informative and manage the balance between presence and privacy perfectly. We would love to return.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Bev J.

28 July 2017

A high quality property in an attractive region

Executive summary for Design Cottage: this is a very good quality property. It is located in an interesting region. Book without hesitation. Highly recommended. We are no strangers to renting French holiday homes, so it takes quite something to impress us. Badger's cottage did. From the minute you arrive, it is obvious that it has been prepared by someone who wants the property and the experience to be 'just right.' It is. The cottage is a tastefully done. It contains everything you need and nothing you don't. Those who rent often know exactly what I am saying here. Conveniently, there is a small Carrefour about 6km away. A good road system allows easy access to many places. We were not familiar with the Charente area prior to this trip. It has many enjoyable short and long trips to keep you fully occupied. When you do not wish to be occupied, the pool area is the nicest we have had. We wondered how a different region would compare with Dordogne, Lot and Garonne visits. I can assure you it compares very favourably. We absolutely loved our trip to the Ile-de-Re. Talmont is a pretty village. The Charentaise style has a lot to recommend it. Badger has perfected the home owner art of being there when required and subtly absent when not. He is an interesting and lovely chap. We thank you for quality beds and bedding; comfy pool furniture and a great pool area; a very clean house (I am super fussy about cleanliness); tasty courgettes and green beans fresh from the garden; delicious fresh bread in the morning; all of the useful tips about where to visit; making our holiday peaceful and memorable; and taking the time to give of yourself. I am sure we will be making a return visit.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andrew B.

14 June 2017

Another fantastic week

This was our second stay at Bois Blanc Cottage and once again it did not disappoint. The cottage itself is a delight; a modern, relaxed and fantastic place for our family to stay. It provides an oasis of tranquility, peace and quiet in order to get away from it all yet remains close enough to so many great places that my wife and i plus our 2 teenage boys are never bored. The pool and outside space are great for enjoying the sun and having great family time and Badger remains an excellent host being welcoming and only too happy to help and offer ideas yet giving you the space to relax and unwind in peace. Highly recommended. Andy, Joanna, Rory and Jack

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kate S.

10 Aug 2016

Amazing place to stay , book it!

Amazing place to stay inside and outside. Great house, garden and pool with fab views of the vineyards. So much to do in the surrounding area it was difficult to choose. Badger gave us some great ideas for trips out. A highlight for our family was the Chateau des Enigmes. If this place is free, book it.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ian G.

6 Aug 2016

Wonderful Holiday at Bois Blanc

We stayed in the designer cottage and it could not have been more comfortable. Everything about the cottage was first class. The owner even delivers to you bread every morning! The pool was so refreshing after hours in the sun. Walks in the surrounding vineyards or down to the local village were beautiful. Cycling to places further afield were truly stunning. The whole area is magnificent from Jarnac to Jonzac to Cognac to Saintes to Ile de Re and Ile d'Oleron. Plenty to see, do, taste and drink. We certainly shall be booking Bois Blanc again.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Siobhan C.

3 Sept 2015

Wonderful

As so many others have commented, it is often the little touches that transform a good holiday into a really very special holiday. That is certainly the case with Badger and Mandie who go out of their way to ensure you feel like a guest rather than a client -and never intrusively so. As you would expect, the property is of an exceptionally high standard: beautifully decorated and immaculately clean. Outside, the gardens and pool area are just perfect. Private and spacious, this really is a hidden gem. We would certainly recommend a stay here and have already booked for next year.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sharon K.

23 July 2015

A perfect place to relax and enjoy!

Wonderful hosting by Badger, fresh bread delivered each morning followed by days of pure relaxation amidst beautiful countryside. the barn was stunning with everything you could want and the pool was perfect. Lots to see and do around the area and a truly special week - thanks for the Cognac schweppes too!!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Liz Armstrong

14 July 2015

A hidden gem

Just returned from a very relaxing week at Bois Blanc. The accommodation was excellent with very comfortable beds and all mod cons. The waft of lavender from the garden and sounds of bees made it a perfect place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There were plenty of places to visit nearby but you do need a car to do so. The pool was really inviting and the children loved it. All in all it was a great holiday enhanced by Badger's friendly manner and helpful tips about where to go and what to see. Our batteries have been well and truly recharged. Would love to return at some point.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ali Reardon

17 June 2015

A six star holiday

Without doubt the best holiday villa we have stayed in. The modern barn conversion was furnished to the highest possible standard - spotlessly clean and it had every mod con you could possibly want. Badger could not have been a more charming host - fresh baguettes each morning, homemade jam, drinks around the pool etc. On one occasion he even organised a personal and free tour of an exclusive cognac distillery in the local area. The only reason we haven't returned is that we like to visit a different country each year. However we couldn't recommend this property highly enough and Bader is a perfect host - he even lent us his own mountain bike when one of the hire bikes broke down. If you book a holiday to this property you wont be disappointed

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Claire and John S.

16 June 2015

Great holiday, what a find!

We had such a wonderful holiday. The property exceeded our expectations, but to be surrounded by fields of sunflowers and sit in the evening in lovely gardens watching the sun go down was just amazing and very relaxing. Badger (owner) gave us great recommendations of where to go and visit - our young boys just loved the pool though and didn't want to leave. HIGHLY recommend!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael J.

16 June 2015

An oasis in Cognac

We have a week at Bous Blanc with Badger and had a wonderful stay. A remarkable residence and beautiful region.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Janice M.

15 June 2015

Perfect in every way!

My husband and I have enjoyed two wonderful holidays at Bois Blanc and our counting the days until our third! We stayed in the Barn on both occasions which was spotless with high spec fixtures and fittings and everything you would have wanted from a coffee machine, to high quality linens and sharp knives. The grounds are lovely, with Bois Blanc hidden amongst the vines, giving it a peaceful and tranquil feel. The swimming pool, shared only with the occupants of the Cottage, is wonderfully maintained and it is very easy to lose the day reading a book in the sunshine. If you can tear yourself away from the pool and quiet strolls through the vines, there are lots of activities nearby such as sightseeing in Cognac and Angouleme, tours of cognac distilleries, wine tasting in St Emilion and a drive out to the beach. Badger is a wonderful host who is a wealth of local information and nothing is too much trouble. Pictures do not due justice to what is lovely and magical place that really is a slice of heaven. If you are looking for a sun soaked summer holiday with all of the creature comforts (including wifi!), Bois Blanc is the perfect escape!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne H.

15 June 2015

Brilliant

High end property boasting first class fixtures in a superb location just a short distance from Cogac. Both properties are well maintained and spotlessly clean and provide all mod cons. The owners are fantastic and always on hand should you need any help or advice. Ther are some lovely places to visit, including Talmont and St. Emillion. We have visited eight times and looking forward to the ninth! p

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ian G.

15 June 2015

Wonderful Holiday near Cognac in a Design Cottage

This was our third visit to the Design Cottage and every year it gets better. The accommodation is very clean and all facilities are to a high specification. It is Quiet, secluded, restful and idyllic. Around and about are fantastic small and large cognac distilleries to visit, wonderful cycling, history and architecture at every turn, great restaurants and food for all tastes, we just cannot get enough of it. The Owners make you so welcome and even pamper you a little bit with cocktails by the pool and fresh bread every morning. All in all we had a magnificent holiday, we will continue to recommend it to all our family and friends.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jenna L.

14 June 2015

FANTASTIC!!!

We stayed at Bois Blanc in 2013 and had to come back again and bring the family. We booked boh the barn and cottage and we all had great summer holiday. We also brought along our 6 week old baby! Bois Blanc is an amazing get away - you really get away from it all! Badger and his family are so welcoming and helpful and always nice to have a natter to. Oh and the schnapps and cognac by the pool! Thank you!! The welcome pack is just amazing, the best we have ever received. The area is so peaceful and quiet but a nice drive from lots of different towns etc. We really felt we were in 'deepest France' and away from everything. We couldn't fault the accommodation in anyway. Clean, smart and very comfortable - the beds are amazing, not like what you usually get in French accommodation. The pool is fantastic and we all enjoyed that on lazy sunny days. Badger and family, thank you so much for another great holiday. Lots of memories made for our family and we'lol definitely be back soon.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Charles L.

14 June 2015

A fabulous holiday

We had a fantastic time at Bois Blanc, the Design Cottage was beautifully appointed and tres chic! The setting is beautiful, surrounded by rolling vineyards, and we spent the days exploring the wonderful countryside and charming local towns in the morning and lazing by the stunning pool in the afternoons. Badger was the perfect host and extremely discreet, his cognac cocktails by the pool were delicious and his tour of the local Cognac estate a real must!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Anthony C.

14 June 2015

Luxury & Tranquility in a Beautiful Location

My wife and I stayed at Bois Blanc for a wonderful sun-drenched week - and we will be certainly be staying again at the next opportunity. The Modern Barn was everything we hoped it would be - spotlessly clean and very luxurious and even better 'in the flesh' than it looks on the photos. The pool area is beautiful and we were looked after superbly by the very amiable Badger (the owner) to a level you simply don't get at luxury resorts. If you're looking for a stylish, luxurious retreat with impeccable service in the heart of the French countryside, we would wholeheartedly recommend staying at the Design Cottage at Bois Blanc - we are very much looking forward to returning next year.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Charles L.

14 June 2015

What a wonderful place!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fiona E.

14 June 2015

Bois Blanc Heaven

Bois Blanc is a rare example of a holiday which more than exceeds its expectations. This was our second visit to Bois Blanc and the hospitality of Badger and Mandy was as warm as on our previous visit. Where else do you get your bread delivered every day. The cottage is a lovely relaxed space and has a fabulous bathroom. The kitchen is well designed and has everything you need should you wish to cook pizza, barbeque or a 3 course meal. The pool is just lovely and because there are only 2 cottages never gets busy so there's always plenty of space. The perfect escape amid the Cognac vines.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Hatti M.

14 June 2015

Perfect

My husband and I have stayed at the converted barn at Bois Blanc twice - once in 2013 and again the following year. We both hold such magical memories of our holidays here. From the start you really do receive 5* treatment. You step out of your car and there is complete silence - perfect for relaxing - walk into the barn and Badger (the lovely british owner) has provided the food for a four course meal (with wine and cognac of course) for your first night and breakfast for the following morning so all there is to do from the start is put your feet up and enjoy spending time together. We made day trips to Cognac, La Rochelle, Royan and Bordeaux, but our favourite thing to do was to relax by the lovely pool. From the White Company bedding to the rainforest shower there is something very special about Bois Blanc and it is obvious that the family who own it have gone above and beyond to make it so. We hope to be back soon!

About the host

Hosted by Badger Davis

We are Badger and Mandie Davis, 50 somethings who moved to France on 2005. Mandie runs an educational business that teaches languages to children (UK and France). Badger is a retired Army Major who now renovates old properties and is a self employed graphic designer. We have 2 grown up daughters living in the UK. We bought Bois Blanc to escape from the rat-race and enjoy the French relaxed and laid back way of life,. We are both very creative and love renovation and styling our properties.

Why they chose this property

The 3 L's guided us to buy Bois Blanc. It is set on its own at the end of its own track amongst the vines of the Grand Champagne Cru of cognac. The countryside is magical and the vines protect the house from any outside encroachment. We don't have immediate neighbours and the house and gardens are peaceful. The weather is generally really good and we can spend a big chunk of the year outside and by the pool. When we bought Bois Blanc it was a complete ruin but over the years of renovation we have started to make a little haven amongst the vines.

What makes this property unique

We have an unusually large pool and carefully landscaped pool area. We have deliberately kept the number of guests small, because we want to keep the exclusivity and peace and quiet for all our visitors to enjoy. Its a unique peaceful and comfortable hideaway and in fact you can't even see if rom the end of our road!

Set on its own at the end of its own track, Bois Blanc offers a chance to get away from it all and relax in the countryside. The cottage is traditional on the outside and modern and comfortable inside! The whole area is a grownup playground with cognac, wine, fantastic markets for food and seafood, interesting towns and villages to explore. Then there is the west coast with Royan, the isles of Ré and Oleron, lovely beaches and La Rochelle. After that you can explore Bordeaux, St Emilion and the wine growing region. If you have time spare then go inland to visit Angouleme and the east of the Charente. There is so much to do you will have to come back again to see it all!