Entire home

Quiet, Characterful Cottage in Countryside

Photo gallery for Quiet, Characterful Cottage in Countryside

Welcome to Pandora’s Cottage!
Exterior
Exterior
Front of Cottage
This is the back of the cottage, although it looks like the front!

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Rioux, Charente Maritime
  • Grottes de Regulus et des Fontaines
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Saint-Georges-de-Didonne Beach
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Royan Beach
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Saintes (XST)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Common area 1

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

Quiet, Characterful Cottage in Countryside

If you’re looking for a holiday away from it all, this is the perfect place! Our cottage “Pandora’s” is situated at the end of a short Allée, edged with flowers, hollyhocks, roses, and lavender, etc. There’s a sun soaked patio, countryside walks, and chickens providing fresh eggs for your breakfast. With thick stone walls, the property is cool in summer, cozy in winter. The cottage has a large lounge, separate dining room, and a well stocked kitchen. Upstairs are two double bedrooms, plus a mezzanine with single bed, and a newly fitted bathroom. We live in a converted barn opposite with our three cats and two parrots, so are on hand if you have any queries. Our African Grey Parrot likes to sit outside in her cage in the summer and talk to our guests! Our chickens are very friendly, a great hit with children-one even lays green eggs! We are in the process of making a special enclosed chicken garden for them, filled with chicken friendly plants. The terrace is a real sun trap, with table, chairs and a BBQ. There is also a cool area under the trees, just across the road, with a swing seat, and bistro table and chairs to relax with a book, or a glass of wine. We have two comfortable sun loungers for use either here or on the patio. If you’re feeling energetic, there are bikes for your use, to cycle to a nearby village for croissants etc and to explore the beautiful countryside. The coast is just a short drive away with sandy beaches, and rocky coves, or visit the picturesque villages of Talmont, or Meschers. The larger towns of Royan with it’s colourful marina and weekly market, and historic Saintes are an easy drive away. Please do feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the property, location etc

Property manager

Mel & Roy Dickson
Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Fireplace

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
PLEASE NOTE-upstairs windows aren’t child safe!
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

We should mention

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

About the area

Rioux

Located in Rioux, this cottage is in a rural area. Saintes Amphitheatre and Abbaye aux Dames are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Grottes de Regulus et des Fontaines and Plage des Nonnes.
Map
Rioux, Charente Maritime

What's nearby

  • Grottes de Regulus et des Fontaines - 26 min drive - 24.7 km
  • Saint-Georges-de-Didonne Beach - 29 min drive - 27.1 km
  • Port Royan - 31 min drive - 30.0 km
  • Royan Beach - 33 min drive - 25.9 km
  • Gironde Estuary - 58 min drive - 73.8 km

Getting around

  • Pons Station - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Burger King - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Boeuf Jardinier - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪La Florentine - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪La Table de Meursac - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Quiet, Characterful Cottage in Countryside pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Quiet, Characterful Cottage in Countryside?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Quiet, Characterful Cottage in Countryside?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Quiet, Characterful Cottage in Countryside located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 12 miles (20 km) of Saint-Eutrope Church, Saintes Amphitheatre and Saintes Cathedral. Musée d'Archeologie and Abbaye aux Dames are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Wilma H.

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

Short stay in a lovely cottage

The welcome of the owners of the cottage is heartwarming. They go the extra length to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The cottage has got everything you need, even appletrees for your fruit, chickens for your eggs and a vegetable garden for your tomatoes and herbs. A wonderful place in the heart of the Charente Maritime.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Diana H.

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

Auszeit

Wir haben ein paar schöne Tage verlebt. Die Gastgeber waren sehr höflich, zuvorkommend und haben uns sehr gut aufgenommen sowie bei Fragen und Unternehmungen unterstützt.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thorsten P.

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

Sommerferien mit der Familie

Die Unterkunft war genauso, wie es die Bilder versprachen. Mit Liebe zum Detail eingerichtetes Haus, in wunderschöner Lage. Mit Gastgebern, die sich dezent im Hintergrund hielten und doch da waren, als es aufgrund einer Autopanne nötig war. Absolut empfehlenswert. Wir planen schon ein nächstes Mal. Vielen Dank.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pascale H.

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

Vacances en Charente Maritime

Nous avons passé un excellent séjour dans une charmante maison où il y avait tout ce qu'il fallait.On a été très bien accueilli par les propriétaires. Ma petite fille était aux anges car elle nourrissait les poules et elle allait voir les perroquets et en plus elle a pu faire du vélo. On est prêt à y retourner. M. et Mme Huvier M.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

david l.

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

June/July 2024.

The cottage is exactly as described on the website. It was nice to meet the very friendly owners, the outside space is limited, but we knew this would be the case on booking. We choose this cottage for its location, and were not disappointed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

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

Magic place

What a terrific place - on many levels. We loved the area, Mel and Roy were great. Highly recommended - the reviews are bang on. Looking forward to the model traction engine displays and developments with Mel's hair styling next year....Paul & Elaine
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

alison c.

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

Delightful stay

Excellent property and very helpful but discreet hosts. Quiet , tranquil environment with lovely small villages nearby and beautiful beaches.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Olivia N.

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

Séjour pour Noël

Gîte très convivial et chaleureux ,joliment décoré et assez spacieux. Mélanie et Roy sont des hôtes super gentils, ils ont eu plein de délicates attentions à notre arrivée. Ils sont là si besoin. Je recommande le lieu.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Super semaine

Mon fils et moi même avons passé une très bonne semaine. Le gîte est au calme et très bien équipé. Les propriétaires ont des tas de délicates attentions à notre égard dès notre arrivée. Ils sont très gentils et accueillants. Et pour les activités, elles sont riches et nombreuses pas très très loin. C'était très bien.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sébastien R.

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

Une superbe semaine !!!

Le logement est très mignon et surtout il fait frais ! Il y a tous ce qu'il faut a l'intérieur comme a l'extérieur. C'est confortable et très pratique. La maison a 20 30 minute des plages, de Saintes et Royan. Il y a énormément de chose a faire. C'est très calme, Mel et Roy sont des gens incroyablement gentils, chaleureux, discret et vraiment très sympathique, c'était un réel plaisir de les rencontrer et de pouvoir discuter avec eux. Nous étions avec notre fille de 5 ans, elle était aux anges de pouvoir voir les poules et autres animaux. C'était difficile de partir car, on était vraiment bien !
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Céline B.

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

Beau cottage !

Très beau cottage , bien équipé et très propre. Mel et Roy sont très sympathiques , serviables et toujours soucieux du bien-être des hôtes.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Valerie C.

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

Charmant cottage à la campagne

Très bon accueil, maison charmante et propre à l'arrivée. Nous avons passé un très bon séjour. Seul petit bémol: la télévision ne fonctionnait pas correctement. Mais nous n'avons signalé le problème qu'à notre départ Fenêtres à l'étage potentiellement dangereuses pour de jeunes enfants. A sécuriser si possible.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Véronique V.

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

Home sweet home !

Excellent quiet stay, we are at home among the birds and Mélanie's beautiful garden. Mel and Ray are adorable with lots of intentions that make life sweet. I extended my stay twice!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Victoria D.

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

Pandora's Cottage

A lovely cottage in the countryside with charming and knowledgeable hosts. Tranquil, immaculate, with well-equipped kitchen and comfortable beds. Deeply rural but close to nearby markets, bakeries and boucheries. A tour of the surrounding 12th-century churches is a must.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colette L., Glasgow Scotland

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

A beautiful authentic French cottage

This cottage is superb! Mel and Roy are wonderful hosts. Everything and more you need is at hand they have thought of everything. The cottage is immaculate and the outside space is a suntrap. We arrived as strangers and left as friends. We recommend Pandora Cottage its a must if you are in the area. We really didn't want to leave and hope to return again. Colette and Steve
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

bernadette et jean-pierre M.

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

très bien,

cottage de charme, environnement calme et au cœur de la campagne
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

MICKAEL V.

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

Excellent

Un grand merci à Mel et Roy pour leur disponibilité, leur gentillesse, leurs nombreuses attentions en tant qu'hôtes Je recommande vivement cette location ou tout est fait pour le confort des vacanciers : lits faits, linge de toilette à l'arrivée... Maison très fonctionnelle
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Céline J.

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

Gîte coquet

Nos hôtes étaient aussi discrets qu'agréables. Ils se sont montrés très prévenants et attentionnés. Le gîte pour un réel dépaysement.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael A.

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

Simply wonderful….

Absolutely lovely Cottage, full of charm, beautifully clean and tidy with all mod cons and a well equipped kitchen. Wimbledon was on during my stay and UK tv was set up within minutes of asking if it was available for which another huge thank you!! On which note, Mel and Roy were wonderful hosts, very polite, kind and friendly. No hesitation at all in recommending them and their lovely Cottage to other interested guests. See you both again soon I hope.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

francois l.

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

Un endroit vraiment très agreable

Nous avons séjourné dans ce cottage très agréable équipé très propre et calme à 30mn des plages. Mel et Roy se sont mis en quatre pour rendre ce séjour encore plus appréciable. Tout est à disposition et mérite réellement de s attarder dans cet endroit de la Charente maritime peu connu et ressourçant. Merci encore à Mel et Roy pour votre accueil.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Mel & Roy Dickson

Host profile image
We first came to this beautiful part of France for our honeymoon in 2000. Although we travelled to many regions, it was always to here that we returned. The area seemed to have everything we were looking for, an especially good climate, beautiful beaches, the estuary with all its bird life, historic towns, and quaint villages. In 2006 I came into an inheritance from my father, and it seemed a perfect way to remember him, and an opportunity to buy our own holiday home.

Why they chose this property

“Pandora’s “ was the first cottage we viewed, and we both fell instantly in love with it. The purchase went through smoothly, and we came over as often as we could, for holidays, and to improve the property and garden. A few years later, we decided to take the plunge and move over here full time - and we have never regretted it. Since then, we have been able to purchase the barn opposite, and over the years, with the help of a builder/friend it has been renovated, and we have now moved in.

What makes this property unique

With the cottage standing empty, it seems the perfect time to share our little piece of heaven with others, and hope that they can enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful area, and make some great holiday memories. “Pandora’s” was very much our first love, and still has a homely feel, rather than just a holiday cottage - we hope others can enjoy it as much as we have. Happy Holidays!

Languages:

English, French

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests