This is our 21st year in the sunny southwest corner of France and our farmhouse, which is surrounded by vines and sunflowers, is on the edge of the tranquil village of Les Vignes, which lies on the Charente/Charente-Maritime border in the heart of Cognac country, just 5 minutes from Matha and 15 minutes from Cognac. Les Bouleaux, which sleeps 4 is at the bottom of a 100 metre gated drive accessible via a quiet lane. The property is set in 3 acres of former vineyards and benefits from having its own private heated swimming pool for sole use. The pool sits in a southwest facing secluded garden where you can while away the hours soaking up the sun and taking in the peace and quiet with a glass of your favourite tipple.

Area: The Charente-Maritime has its own micro-climate and has the second most recorded hours of sunshine per year in France. There are many towns worth visiting, Cognac is only 15 minutes away, a must for you to visit with its major Cognac houses of Hennessy, Martell, Remy Martin, Camus and Otard, as well as the parks, shops and many restaurants for you to enjoy. The historic towns of Saintes, 35 minutes away and Angoulême, 45 minutes away, are both worth a visit. Saintes with its famous Roman Amphitheatre and Angoulême an old fortress town which stands at the top of a hill. Angoulême also has a TGV station with Paris only 2½ hours away by train. About 50 minutes west are the costal towns and beaches of Royan, Rochefort and La Rochelle. The latter with its historic port and seafood restaurants. Or if you prefer not to travel there is a lake and sandy beach at the next village of Thors just a few minutes away. Bordeaux and Futuroscope are only slightly further afield.

How to get here: We are well within a days driving distance of the western channel ports. St Malo being the nearest, closely followed by Caen, Le Havre and Cherbourg. Eurotunnel and short channel crossings to Calais are now only 6½ hours drive away with the opening of new motorway links. You can fly from many U.K. airports to La Rochelle which is approximately 60 minutes away or Bordeaux and Poitiers which are both approximately 90 minutes away.

Les Bouleaux benefits from a beautiful heated swimming pool with a terraced patio area with loungers, table and chairs. There is also another private patio and barbecue outside the cottage.

The accommodation at Les Bouleaux comprises a large living/dining room with cream coloured stone walls with dining table and ample seating for 4 people, there are 2 large settees in the living area . There is also a flat screen high definition television with English and French channels, DVD player and a radio/CD player. Leading off this room is an archway into a fully equipped kitchen including a gas hob with oven, dishwasher, microwave and fridge/freezer. Another door leads into a large shower room with shower, washbasin, toilet and washing machine. Upstairs there is one large double bedroom with king sized bed, lots of wardrobe space and a dressing table. There is another large bedroom with two single beds, wardrobe and dressing table. There is also a second bathroom upstairs with a bath, washbasin and toilet.