Lymerac – Pigeonnier

Surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields in the sleepy Charente countryside, this picturesque farmstead has been thoughtfully renovated and is now home to three charming gîtes along with the home of its owners, the friendly Stables family who’ve added many thoughtful touches to create an ideal setting for happy family holidays.

A real treat is the onsite children’s pony trekking and lessons in the outdoor sand school with BHS qualified instructor. Guests can also get on a bike to explore, with small, medium and large mountain bikes, children’s bicycles, tricycle and baby seat all available at the cottage. Then again, there’s hardly the need to leave the 12 acres of grounds at all, with badminton, table tennis, croquet and petanque, plus an enclosed leafy courtyard with a climbing frame, swings, slide, huge sand pit and hammock. From the courtyard a child safety gate leads to the sparkling blue pool with loungers to laze in the sun and panoramic views of the gorgeous scenery. The pool is heated, which is an added bonus for sensitive little ones early and late in the season. There is also a separate toddler paddling pool.

The three spacious properties themselves have all been simply styled to combine rustic charm with modern comfort. They won’t win any design awards, but they are charming with exposed stone walls, original oak beamed ceilings and cool tiled floors. The country-style kitchens are well equipped, there are BBQs on the patios and comfy bedrooms including big antique beds and fantastic views.

Relaxation starts from the moment guests arrive since the long list of nursery gear (cots, high chairs, baby monitors, booster seats and bed guards) is provided enabling parents to travel light and avoid ever-increasing airline baggage charges, plus Catherine and Ian offer a brilliant arrival night meal service and pre arrival grocery and baby bits (nappies, wipes, formula etc.) shopping service. These thoughtful extras are topped off with a qualified daytime or evening babysitting service, and combine to promise a stress free break with plenty of quality time both as grown-ups and as a family – the stuff great holiday memories are made of!

Accommodation Overview:

Lymerac comprises the two-bedroom Acacia Cottage, three-bedroom Albizia Farmhouse and three-bedroom Pigeonnier. The Pigeonnier has a spacious lounge and dining area with UK satellite TV and south facing French doors onto an enclosed courtyard with BBQ and garden furniture. The country style kitchen is equipped with a gas cooker, microwave, fridge freezer, coffee maker and washing machine. The Pigeonnier has a master bedroom with ensuite walk-in shower room and two twin rooms, one of which is found in the wonderfully lofty pigeonnier tower itself. There is also a family bathroom with a shower above the bath.