L'Ecurie is situated in the peaceful, ancient village of Migron, the heart of the Cognac/Pineau producing area, surrounded by acres of vineyards and sunflowers.
The heated pool is 9x4m and recently refurbished. Its open from April to October. The pool is fully fenced and has a good supply of loungers with a large paved area surrounded by flower beds and a rosemary hedge. It has two childproof safety gates.
The gardens are well tended and a mass of colour in summer.
L'Ecurie also has its own private orchard and guests are encouraged to harvest the cherries and pears.
L'Ecurie is a charming, beautifully refurbished two/three bedroom gite situated in the old stables of the house with a separate entrance. Recently renovated with great care, L'Ecurie enjoys a beautiful, planted terrace leading directly onto the pool - perfect for breakfast in the sunshine - as well as an orchard for guests' exclusive use.
Its two bedrooms - one twin, one double - are in what would once have been the attic. Adjacent and enclosed on three sides is a mezzanine providing an additional shady lounge area with TV. It includes a daybed that can be used by additional guests.
The village of Migron is truly historic and has at it heart the Romanesque church and a natural spring and a communal washing station. It has its own butcher three minutes walk from the property, post office and hairdresser. A pizza, a vegetable and fresh fish vans all make weekly visits.
The village of Burie is five minutes drive with a wonderful bakery, cafe, restaurant and mid-sized supermarket also selling petrol.
The village is surrounded by vineyards and sunflower field and all roads lead to further sleepy villages, vineyards, abbeys and historic sites. The properties are within 20 minutes of the beautiful historic towns of Cognac, Saintes and St Jean D'Angely. Each is worth several days of your time with elegant squares, parks, good shopping, great food, lovely bars... and the largest supermarkets. Even closer is Matha (10 minutes) with a huge new supermarket, cafes and a range of shops.
The properties are just 40 from from the beautiful sandy beaches of Royan and an hour to Bordeaux, La Rochelle and the fantastic islands of Ile de Re and Ile D'Oleron. Near the coast are massive areas of sea marshes, nature reserves with egrets, storks and coypu, a true wildlife haven.
Near the coast too are the huge oyster and mussel beds that serve the restaurants of France. Every village and town has a local market, inevitably with fresh seafood - and vegetables and cheeses - piled high. Each village too will have a summer festival weekend and Cognac has an international music festival which attracts the biggest names, but also has music in every cafe and the pedestrianised streets.
Migron and the surrounding area is excellent for cycling - miles and miles of level countryside with virtually traffic-free routes through vineyards, fields, woodland and villages. Other activities include river trips, antiques markets (large brocantes held in surrounding villages regularly throughout the summer), visits to chateaux, churches and museums, walking, cycling and birdwatching.
Sport and leisure in the area include golf (18-hole courses in both Cognac and Saintes which are 20 minutes away), horseriding, all types of fishing, tennis (including a court in the village), canoe-kayaking (boats to hire at various places along the Charente in Cognac and Saintes), and plenty of space in and around the village to kick a football.
We will supply details of all the local attractions, markets and beaches.
