French country house, with private salt water pool & views over the countryside.

THE WELL HOUSE

This welcoming French country house with a view over the surrounding countryside nestles in the tranquil village of Les Essards. Incorporating exposed stone walls and wooden beams, the building, once a barn retains much of its original character and charm. The decoration and furnishings give a homely feel, in a traditional French country style.

The spacious accommodation offers upstairs, the large master bedroom under the beams, leading into the snug/TV room and galleried reading area, a twin- bedded room, both of which are en-suite. There is an additional single bed in the master bedroom.

Downstairs, there is a double bedroom with an adjacent shower and toilet. There is a large relaxing sitting room with dining area and kitchen with table and seating. In the kitchen there is a dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer, microwave, gas hob and electric oven.

Outside there is a large shaded eating area overlooking the private salt water swimming pool which is fenced with a lockable gate, loungers and parasols are provided and there are many areas to relax within the large secure garden. There is a large parking area. There is also bbq for your use.

Guests with smart phones can access free wi-fi from the house, although reception is can be erratic.

For the more energetic there are many beautiful walks and cycle paths directly from the house, and many interesting places to visit.

The little town of St Aulaye is a few minutes drive away (4km), with a supermarket, petrol station, bank, laundromat and pharmacy. There are also many bars and cafes.

There is also a river beach with a good restaurant, (try the moules), where you can swim, hire a canoe, popular climbing area at Acrobranch (like go ape) with a zipwire that goes over the river and you can also play mini golf or go kayaking.

Bicycles can be hired locally from Patrick and delivered to the house. (Details are in the house).

The house is less than 10 minutes drive from Aubeterre sur Dronne,
one of the 100 prettiest villages in France; which is famous for its underground Monolithic church. Aubeterre has many shops, bars, cafes and restaurants around the attractive square, and holds a Sunday morning market as well as a river beach with restaurants and the opportunity to kayak on the Dronne river.

The nearby towns of Chalais, (9 km) and Riberac (20 kms) both have extensive weekly markets on Monday and Friday respectively and good supermarkets.

There is also a beautiful lakeside beach and restaurants at Grand Étang Jemaye, 17 Kms away.

Further afield and well worth a visit, is the picturesque riverside town of Brantome, with a chateau, often referred to as little Venice, 1 hour.

Pilât Sand D’une, the tallest natural sand dune near Bordeaux, 1.5 hours.

Bordeaux with its stunning architecture, 1 hour.

Cognac with its many Brandy houses, 1:5 hours.

Also within reach are other interesting towns of the Dordogne, including, Perigueux, Bergerac, Salat, Limeuil, Tremolat and Le Bugue. NOTE: checking in or out is on FRIDAY ONLY in July and August all other month’s are flexible