Uncle's cottage is in a ramblers' paradise. The Charente has over 6000 kms of waymarked trails including four GR, of which three are different routes taken by the Pilgrims' Route going to Santiago de Compostella. Each of my surrounding communes has a waymarked circuit and Uncle's Cottage is on one of these routes.

There is a definite policy in the Charente of helping the communes create new walkers' routes and in maintaining them. To the point that the county daily newspaper, the Charente Libre, has a two year project - now nearing completion - to publish a weekly supplement featuring a waymarked circuit from different parts of the department with the map and itinerary and photos of notable buildings, rare plants and wildlife in that area and local gastronomic specialities - the pleasures of the table are never neglected! These can be had free of charge from the ramblers' information centre in Angouleme, along with large scale maps and guides for all of France. I have copies of these articles and a good selection of maps and guides you may look at should you wish.

But the Cottage also makes an ideal place for simply relaxing. It is very peaceful, comfortable and is pretty, bright and clean. It is at the end of a small lane which continues as a track through the woods. Apart from Uncle's Cottage and my house there is one other house and a small farm both lived in by French families.

There are several small market towns within 12 kms but Cognac, St. Emilion and the sea at Royan are within easy reach. There is a small village bar 3 kms away which can be walked to if wished along tracks. There are varied sporting facilities - golf, tennis, kayak, fishing and horse- back riding and rivers which have man-made sandy beaches for wonderful summer swimming. It is an area rich in ancient monuments and good restaurants and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, officially designated one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, is only 12 kms away. The light which is reflected from the old Roman tiled roofs and the apricot coloured stone of the buildings is warm and clear. It is very beautiful!

The international airports of Poitiers, Bergerac, La Rochelle, Limoges and Bordeaux all have cheap flights from the U.K.

Alternatively there is the Eurostar train to Angouleme (45 mins drive) which is a comfortable and interesting journey. There are several car hire firms by the station or airport.

There is a very wide variety of flora and fauna. Short toed eagles, hobbies, red and black kites, buzzards, peregrine falcons, hoopoes, golden orioles and several species of owls. Deer, boar, red squirrels, swallowtail butterflies, stick insects, praying mantis, asphodel, man, bee and lizard orchids and many many more things for country lovers to enjoy on the interesting walks in every direction.

DOWNSTAIRS
The kitchen is well equipped with a 4 ring gas cooker, refrigerator, double sink, microwave, electric coffee maker, electric toaster, wok, kettle and good cooking equipment and crockery with ample storage. There is a glazed door onto the private courtyard garden.

A modern, spacious bathroom with large shower, bidet, lavatory and wash basin. Electric radiator.

The large sitting/dining room is comfortably furnished and perfect for relaxing in after a long walk. It is well lit. There is a large window and a stable-type glazed door opening onto the courtyard.

As many of my guests prefer to be on the same level as the bathroom, the two comfortable single beds are downstairs.

OPEN STAIRCASE LEADING TO
Large bright mezzanine the light is ideal for artists. A studio easel, two easels with boards and a travelling easel are available. There is a good planchest type shelving system and a sink with h&c.

There is also a good library of modern books - both fact and fiction - and Charente Nature and Artist magazines and local information leaflets. Also board games, the inevitable Scrabble and jig saw puzzles. Table, chairs and two easy chairs too as it is a lovely room for reading in.

The acoustics are fantastic should you be a musician and music stands are available if wanted.

OUTSIDE
The walled garden is informal and well planted. Table and chairs and sun parasol and sun beds are provided. A gate leads to the very quiet lane where you can park.

I love animals and children but for the comfort and safety of everyone pets are not allowed. It is not suitable for children other than pre-crawling babies. There is no smoking in the cottage please.

Bed and kitchen linen and towels are provided and changed weekly. There is a clothes rack/dryer for your use.

RENTAL

Uncle's Cottage is available for short breaks or longer holidays.

The cottage can be booked from 1st April until 31st October.

Prices per week between:
April 2nd and April 30th £250
April 30th and July 2nd £300
July 2nd and August 20th £375
August 20th and September 24th £300
September 24th and October 29th £250

For shorter rentals it is £60 a day with a minimum of two nights.

Breakfast can be provided.

TO BOOK
For further information or to make a booking,
e-mail Caroline Ford on
caroline-ford@alsatis.net
or phone +33 980 085195