Built from buttery Charente stone with shutters painted in traditional maritime blue, the house is southerly facing and you need only open the shutters to flood the house with light. Located in a peaceful hamlet, with its endless skies and vineyard views, there is good local cycling, bikes to borrow, and your own field – for picnicking, flying a kite and kicking a ball. In the walled garden there’s a stylish eating-out area shaded by sails and a games room too with pool table, board games and jigsaws. ACCOMMODATION DOWNSTAIRS - Step inside from the walled garden into the open-plan living area – big windows and beamed ceilings, Charentaise stone and neutral paintwork, give it an airy feel. Everything’s fresh and cared for: comfy sofas flank a grand fireplace, bookshelves proffer interesting novels; a friendly mix of traditional and modern furniture, with splashes of colour in paintings and fabrics. There’s a large dining table too, with enough space to seat 7. Wander now into the kitchen… It’s a well thought out cook’s kitchen with all you’ll need. High quality, hanging pots and pans, a pantry and cupboard doors made from old shutters! There’s a Nespresso machine to make a delicious coffee with no mess, no fuss and a quality double oven as well as a microwave. A large family size fridge-freezer gives plenty of space for chilling. Food can be served direct to the garden table via the large French windows or to the dining table if you choose to eat indoors. Next is the bathroom which is tiled with a white brickwork pattern and has an impressive double shower – perfect to kick start your day. Right next door is the laundry, where you’ll find a washing machine, drier and a ceiling drying rack as well as a handy extra toilet and wash basin. One double bedroom is situated downstairs and has a large aspect window with uninterrupted views over open fields. Attached to the main house by a covered walkway is a separate games room with a full-sized pool table and plenty of board games and jigsaws. Now let’s explore upstairs … UPSTAIRS The Master Bedroom is stylish and comfortable with its super king-sized bed, white-washed walls and natural sisal flooring. The landing area is bright and spacious and houses a comfortable day bed, perfect for escaping for a few moments of peace. Across the landing is the Triple Room. A solid wooden floor, thick Charentaise stone, white-washed walls and a beamed ceiling give this beautiful room the feel of a typical French style family bedroom. There are three comfortable, single beds with antique side cabinets and lamps and there’s ample storage space in a wardrobe and chest of drawers. THE WALLED GARDEN - Enclosed in a charming walled garden with beds of lavender, L’Échappée Douce has a southerly facing aspect. This peaceful space is laid with beds of mature plants, separated by gravel paths. Its outside patio is shaded by stylish sails with a generously sized family table to enjoy al fresco dining at any time of the day. Joining the house to the Games Room is a covered terrace with antique, wooden seating – perfect for morning coffee or an evening nightcap. THE MEADOW - To the rear, framed by country pathways, is an expansive grassed meadow that belongs to the house – excellent for kite flying, games of cricket and football or free play. Be sure to take some time out to breathe in the fresh air and the incredible uninterrupted views of the stunning French countryside. THE PRETTY HAMLET OF MORTAFONT - L’Échappée Douce, is located in the pretty hamlet of Mortafont. Home to 11 stone houses built at the turn of the last century, it is surrounded by fields, open forest and vin-de-pays vines. The village is quiet, the neighbours are courteous and gentle and the surrounding countryside is breath-taking. THE NEARBY VILLAGE OF NÉRÉ - Néré is the closest village, approximately 3 minutes by car. In the village, you will find a boulangerie to buy freshly made croissant and bread as well as an excellent butcher, post office, supermarket and Bistrot St Pierre – a bar/restaurant where you will always get a warm welcome. There’s also a convenient pharmacy and a doctor’s surgery should you need them. THE EXTRA MILE We know that the small things matter and with this in mind, we have designed the house so that you feel as if you are staying in a friends well-appointed, elegant home, rather than in an anonymous holiday let. We can also do your food shopping before your arrival or deliver everything you need for a first night barbeque. There will always be a supply of the basics – washing up liquid, soap powder, toilet roll, soap, salt & pepper, olive oil – so no mad dash to the supermarket will be required when you arrive. THINGS TO DO Catch dinner at the local trout lake, pick your own vegetables at the organic farm in nearby Angoulême, escape from the Maize Maze or make friends with a monkey at La Vallée des Singes. Within an hours drive of the Atlantic coast with beautiful sandy beaches. Enjoy the islands of Oléron and Ré or the very cosmopolitan, La Rochelle. Take a tour of Cognacs famous distilleries or cruise along the river at Saintes. There are chateaux straight out of fairy tales, donkeys wearing traditional pyjamas & locally produced wines and cognac. Throw in an average of 2,600 hours of sunshine per year & you can feel sure that the region has plenty to offer for a perfect holiday!