Lymerac - Pigeonnier

BFB's Overview

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.

Location Information

The pretty village of Salles Lavalette is just 5 minutes away by car, with a bakery, La Cigale Charentaise bar and restaurant, a delicatessen and a ‘traiteur’ who can cater for any special family occasions you may be planning at Lymerac. There is a wider range of shops and the nearest English speaking doctor in the market town of Villeboise Lavalette, just 15 minutes away (8 miles) and 20 minutes drive gets you to Aubeterre which is one of the Beaux Villages of France, complete with cafes, restaurants and a sandy river beach with canoes available for hire.

For a day at the beach, Royan is around 90 minutes by car, with miles of sandy shores, many seafood restaurants and one of the best Zoo’s in France just to the north at La Palmyre. Another unique attraction within reach of Lymerac is the Futurscope theme park at Poitiers which is sure to impress digital natives with mind-blowing 3D and interactive rides and experiences. For the grown ups, this in wine country and there are numerous tours available of fine Bordeaux vineyards such as St Emillion as well as Cognac houses including Remy Martin, Hennesy and Martell.


Getting There: The nearest airport is Angouleme (22 miles) which is 30 minutes away and has regular flights from London Stansted. Bergerac airport is 1hr 30 and has flights from Southampton, Exeter, Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, East Midlands, Liverpool and Edinburgh. Bordeaux airport is 1hr 45 and has flights from Bristol, East Midlands, Manchester and Gatwick.

Nearest Medical Services (GP & A&E): Dr Cohen (English speaking) in Villebois Lavalette 15 minutes from Lymerac. A&E at Hopital Girac, Angouleme 22 miles away.