Le Bourg (TAL.16)

Le Bourg is a 3-bedroomed farmhouse, sleeping 4 + 1 under 14 (+ baby), in the small village of Ligné (Charente), 10km NE of Aigre, 16km SSW of Ruffec and 34km N of Angoulême (Michelin map: 521). VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 1999. Saturday arrival.

This is a detached Charentais farmhouse, dating from 1900, facing south in its own enclosed garden offering a good degree of privacy from the owners approximately 20m away (some farm traffic noise at times) and surrounded by their vineyards and fields. Loving restoration has retained much character in the extremely spacious, ground floor rooms with exposed stone and brickwork, original stone fireplaces and beams complementing the tasteful arrangement of traditional and rustic-style furnishings. The accommodation throughout is of a high standard with pretty curtains and soft furnishings adding a homely feel. Doors open on to two paved terraces - 4m x 10m and 4m x 6m, the latter is covered and surrounded by a balustrade. Both have views on to the attractive lawned garden (approx. 1000m²) with built-in BBQ which is bordered by lavender and roses. Beyond is arable land, including vineyards for Cognac, which characterise much of the Charente valley (ideal for cycling). Local places of interest include Tusson, a village protégé, with its 12th-century abbey, museum and numerous old buildings; châteaux of la Rochefoucauld and Balzac; Cognac with its chic shopping centre and chais for tasting; the coast between la Rochelle and Royan is little more than an hour away for day trips. The friendly and affable owners, who produce Cognac and Pineau des Charentes, will warmly welcome all guests. This is a quality property with an inviting garden and welcoming owners.

Accommodation: Ground floor: living room (with open fireplace), dining room (with open fireplace), kitchen, wc. First floor: 2 single and 1 double-bedded room (with extra single bed), shower room, wc, cot. This property is particularly suited to indoor and out-of-season living, due to a higher than average level of comfort.

Activities: Table tennis and table football on the spot. Tennis and adventure playground in Tusson (3.5km). Indoor swimming pool, canoe / kayak and bicycle hire in Ruffec. Canoeing, cayaking and fishing in Echoisy (6km). Lake for swimming in Villefagnan and Gours (both 13km). Horse riding in St-Amant-de-Boixe (15km). Golf (18 holes) in Cognac.

Services: All essential shops and services in Tusson. Supermarkets in Mansle (13km), Aigre and Ruffec. Restaurant in Luxé (5km) and in Tusson. Market in Aigre on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, in Ruffec on Wednesdays and Saturdays and in Mansle on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Location
In the small village of Ligné (Charente) - 155 inhabitants - 10km NE of Aigre, 16km SSW of Ruffec and 34km N of Angoulême. Michelin map: 521.

Activities
Table tennis and table football on the spot. Tennis and adventure playground in Tusson (3.5km). Indoor swimming pool, canoe / kayak and bicycle hire in Ruffec. Canoeing, cayaking and fishing in Echoisy (6km). Lake for swimming in Villefagnan and Gours (both 13km). Horse riding in St-Amant-de-Boixe (15km). Golf (18 holes) in Cognac.

Services
All essential shops and services in Tusson. Supermarkets in Mansle (13km), Aigre and Ruffec. Restaurant in Luxé (5km) and in Tusson. Market in Aigre on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, in Ruffec on Wednesdays and Saturdays and in Mansle on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Description
This is a detached Charentais farmhouse, dating from 1900, facing south in its own enclosed garden offering a good degree of privacy from the owners approximately 20m away (some farm traffic noise at times) and surrounded by their vineyards and fields. Loving restoration has retained much character in the extremely spacious, ground floor rooms with exposed stone and brickwork, original stone fireplaces and beams complementing the tasteful arrangement of traditional and rustic-style furnishings. The accommodation throughout is of a high standard with pretty curtains and soft furnishings adding a homely feel. Doors open on to two paved terraces - 4m x 10m and 4m x 6m, the latter is covered and surrounded by a balustrade. Both have views on to the attractive lawned garden (approx. 1000m²) with built-in BBQ which is bordered by lavender and roses. Beyond is arable land, including vineyards for Cognac, which characterise much of the Charente valley (ideal for cycling). Local places of interest include Tusson, a village protégé, with its 12th-century abbey, museum and numerous old buildings; châteaux of la Rochefoucauld and Balzac; Cognac with its chic shopping centre and chais for tasting; the coast between la Rochelle and Royan is little more than an hour away for day trips. The friendly and affable owners, who produce Cognac and Pineau des Charentes, will warmly welcome all guests. This is a quality property with an inviting garden and welcoming owners. Featured by VFB since 1999.

Accommodation
Ground floor access via terrace - ½ step down - into:

·     Kitchen (2m90 x 3m80) with gas cooker (4 rings and oven), fridge with small freezer compartment, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine in recess. Tiled floor. Door to wc and recess. French windows on to covered terrace
·     Dining room (5m90 x 7m) with grandfather clock and open fireplace. Tiled floor. Stairs to first floor. Doors to kitchen and living room
·     Living room (5m70 x 6m10) with LCD HD television with USB recording function, telephone (outgoing calls will require a card which can be purchased locally) and open fireplace. Tiled floor
·     Separate wc
 
First floor: (Low beam on stairs). Landing with doors to:
 
·     Bedroom 1 (5m x 5m80) with 1 double bed (1m40) and 1 single bed (0m80), cot. Parquet floor
·     Bedroom 2 (3m40 x 3m40) with 1 single bed (1m10). Board floor
·     Bedroom 3 (3m40 x 3m90) with 1 single bed (1m20). Parquet floor
·     Shower room with shower cubicle. Tiled floor
·     Separate wc
 
Gas central heating not included (radiators in each room 35€ per week) -   Electricity included - Bed linen included, household linen available.
 
Where household linen is available, payment should be made direct to the owner (one set will cost 20€ for two people and each additional person pays 5€).
 
Breakage Deposit: 100€   Sleeps: 4 adults + 1 child under 14 + baby. (low-sided wooden cot available: 1m30 length x 0m60 width x 0m40 depth – highchair available on request)
 
There is a local tax (taxe de séjour) applicable at this property for all guests. The cost is 0.50€ per guest (over 13) per day, and should be paid directly to the owner.

Comments
“The Tallons have been as warm and welcoming as promised. We felt that if only our French was better, we could thank them as much as they deserve.” “It is a lovely, tranquil, rural setting and the perfect place to spend two weeks relaxing, enjoying the garden and visiting interesting and stimulating places.” “We found the property one of the best of the many of VFB’s we have visited.” “M et Mme Tallon are wonderful hosts and their cognac far too tasty!” "This was absolutely fabulous accommodation - one of the very best we have had in our 10+ years with VFB.  Monsieur et Madame were extremely friendly."
 
Description updated May 2009