Grange La Chouette

Spend relaxed times with family or friends as you stay in a beautifully converted barn with pretty blue shutters and roses in northern Dordogne, only a 45-minute drive from Angoulême and close to characterful market towns and idyllic landscapes. The owners have renovated most of the horse-shoe of period barns around the original courtyard to create an authentic family home set on a hillside position overlooking the stunning Dordogne countryside. They have added a heated swimming pool surrounded by the aroma of summer lavender, and guests can also enjoy the glorious rural views from the al-fresco lounge and dining terrace. The elegant swimming pool features a shallower end for younger guests and there is boules, badminton and table-tennis to keep all ages entertained on long summer days. As the evening nears, enjoy barbecues as you listen out for the hooting of resident owls in one of the unconverted barns. Inside, Grange La Chouette has undergone a wonderful restoration with double height ceilings above the vast open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen space alongside five bedrooms. Traditional thick stone walls and shuttered windows means the interiors tend to stay cool even in the summer.   Upstairs, guests will find two pairs of bedrooms (two king-size doubles and two twin bedrooms that can be made up as a king-size doubles) linked by an oak and glass walkway, two bedrooms with their own en suite shower room, the other two sharing a large Jack and Jill style bathroom which can be directly reached by either bedroom. A fifth bedroom is situated on the ground floor, again benefitting from an en suite bathroom, allowing this converted barn to sleep up to 10 guests in total. This area is wonderful for exploring the authentic Dordogne. Drive to nearby Piégut-Pluviers to experience one of the region’s largest outdoor markets on a Wednesday morning whilst the picturesque market town of Montbron, 14km away in the Charente department, sits near the banks of the Tardoire River, a perfect place for fishing and canoeing. Dine in the riverside Michelin starred restaurant just north of Montbron, head to Saint-Sornin for wine-tasting or just make the most of the glorious walking opportunities near here – the GR4 hiking route passes close by. Cycle or stroll around the tranquil Grand Etang de St-Estèphe, only 8km away, discover a go-karting circuit within a short drive and enjoy the woodland activities and trails at Périgord Vert Aventure. Picture-perfect Dordogne villages and towns also await such as Nontron, Brantôme and Thiviers whilst the cities of Angoulême, Périgueux and even Limoges make fine days out in this enchanting part of south-western France. Features: Grange Interiors - Open plan lounge and dining area - Open plan kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher and extra wine fridge - Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath and over-head shower Upstairs (via open-tread stairs) - Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite shower room - Bedroom with twin beds (can be joined as king-size double bed) and en suite shower room - Bedroom with king-size double bed - Bedroom with twin beds (can be joined as king-size double bed) - Shared Jack and Jill style bathroom (en suite to both above bedrooms with lockable doors either side) with bath, separate shower and two sinks Outside Grounds - Heated swimming pool (11x5m including raised shallow section with dividing internal wall) with safety key-controlled automatic cover. Open and heated (via air-source pump) approximately May to end-September (unless outside temperature drops below 10C) - Poolside terrace - Al-fresco dining and lounge area - Feature wall with lavender (no climbing) - Barbecue - Boules - Badminton - Swing - Bikes (2 x adult bikes and 2 x children’s bikes) - Table tennis - Outbuilding barns (one which is often home to owls) Facilities - Wi-Fi - Electric heating (on request) - Fans (on request) - Stairgates (on request) - Smart TV - Children’s books - Board games - Boules - Badminton - Table tennis - Bikes - Washing machine- 2 x baby cot and one highchair (please enquire if more are required)  Location: Set on a hill with panoramic views of the beautiful countryside of northern Dordogne, Grange La Chouette is around a 45-minute drive from Angoulême and an hour north of Périgueux. In a quieter part of the region, you are well located for visiting pretty villages and historic market towns away from the usual tourist crowds further south. It’s a rural position with very few neighbours dotted around - the nearest, around 100m down the track, grows and sells seasonal organic tomatoes! Most local restaurants are within a 10 to 15-minute drive or the most active of guests can walk half an hour across the countryside to an excellent restaurant open two or three days a week (make sure you pre-book and they also ask you to order in advance). The small Dordogne town of Piégut-Pluviers (8km) is home to supermarkets and other amenities as well as one of the region’s largest outdoor markets on a Wednesday morning. Crossing into the Charente department, Montbron (14km) is another attractive small town with restaurants, a twice-weekly market and a 12th century château which often hosts summer art exhibitions. Look out for fishing and canoeing/kayaking along the Tardoire River on the edge of Montbron and idyllic watermills further up the river towards the town of La Rochefoucauld (28km), also home to an impressive château. The countryside around Piégut-Pluviers and Montbron offers a wealth of walks (the GR4 passes close by) as well as cycling and horse-riding opportunities whilst the lake at Grand Etang de St-Estèphe (8km) has tennis, summer kayaking, cycling and a highly regarded French restaurant. Wine-lovers will appreciate the vineyards around Saint-Sornin (20km) or head further afield to Jarnac (77km) and Cognac (93km). Gastronomes can pre-book a table at the Michelin starred restaurant on the banks of the Tardoire just north of Montbron and visit several wonderful markets specialising in seasonal produce from across the Périgord and Charente regions of south-western France. To the south, Nontron (13km) is a must-visit with its arts and crafts heritage (the town is famous for crafting knives over the years) and its beautiful historic centre whilst Brantôme (35km) is an especially picturesque town on the banks of the Dronne, a perfect place for lunch in gorgeous surroundings followed by a leisurely walk or canoe trip along the river. The historic capital of Dordogne, Périgueux (65km) is another fine day out with its stunning architecture and fantastic markets. If you can find the time, Angoulême (40km) is also not to be missed, a brilliant city on the Charente River, known not only for its elegant old quarter but also the National Comic Strip and Image Centre and its annual classic car race in September, Le Circuit des Remparts. Terms & Conditions: ? €1500 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 4.00 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes (see below for heating). Yes. Dogs may be allowed, on request only and with prior agreement with the owner. A cot and highchair is available on request. Please request in advance if required. Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. Saturday. Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Outside only. 7 nights. Electric heating is available on request at an extra cost, payable locally, and the cost depends on the time of year - please enquire if required. Included. The pool is heated via an air-source pump from approximately May to end-September unless the external temperature drops below 10C. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. French Visitors Tax included in rental rate. Yes. The pool is open approximately May to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.