Gites Sunflowers. Nr. La Rochelle

Large 12 x 6m floodlit solar heated pool.

2 bedrooms. Sleeps 5

A complex of 5 gites, the original stone farm buildings and courtyard of this historic farm settlement dates from 1750 and includes a restored cottage and converted stables, featuring exposed beams, pine furniture and traditional limestone walls. The renovations were all carried out by the owners, whilst still keeping the traditional character of the farm.

Sunflowers is a 2 bedroom gite set in three acres, surrounded by woods and fields, yet only 4 km from all amenities. The old farm of 'Pégon' is a safe haven for children. Close to the forest of Benon and also on the edge of the Marais Poitevin or Venise Verte National Park.

• 1 double bedroom
• 1 bedroom with 3 single beds and cot
• Well equipped kitchen
• Dishwasher
• Internet access
• 12x6m Solar heated floodlit pool
• Childrens play area
• Games Room
• Private patio and BBQ

The kitchen is a modern well equipped fitted kitchen with a cooker, fridge, microwave and dishwasher, crockery, bowls, pans, cutlery/utensils. All the things that you need and would expect to find. There is a separate Laundry room with washing machines, sink and ironing facilities plus a freezer for communal use.

Living area. A large lounge/diner with 3-piece suite. Coffee table. The dining area has a large table and seating for 5. TV, DVD, HiFi with iPod docking station, Internet access is available.

Bedrooms. The Master bedroom has a double bed, bedside cabinets and drawer unit and en-suite WC/shower room. The 2nd bedroom has 3 single beds plus a cot.

Bathroom and Toilets. En-suite shower room and W.C. a separate family bathroom and WC.

Garden and outdoor facilities. There is a private patio with furniture and a BBQ. The enclosed 12m x 6m pool is situated within easy access of all the gites. It has extensive patio and sunbathing areas with a shower and ample sun loungers. There is a small children's paddling pool adjacent to the main pool. The main pool also has underwater floodlights for those who enjoy a midnight swim. The Play Area is a safe area close to the gites. It has Swings, Badminton net, Boules, Junior Croquet and for the very young a Paddling Pool, Sand Pit, Rocking Snail and a Tricycle. There is a large fully equipped games room with Table Tennis, Pool Table, Bar Football, Basket Ball net and Darts (Darts with adult supervision)

Miscellaneous. Optional cleaning service and linen hire is available.The nearest town, Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon (3km) has a variety of small shops, supermarket and twice weekly market. Surgères (11km) has 3 supermarkets and full range of shops. This is the ideal spot for peace and tranquility, close to the forest of Benon and the Marais Poitevin or 'Venise Verte' National Park - punts are available for hire. For bird-watchers there are some excellent reserves close by. There are several 18 hole golf courses with visitors always welcome. Optional cleaning service available.

Location. In the heart of the Charente Maritime with its micro-climate, relax in the sun, go to the beach or visit La Rochelle. The natural stone gites enjoy a peaceful countryside setting ideal for cycling but close to a market town with supermarket and many restaurants; ½ hour to Niort Golf Club; 1 hour to Futuroscope, Royan, Cognac and Saintes. The ferry ports of St Malo 3.5hrs, Caen 4 hrs, Roscoff 4.5 hrs, Cherbourg 5 hrs, Calais 6 hrs. The nearest airport is La Rochelle, 30mins and is served by low the cost airlines; Car hire is available at this airport.

Activities. There are a wealth of good restaurants within easy reach of Pégon. A good local restaurant is La Ferme Flammande, for good value try the plat du jour at midday or for evening meals. 10 mins away from your gite is Le P'tit Caprice at Vouhé, La Crémaillère at Courçon for regional specialties or Le Ronsard and La Roma Pizzeria and many others at Surgères. Further afield at La Rochelle you will find restaurants in abundance with 'Moules frites' and 'fruits de mer' specialties- or try the restaurants in the Marais Poitevin with regional specialties such as eels, leg of lamb, goats cheese and haricot beans. Beaches. La Rochelle has a pleasant sandy beach by Les Minimes Marina. Châtelaillon-Plage, Aytré and Fouras which are ideal for toddlers, Ile de Ré is a haven for cyclists at any time of the year. 60km of cycle tracks wind their way between pine woods, vineyards, nature reserves and salt marshes. Small white washed cottages with green shutters line narrow streets brilliant with hollyhocks. The West Coast has many sandy beaches with cafés or you can enjoy the delights of St Martin de Ré. Ile D'Oléron (approx 70 minutes) this island has some beautiful beaches on the west side and it's worth taking bikes for a forest ride. The island is flanked on all sides by sand dunes covered with mimosa trees, or carpeted with everlasting flowers, marram grass and sea pinks. Royan (approx 75 minutes) has many excellent beaches including the Côte Sauvage for surfing.

The international Zoo at La Palmyra set in 14 hectares contains animals from all over the world and is well worth a visit. Rochefort is the headquarters of the French equivalent of the R.S.P.B (L.P.O) as the surrounding marshes are full of birds, and there are a series of excellent reserves only a short distance away. 'Marais d' Yves' 'Moeze - Olèron', Ile de Ré' and the 'Point de L' Aiguillon'. Look out for these birds: Black Winged Stilt - Blue Throat - Hoopoe - Black Kite - Corn Crake - Many Raptors can also be seen.

2012 Prices per week: Saturday changeover

High season £955

Other dates POA

A Tourist Tax has now been imposed for gîtes at the rate of 30 centimes per night per person over 13 years to be paid in euro's on arrival.