The Pumphouse
Between Fontenay le Comte and Niort.
2 bedrooms plus mezzanine bedroom, sleeps 5

Private garden, large Pool

The Pumphouse, on a small complex of 2 gites and has exposed stone walls and beams, private enclosed garden with BBQ and patio furniture. Located on the edge of a village and easy walking distance to local amenities. The micro climate in the Vendee makes this a popular area and ideal for walking, cycling, bird-watching or just relaxing.

• 1 double bedroom
• 1 Twin bedroom
• 1 single bedroom
• Family bathroom
• Dishwasher
• Well equipped kitchen
• Large Swimming Pool
• TV & DVD player
• Patio furniture. BBQ
• Private garden
• Separate Laundry room

The kitchen. This is a modern open plan well equipped kitchen/diner with electric oven and hob, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, kettle, toaster, coffee maker, crockery, cutlery/utensils, bowls, pans, everything you may need. A pinewood dining table and seating for 6 people. There is a separate Laundry room.

Living area. French doors lead into a large open plan living room with a wood burning stove, comfortable seating, flat screen TV and DVD player.

Bedrooms. The hallway leads to the bathroom and bedrooms. The Master bedroom, on the ground floor, has exposed stone walls and beamed ceiling and sleeps 2 people in a King size bed. The 2nd bedroom, also on the ground floor, has an exposed stone wall and beamed ceiling, furnished with a set of bunk beds, a small fitted wardrobe and chest of drawers. There is a mezzanine area above with a single bed. The mezzanine area has low head room and a steep staircase. Linen is provided.

Bathroom and Toilets. The bathroom, off the hallway, has a small bath with shower over, a toilet, wash hand basin and heated towel rail.

Garden and outdoor facilities. The gite has its own private garden with seating area complete with tables, chairs and individual BBQ's, perfect for enjoying al fresco dining.

Miscellaneous. Well behaved and friendly pets will be considered. In the village you will find a bar/tabac, post office, bakers, small basic grocery shop, restaurant with bar and take away pizzeria, and hairdresser. The nearest supermarket is 10 minutes away and 20 minutes to the Renaissance town of Fontenay-le-Comte (with large Saturday street market) and the city of Niort. Both have large hypermarkets, restaurants and many other shops and boutiques. The Pumphouse is available for longer term lets during spring, autumn and winter.

Location. Ideally located, just minutes away from the A83 motorway, 3 hrs from St Malo and 4hrs from Caen ferry ports. 1hr from La Rochelle, Nantes and Poitiers airports, which are served by the low cost airlines. 5 minutes from the canals of the Marais Poitevin (Green Venice). The forest at Mervent and lakeside beaches are within 15 minutes and the historic harbour town of La Rochelle, the Atlantic Coast and Futuroscope theme park are all within 1 hour.

Activities. Visit Puy du Fou , which provides entertainment for the whole day, Roman Chariot racing, Birds of prey skimming over your head a must see attraction. Venise Verte (Green Venice) a vast area of wetlands reclaimed from the sea a thousand years ago, the Marais is ideal for walking. Maillezais is 10 minutes away with its historic Abbey of St Peter founded in the 10th century; there are a couple of nice restaurants here. Mervent Forest is less than half an hour away and has over 12,000 acres of mixed woodland, with over thirty varieties of tree. There are inland lakes, some with lakeside beaches and water sports, a small zoo and an amusement park (Parc Pierre Brune). The forest provides ideal days out for walking, riding, cycling and picnics. Close to Mervent forest is the beautiful village of Vouvant with its Romanesque church. Just an 45/60 mins drive to the lovely Vendee coast, known for its wonderful coastline and year round warm climate, vast sandy beaches, sea fishing, mussel and oyster farming. Beaches close by include L'Aiguillon sur Mer, Faute sur Mer, La Tranche sur Mer and Les Sables d'Olonne famous for its boat races such as the Vendee Globe, fantastic beach and Zoo. Visit he beautiful historic harbour of La Rochelle with its two towers and the Aquarium, it boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in France. From the harbour you can take opportunity for a boat trip to visit the adjacent islands. Visit the island of Ile de Re, accessible by car, for fantastic beaches with calm shallow waters, see the mules in their Pyjamas!! the island also has numerous oyster bed farms which sell direct to the public.

Price per week for 2011: Friday changeovers

Low £240: Mid £350: High £400: Peak £600

There is a single week booking supplement of £30