Les Cygnes Carbon Neutral Holiday Homes are 3 eco-friendly luxurious gites set in 5 acres of gardens overlooking a 15th-century castle and fields of sunflowers. Easy traveling distance from Poitiers, Angouleme and La Rochelle, well placed for reaching a whole range of Atlantic beaches, historic sites and cultural attractions, The 10mx5m swimming pool is salt water, reducing chemical waste and visitors get the chance to offset their carbon emissions by planting a tree, a portion of land is used for the planting of indigenous trees to help negate carbon emissions.

Le Tilleul is a restored 19th century stone cottage with 3 bedrooms and sits in the shade of a beautiful Lime tree.

• 1 double bedroom
• 2 Twin bedrooms
• Well equipped kitchen
• English Sat TV
• 10x5m Saltwater Pool
• Large garden and grounds
• Welcome Food Basket
• Private terrace
• Games room
• Eco Friendly, plant a tree

The kitchen. Newly fitted Hygena kitchen with a stainless steel oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, toaster coffee maker ample work surfaces and an attractive island unit that can be used for either food preparation ora breakfast bar. Well equipped with crockery, cutlery/utensils, bowls, pans. Everything that you would expect to find in your own home. If you fancy treating yourself to a gourmet meal in the comfort of your own gite, an experienced international chef, Charlie, will cater for you for a very reasonable price.

Living area. An open plan living/dining area with 2 comfortable double sofas and chairs, English Sat. TV and DVD player. Equipped with a large wood burner for the winter evenings and using sustainable wood. The dining area has a large wood table and seating for 8 people. From here you can access the Mezzanine which has a single and a double futon, especially popular with teenagers!

Bedrooms. 1 double bedroom on the ground floor. 2 twin bedrooms and the double fouton can be used as an extra double bed, Duvet and pillows are provided and linen can be provided at a small fee. A cot, highchair and stair gate can also be requested. Le Tilleul is particularly suited to those with limited mobility as it has a bedroom on the ground floor.

Toilet and ablutions. Shower room with toilet and twin hand basins.

Garden and outdoor facilities. Le Tilleul has an outside dining area set in the secluded courtyard, in the grounds there are Volleyball/Badminton facilities and a petanque alley. 10x5 metre salt water swimming pool is surrounded by terrace, providing an ideal spot for you to relax, soak up the sun then cool off with a refreshing dip and you will find sun loungers, large parasols and a shaded cabana for your comfort. The pool is fenced and has an AFNOR approved pool alarm for the security of you and your family. There is a large indoor games room with a variety of games including table tennis, table football, darts. The 5 acres of gardens overlook fields of sunflowers and pasture is great for kids to run around in a safe and traffic free environment.

Miscellaneous. Situated between the two main towns of Sauzé-Vaussais and Chef Boutonne (8km, 10 mins by car). Here you will find supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, bakeries, cafes and restaurants as well as weekly markets selling local produce in the main squares. All 3 gites can be booked as one unit sleeping up to 24 people, ideal for the larger groups and family reunions. Laundry room with washing machine. You can also order delicious frozen goodies, freshly prepared by the chef, Charlie, using local and home grown produce so need to cook if you don't want to!!

Location. Located 4hrs from the port of St. Malo, 4.5hrs from Caen, 5.5hrs from Cherbourg, 4.5hrs from le Havre, 5.5hrs from Roscoff. Nearest Airports are Poitiers 45mins. La Rochelle 1.5hrs. Bordeaux 2hrs and Limoges is 1.5hrs. Car hire is available at these airports.

Activities. Roughly an hours drive from some of the most spectacular stretches of Atlantic coastline, from the sandy, family-friendly resorts of Châtelaillon and Royan, to the quieter beaches on the Île de Ré and the Île d'Oléron in Charente-Maritime. Sand dune and surf-lovers shouldn't miss the fabulous, unspoilt beaches along the Vendée coast, south of Les Sables d'Olonne. Pony-trekking centre that caters for horse riding activities, at all levels, in the village of Le Breuil Coiffaud. Sea fishing trips can be booked in Royan, La Rochelle, Rochefort-sur-mer or Île d'Oléron or inland fishing at Pescalis fishing centre. There are number of Golf courses in the area and the quiet, country lanes and coastal pine forests are ideal for exploring by bike. Most beauty spots such as Le Venise Vert (Green Venice) and Île de Ré rent bicycles by the day.

2011 Prices:

Low Season £375.00 Mid Season £660.00 High Season £945.00

25% booking deposit. Bookings are from Friday to Friday in High season.

Customer Comments :

Imogen, Adrian, Arthur and Herbie : This week has felt like a fortnight it's been so relaxing - can't believe the rest of the world exists somewhere!