Kestrels flying the nest

 

Thanks to Chris our guest who took these great photo's of the Kestrels on there first days of leaving the nest.

Baby Kestrels 2026

 This years baby Kestrels nearly ready to leave the nest

Pigeonnier

 

 Geneviève who has left today after just over a week staying in the Pigeonnier has kindly gave us permission to show her painting of the Pigeonnier.

Thank you.

Wild life around our Gites

The Locals are gathering behind our Farmhouse

 

Surgeres (13km)

 

Surgeres 

The closest small town to our gites, Ideal for a shopping and nice for strolling around in the center.

Spring time at the gites and Landrais

Its warming up, the sun is out, the migratory birds are back, the landscape has turned to a nice shade of green and the flowers and trees are starting to show there true colours and blossom. I love this time of the year in the Charente Maritime.   

 

Coastline images

Coastline images

Dolmen, Ardilliéres (3 km)

 Dolmen, Ardilliéres (3 km)

La Metairie de Monlieu, Landrais, gites, pool & garden.

Unwind by the pool or in the garden
 

Pressoir

 





The 2 bedroom Pressoir with amazing views over the countryside from the lounge/diner and the main bedroom.

Pigeonnier

Get away from it all in our Pigeonnier. Ideal for 2 or 2 plus 2 small children. Even in the winter with the log burner it's so cosy. 
 

 

Looking forward to the lazy summer days in the Charente Maritime near La Rochelle

 

Grape picking

Sunday us & all the villagers with children were invited by the Mairie to pick the vines of the commune. After picking the grapes they were crushed (not using feet!) by a machine placed on the back of the trailer by the children, strained & then bottled. While the kids were busy the adults were given a 'gouter' (snack) of pàté on bread & of course a drink of wine.

Customer comment for the "Pressoir"

June 11th to June 25th

We have had a super holiday. It is beautiful and restful here. Nigel and Suzanne are extremely helpful and pleasant. There is lots to do and see. We liked the beaches at Fouras and the visit Ile d'Aix is worth it. Make a day of it . We had only 3 hours. The Hotel Napoleon there was excellent. The restaurant at Landrais is an experience and not to be missed. We visited some fêtes in the villages which were good fun too. All in all one to remember.

Judi & Dick - Brecon, Wales

Customer comment

5th June 2010

We have had a lovely week's holiday despite the " variable" weather. Nigel and Suzanne have done a great job here, and we love the fresh but vintage feel of the place. The aquarium is very good for rainy days and the cafe there had great food. We also went to "Palmilud" swimming pool with slides etc in Perigny on another rainy day, and we've enjoyed when the sun finally came out as we were running out of rainy day activities! Fouras was a lovely little town. Le "commerce" was a bright, friendly restaurant with great food. The "Plage du Sud" has shady areas if the sun is too strong. We also loved Ile d'Oleron and enjoyed strolling around the "Couleurs Cabanes" where local artists and jewellery makers sell their work. All together, a great holiday and our children loved it too (especially the wendy house and strangely having a shoe rack in their wardrobe... )
Thank you!

Claire, Stef, Anni (3) & Remy (1)
Glasgow

Reviews

29 may 2010

We have had a wonderful 2 weeks in the Pigeonnier. Thank you very much for making us feel so welcome. You have a beautiful home in a beautiful location!
Highlights of our stay have been Ile de Ré and Seb loved the aquarium at la Rochelle - ideal for a rainy day!
We wish you all the best.

Richard & Nikki & Seb

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May 22nd - 29th 2010

Writing this just before we set off back to the airport.
What can we say about the Charente Maritime that hasn't already been said!
Suzanne & Nigel are very welcoming and our little gite became a wonderful home from home.
We had some lovely days out - would recommend a trip to the zoo in la Palmyre for those with small children or indeed anyone who has a small person hidden within them!
Île de ré is just beautiful - although avoid stopping for lunch in Sainte-Marie as there is nothing there except a wonderful coast line.
If it's the beach with good restaurants then Chatelaillon- Plage is the place for you.
Until next time,
Au revoir from the Bells.

Jason, Caroline & Charlotte
Manchester

Review for the "Pigeonnier"

01/05/ 2010


What a wonderful place to stay. We enjoyed every moment of our time in your charming little cottage. As builders we can appreciate all the time and effort it took to rebuild this place from the rubble. And as gîte owners, we can see the effort you went to in order to make your cottage so delightful. We had everything we needed at our fingertips.
But most of all, we loved spending time with you and your family. Hope you can visit us in Africa someday and that you enjoy our condo.
With all best wishes.

Kay & Terry