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David Freeling-wilkinson

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The house

  • Quiet, rural area with some agricultural activity

Two beautifully restored 18th century stone farmhouses and outbuildings with a private gated walled garden, a heated salt water swimming pool (11m x 5m) and ample on-site secure parking.

The owners David & Josee will ensure a very warm welcome to Les Portes Vertes, in the beautiful countryside of the Poitou-Charentes region of Nouvelle Aquitaine.

Situated roughly half-way between the Loire Valley and the Cognac region, in a picturesque tranquille and safe setting that is only 8 minutes from a town for all your daily requirements. Les Portes Vertes can accommodate groups of all sizes up to a maximum of 14; our two gîtes 'The Old Farmhouse' and 'The Stables' can be rented separately or jointly as a single venue to suit the size of your family or group.
Safe and Secure in a post-Covid “new normal” world; Les Portes Vertes is wholly self-contained so you control your level of external contact while we take your safety seriously and deep clean entirely between bookings.
Both gites have been lovingly restored to provide quality accommodation without losing their character. Each gite is fully equipped with all mod cons, including Satellite TV and DVD player and dedicated Wi-Fi internet while still retaining an abundance of charm with exposed beams and mellow yellow stone walls.
Both gites are listed with full descriptions separately on this site
The Farmhouse
This was the main house of the old farm and is usually configured to sleep 8 with the possibility of adding one single bed if required to enable a group of 9. The Farmhouse has a large modern country kitchen, a formal dining room, living room and snug with 4 bedrooms (three with double beds, the 4th with two singles) and three bathrooms. (one en-suite, one ‘Jack & Jill’ and one stand-alone shower)
The Stables
As the name implies, this was originally the farm stables. It has been given a modern make-over that subtly blends the old and the new and is usually configured to sleep 4. The Stables has a charming open plan kitchen / living room and two bedrooms, one with a Super King the other with two singles with the option of adding another single bed if required to increase this to 5
Les Portes Vertes
By booking both gîtes as a single package you ensure exclusivity of the heated pool and all facilities at Les Portes Vertes.

Registration code

(RP)

Facilities

  • Independent
  • Local contact
  • Suitable for large groups
  • Safe for small children
  • Dishwasher
  • Washing machine
  • Iron
  • Fenced garden
  • Pets welcome
  • Cot
  • High chair
  • TV
  • Internet
  • Bicycles at the house
  • Fireplace
  • Hair dryer
  • Bath
  • With swimming pool
  • Heated pool
  • Private pool

Availability of 'Les Portes Vertes'

Surroundings

Click on image to open an interactive map

Les Portes Vertes is in Courbanay,a small hamlet in Maire-Levescault, just 4 Km outside Sauze Vaussais. We are close to the N10, which is the main route from Paris to Bordeaux and Spain.
There are several airports within a reasonable distance, offering a choice of flights from the UK to suite you and of course, car hire is available with approximate drive time to reach us as follows:
= 40 minutes from Poitiers and Angouleme Airport.
= 75 minutes from Limoges and La Rochelle Airport.
= 120 minutes from Bordeaux and Nantes Airport.
If coming by car, the usual choice of cross-channel ferry routes are all available, approximate drive times are:
- Dunkirk approx 6 1/2 hrs
- Calais & Eurotunnel approx 6 hrs
- Roscoff approx 5 1/2 hrs
- Le Havre, Dieppe, & Cherbourg are all approx 5 hrs
= Caen & St Malo are both approx 4hrs
and of course, we will be available by phone should you need any directions!

  • Rural
  • Meadows and woodland
  • In or near a village
  • In or near a town

Reviews

Les Portes Vertes has received 1 reviews in the last 4 years with a:

10 stars
  • 10 stars

    Très bon accueil. Panier de courtoisie conséquent. Beaux gites de caractère dans un cadre verdoyant, tranquillité assurée.
    Grandes chambres avec salles de bain. Belles pièces de vie. Piscine chauffée avec dôme appréciable.
    Grange appréciable permettant de tous nous réunir. Possibilité de musique.
    Adresse à retenir

    Comment from David Freeling-wilkinson

    Merci Patricia, nous avons apprécié votre séjour ainsi que toute votre famille aux Les Portes Vertes et nous avons hâte de vous revoir dans le futur

    David

Restaurants, food & wine

Dining out
There is a raft of restaurants within easy driving distance in the surrounding area, as can be seen on the” restaurants” tab above
We can recommend “Aux Choeurs de Bachus where the owners, Alain & Isabelle offer an incredibly unique, very French dining experience that provides exceptional food with fine wine at a reasonable price. Booking early is essential.
Our guests this year were particularly taken with O City’ven and O’napoli – both in Civray (about 15 minutes’ drive), while l’Auberge du Noyer is a British run and offer a range of foods including typically British pub grub!
And should any of your party be missing their favourite fast food, there is a McDonalds in Ruffec (about 15 minutes away) or either Niort or Poitiers (where you can also find KFC), both of which are about a 50-minute drive.

Golf: There are several golf clubs available at either Niort or Poitiers. Only about 50 minutes’ drive to suit everyone!
Motor Sport: The circuit at Vale de Vienne is approx 30 mins away with a full calendar of events. It also offers track days and speed experience events for the like-minded.
September 2021 will see the 49th running “Circuit des Remparts” the spectacular classic car event in Angoulême, about 50 mins away.
Le Mans – At a stretch as it is around a 2hr drive, you might want to consider Les Portes Vertes as an ideal base for extending the Le Mans weekend into a family holiday, with ample secure parking for your cars and knowing that members of the family not over enthusiastic will be happy with our pool and other attractions

Activities

  • Bicycle
  • Near riding
  • Near theme park

Further remarks

Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or taking advantage of the shade provided by the “Old Bread Oven”, this is an ideal place for a peaceful and relaxing self-catering holiday with so much to explore out and about in the glorious Poitou Charentes region, or the sights and sounds of the nearby cities of Poitiers with its vibrant shopping and night life, Niort the gateway to the , Angouleme or Cognac, all within easy driving distance. Talking of driving there is a golf course not far away. If after all that you still have energy, then there are lots of local markets to visit and a must visit to the Valley of the Monkeys (20 mins drive) as is Futuroscope (about 45 mins up the A10)
Poitiers is about 45 minutes up the A10 and is the regions capital and is great for shopping and sightseeing.. It has a very lively night life with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants in the centre.
Niort (45 mins) is right in the valley of the river Sevre at the gateway to the Marais Poitevin. The river with its wooded banks winds through the city which stands on twin hills and has a magnificent 12th century castle on the riverbanks that dominates the town centre and is a major part of a medieval castle that dates from the 12th century, when it was built in the roman style by Henry II (Henry Plantagenet) and Richard the Lionheart
Ruffec (15 mins) is a pretty little market town with flower filled squares which are bordered by charming shops and cafes is also the starting point for renting a canoe, kayak or paddle board to explore the Charente river.
La Rochelle (90 mins) A lively and vibrant port with rich historical heritage, wonderful museums and plenty of shops. There is also the wonderful harbour and plenty of bars and restaurants serving excellent seafood where you can enjoy a dish of fresh local oysters with a bottle of Muscadet.
Cognac (55 mins) with the Cognac Museum and the houses of Hennessy, Martell, Remy Martin and Otard. Visit the pretty little town of Jarnac to visit Courvoisier.
Bordeaux involves a 2hr journey each way but worthy of a day trip

We can also host any special events you may have in mind; we are not events planners but would be more than happy to discuss and facilitate your requirements.

Additional price info and offers

The owners, David & Josee live on site and are on hand to meet you and provide advice and support if required - but this is unobtrusive as we have our own entrance to the property.
On arrival you will find a generous welcome pack that includes bread, butter, cheese, milk, eggs. water and of course some wine. we also ensure that the gites have an initial supply of basic necessities . We provide all bedding and towels including pool towels and a choice of duvets (light and heavy)
about us:
Note we are are prepared to be a bit flexible under the current conditions and are will to discus arrangement and also open to longer term bookings

Price includes

Towels, Bed linen

Price exclusive

  • Safety deposit € 100.00
  • Cleaning fee (optional) € 100.00

Do you have questions?

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How many guests?

Per week starting from

€2,400

Per week starting from

€2,400

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