About Belle Etoile
Luxury farmhouse & gite
Belle Etoile, our ‘beautiful star’, consists of a stylishly converted 19th century farmhouse and loft apartment combining rustic charm and contemporary chic. Set in an unspoilt, peaceful hamlet it is surrounded by stunning views.
During the peak summer season the house and gite can only be let together, so guests have exclusive use of the exceptional solar heated pool, which extends to 20 metres for lane swimming, and the courtyard with its pergola for alfresco dining, chimenea barbecue, floodlit boulodrome (boules/petanque court), and exceptionally equipped games barn.
The pool, with its infinity-view across rolling countryside, is securely enclosed by child-proof fencing, and accessed by a self-closing gate. The adjoining sun terrace is furnished with two large parasols, 8x cushioned sun-loungers, and a large rattan corner sofa – the perfect spot to watch the sun go down.
The surrounding private garden, with children’s swings, and a hammock chair hanging from the signature walnut tree, is adjoined by a paddock where children can kick a football about or organise a game of family cricket.
The property has wi-fi internet connection and English FreeSat satellite television.
Belle Etoile is suitable for year-round use. Its deep stone walls keep it cool in summer and warm in winter. A wood burner in the living room, and oil-fired central heating heats the house, while the gite has its own wood-burner and very effective electric radiators.
Location
Located on the Charente/Dordogne border in the ancient hamlet of Isle, where hollyhocks abound from June to September, just 3 kilometres from the historic village of Villebois Lavalette, with its Knights Templar chateau and medieval, covered market square.
Villebois Lavalette has excellent restaurants, shops and services, including: butcher, baker, newsagent, supermarket with petrol station and car hire, tourist office, post office, doctor, dentist and more. The Saturday market is delightful and friendly, where people meet for coffee, to catch up on news, to eat fresh oysters and to buy local produce and crafts.
It is just 3 kilometres to an excellent supermarket, restaurants and all services.
The relatively traffic free roads and gentle terrain make this an ideal area for walking, cycling and touring.
Within easy reach are a number of weekday street markets, eg Chalais on a Monday and Brantome or Riberac on a Friday.
Even closer to Belle Etoile is the village of Ronsenac; this is 2 kilometres away and can be reached by footpath. Ronsenac has a lively bar which serves food, a well-equipped children's play area and a public tennis court.
The Farmhouse
The Gite
The Garden Studio
Great canoeing at Brantome, very pretty and exciting weirs. Very relaxing, beautiful house. We really must come again soon.
All the children have had an amazing holiday in the most comfortable and homely surroundings. The weather has been fantastic.
bedrooms
guests
games barn
metre pool
