Our large, characterful house dates back to 1702 and has some original features intact. It is surrounded by a landscaped garden with a heated pool and a wide range of flora and fauna. We also have paddocks, where our 2 horses roam around, a small stable area and a small wood. The property sits up at the top of a valley with wonderful, far-reaching views and offers easy access to the local 'voie vert' - a communal pathway that provides miles of country paths following the route of the River Vendee. If you have your own paddle boat or canoe, you can access the river from within the village and it is popular with anglers. The Chambre d'Hote is located on the ground floor and has it's own entrance and a private terrace to the rear. Guests are welcome to wander around the garden and use the pool (subject to seasonal opening - please note the pool is not normally heated in July and August due to the warm weather) and if you want to interact with the horses, why not help out at feeding time!? Please also note we have 2 house cats and an outdoor stray - all very friendly and although none are allowed in the guest area, you may encounter them in the garden. We will happily accept young babies and can provide a cot, but please note the room, pool and garden are not suitable for mobile toddlers.

We are a brother and sister who moved to France a couple of years ago. Aside from running our new Chambre d'Hote as a joint venture, Stephen works as a producer in the film world and I teach English as a foreign language. Stephen has a real passion for cars and music whilst my real passion is horses. We also have a 3 bedroom gite (sleeps 6-8) - why not look at the listing for Le Jardin des Bosquets Gite - here's the property number - 4622725! Just a quick not on check in times: whilst we normally ask people to check in around 3-3.30pm, but we can be very flexible on this - we just need to know in advance!

Auzay is in the commune of Auchay sur Vendee, which is a calm, semi-rural village, set above a valley. It very well placed and offers easy access to Fontenay-le Comte, as well as Niort, La Rochelle, La Roche sur Yon and Nantes. The countryside is very pleasant and the local greenway is accessible from the end of our land, with miles of paths that run along the River Vendee. This area is particularly good for anyone who likes outdoor activities. The weather is great and there are numerous attractions such as the canals of the Marais Poitivan, the forests of Mervent and the beaches at La Rochelle as well as water parks, zip wire parks, aquariums and zoos and the list goes on. You can be at the Puy de Fou within 45 mins or visit Futuroscope in around an hour and there are some wonderful Chateaux and Abbeys nearby. With seasonal courses and events throughout the year, there is always something to do in the Vendee. Please do remember that as a rule, restaurants and bars in rural areas do not stay open late and we would always advise guests to speak to the restaurant ahead of their intended visit.