Welcome to The Bolthole, our home away from home, nestled in the rolling countryside of the Charente region. Following a very successful first season we have updated some the furniture, cooking facilities and added a sun parasol for more shade. This remote, rustic property offers total privacy and is the ideal holiday home for complete relaxation. The peace and tranquillity of the house and surrounding area allows you to really get away from it all and recharge the batteries! Whether you need to keep the kids entertained, or just need a refreshing soak when the temperatures soar, the stunning swimming pool caters for everyone’s needs. The outdoor BBQ and eating area offer a perfect setting for a relaxed dining experience to make the most of the long summer evenings. Before you arrive, the pool will be professionally cleaned and set up for your enjoyment. As with all swimming pools, a small amount of daily maintenance is required (for example, netting out debris). However, there is an option for the pool to be fully cleaned by our local agent at an additional charge of 25e (per clean). During the summer months, there is no need for the pool to be heated, but it can be kept at a constant 28oC during the day for an additional charge of 15e (per day). Please note that this is a rustic, countryside property (it is not a 5-star villa in St Tropez!), which means that you will be sharing your holiday with the local wildlife. This can sometimes be spectacular – it is breath-taking to watch a flock of swifts dive down for a well-needed drink from the pool at dusk before continuing their long voyage.

David and Emma, based in Cambridge (UK), bought The Bolthole a few years ago to be close to family. Over the years, and with our two sons – Oakes and Gage – we have spent a lot of time there, forging memories that will be with us forever. We love the quietness that the house has to offer – it allows us to really switch off and enjoy the time we have together. The Bolthole truly is a little haven of serenity, which is greatly needed in this busy modern world.

There are many family activities to enjoy within a 30-minute car journey – for example, canoeing, aqua park, tree-top zip wires, laser tag, bowling, and go-karting. Also, there are many beautiful rivers (in Lichères and Confolens) and lakes (in Roumazières-Loubert and Saint-Yrieix sur Charente) where you can swim, and a collection of stunning villages dotted around the area for your enjoyment. Particularly picturesque are Verteuil-sur-Charente which is shadowed by an impressive chateau, and Confolens with its almighty river views. The area is great for cycling too with routes to cater for all abilities. The closest town is Mansle, which is a 12-minute drive away, and here you will find restaurants, a supermarket, chemist, bank, swimming pool, etc. Further afield (but still not too far away) is Ruffec, which hosts a larger selection of shops, restaurants, and supermarkets. For those requiring a dose of the city life, Angoulême is 45 minutes away by car.