Très Jolie gîte with heated pool plus disability facilities | House in Bernay-Saint-Martin

The aim of this website is to give detailed information. If you choose to book directly with us this will save you external agency fees.
Très Jolie is a stunning late 18th century Charentaise farmhouse awarded a prestigious 4 stars on inspection by the French Tourist Board.
Situated in the beautiful countryside of the Charente-Maritime the property lies between the historic market towns of Surgères and Saint-Jean-d’Angély.
This beautiful six bedroomed property, with large heated swimming pool, has just completed a total but utterly sympathetic restoration. The original wooden beams, stone doorways and fireplaces plus numerous unique features have all been respected and retained.
With convenience, disability access and overall comfort in mind, the kitchen, utility room and four bathrooms now feature top quality modern appliances.
All furnishings and fitments are high quality, well maintained with an emphasis on comfort. The bedrooms have been created with particular care and include carefully selected beds, bedding and towels plus additional swimming towels for each guest.
We are very proud of our specifically designed ground floor disability/easy access bedroom suite. The aim of this suite is to enable every family member, whatever their specific needs, to have the opportunity to enjoy respectful inclusivity in this historic property.
The detached former farmhouse is fully gated, secure and set amidst its own landscaped gardens.
Très Jolie has exclusive use of its own heated swimming pool. This large in-ground pool is 10m long by 5m wide and 1.5m deep. The pool is surrounded by extensive well kept lawns, patios and sun protected eating areas.
Très Jolie is located at the edge of a pretty rural hamlet containing other well-maintained traditional properties.
Surrounded by peaceful organic farming land and fields of sunflowers there are many walking opportunities and cycle paths.
Within a ten minute drive are two highly regarded restaurants, two boulangeries and the delightful village of Loulay. The village provides banking and post office facilities plus an excellent butcher, delicatessen and hairdresser etc.
The farmhouse is situated halfway between two vibrant historic market towns, each within a 20 minutes drive. Both towns have many good quality restaurants and shops to suit all tastes plus each has large markets on three days a week specialising in local produce and crafts.
For days out, the beautiful beaches of Châtelaillon-Plage and Fouras, or the notable island of Île de Ré are amongst many easily reached destinations.
The magnificent cities of Niort, Saintes, Rochefort and La Rochelle provide fine shopping and magnificent architecture.
Family days out are numerous, whether beach, boating, fishing or adventure parks. All these places are accessible in time for a morning coffee. Up to date leaflets and information are provided at the farmhouse and the local tourist information offices.
In detail, Très Jolie consists of a fully fitted modern kitchen, extensively equipped to meet the needs of a large family group. It includes two dishwashers, one tall fridge, plus one tall fridge freezer, a five burner gas hob over a large fan oven, a table to seat twelve and a sofa to relax upon.
There is also a utility room with complete laundry facilities, plus an optional tall fridge/freezer, if required.
Two spacious beamed bright reception rooms provide indoor relaxation with comfortable seating overlooking the flower gardens.
The first of these two rooms has full wheelchair access and contains activities for all ages whether the choice is the snooker/pool table, football table, board games or TV.
The second reception room is accessed by five wide stone steps, flanked each side by strong beautiful metal handrails. This room is a more formal salon providing lounge seating for twelve people and another television.
Both rooms are beautifully furnished and each contains a fully working original fireplace with log burner.
Two delightful rocking horses wait to greet our younger guests in the large hallway.
Très Jolie has three smart TVs providing French and English channels. There is WiFi throughout the house and to the garden patio.
The ground floor with its double bedded disability suite plus all wide doorways, and flow through rooms into the gardens has been designed to meet wheelchair access needs.
The farmhouse has six luxurious bedrooms, each with its own unique features and where attention to detail has been paramount.
The ground floor double bedded disability suite with its own TV has been designed for ease and comfort. It features a new disability wet room with shower and full facilities. The bedroom and connecting bathroom is suitable for a range of disabilities including a wheelchair user. Guests who would prefer a downstairs bedroom with a large bathroom will also find this suite ideal.
The first floor has five bedrooms. Two are en-suite, the remaining three bedrooms share a family bathroom with a separate toilet.
In detail, choose between the super king ensuite with rolltop bath and large walk in shower, or the equally delightful king ensuite also with a large walk in shower.
A choice of three twin bedded rooms, each having two full sized single beds are individually furnished to cater for all ages and preferences. The bathroom shared by the three twin rooms has a corner bath, large walk in shower and the separate toilet.
Every bedroom has extensive storage facilities, for example, large fitted wardrobes and each has beautiful views over the gardens and surrounding countryside.
Numerous roses and French flora abound in the lawned gardens. Sun protected patios with luxury lounge seating and a selection of eating areas give the opportunity to utilise the high quality BBQ. Soak up the tranquility and beauty of your surroundings overlooking the stunning countryside beyond.
Careful consideration has been given to meet the requirements of our guests. The pool and patio area is reached by a wide step-free path. The pool has a lockable raised slide-back cover for safety. The Roman steps with fixed handrail into the water provide easier access for all abilities. A solar heated outdoor shower is situated on the poolside patio. Sun protection from two large poolside UV50+ rated pergolas ensures all family members can be protected. Comfortable sun loungers, parasols, hammocks and outdoor feature lighting are all provided.
A high quality outdoor table tennis table, which is also wheelchair friendly, is found in the delightful gardens. A selection of traditional outdoor family games for all ages are ready to enjoy.
The gated gravel drive leading to the property allows parking for 5 to 6 cars, whilst the utility room provides lockable storage for bikes. Cycles for rental are available from a well established company, details can be provided to enable you to book your requirements directly in advance.
We are very proud of the numerous high quality facilities and attention to detail provided at Très Jolie. We have been particularly conscious of the inclusive needs of all family members. Throughout the overall design we have also strived to provide safety and comfort for young children. Stair safety gates, high chairs, a range of meal utensils, additional handrail help in all bathrooms, childproof window catches that can be overridden by adults, full sized travel cot, quality wooden cots, changing mats and excellent all-weather laundry facilities are but some examples of this detailed thinking.
Our overall aim for all holiday guests is a high quality experience with maximum comfort throughout. Très Jolie will hopefully enable you to have many happy holiday memories.
We have an excellent caretaker and an excellent housekeeper, both speak French and English. They live in a local village and are an available point of contact.