House

Beautifully converted barn In peaceful and stunning location with private pool.

Beautifully converted barn In peaceful and stunning location with private pool.

Photo gallery for Beautifully converted barn In peaceful and stunning location with private pool.

Pool, deck and hangar.
Les Hirondelles from the fields surrounding it.
Pool with stunning views.
Pool overlooking the stunning valley beyond.
Deck and pool.

Overview of Beautifully converted barn In peaceful and stunning location with private pool.

5 out of 5 Exceptional
5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 13150 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Montmoreau, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Popular LocationJardins du Coq16 min drive
  • Popular LocationAubeterre-sur-Dronne Tourism Office21 min drive
  • Popular LocationMonolithic Church of Saint-Jean22 min drive
  • AirportBordeaux (BOD-Merignac)96 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

Bedroom 4

Bedroom 5

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Beautifully converted barn In peaceful and stunning location with private pool.

Chez Les Hirondelles is a large and beautifully renovated stone barn standing on a hillside with outstanding views. Our property includes all modern facilities, yet still retains the character features of huge oak beams and Charentais stone walls. There are breathtaking views from every room, and the well established, spacious garden leads in to the surrounding countryside. The fantastic open sided covered hanger offers another patio, meaning you can sit out in the fresh air having a BBQ, come rain or shine looking out far across the sunflower fields, woodlands and hills beyond. For those who enjoy star gazing, the night sky here is amazing with no light pollution at all. The 10 x 5 m pool is totally private to the property and surrounded by a decking patio with plenty of space for sun bathing and a choice of areas for alfresco dining. The pool has an alarm system and is fenced so very safe for children. The barn can sleep up to 12/13 people and is extremely spacious both inside and out and makes for an inexpensive option for a large family or group get together.
The stunning town of Aubeterre sur Dronne is only 15 minutes away with its unusual Romanesque monolithic underground church and voted one of the most beautiful villages in France. A wonderful beach and swimming area has been created at the river, which is great fun for all the family. There is also a lovely golf course near Aubeterre with a bar, terrace and restaurant.
Montmoreau St Cybard is a lively town with a train station (you can catch a train to nearby Angouleme or Bordeaux here), bars and restaurants, swimming pool and tennis courts, which are only a few minutes away.
This spacious property includes the following features;
A light and airy entrance hall leads to the large open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area with patio doors leading out on one side to the covered patio and garden and the other side to the pool.
There is a large lounge and dining area with comfortable seating, and with exposed Charente stone walls, huge oak beams and tiled floor. Double doors lead to the stunning pool area and there is a wood burner for cosy winter evenings. Satellite TV with all UK Freesat channels, plus DVD player and Wifi internet access.
Modern and well equipped dining kitchen (oven, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, fridge freezer) with oak beamed ceiling and huge farmhouse dining table to seat 12 people..
Private, alarmed 10 m x 5 m pool surrounded by decking with views out over the countryside and plenty of space for sunbeds and tables.
There is a downstairs en-suite bedroom for anyone who may have trouble with the stairs as well as a separate toilet and hand basin.
Upstairs there are 4 very spacious and airy bedrooms leading off a landing featuring huge oak beams.
The master double bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, there is a 2nd large double bedroom with king sized bed and another double with a single bed.
A twin bedded room, and a children's room with a bunk bed and 2 singles.
There is a large oak beamed half tiled family bathroom with bath, toilet, separate shower with sliding glass doors.
A cot and high chair can be provided upon request.

Property manager

Lesley and Toby Dorman-Groves

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 4:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Safe garden and fenced pool area.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed in outside areas only

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the area

Montmoreau-Saint-Cybard

Located in Montmoreau-Saint-Cybard, this vacation home is in a rural area. Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean and Chateau de la Mercerie are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Safari Parc of Haute-Saintonge and Nautilis. Traveling with kids? Consider Le Hall Black - Bowling d'Angoulême, or check out an event or a game at Circuit de Haute Saintonge. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding, cycling, and mountain biking nearby.

What's nearby

  • Jardins du Coq - 16 min drive
  • Chalais Tourism Office - 18 min drive
  • Aubeterre-sur-Dronne Tourism Office - 21 min drive
  • Saint-Jacques Church - 21 min drive
  • Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean - 22 min drive

Getting around

  • Montmoreau Station - 4 min drive

Restaurants

  • L’Arthémy - 13 min drive
  • La Cloche - 12 min drive
  • Café de la gare - 13 min drive
  • Le Bistrot des Halles - 11 min drive
  • Carré des Halles - 12 min drive

Reviews

5

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 5 - Excellent. 21 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews" "

5/5

Cleanliness

5/5

Check-in

5/5

Communication

5/5

Location

5/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

5/5 Excellent

Richard & Avril W., Herefordshire

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a beautiful place to spend your holidays
Lovely and clean great rooms and bathrooms lovely open space to spend time as a family meals inside and out . Good sofa for all to relax . Super pool very clean well kept . In a beautiful countryside Surrounding areas . Look at the window morning made your holiday. Would Highly recommend this property to anyone
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

5/5 Excellent

Clare L.

The perfect escape
What can I say, absolutely wonderful accommodation in a beautiful part of France! Our hosts were so accommodating; there if we needed them but not at all intrusive. Our breath was quite literally taken away by the stunning view across open fields when we arrived and we ended up spending many nights watching mesmerising sunsets accompanied by glasses of cheap but delicious wine. Although a little chilly in April, my Dad braved the pool and we all enjoyed playing darts and boules on the gravelled outside area. Inside, the main living area is open and spacious with plenty of seating. The kitchen is well equipped with every possible utensil and the ample table is more than big enough if the house is full. All of the bedrooms and bathrooms were immaculately clean and tidy with comfortable beds. The property is ideally situated close to both Angouleme (perfect for a wander and containing many high street stores) and Chalais (visit the market on a Monday). Aubeterre is also beautiful and perfect for a morning or afternoon out. Our favourite times though were spent sitting outside the property in the peace and quiet..it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of every day life.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019

5/5 Excellent

Nicola G.

Hanger and views are fantastic
We had a fantastic week at Les Hirondelles in August 2018. We are a group of 11 of us (3 families) who have been holidaying together for many years and so have experienced many villas in France. This is our favourite by far! The views are just incredible. There was lots of time spent around the pool, exploring in the fields and many an hour spent playing games in the hanger. We also enjoyed a great day at Aubeterre (just down the road) visiting the underground church and having fun at the river beach. Supermarket also very convenient. Lesley and Toby were fantastic hosts. They gave us our privacy whilst being on hand to change a bulb etc - they couldn't be more helpful. The most impressive being us messing in passing that a small bit of decking board was slightly loose. It was fixed the next morning!! We will definitely be returning. Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

5/5 Excellent

brian g.

fantastic
Can't recommend this gites highly enough. Excellent facilities and location. Everything you could need provided or available locally. Peaceful, quiet , relaxing. Loads of room ,space etc. Local village for morning supplies , local attractions. Visit Aubeterre sur Dronne , Villebois lavalette. Great restaurants, La Lavatelle and Le Terrace. The bistro in Monmoreau. The Cognac /Pineau vineyard in Bors is a must. Great hosts. Definitely needs visiting again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

5/5 Excellent

Michelle B.

Fantastic holiday.
We had the most wonderful time here. The location is beautiful and accomodation was clean, spacious and very comfortable. We had everything we needed and Toby and Lesley were delightful and happy to help if we needed. The pool is great and the outdoor area is perfect for al fresco dinning or an evening drink as the sun goes down. I will definitely be returning.

About the host

Hosted by Lesley and Toby Dorman-Groves

Host profile image
We both decided a change of lyfestyle was in order, and we left our careers in the UK in 2004 to come to the Charente for a more relaxed pace of life and an occupation that would give us time to travel. Toby was the general manager of an electrical engineering company and I was a project manager in reprographics and print. We renovated a farmhouse and converted two barns and then built a cattery, and after a lot of hard work we made a very successful gite complex. Two years ago we decided to sell the property in the Haute Charente, do some more travelling and then do the same again. More than one person questioned our sanity, as we sometimes do ourselves, but as always wished us the best of luck and many of our friends have since been out to help!
We did a recce in Langedoc/Roussion and in the Lot Valley before deciding one of the prettiest areas in France was only and hour or so south of where we had previously lived, in the South Charente on the Dordogne border. We found Fresignac with its incredible potential, stunning views and total peace and tranquility and promptly bought it and began our renovations much to the despair of our parents! We call it 'Little Tuscany' as that is what the countryside reminds us of. Two years later, here we are in a place which must be one of the prettiest and most peaceful places, but in an area with so much to see and do. Maybe now we will finally hang up our renovation boots and enjoy the delicious food, wine and lifestyle out area has to offer!

Why they chose this property

We looked at many properties once we had decided on an area and we had three main criteria in mind. One, that the properties should be away from any main roads so we can enjoy the many sounds of the countryside uninterrupted by the sounds of cars or trucks, especially at night. And two, that our properties should be detached, so people have nothing and no one else to worry about when enjoying their holiday to the max! Also that the properties had lots of potential and original features to renovate in a sympathetic style to reflect the area.We wanted to be close to a town or village with all the amenities for our guest and in an area that offered our guests plenty to see and do. One of our main aims was that if our guests, as so often is the case, need to escape to France after a hectic life in their own countries for a week or two of pure relaxation and a good wind down, then that is what our property would have to offer......and it does in spades! All these things we found in Fresignac and we didn't have to ponder too long before putting in an offer.

What makes this property unique

We are in a stunning rural area, yet only 2 km from all amenities. Les Hirondelles is a detached property with its own private grounds and private 10 x 5 m pool. It has 5 bedrooms one of which is on the ground floor for those who may struggle with stairs, but also has 3 bathrooms which is very important when 13 people are sharing. The night sky offers amazing star gazing with no light pollution, and for those craving total peace and tranquility, this is the place for you.
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