Le Grand Logis

Distinctly grander than the typical holiday villa, this imposing maison de maître feels archetypally French, and offers peaceful seclusion amongst the vineyards and open fields of the unspoilt Charente countryside. The house nestles on the edge of Saint-Même-les-Carrières, where it used to serve as the village school. Where once there were desks and blackboards, today’s guests enjoy tasteful and very spacious interiors, with en-suite bath or shower rooms for each of the seven bedrooms and a playroom for younger guests. We rate Le Grand Logis particularly highly for younger children, with plenty of room for two or three families to spread out and enjoy the fenced, heated swimming pool, the landscaped gardens and the delightful countryside views.

The house was recently refurbished by its English owners, yet retains a very authentically French feel, from the white painted shutters to the smattering of local antique furnishings that add so much character and style. The overall effect is both elegant and homely, adding up to a sense of being thoroughly spoilt and completely relaxed, tucked away in one of the most timeless and beautiful corners of the country.

Smaller group? Reduced rates are available for this villa. Please contact us for more details and prices.

The local area

The location of Le Grand Logis is ideal, peacefully yet conveniently positioned at the northern edge of Saint- Même-les-Carrières, which has an excellent bakery for your fresh bread and croissants. There are several restaurant choices within a short drive, most notably a Michelin-starred establishment (La Ribaudière) just 15 minutes away at Bourg Charente. Little ones as young as three can have a go at the nearby water skiing and wakeboard centre on the Grand Mas des Sables lake, just a 15-minute walk from Le Grand Logis, and if you like your swimming ‘wild’, there are lots of spots on the Charente where you can bathe in the warm summer months. Nearby Jarnac (six kilometres) is one of the many pleasant river towns in the area, with a range of local shops, restaurants and bars. There's a weekly Friday market and a quirky museum displaying some of the ceremonial gifts given to former president François Mitterand, who was born in the town; it all adds up to the low-key but classically French atmosphere that makes this area such a joy to visit.

Days out

Cognac is a must-see, and not just for the many brandy tasting opportunities. The new part of town is given over to wide boulevards with shops and cafés, while the old town invites exploration of its cobbled streets, historic monuments and the Cognac distilleries that line the riverbank. When it’s hot or you’ve just had enough of walking, switch to paddle power and take a canoe or boat trip on the Charente. Cognac’s market days are Tuesday and Friday, which is a great time to pick up the wherewithal for a river picnic, and for golfers, the Golf du Cognac course is just a 15-minute drive.

Slightly further away is Angoulême, a pretty market town with fine views along the river from its elevated position on a promontory above the Charente. The town of Saintes (45 minutes) is listed as 'Ville d'Art et d'Histoire' thanks to its Roman, medieval and classical heritage. Here you’ll find elegant buildings in the traditional white stone of the area as well as major Roman and medieval monuments.

For younger visitors, Angloulême’s comic museum is worth a visit, or you could spend a few hours at Paléosite at St Césaire for some prehistoric fun and games including spear-throwing! If time is on your side, take the train from Angoulême to the newly-revitalised city of Bordeaux, brimming with museums, culture and superb shops.

Whilst this is not the spot for a traditional beach holiday, you could easily opt for a day on the fabulous Charente Maritime coastline. Royan is the nearest resort, slightly faded from its heyday grandeur, and characterised by a broad sweep of sand. For a more secluded choice head a little further up the coast to La Côte Sauvage where forest trails and sand dunes create a stunning landscape; La Palmyre beaches are a highlight. The island of Oléron is less well-known than Île de Ré, but its oyster-fishing villages lend real authentic charm, with beaches to relax on and pine forests to explore.

Our choice of French properties is diverse, ranging from simple charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.