Theres an air of French elegance across this stunning Maison de Maitre, set in a quiet farming village in sunny Charente, half an hour from the chic city of Angouleme. Maison Trocadero has been exquisitely restored with no expense spared by its caring owners who bought the house over ten years ago. With high ceilings and characterful features throughout, only the finest furnishings have been used throughout the four inviting bedrooms and handsome living space. Expect antique beds, superior mattresses and high-quality bed linen alongside the two splendid bathrooms with roll top baths. Feast by the open fire in the dining room then relax on the sumptuous sofas in the lounge – this house is all about comfort as well as luxury. Enjoy a breakfast of pastries and coffee in the morning light on the al-fresco terrace, spend time in the high-tech gym in the old stables or just relax on a sun-lounger, listening to the sounds of nesting doves in the barn before cooling off from the Charentais sun in the glorious swimming pool. In a peaceful village setting, there are walks from your doorstep through surrounding farmland and as far as the Charente river, perfect for picnics whilst observing the wildlife around you. Drive a little further for riverside canoeing and explore some of the delightful villages close by such as medieval Tusson or Verteuil-sur-Charente on the banks on the river. Discover local markets, nearby wine-sellers, historic chateaux and the magnificent landscapes of the protected Charente valley. The unspoilt city of Angouleme is also close by with its ancient citadel, historic architecture, atmospheric cafes and yearly classic car race, Circuit des Remparts, in September. Cognac and Jarnac can also be visited for the day, both towns with excellent cuisine and fine distilleries or head further west to the Atlantic coast to spend time at the seaside in Royan. Return to your home and watch the sun set from your pretty terrace, you may even hear the owl that occasionally visits as the stars shine brightly in the clear skies above you. Maison Trocadero allows you to get away from it all and truly experience the tranquillity of the enchanting Charente. #### Features Maison Interiors (8 guests) Ground Floor - Lounge with fireplace - Dining room with fireplace - Kitchen (50m2), well-equipped including electric oven, fridge-freezer with ice-maker, coffee machine, kettle and two dishwashers. Aga also available (on request) First Floor (via main staircase or spiral stairs from kitchen) - Bedroom with double bed and partially open bathroom with roll top bath, double hand basin and WC - 2 x bedrooms with double bed - 1 x bedroom with twin beds - Bathroom with roll top bath, walk-in shower, double hand basin and WC - Doors from landing lead to small balcony Outside Grounds - Swimming pool (10x5m, depth: 1-2m) with safety electric shutter. Open approximately May to September - Poolside terrace with sun loungers and exterior lighting - Al-fresco dining area - BBQ - Badminton net - Gym (in stables) with weights, bench, spin bike, rowing machine, yoga mats etc - Walled gardens with trees Facilities - Wi-Fi - Satellite TV (including English speaking channels) - DVD player - Gym - Board games - Badminton net - Table tennis #### Location Maison Trocadero lies in the heart of a quiet farm village in the Charente department, around half an hour stroll to the banks of the river. Its also just a 30-minute drive to the vibrant city of Angouleme (with its TGV to Paris in just over two hours). There are some wonderful walks straight from your doorstep, through rural farmland in the surrounding area and along the Charente river, a peaceful spot to watch wildlife in incredibly tranquil surroundings. Visit nearby chateaux to sample and purchase local wine and discover local markets selling all sorts of fresh produce and regional delights. Hire canoes or kayaks along the Charente river in the nearby town of Mansle, around 11km away. Mansle itself is a picturesque town with restaurants and shops – head to town for the twice-weekly morning market and look out for festivities taking place in the summer. There are many marked trails around the town and beyond through the glorious Charente valley which is classified as one of the EUs Natura 2000 nature protection areas. Pretty villages and impressive historic sights can also be discovered across this beautiful region. Visit the interesting medieval gardens in Tusson or spend time admiring the chateau in the village of Bayers. Verteuil-sur-Charente is a delightful riverside village with an ancient moulin and picturesque castle which could perhaps be combined with a visit to charming Nanteuil-en-Vallee, a classified ‘village of character. A visit to the typically French town of Ruffec is a must on market day, on the banks of Le Lien. Heading towards the Perigord-Limousin Natural Regional Park, the spectacular Chateau de La Rochefoucauld is another great day out for all ages. Angouleme is a handsome city full of history and art in a lovely setting above the Charente river. Enjoy its ancient citadel, traditional markets and atmospheric places to eat – this beautiful place is both chic and unspoilt. Theres also the fantastic National Comic Strip and Image Centre and of course the famous Le Circuit des Remparts, an international classic car race each September. You can drive to Angouleme in around half an hour or catch a regional train, taking around 15 minutes, from a local train station about 8km away. Jarnac and Cognac are also fine places to visit for the day where you will find excellent restaurants, historic architecture and fine Cognac and brandy tastings. You can even spend the day at the seaside in Royan, just over a 90-minute drive away.