Nestling on the hillside between the picturesque Roman villages of Bouteilles and St Paul de Lizonne, in a pretty and interesting corner of rural south west France, this former tobacco farm has been lovingly restored, retaining a traditional French country feel. Centered around a shaded courtyard, L'Erable is a charming conversion of one of the ancient single storey barns, sitting alongside the main farmhouse inhabited by ourselves.

L'Erable is an immaculately presented, light and airy house radiating warmth and a friendly atmosphere. The carefully designed interior centers around the extensively equipped farmhouse kitchen. Attractively furnished to compliment the many traditional country features inc. beams and mellow stone walls. French doors permit the sun and warmth to filter in from the courtyard, benefiting from two pretty terraces, back and front, both with comfortable furniture on which to enjoy the tranquil country surroundings.

Three pretty bedrooms, furnished in French country style sleep 6 people, two with fully equipped en-suites bath/shower rooms. There is a further family bath/shower room and separate laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer etc. The comfortable sitting room features a 42 inch plasma TV and UK satellite freeview, DVD, CD and an ipod base. On autumnal evenings the wood burning stove creates a warming ambiance around which to enjoy a good bottle of wine! The barn has full central heating for out of season use.

A secluded pool of 11m x 6m is for the sole use of the guests at l'Erable. Throughout the farm the pretty gardens offer shady corners in which to relax. Only a 5 minute drive to all amenities, the property ideally suits all those searching for the perfect 'away from it all' location!

Bouteille is in the Dordogne, on the border of the Charente. Pretty drives along quiet roads will bring you to many fine old cities such as Perigueux, Angouleme and Cognac with tiny ancient streets filled with interesting shops, cafés and a 1000 yrs of history. Just nearby is one of the Randonnee Walking routes around the Charente and Dordogne, making it perfect countryside for avid ramblers! Just nearby at Montignac Le Coq is found the medieval route the Pilgrim fathers took from Holland to Santiago de Compostella in North West Spain back in the 13th century and to this day people enjoy discovering local sections of this lovely walk. Fabulous beaches with surfing waves are within an hour and half drive, and nearby rivers make peaceful picnic locations. Drift lazily down the Dronne river in a canoe or take a tailor made pony trek through the quiet countryside, these and many other activities are all readily available. There are 18 hole golf courses within 40 minute drive.

BEACHES AND WATER PARK
River beaches: Aubeterre has a lovely river beach with grassed play area, cafe and restaurant. St Aulaye has the same, together with water slides! Water park: 40 mins away in Augouleme, Nautilus water park with 50m indoor pools, diving pools, outdoor and indoor slides, wave machines. Large lake for fishing & watersports.

SAINT SEVERIN
Situated just 3km from Saint Severin, where you will find all the usual village shops, butchers and bakers, as well as grocers, bank, chemist, newsagents, Post Office, doctors etc - not forgetting 3 bars/cafés and small family hotel with restaurant.

AUTUMN IN SOUTH WEST FRANCE
Wonderful autumnal colours and the smell of burning oak from the wood fires makes for a truly memorable stay at L'Erable. After the rush of summer, a quiet spell enjoying the warm sunny September/October days sampling the wonderful regional foods, combined with nights in front of the fire with a good bottle of wine, really is the very best of both worlds!

Other Activities: Canoeing, wine caves, rare wild flowers, migration of birds.