Property & Area
L'Échappée Douce - the perfect escape in rural France
The House
A high quality, private and spacious farmhouse enclosed within a walled garden. It has been designed with families or couples in mind and has recently been fully renovated.
Built from buttery Charente stone with shutters painted in traditional maritime blue, the house is southerly facing and you need only open the shutters to flood the house with light.
Inside, Charentaise stone, white-washed walls and exposed wooden beams throughout create a feeling of stylish simplicity. Interior furnishings are eclectic and elegant and it is fully equipped with everything you may need.
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The Walled Garden
Enclosed in a charming walled garden with beds of lavender, L’Échappée Douce has a southerly facing aspect. This peaceful space is laid with beds of mature plants, separated by gravel paths. Its outside patio is shaded by stylish sails with a generously sized family table to enjoy al fresco dining at any time of the day.
Joining the house to the Games Room is a covered terrace with antique, wooden seating – perfect for morning coffee or an evening nightcap.
The Meadow
To the rear, framed by country pathways, is an expansive grassed meadow that belongs to the house – excellent for kite flying, games of cricket and football or free play. Be sure to take some time out to breathe in the fresh air and the incredible uninterrupted views of the stunning French countryside.
The pretty hamlet of Mortafond
L’Échappée Douce, with its striking blue shutters, is the first house you see as you enter the pretty hamlet of Mortafond. Home to 11 stone houses built at the turn of the last century, it is surrounded by fields, open forest and vin-de-pays vines. The village is quiet, the neighbours are courteous and gentle and the surrounding countryside is breath-taking.
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The nearby village of Néré
Néré is the closest village to L’Échappée Douce, approximately 3 minutes by car. In the village you will find a boulangerie to buy freshly made croissant and bread as well as an excellent butcher, post office, supermarket and Bistrot St Pierre – a bar/restaurant where you will always get a warm welcome. There’s also a convenient pharmacy and a doctor’s surgery should you need them.
Places to eat
Any holiday in France is sure to be delicious – food is a passion here. And a trip to L’Échappée Douce is no exception, from the weekly village pizza truck to the friendly local bar serving simple food.
Lunch in a local bistro, sitting outside under a big tree is a typical scene which starts with a basket of bread + a carafe of wine and ends with a little afternoon nap! We’ve tried out many of the local places to eat, so we can make recommendations but it’s also fun to explore and see what you can find …
