Cognac Retreat – leave the rush behind. Discover real France.
Escape to the peaceful French countryside and discover a slower pace of life. Wake to birdsong, wander through vineyards and sunflower fields, swim beneath blue skies, and spend evenings beneath spectacular star-filled skies. Explore the historic towns, markets and beautiful Atlantic coastline before returning to the comfort of your own spacious Charentais farmhouse. Whether you want to cook, read, walk, cycle, explore, or simply do nothing at all, Cognac Retreat is a place to relax, reconnect and feel at home.
Perfect for couples, families and multi-generational holidays, and your dog is welcome too.
A warm welcome
From the moment you arrive, you'll find a beautifully prepared home ready for your holiday, complete with a welcome gift to help you settle in and unwind.
Cognac Retreat is a centuries-old Charentais longère, lovingly restored while preserving its agricultural heritage. The spacious open-plan kitchen was once the barn where Cognac barrels matured, while the original stone fireplace—still standing proudly today—was painted Bordeaux red when the house sheltered Allied airmen during the Second World War.
The result is a unique blend of authentic French character and modern comfort.
Spacious, comfortable living
Designed for relaxing holidays, the house offers generous living space both inside and out.
The heart of the home is the large open-plan kitchen and dining room. Equipped with a dual-fuel range cooker, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, Belfast sink and a well-stocked collection of cookware, it's ideal whether you're preparing a simple breakfast or a memorable family meal. Four bar stools surround the island, while the large dining table comfortably seats everyone together. French doors open directly onto the garden, and original stone walls display carefully chosen artwork and rustic sculptures.
Above the dining area, accessed by a spiral staircase, is a mezzanine with two single beds—an ideal retreat for older children or teenagers.
The welcoming sitting room features comfortable sofas and armchairs, a wood-burning stove for cooler evenings, Smart TV with Firestick, DVD player and a large collection of films for adults and children alike.
A separate utility room includes a washing machine and tumble dryer.
The house has three bathrooms and three WCs, making it particularly well suited to larger families or groups.
Bedrooms
The first-floor principal bedroom offers a king-size bed, dressing area and en-suite shower room.
A second bedroom features a beautiful antique double bed beneath exposed oak beams, while the third bedroom has two single beds. These bedrooms share a separate WC and wash basin.
Family and dog friendly
Families are well catered for with a highchair and a selection of outdoor games including badminton and swingball.
Most of the ground floor has cool tiled flooring—particularly welcome during the warm summer months, especially for four-legged guests.
Ultra-fast fibre broadband is available throughout the house and extends into much of the garden.
Outdoor living
The enclosed south-west facing private garden wraps around the house, bordered by traditional stone walls and fencing, providing a safe space for both children and dogs.
There are several places to relax throughout the day: dine outdoors on the terrace, enjoy morning coffee in the sunshine, sip an evening apéritif beneath the vine-covered pergola, unwind in the hammock beneath the honeysuckle, or stretch out on one of six sun loungers.
Mature fig, apple and plum trees provide welcome shade, while sunny spots can always be found for those seeking the warmth. Feeling more energetic? Play badminton or have a game of swing ball, or a more relaxed round of boules.
The solar-heated 5 × 3 metre above-ground swimming pool is perfect for cooling off on hot afternoons.
Guests are also welcome to help themselves to herbs and seasonal produce from the vegetable garden whenever available - in return for a bit of watering!
Outdoor cooking is a pleasure with a Weber charcoal barbecue, electric plancha and traditional wood-fired pizza oven.
Parking is available either inside the garden or alongside the quiet lane, where there is no passing traffic.
Peaceful countryside
Just beyond the garden gate lies the village lavoir, where generations of villagers once washed their clothes. Today it provides a tranquil outlook across fields and woodland.
From dawn until dusk you'll hear birdsong, while quiet lanes, woodland paths and vineyard tracks begin directly from the house, making it an ideal location for walking, cycling and exploring the beautiful Charente countryside.
Discover the Charente
The historic town of Cognac is just 10 minutes away, offering medieval streets, château, riverside walks, famous Cognac houses, excellent restaurants and lively weekly markets.
Within easy reach you'll also find the Roman treasures of Saintes, the beaches of Royan and Meschers-sur-Gironde, the beautiful harbour of La Rochelle, and the islands of Ré and Oléron. Bordeaux's world-famous vineyards are close enough for a memorable day trip.
At a glance
Beautifully restored Charentais farmhouse
Peaceful rural hamlet surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields
Sleeps up to 8 guests
Dog friendly
Private enclosed garden
Solar-heated swimming pool
Wood-fired pizza oven, barbecue and plancha
Ultra-fast fibre broadband
10 minutes from Cognac
45 minutes from the Atlantic coast
Bordeaux, Limoges, Bergerac and La Rochelle airports all within 2 hours.
Minimum stay: 7 nights
Changeover day: Saturday
Season: May to the end of September
www.cognac-retreat.com
https://www.instagram.com/cognacretreat/
John
English, French
Member since Jul 2026
Family friendly
Pet friendly
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