Maison Joutard

The villa

Located in a small hamlet, Maison Joutard is a handsome, detached country residence set within a full acre of private grounds. With a lawned garden made for sunny games and an enclosed, heated swimming pool, this is a place where outdoor living flourishes. A shaded terrace with a dining table makes long lunches and slow evenings a daily ritual, and children can play in the generous green space beyond.

Inside, the house has been thoughtfully arranged across two floors, sleeping up to 8 guests and an additional two children (age 8 or under). The kitchen is spacious and sociable, with a large American - style fridge freezer and plenty of room around the dining table. The two living areas offer flexibility and comfort, whether you’re curled up with a film, hosting a board game night or watching UK TV via satellite. There are two bedrooms on the ground floor, one double and one with bunk beds for younger children, plus three more on the upper floor, including a king - size ensuite and two twin bedrooms.

Perfectly positioned for exploring the Charente region, Maison Joutard is tucked into the heart of Barbezières, around 45 minutes from Cognac and Angoulême. Stock up in the market town of Aigre, only 10km by car, whilst there is a bakery even closer just a 5 - minute drive away. Further afield, day trips might lead you to the beaches of the Atlantic coast, the vineyards of Cognac or the otherworldly exhibits of Futuroscope.

Whether lazing beside the pool, feasting al - fresco or discovering the flavours and landscapes of south - western France, Maison Joutard offers an easy - going setting for families to reconnect and make new memories.

Located in the small hamlet of Barbezières, Maison Joutard enjoys an authentic location in rural Charente, not far from the Charente - Maritime border. Around 40km north - west of Angoulême, the beautiful surroundings promise a truly relaxing escape, yet local amenities and attractions are always within easy reach.

Daily essentials are just a short drive away, with a traditional boulangerie in Verdille (4km) for morning bread and pastries. The nearby market town of Aigre (10km) offers a supermarket, bar, restaurants and a popular pizza takeaway, while further dining options can be found in the surrounding villages within a 20 - minute radius. For larger shopping trips, head to Rouillac (18km) or Ruffec (31km), where you’ll find well - stocked supermarkets and weekly markets brimming with local produce.

Maison Joutard is also a perfect base for discovering the region’s proud heritage of Cognac production. Within 40 minutes, you can tour iconic houses such as Hennessy, Martell and Courvoisier, many offering engaging experiences including boat rides and tastings. Closer to home, the surrounding countryside is dotted with independent distilleries where you can sample Pineau des Charentes, the region’s sweet, fortified aperitif.

Further afield, the renowned Vallée des Singes (59km), home to over 450 primates roaming in large enclosures, makes for an unforgettable day out, while Futuroscope (107km), with its futuristic rides and immersive attractions, is well worth the 90 - minute drive.

When it’s time to unwind, several leisure lakes lie a short drive away, many with cafés and supervised swimming spots open in the summer months. For riverside picnics and child - friendly adventures, Le Rejallant (33km) and Parc François (35km) in Cognac offer open - air playgrounds, paddling areas and shaded woodland walks, all adding to the magic of this welcoming corner of south - west France.