With exceptionally spacious rooms and lovingly renovated by the current owners, this house would make a very comfortable permanent residence or a generous second home. There are original features throughout and subject to permissions, potential for development of the outbuildings.

Through an elaborate stone archway, fitted with double doors, the visitor finds themselves in a huge, enclosed, gravelled courtyard. To the left is a series of simple outbuildings and to the right the farmhouse. With creepers covering the pale stone and with blue shutters over all the windows, this is a quintessential house of the Charente.

The small market town of Matha is a short drive. It lies in the heart of Cognac country, with vineyards all around. In early summer the fields are also full of beautiful golden sunflowers, making this one of France's prettiest regions. It is also one of the sunniest, as the Charente-Maritime has a sunshine record second only to the Mediterranean coast!

The atmosphere of Matha is typically French, especially on market days when the stall holders arrive. This is the time to get out of bed early to find the best and freshest of the local produce. Maybe some oysters, a bottle of Cognac or Pineau. For a wider selection there are excellent shops in St Jean d'Angely and Cognac (both about 20kms) and in Saintes (45kms).

It is very simple to get to Matha from the UK. The area is served by 2 airports, La Rochelle and Poitiers. Budget airlines fly to both these destinations direct from the UK. Rail travel is also possible with TGV stations at Angouleme and Poitiers. The best car ferry route is Portsmouth/St Malo followed by a drive south of about 41/2 hours.

GROUND FLOOR

The entrance hall (17m2) leads into an airy, farmhouse-style kitchen/dining room (42m2) with stone floor, fitted units and a character fireplace with a wood-burning stove. The sitting room (66m2) is dual aspect, with exposed beams and stone walls. It is also fitted with a wood-burner. One of the bedrooms (30m2) is on the ground floor and has an adjacent modern shower room with WC.

FIRST FLOOR

The landing (10m2) leads to three further double bedrooms (28m2, 33m2 & 46m2). Clearly space is not at a premium! One of the bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom and dressing room, and there is an additional family bathroom.

OUTSIDE

To the back of the house the enclosed garden is mostly laid to lawn with a few trees and shrubs. To one side is the swimming pool completely surrounded by a deep, tiled terrace all with fine rural views. A very large outbuilding (170m2) runs along the back of the house. This has potential for development, subject to the usual permissions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

4 bedrooms

3 bathrooms

Reception room

Habitable space 316m2

Plot size 3006m2 (about 3/4 acre)

Good condition

Septic tank drainage

Neighbours nearby

Short drive to shops

Electric heating

DPE: E

Ferry port about 400km

One hour coast

Poitiers airport 93 kms

La Rochelle airport 76kms

Please note: All locations and sizes are approximate. La Residence has made every effort to ensure that the details and photographs of this property are accurate and in no way misleading. However, this information does not form part of a contract and no warranties are either given or implied.

* Traditional Charentaise farmhouse
* 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms
* Beautiful swimming pool
* Significant outbuildings
* Private, south-facing courtyard
* Edge of village location
* One hour from the coast
* 76km from La Rochelle airport