This former Cognac distillery will delight all ages as you relax by the heated swimming pool, pick fruit and herbs in the garden, play on the climbing frame or wander through the surrounding woods looking for deer. Pass vineyards, sunflowers and hayfields as you explore historic local towns and pretty villages across the sunny Charente region of southern France.
La Charmante Distillerie has been beautifully renovated by its thoughtful and dedicated owners, preserving much of the estate’s 18th-century heritage as a working Cognac distillery. The domaine once housed the Maison de Maître, a workers’ farmhouse and two barns – later used to conceal Jewish workers in WWII – and one of these barns has been immaculately transformed into a wonderful 4-bedroom holiday home.
Inside, step into the high-ceilinged living-dining room with carefully curated artwork, a wall-mounted Smart TV and elegant furnishings, open-plan to the luxurious Christian Lacroix–designed kitchen. Two garden-facing bedrooms on the ground floor, both with king-size beds and stylish en suite shower rooms, are ideal for guests who prefer not to use stairs, while upstairs there are two further flexible bedrooms (twin or king-size) and a lovely family bathroom with shower and large bath.
Features are second-to-none: high-speed internet across the house and garden, reversible air-conditioning throughout, an impressive 65-inch Smart TV and even a telescope for star-gazing. Outside, the heated pool has an integrated security cover and is surrounded by high-spec garden furniture, poolside dining, a beautiful outdoor lounge and a summer kitchen with barbecue and wine fridge. Families are warmly welcomed – younger children will love the play area and sandpit, older ones will enjoy the board games, DVDs and Wi-Fi, and everyone will adore the glorious pool. Sustainability is also key, with locally sourced products, water recycling systems and plans for solar energy.
When you’re ready to explore, visit the fortified town of Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire with its restaurants, twice-weekly market, historic château and charming Charentais buildings; the owners can recommend local favourites, arrange a private chef at home and organise Cognac and wine tastings at family-run vineyards. Around half an hour away, discover the picture-perfect village of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne with its flower-filled lanes, studios, craft shops, monolithic church and riverside beach, or spend the day at Base de Pleine Nature de Poltrot for tree-top adventures, canoeing and nature walks. Other inspiring excursions include Angoulême, the distilleries of Cognac, the market towns of the Périgord Vert and even the prestigious vineyards of Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux, before returning to the peace and luxury of La Charmante Distillerie with its glorious views of the idyllic Charente countryside.
