Prieure St Therese
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Overview
This beautiful medieval priory is now an Oliver’s Travels award–winning holiday home in Charente. It has also appeared as No 1 in The Times 2019 list of '50 Best Holidays in France'!
Located in the tiny village of Pressigny on private grounds, adjacent to the church and within the Deux-Sevres, this French manor house, converted to a priory in the fourteenth century, sleeps twelve adults in six bedrooms and can accommodate an additional four children.
Relax by the heated pool, dine al fresco at one of the great outdoor tables and enjoy the beauty of the rose covered walled gardens that surround the property, a lovely area for children to play.
Six delightful bedrooms accommodate up to sixteen guests. The high-ceilinged, beamed rooms, ancient wooden floors and honey coloured stone walls are a perfect backdrop for the mix of antique family furniture and pictures. The kids will enjoy playtime in the bright, colourful games room with its cool turret and arrow slits (no budding archers allowed to shoot the guests!).
The house is well appointed. The kitchen has a gas range, microwave, washing machine, dish washer and American fridge freezer as well as kettle, coffee machine, toaster and iron and ironing board. Hair dryers are provided in the bedrooms. There are cots, high chairs, baby bath, changing mat and pushchair available for little people. Satellite TV, internet connection and bicycles aare provided for the enjoyment of guests.
Attached to the priory is the equally stunning and romantic Tour St. Thérèse. Groups of up to 22 guests can hire both beautifully renovated homes; together, ideal for a celebration, intimate wedding or special holiday for a larger party of guests. Whilst they are attached, they each have their own entrances and gardens (see Tour St. Thérèse for full details of the tower.)
This unique home is perfectly positioned within the Deux-Sevres in Charente, known to be France’s second most sunniest region. There is a good choice of restaurants in neighbouring villages, about ten to fifteen minutes by car, where visitors are greeted with a warm welcome. You’ll find a supermarket, cafés, and bars just 7 km away in Thenezay and the beautiful medieval town of St. Loup is just fifteen minutes by car.
This beautiful area, full of wooded valleys, streams, ponds and shallow, flowing rivers is a joy for walkers and cyclists. From great local food markets, vide greniers and country trail walks to riding, lake fishing and canoeing, there is a plethora of activities in the area. Historical Poitiers, an hour away, is a city full of centuries old art and history, visit the magical chateau and sample some fine sparkling wine in Saumur or head west to the Atlantic coast with its stunning beaches and interesting town of La Rochelle.
And, for those who truly want to relax, full catering is offered by the brilliant owner.
What you should know…
- Please note that only the 22 person prices include the rental of the adjoining tower, Tour St. Thérèse, however as the tower can also be booked independently, it is subject to availability for bookings of up to 22 guests. See Tour St. Thérèse for full details of the tower.
- Guests are kindly asked to request pool heating in advance (supplement applies)
- There is a large, stone spiral staircase that goes up three floors. Each floor, including the ground floor, has a door on the landing or hallway which, when closed, does not allow access to the staircase
Property Features
1) Prieure + Tower: 22 guests/8 bedrooms/6 bathrooms
2) Prieure only: 16 guests/6 bedrooms/5 bathrooms
Please note that only the 22 person prices include the rental of the adjoining tower, Tour St. Thérèse. As the tower can be booked independently or together with the priory it is subject to availabilty, so please enquire. See Tour St. Thérèse for full details of the tower.
Prieure Interior
Ground Floor
- Kitchen fully equipped wit a stunning ancient stone chimney piece, a French range cooker, an American Fridge freezer and a second drinks fridge. There is a washing machine, Kenwood chef, microwave, four slice toaster and kettle as well as the normal utensils required in a working kitchen.
- Dining room that seats 12 with an additional four seats in the adjoining kitchen should there be further children as guests in the party
- Hall
- Drawing room which seats ten to twelve and has a baby grand piano, two sofas, a number of individual armchairs and a wood burning fire
- Study with further sitting area
- Bathroom with bath, shower, loo and bidet
First Floor (reached by a stone spiral staircase)
- Master bedroom with private, attached shower room, basin and loo (overlooks the valley and the garden). Extra single bed for a child available.
- Bedroom 2 with a four poster bed and attached retro shower room, loo and basin (overlooks the valley and the garden). Extra single bed for a child available.
- Bedroom 3 with double bed (overlooking the valley)
- Bedroom 4 with double bed (particularly cool in the summer heat, ideal for parents with a young child)
Second Floor (reached by a stone spiral staircase)
- Large games room with two extra beds for children, a fifty five inch smart TV, ideal for cinema nights, toys, games, books, dressing up box and a turret with arrow slits that is a perfect corner for small people to curl up in and enjoy a good story from the hundreds of children's books (in English).
- Bedroom 5 with double bed and en-suite bathroom
- Bedroom 6 with double bed and en-suite bathroom
Outside Grounds
The garden surrounds the house, enclosed in an ancient stone wall that has been planted with stunningly scented English climbing roses. Amongst the trees and bushes in the garden are fig, walnut, crab apple, pear and cherries.
There is a green mosaic swimming pool with Roman steps. Loungers are placed around the pool.
There are a number of outdoor eating areas - there is a barbecue adjacent to a loggia that seats twelve. Additional seating can be provided adjacent to the loggia for more guests, and there is a table closer to the pool available that seats twelve.
There is a grass lawn, where games can be played and shaded areas under trees ideal for reading that great summer novel.
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Sat TV (55 inch)
- Books
- Indoor games (eg. chess)
- Garden games
- Bikes
- BBQ
Tower Interior
Please note that only the 22 person prices include the rental of the adjoining tower, Tour St. Thérèse. As the tower can be booked independently or together with the priory it is subject to availabilty, so please enquire. See Tour St. Thérèse for full details of the tower.
Ground Floor
- Living room with fire-place
- Dining area
- Small simple kitchen with fridge, cooker, vintage French percolator, teapot and antique French crockery
- Shower room with WC
First Floor
- Master double bedroom (accessed via its own spiral staircase)
- Twin bedroom with two further pull-out beds (accessed via its own spiral staircase), ideal for children
Outside Grounds
- Terrace with BBQ
- Truffle orchard
- Gardens
- Fire-pit
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Working fireplace
- Books and games
- Washing machine
Location
About the surrounding area of Prieure St TheresePrieure St. Thérèse is in the heart of a rural village, next to a beautiful and historic church, surrounded by some of France’s most beautiful and unspoiled countryside. You can go for wonderful walks straight from your holiday home with some lovely trails to follow. This is the Deux-Sevres department of the Poitou Charente region, the second sunniest region in France!
There are restaurants in various local villages about ten to fifteen minutes drive away, from pizzerias to fine dining and a warm welcome is afforded to visitors in this region. The nearest village is Thénezay (8km) where you will find a weekly market on a Sunday, cafes and restaurants, a supermarket, bakery, patisserie and butchers as well as the nearest petrol station. Gourgé and St. Loup are a similar distance away, each with a couple of restaurants and convience store.
There is a further choice of facilities in the larger town of Parthenay (19km) which has a train station, hypermarkets, independently owned shops as well as a fabulous market on a Wednesday morning. The best local market, however, is probably in Thouars (25km) on a Friday morning with fantastic fresh meat, fish and food as well as gifts.
This beautiful area, full of wooded valleys, streams, ponds and shallow, flowing rivers is a joy for walkers and cyclists. Those who love the great outdoors will appreciate all the activities on offer such as horse-riding and fishing within a few minutes drive, a golf course 20km away, canoeing and windsurfing within fifteen minutes by car and a wonderful lakeside beach that you can get to in 20km.
There are numerous stunning historical castles to be visited such as the one in beautiful Saumur (70km) an hour away, a town also famous for its equestrian heritage and sparkling wine. The chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord, Montreuil-Bellay, Ambois, Villandry and Usseé are all within drivable distance.
All the family will love Futuroscope (45km), France’s biggest educational theme park, situated near Poitiers (53km), a beautiful city with 2000 years of art and history, over 100 church towers and a great choice of shops, bars and restaurants.
There’s a good choice of local vineyards where you can sample some interesting wines, such as the Route des Vins du Haut-Poitou; 25 vineyards within an hour of Pressigny where you can taste Savignon, Cabernet, Chardonnay and Gamay wines, all of which can be purchased directly from the vineyard. If you are heading to Nantes (140km) for a day-trip there’s the wine museum there which is worthy of your time. Guided tours are available all year around, by appointment, in Cognac (142km) by Martelle and Camus producers.
Finally, head to the Atlantic coast to La Rochelle (137km), with its fantastic shops, brilliant beaches, great sea-food restaurants and the remains of the town’s fortifications. Families can include a trip to the fantastic Aquarium in La Rochelle featuring the one of the largest shark aquarium displays. Combine with a trip over to Île de Ré with its unspoiled beaches and countryside all around.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Poitiers
(42km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Thénezay
(8km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Parthenay
(19km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Gourgé/Thénezay
(8km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Parthenay
(19km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Thénezay
(8km) |
||
| Nearest Ferry port |
St-Malo/Ouistreham-Caen
(315km/354km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
La Rochelle
(137km) |
||
Region
Aquitaine’s reputation as a varied and enchanting destination is well-earned – whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, this beautiful part of south-western France is a feast for every one of the senses. To make sure you’re getting the very best of your holiday (and to clue you up if you’re thinking of going) check out our wonderful travel guide – it’s full of tips, info and the things you really shouldn’t miss when you visit unforgettable Aquitaine.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThere is a large, stone and spiral staircase that goes up three floors. It would be extremely difficult to put stairgates on the spiral staircase on each floor. However, each floor, including the ground floor, has a door on the landing or hallway which, when closed, does not allow access to the staircase.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Changing mat
- Pushchair
- Stair gates
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Bikes
- Children's books
- Board games
- Pool inflatables
- Xbox/Playstation
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Pool/Snooker
- DVD
- Fenced Grounds
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Complimentary Welcome Hamper
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting/childcare services
Extras available at this property:
- Complimentary welcome hamper
- Welcome meal
- Cook/catering (minimum 1 day notice required)
- Babysitting service
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Featured as No 1 in The Times 2019 list of ’50 Best Holidays in France’, this fourteenth century...
Read moreEvent information
Featured as No 1 in The Times 2019 list of ’50 Best Holidays in France’, this fourteenth century priory is a historical and romantic setting for a relaxed yet beautiful wedding.
Couples may prefer an intimate ceremony in the medieval manor house or a larger celebration in a marquee set in the rose-covered gardens. There is also the possibility to get married in a Catholic church just next to the priory and host your reception in an ancient barn opposite the grounds.
In a unique position in Charente, known to be one of France’s most sunniest regions, this is an enchanting area filled with wooded valleys, streams and rivers as well as pretty villages and towns with wonderful local food markets. You can therefore be assured that your guests can make the most of this beautiful part of South-West France.
Wedding Reception
An intimate reception for up to 12 people is possible inside the house. For larger groups, up to 50 people can be seated in a marquee outside in the gardens or up to 100 guests can be seated for a reception in the ancient village barn opposite.
Dancing can take place in the marquee or in the village barn with music playing until 10pm in the marquee/garden or until 12:30am in the village barn.
Wedding Ceremony
A ceremony in the gardens of the property is possible with up to 50 guests. Otherwise, there is a Catholic church next door which can host up to 150 people for the ceremony or the ancient village barn opposite can be used for a ceremony for up to 100 guests. The venue can provide details of an English-speaking celebrant.
Where to Stay
Up to 26 people can sleep in the house, a further 30 people can sleep in accommodation within the village and a further 100 people can be accommodated within 15 minutes of the house. The owners can supply details of local transportation firms.
Wedding Planning
The owners can help with aspects of the planning, recommend an English-speaking wedding planner or clients may arrange their own.
Catering
The owners provide the catering, but clients may arrange their own if they wish.
Other information
A set-package must be selected to host your event here – please enquire.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | £750 charged to clients' credit card prior to the arrival. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £750 charged to clients' credit card prior to the arrival. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, excluding heating. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including pool towels. |
| Pets welcome? | Two well behaved dogs allowed downstairs at extra £50 per dog per week. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No smoking in the property. |
| Insurance | It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property. |
| Pool heating charge? | The swimming pool is open from Easter to end of October and can be heated upon request at £150 per week (a 7 days notice is required). |
| Heating costs included? | No, there is a supplement of £100 per week. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings and celebrations are permitted on request. Please note stag/hen parties are not allowed. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 16 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 18th 2019 - Dec 7th 2019 | £1,989 |
| Dec 7th 2019 - Dec 14th 2019 | £2,580 |
| Dec 14th 2019 - Jan 4th 2020 | £3,840 |
| Jan 4th 2020 - Mar 14th 2020 | £1,989 |
| Mar 14th 2020 - May 30th 2020 | £2,342 |
| May 30th 2020 - Jun 20th 2020 | £2,342 |
| Jun 20th 2020 - Jun 27th 2020 | £2,880 |
| Jun 27th 2020 - Jul 11th 2020 | £2,880 |
| Jul 11th 2020 - Aug 22nd 2020 | £2,880 |
| Aug 22nd 2020 - Aug 29th 2020 | £2,342 |
| Aug 29th 2020 - Sep 5th 2020 | £2,342 |
| Sep 5th 2020 - Sep 26th 2020 | £2,342 |
| Sep 26th 2020 - Oct 17th 2020 | £2,342 |
| Oct 17th 2020 - Dec 5th 2020 | £1,989 |
| Dec 5th 2020 - Dec 19th 2020 | £2,580 |
| Dec 19th 2020 - Jan 2nd 2021 | £3,840 |
| Jan 2nd 2021 - Mar 13th 2021 | £1,989 |
| Mar 13th 2021 - May 21st 2021 | £2,342 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 22 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 18th 2019 - Dec 7th 2019 | £2,604 |
| Dec 7th 2019 - Dec 14th 2019 | £3,195 |
| Dec 14th 2019 - Jan 4th 2020 | £3,840 |
| Jan 4th 2020 - Mar 14th 2020 | £2,604 |
| Mar 14th 2020 - May 30th 2020 | £2,957 |
| May 30th 2020 - Jun 20th 2020 | £3,110 |
| Jun 20th 2020 - Jun 27th 2020 | £3,648 |
| Jun 27th 2020 - Jul 11th 2020 | £3,801 |
| Jul 11th 2020 - Aug 22nd 2020 | £3,955 |
| Aug 22nd 2020 - Aug 29th 2020 | £3,264 |
| Aug 29th 2020 - Sep 5th 2020 | £3,110 |
| Sep 5th 2020 - Sep 26th 2020 | £3,110 |
| Sep 26th 2020 - Oct 17th 2020 | £2,957 |
| Oct 17th 2020 - Dec 5th 2020 | £2,604 |
| Dec 5th 2020 - Dec 19th 2020 | £3,195 |
| Dec 19th 2020 - Jan 2nd 2021 | £3,840 |
| Jan 2nd 2021 - Mar 13th 2021 | £2,604 |
| Mar 13th 2021 - May 21st 2021 | £2,957 |
Please note that prices may not be 100% accurate for dates outside of the current calendar year. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
-
It really was a delight!
Myself and my family had a fabulous holiday at Prieure St Therese. The building is truly amazing with so many interesting details and a real sense of history. It is Ideal for families with plenty of space and different areas depending on your mood. Our kids spent most of their days happily playing in the pool or chilling out in the very well-equipped playroom. Paula has done a great job of making it feel really homely with plenty of French charm and went to a great effort to ensure we had a fantastic time. She was able to inform us of different local events and places of interest. We were also lucky enough to spend one evening with her around the fire pit looking at the stars and hearing all about Prieure St Therese and its history. The area is also truly beautiful with lizards, bats and birds of prey.
I would definitely recommend Prieure St Therese, especially if you were looking to relax. Everything you need is catered for and there really wouldn’t be any reason to leave. -
Simply Lovely
Paula's food was excellent throughout, from homemade granola to excellent and healthy salads and delicious variety of dishes in the evening, and excellently catered for Vegan and vegetarian guests too. But more importantly Paula is simply a lovely welcoming person and an attentive host. Great to meet you!
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Great Home Cooking
The best scrambled eggs in town; the best I've eaten in years! Loved the salads and soups, the warm, relaxed hospitality... fantastic. Vegetarians, vegans, carnivores, you won't go hungry because she covers all specs. Shame I have to go back to cooking for myself.
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Food and peace - just gorgeous!
Super range of fresh foods (everything you’d want - even my vegan partner raved) and a wonderful friendly host. This is a place to unplug from the world that I’m keen to return to. Keep me a space, please!
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I'll never forget it
Thank you Paula for looking after us, and for your delicious food! (It's rare to find vegetarian options that taste so beautifully). It really kept us going. Our stay was overall amazing, we had a fantastic time!
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Fantastic Food!
A lovely stay all round but the food was a real highlight! Fresh, home made ingredients, interesting dishes and beautiful flavours. I'd return again just for the salads and soups - so fresh and so tasty!
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I want to live here!
Lovely week's holiday at the beautiful Prieure St Therese. Paula is the perfect hostess; nothing is too much trouble for her. She makes you feel so welcome; she even picked us up from the airport!
The rooms at Prieure St Therese are beautifully decorated and reflective of the 14th century building. Whilst you feel you have "gone back in time", Prieure St Therese offers modern conveniences and comforts in a homely environment. The beds are very comfortable with exquisite bed linen and there is plenty of wardrobe/storage space. Paula is a fantastic chef so don't just stick with breakfast, take the dinner option if it is offered. Although this is extra you will not be disappointed.
Prieure St Therese is set in a wonderful rural location; very tranquil and relaxing to sit by the pool in the garden or take a walk/cycle ride in the surrounding countryside. For children/teenagers there is a wonderful room full of toys/games and a massive TV with internet.
Pressigny is within easy reach of nearby chateaux and medieval towns. Be sure not to miss a visit to Joan of Arc's Chapel and Gustav Eiffel's viaduct. -
Fab house - great food!
Fab house - great food!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.