In the sunny Charente Maritime region, just a short stroll from a charming market town, Château de la Vie offers elegance and sophistication in this beautiful part of western France.

This grand house was built in the late 19th century in the style of a classic château with an added Eau-de-Vie distillery by a gentleman who had made his money through the ‘water of life’. It was later used as a summer residence and then even a girls’ school and has been part of local life for a long time. In more recent times, the current talented owners have brought the house back to its former glory and have created an exquisite place to stay.

Step through the beautiful entrance into the intricately tiled hallway and a grand piano greets you. Through the double doors, you'll find the sumptuous living room with its deep blue sofas contrasting the bright décor, as light floods through the château windows. The snooker table in the games room will appeal to young and old whilst the perfectly equipped kitchen looks out to the swimming pool terrace.

The dual aspect staircase leads you to four stunning ensuite bedrooms on the first floor, each individually styled with an air of romance and only the finest quality linen and furnishings. On the top floor there are three more lovely bedrooms, two family bathrooms including a luxurious free-standing bath and a dorm-style bedroom with four single beds, ideal for younger guests. An additional lounge with smart TV and a playstation adds to the various 21st-century amenities in this otherwise classically beautiful home.

Outside everyone can gather together to splash or swim in the pool, sip cocktails by the bar or lounge in the relaxing surroundings of the vast terrace. There’s a barbecue for cooking up an al-fresco feast and a brilliant pool house with a gym, shower and plenty of space for a party by the pool.  

Only a short walk from a small charming town, you can stroll to one of the boulangeries in the morning to pick up pastries for all the family and or visit the market on a Sunday and Thursday morning. Stroll by the river in nearby Saint-Jean-d'Angély or head further afield to Cognac, a delightful old town with excellent restaurants and of course the famous Cognac houses with fabulous tastings.

The west coast is around an hour away – the perfect place to enjoy a special meal of moules frites and chilled white wine overlooking the sea. La Rochelle is a wonderful day trip, as is the stunning island of Île de Ré.

A little closer to home, take the château’s bikes out to explore the many trails across the region, enjoy hikes along well-signposted footpaths or ride horses at nearby stables. Golf-lovers have a great choice of courses to enjoy whilst keen fishers can relax by the banks of the Charente or Boutonne rivers that flow through this enchanting region.