Charming village house with a wonderful garden, private pool, characterful interiors and rich heritage near Cognac’s vineyards and river adventures.
Key Highlights
- Soak up the historic charm of this19th-century home filled with character and heritage touches
- Each of the four pretty bedrooms features its own bathroom (three en suite)
- Relax in the large garden with hidden corners, mature trees and a gorgeous swimming pool
- There's the village bakery and working mill next to the house and don’t miss the village’s small market on a Sunday morning for vegetables, oysters and rotisserie chicken
- Close to both Cognac and Jarnac, explore the wider Charente region – from fine food and Cognac tastings to paddleboarding, kayaking and boat trips along the river
- You can even reach the coast – the seaside town of Royan is around an hour by car
Maison Interiors
Ground Floor (via a couple of steps)
- Entrance hall with Charentaise staircase
- Salon with Smart TV
- Library and study
- Dining room with historic fireplace
- Kitchen, well-equipped
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed, doors opening to garden and en suite shower room with shower, toilet and basin
- Bedroom with two single beds and doors opening to garden
- Separate shower room (in hallway outside bedroom) with shower, toilet and basin
First Floor
- Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite shower room with shower, toilet and basin
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed and en suite bathroom with bath, toilet and basin
There is also an attic bedroom with en suite bathroom, available on request only (not available in summer months)
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (8x4m, depth: 1.2-1.6m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately May to September
- Barbecue
- Various places to sit and/or dine al-fresco
- Large garden with plants, flowers, pond and wooded area with centuries-old well
- Games area with table tennis
- Bikes
- 2 x paddleboards (to use locally)
It was the timeless charm of the Charente that first drew the owners in - Maison des Lustres revealed itself during one of those leisurely, unplanned drives. Set discreetly behind stone walls and framed by trees, it wasn’t until they stepped through the gates that they truly felt its magic. The soft hue of the stone, the delicate towers and the perfume of old roses mingling with bay leaves created a sense of arrival, as though they had stumbled upon a well-kept secret.
The house itself holds echoes of another time. Built in the early 1800s by a local notaire, its heritage is still visible in every carved detail. Fleur-de-lys motifs crown the grand front entrance and the fireplace in the dining room bears his family crest. Locals still refer to it fondly as Le Petit Château, and there’s even a whisper of buried treasure - the notaire’s daughter is said to have hidden her jewels somewhere in the grounds, their resting place still unknown.
Inside, the layout flows with understated elegance. A fine Charentaise staircase rises from the central hall. To one side, the salon, library and study, perfect for reading, music or relaxing with the Smart TV. To the other, the kitchen and dining room invite long, laughter-filled meals. With four thoughtfully arranged bedrooms and four bathrooms (three en suite), the house is well-suited to families or groups of friends.
The large garden is a true highlight. Mature trees offer deep shade, while hidden corners invite exploration and play. The swimming pool is perfect for warm summer days and there’s plenty of space for games and relaxation alike.
Maison des Lustres sits in the heart of Sainte-Sévère, a traditional Charente village surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields. With a boulangerie and it’s working mill just next door and a Sunday market offering fresh oysters, vegetables and rotisserie chicken, village life unfolds at an easy, welcoming pace.
Beyond the village, the treasures of the region await. The Cognac houses of Jarnac and Cognac are a short drive away, along with riverside walks, lively food markets, festivals and the rolling fairways of Golf du Cognac. For those who enjoy the water, paddleboards are provided for leisurely excursions along the Charente River.
Whether you're drawn to the rhythm of village life or the rich heritage of the region, Maison des Lustres offers a setting where old-world charm and relaxed living come together in perfect harmony.
- In the heart of a Charente village, this is an ideal setting for guests wishing to experience authentic French life amongst locals. The house is next door to a bakery and its working mill and please note you will be able to hear traffic passing by, as is typical in traditional villages.
- Families will love the large garden with shady trees and space to play – please be mindful that there is a pond and historic well, so supervision is needed.
- There is a fifth en suite attic bedroom, however this is only available on request and it is not available in the summer.
