We are Badger and Mandie Davis, 50 somethings who moved to France on 2005. Mandie runs an educational business that teaches languages to children (UK and France). Badger is a retired Army Major who now renovates old properties and is a self employed graphic designer. We have 2 grown up daughters living in the UK. We bought Bois Blanc to escape from the rat-race and enjoy the French relaxed and laid back way of life,. We are both very creative and love renovation and styling our properties.

The 3 L's guided us to buy Bois Blanc. It is set on its own at the end of its own track amongst the vines of the Grand Champagne Cru of cognac. The countryside is magical and the vines protect the house from any outside encroachment. We don't have immediate neighbours and the house and gardens are peaceful. The weather is generally really good and we can spend a big chunk of the year outside and by the pool. When we bought Bois Blanc it was a complete ruin but over the years of renovation we have started to make a little haven amongst the vines.

We have an unusually large pool and carefully landscaped pool area. We have deliberately kept the number of guests small, because we want to keep the exclusivity and peace and quiet for all our visitors to enjoy. Its a unique peaceful and comfortable hideaway and in fact you can't even see if rom the end of our road!

Set on its own at the end of its own track, Bois Blanc offers a chance to get away from it all and relax in the countryside. The cottage is traditional on the outside and modern and comfortable inside! The whole area is a grownup playground with cognac, wine, fantastic markets for food and seafood, interesting towns and villages to explore. Then there is the west coast with Royan, the isles of Ré and Oleron, lovely beaches and La Rochelle. After that you can explore Bordeaux, St Emilion and the wine growing region. If you have time spare then go inland to visit Angouleme and the east of the Charente. There is so much to do you will have to come back again to see it all!