My wife and I, 2 young children (ages 2&4), and four grandparents, enjoyed a glorious two weeks at this beautiful Charente villa.

Despite being well renovated, the property still had all of the charm of a French farmhouse - but now with the addition of the many modern features and amenities, all of which worked.

The pool was big (and deep), and the kids loved it. The salt water was not a problem and the warm weather meant the pool was the perfect temperature for everybody to enjoy - varying from 25-29C, depending on the deployment of the pool cover each evening.

The wifi was excellent, as were the sky TV link (for following Tour highlights in English) , ice-making fridge-freezer, many bath/shower rooms, assortment of games/books/pool toys, and a very wide range of other family paraphernalia one might associate with a well loved and fully enjoyed family holiday home. These had not been locked away, but rather had been generously made available for use. Many of these we did not use, due to our young children, and because it was so much fun simply enjoying the pool and garden, eating out on the terrace, and exploring the local countryside on our bikes.

As with the sympathetic house renovation, the garden also showed a fine eye and careful attention to detail. The range of planting was wonderful, the garden well kept and presented, and the petanque court was a joy - being more an arena of lavender.

There were lots of other lovely niches in the garden. The front court yard, the lounger under a tree, the seats and table by the petanque, we could go on and on.

I have also been told to say how clean the property was and also that the kitchen was very well equipped - the mums are all fine cooks, and mother in law was a home economics teacher! The housekeeper who came in mid way through our stay was efficient and thorough also.

In summary, we would definitely come again; and collectively having had dozens of summer holidays in France at a variety of villas we were pleased to say this was the best we have experienced.

Thank you to the Grahams, and particular to Antonia for being so helpful with our queries in the months beforehand.

Martin & Louise Coulter

Beverley