The Piglet Barn

In summer you’ll spend most of your time by the beautiful pool and deck overlooking pretty gardens and with views of pastures beyond. There are lots of different areas to sit and sunbathe or have a meal which you can prepare in the smart open-plan kitchen. You’ll also find wine, fruit, fresh vegetables in season and local cheese waiting for you, but it’s only a short walk up the hill into town for stocking up.

On cooler days you can sink into comfortable sofas, admire the cathedral-like ceiling, choose a book, watch television or play one of the board games from the cupboard – if you need further warming there’s a lovely wood-burning stove. Bedrooms have antique embroidered linen sheets and share a big shower room.

Head to markets, interesting fortified towns, or lovely beaches just an hour away, including La Tranche-sur-Mer, wide, sandy and mostly very quiet, even in high season. Lovely to stay for a day out with a picnic.