Cristallin

Cristallin, a petit chateau of great charm, sits on the edge of the small and tranquil village of Charzais, hidden away behind stone walls and magnificent iron gates.
The accommodation comprises 8 bedrooms, 2 salons, a dining room, kitchen, 1 shower room, 1 shower and bathroom and 3 toilets. There is a large heated pool (with security cover) in the 4500sqm parklike garden which is dotted with statues, fruit trees, grape vines, and huge trees including an ancient magnolia grandiflora. This is a beautiful sprawling french country garden, un-manicured and a delight to discover.
This gas centrally heated residence which also has several fireplaces, can accommodate up to 14 adults and 4 children, and would make a marvellous venue for a family Christmas. Ideally suited to groups of friends or large families holidaying together, the property is entirely at the disposal of the guests with exclusive use of the pool.

The rooms have an air of faded grandeur and have been decorated with furniture and objects collected by the owners from the local brocantes (antique shops). The style of the property could be described as shabby chic. All home comforts are here .. quality linens, comfortable beds, and a good selection of throws and plush blankets. There is a CD player/radio, television and dvd. You will find a large selection of CDs, DVDs, books and board games in the circular library. Internet available on request.In the summer kitchen - an extra large gas cooker,drinks fridge and ping pong table. Sandpit for the littlies (please request), croquet and petanque. There is an abundance of outdoor furniture and loungers and a bbq.The kitchen is well equipped with gas hob, extractor fan, electric oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, coffee machine, food processors, blenders and cocktail shakers! There is a generous selection of glasses, plates, serving platters and cutlery, as well as unbreakable glasses for poolside. There is also a washing machine and drying room.

Ground floor:
Entrance hall. Dining Room. Two salons, both with chandeliers and one with original impressionist paintings covering the walls. Tower library. Kitchen. Laundry with toilet.
1st floor:
Bedroom 1 “Ete” very large double bed, armoire, tower room with handbasin.
Bedroom 2 – “Printemps” double bed and armoire, handbasin
Bedroom 3 - “Automne” double bed and armoire
Bedroom 4 – “Hiver” double bed, wardrobe
Showeroom- shower, handbasin, toilet
2^nd floor:
Bedroom 5: “La Chambre Crème” double bed with large cupboard
Bedroom 6: “La Chambre Chinoise” double futon bed
Bedrooms 7 & 8: “La Suite”: Room with double bed opens into 2^nd room with 1 set of bunk beds and a travel cot, wardrobe, handbasin.
Bathroom – bath, shower, toilet, handbasin

Swimming Pool
The 9 x 4 m heated swimming pool features Roman steps, a shallow and deep end, and is cleaned using the eurosel method rather than chlorine which is much kinder to the skin and eyes.
The average temperature of the pool in July is 28 degrees (without the heater).

BAR B Q Available

Location
Charzais is situated 33 miles North East of the coastal resort of La Rochelle (airport), on the edge of the beautiful woodland Mervent Forest National Park, with its lakes, beaches and lovely walks.
It is one mile from the historic town of Fontenay le Comte, with good supermarkets, a traditional Saturday market, bars and restaurants.

A paradise for lovers of nature. Nature lovers will find Cristallin an ideal base, as it is the gateway to two unique and wonderful places. In the Marais Poitevin, known as the Green Venice, you can punt along the canals and obtain a fascinating insight into the flora and fauna unique to this unusual environment. Then for a totally different experience, walk, horse ride or cycle in the beautiful Mervent forest. A great family day which is only 2 minutes by car at Xanton-Chassenon is a long fresh water lake which is perfect for sailing, swimming, water-sports (pedal boats, canoes etc are all available for hire) and it also has a flume for children.

Within thirty minutes to an hour's drive from Cristallin are the sandy beaches of the Vendée and Charente Maritime, including La Rochelle, Ile de Ré, Les Sables d'Olonne and La Tranche sur Mer.
If you want a change of pace then the tranquil setting of the Marais Poitevin, with its Venise Vert waterways are just 20 minutes away.
Activities
Lake swimming and canoes available 5 minutes drive.
Pedalos and boat hire 10 mins away at the beautiful Venise Verte waterways
For kids of all ages the Futuroscope theme park is an hour away near Poitiers (airport), the history adventure park at Puy du Fou is an easy drive, and for the adults the local vineyards offer tastings plus of course the famous Cognac houses are within easy reach for tours and tastings.

Niort Airport - 30 minutes, La Rochelle Airport - 40 minutes, Poitiers Airport - 1 hour, Nantes Airport - 1 hour 20 minutes, Bordeaux (airport) is 2 hours drive.

We offer excellent ferry discounts.

Prices
13 Sept - 26 Sept 2008                           £1595 per week
27 Sept - 24 October                              £1320 per week
25 October - 31 October                         £1595 per week
01 November -19 December                  £1045 per week
20 December - 02 January 2009            £2145 per week
03 January - 13 February                        £1045 per week
14 February - 20 February                      £1595 per week
21 February - 03 April                              £1320 per week
04 April - 17 April                                      £2145 per week
18 April - 22 May                                       £1320 per week
23 May - 29 May                                       £2145 per week
30 May - 24 July                                       £2695 per week
25 July - 18 September                           £2970 per week
19 December - 31 December                £2695 per week

Booking Information Notes: Changeover day is Saturday (flexible upon request)
Included in the price: Linen, towels, heating, pool heating (spring and autumn)
Welcome Packs provided
£300 Security deposit - fully refundable if no breakages or damage to property
Suitability
Pets considered, Suitable for children, Unsuitable for wheelchair access