The garden is large enough for games like badminton, the gate is "small child" proof, the hanger provides shade and the house is cool, holding quite a steady temperature.

The dwelling was originally two cottages which have been connected, so there are two doors leading to the garden plus a side door, two sets of stairs leading to two sets of sleeping accomodation,each with its own toilet facilities. It would suit a larger group or two small families sharing the kitchen and day areas. The stairs have child gates top and bottom. As the cottage faces south west the sun is in the garden from quite early in the morning 'till sunset.

The amenities available within the cottage are modern but have kept as much French flavour as possible. There is an outside laundry room with washing machine, Small freezer, iron and board
We have tried to maintain a homely atmosphere throughout the property as we regularly use it ourselves. The garden receives attention during the season.

Vacating people are expected to leave the house in an acceptable state for incoming people.

We keep a variety of cycles mainly for our use which will have been serviced during the winter and you are welcome to use them. However we cannot guarantee the condition in which people will leave them. We would like them to be left in a usable state especially without punctures.

The Barn is at present where we store the wood and general odds and ends.
The garage is beside the barn and is for your use and contains the cycles.
Beside the garage is a small shed for the rubbish bins.
The garden gate has a safety catch which is out of reach of the smaller children.
Our neighbour Mdm Le Bour (Pierrette) is our emergency
contact and we contact you through her if needed.

WHERE WE ARE +

Rough map of France showing major towns.

Les Collines is 270 miles from Le Havre, south of Poitiers in the hamlet of Vieille Métive.
The cottage is something over two hundred years old, we have been told, and is set at the southern end of the hamlet bordering onto meadows. French life goes on around and about, cockerels crow, dogs bark and other animals carry on their various conversations in the distance. Be ready with the obligatory "Bon Jour" when going for a walk, for everyone says hello to everyone. A few vehicles pass by but are so few that they add interest to the day. There are food traders, mainly bakers, who bring relief daily, their arrival heralded by a few blasts on the horn. Trips to the supermarchés are very enjoyable being just a short drive of 6 miles to both Champion at Civray and Intermarché at Savingé. Being a country property we do occasionally get visits from the odd field mouse, but they have been no problem as yet, and we do cement up any holes we find. Swallows abound and have flown through the cottage a few times. Outside on the wall, basking in the sunshine can be found a family of very shy small lizards. We have never seen them in the house however. During walks or cycle rides there is an abundance of wild life to enjoy.