These are comments that have been left in our guest book by our visitors:
2023
“It’s a very nice domain. Ideal to relax with your family. The pool was lovely.” Jess, August 2023
“We really enjoyed the tranquility of the place, the house is very nice. The hosts are available and welcoming.” Désiré, August 2023
“Very atmospheric. Lovely pool, nice owner” Nanda, August 2023
“Thank you so much for this paradise. We’ll be back!!
Sleeping, reading swimming – the dream! A beautiful nest to rest.
Thanks for everything, your welcome and your kindness!!! I hope to come back and see you soon” Nicolas, Nathalie & Gaspard, August 2023
“An idyllic and beautiful, quiet location. Fantastic accommodation. Very relaxing to return after a day out and take a plunge in the swimming pool. Thank you John & Abby for being very good hosts – there when needed. We had a relaxing time and will recommend staying here to our friends.” Kevin, Chrissie, Richard, Amanda & Hazel, August 2023
“Back again – our 3rd visit! But not our last! Feels similar to the Wolds for some reason, but probably because we are surrounded by fields! A very relaxing time, doing not a lot but dining out, visiting places and swimming. Visited Il de Re. Bastille Day event celebrations was great again this year. Restaurants: Le Melkinns (Couhe), Auberge de Noyer (Londigny), The Secret Garden (Melle), Mad Hatter’s Kitchen (Caunay).
Best supermarket: Super U at Sauze Vaussais” Alison & Paul, July 2023
“All good. Wonderful Citroen.” Alan & Jean, July 2023
“A relaxing break in peaceful surroundings and a chance to unwind by the pool on our own! Melle market well worth a visit. Sorry your DS wasn’t finished to have a photo with my Decapotable! Thanks both.” Nick & Linda, June 2023
“Visit no. 5 Great time as usual. Thank you once again for being not only great hosts, but also now great friends. We feel lucky each time we visit to spend time in this beautiful part of the world, with equally beautiful people. Lots of love and see you soon!” McLeans et Connell, April 2023
2022
“What a super 10 days! We loved La Grange and long hot days by the pool. Charroux is a must and we enjoyed the Secret Garden for dinner in Melle. John and Abi were wonderful hosts and made us feel extremely welcome. We’ll be back!” Mark & Clare, August 2022
“Very good family time in this nice and calm place. Thks!” Tanguy, Adrien & Emmanuel, August 2022
“Two years after we planned but we finally made it! We have enjoyed a lovely relaxing week here, the pool is amazing and the boys have played in it every day. Very quiet, laid back and the perfect way to finish our Summer adventure in Spain and France. Wonderful hosts. Thank you” Caroline, Noah, Jeremy & Jacob, August 2022
“Thank you so much for a wonderful stay in your little slice of heaven! Sincere thanks for trusting us with your classics – what a unique experience! Hope to be back soon” Peacocks & Kelsalls, August 2022
“Us again – this time we travelled from our new home in the Lincolnshire Wolds! Arrived just in time to see the sunflowers in full bloom – what a sight! Visited Oradour-sur-Glane this time – a powerful and very moving place. Apart from that we were completely lazy!! So enjoyed the local Bastille Day festivities – coming back in 2023.” Alison & Paul, July 2022
2021
“Exceptional, the place, the house” Lucia, December 2021
“We came across John & Abi’s gites in the Citroen Car Club magazine in 2020! Finally made it here and have fallen completely in love with the area. John and Abi are wonderful hosts and nothing was too much trouble. There is nothing more to say other than we are about to book 2 weeks for next summer!!” Alison & Paul, September 2021
“The place of the old farmhouse with only 2 gites. Lovely private garden with unobstructed views and near the pool. In the evening beautiful lights of the 12th century Romanesque church where we watch 2 owls every night. Even seen two stonewalls on the roof. Binoculars by hand every night. BBQ in the garden. Delicious quiet, environment arable farming little forest and flat. Good for cycling and walking. Deer spotted, too. Supermarkets nearby, 1 in 6 min. With car and the larger 10 to 15 min. Owners Very kind. If you want to rent old Citroen DS Then you can. He’s a vintage car enthusiast. Few tourists, nice villages nearby” Anon, September 2021
“Exceptional!” Sinan, August 2021
“Villa surrounded by nature. A villa large enough for a family of four, a well-maintained private pool, a large supermarket 10 minutes by car, a weekly market … There is nothing to say. The children had a stress-free week, playing outside every day and watching the starry sky at night.: Shiori, August 2021
“Great location for a relaxing holiday with kids. John & Aby have 2 nice properties, located in a charming, peaceful French farmer’s village. The heated swimming pool is a great asset of the property where kids can play all day long.” Jan, August 2021
“Very nice rustic place to have a break. Adorable people. Impressive swimming pool.” Maxime, July 2021
“We had a blast, thanks for the great stay!” Anthony, Jolyce and Leo, August 2021
“Many thanks for the 10 days of pure relaxation! + 125km bike ride to La Rochelle!” Conny, Jo, Jona & Lien, July 2021
“Relax in sunny region. The location is located in a secluded village where tranquility is the most important factor. Enjoying cycling and walking without much traffic and tourism is an asset here. The owner is very friendly and committed. The domain is large and consists of 2 gites.” Johan, July 2021
“Wonderful. The setting, the house and its comfort. Very large garden, barbecue at will..- The calm. We were received by a very kind hostess, warm, and concerned about our well-being and comfort..very discreet. The owners are adorable.” Benoit, May 2021
2020
“J’adore! Thanks for the superb exprience” David and Adriana, September 2020
“Merci pour votre accueil. Un bel endroit, au calme, et une piscine magnifique. Nous reviendrons!” Emilie, Raphael et Tribaut, August 2020
“Un merveilleux endroit pour lever le pied et se retrouver en famille autour de la piscine ou des jeux de société. Merci pour votre accueil et votre gentillesse. Bon continuation à La Grange” Emmanuel, Taugoy & Adrien, July 2020
“This is a great house to stay in for a week (or 2!). Especially with a young family (10, 8 & 6yr old kids), the pool is excellent and with wonderful hosts like John & Abi, this really was pure relaxation. Thanks again.” The Spek family from Switzerland, August 2020
“Excellent séjour dans la campagne. Excellent emplacement, très joli gîte, hôtesse charmants et piscine super agréable par temps chaud !” Valérie & family, August 2020
“Très bon séjour. Hébergement très tranquille, avec beaucoup de charme, piscine très agréable et hôtes charmants! Merci pour cette belle expérience!” Sofía, August 2020
“L’accueil des hôtes Tranquillité des lieux La piscine accessible tous les jours Terrasse et espace vert appréciable !” Halima and family, August 2020
“If you are looking for a dreamlike landscape with French flair, then the location at Abi & John is an insider tip. Hot days can be enjoyed as a very well-kept swimming pool is available for cooling off.
Our holiday apartment was well equipped and we particularly appreciated the possibility of cooking with gas. We read about Abi & John in the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” that they own and maintain vintage cars and even release them for rent. We had unforgettable driving experiences in a so-called “Göttin” (Citroen DS) and a real man’s car, a Jaguar MK2. John is always available to provide advice and assistance if required. We had an unforgettable time and wish both of them continued success when fulfilling dreams to others.” Sylvia & Thomas, August 2020
“We had a very nice stay, very rural location with a fantastic garden, very nice swimming pool (with an actual pool bar!). Very friendly English owners who were there if we needed anything but also respected our privacy.” Reinout, August 2020
“The welcome of the hosts Tranquility of the place. The pool accessible every day – Terrace and nice green space” H, August 2020
“Lovely place to stay as a couple or as a family, with an excellent swimming pool, we will be back! La Ferme de l’eglise is a great house to stay in, a beautifully restored French farm house, with a modern, big beautiful outdoor swimming pool. Lovely place for a quiet week (or a few weeks) of summer holiday – good private BBQ area, what more does one need for a great get-away ? Also great hosts – they are always available if you need anything, but who will otherwise give you full peace and quiet and 100% privacy. Only thing one could mention is that there are no shops in this small village, so you probably need a car to do your shopping (However there is a ‘bread-bus’ that stops early in the mornings.) This is course all part of being in the wonderfully quiet French countryside – and with a car there is a COOP in one of the next villages within a few minutes drive, or a really big well stocked well priced Super-U supermarket some 10 minutes away where they sell pretty much everything one could ever need on holiday!” Anon, August 2020
“Ideal for a family time. Welcome and calm of the place. Loved the pool” Emmanuel, July 2020
“Petit week-end charmant. Un joli coin de paradis, où le calme et la sérénité est de mise. Logement décoré avec goût vintage à l’anglaise. Linge de maison de qualité. Nous avons passé deux nuits. Les hôtes sont discrets ce qui nous a permis d’en profiter pleinement. EMPLACEMENT D’EXCEPTION ! ” Anne-Lise and family, July 2020
“Very good stay! Hébergement très tranquille, avec beaucoup de charme, piscine très agréable et hôtes charmants! Merci pour cette belle expérience!” Sofia, July 2020
“Petit week-end charmant! Un joli coin de paradis, où le calme et la sérénité est de mise. Logement décoré avec goût vintage à l’anglaise. Linge de maison de qualité. Nous avons passé deux nuits. Les hôtes sont discrets ce qui nous a permis d’en profiter pleinement. EMPLACEMENT D’EXCEPTION !” Anne, July 2020
2019
“Just want to say what a lovely time I had with my parents at your great gite. Taking the DS out for the day with you in the Jag was a special treat for my dad. We’ve chatted about it often since. The race des ramparts was truly a fabulous day out. Mum loved the whole French market experience too. We hope to return.” Richard & family, September 2019
“Thank you so much for a fabulous stay (again!!). We absolutely love it here. It’s just perfect for the children, who loved every second in the swimming pool! We wish we could stay longer.” Nikki & Chris, July 2019
“Fantastic holiday, amazing gîte & loved the hire of the Citroën DS. The perfect holiday!” Rich & Jayne, August 2019
“Greeted on arrival by Abi & John, our lovely hosts, fantastic gîte and pool, shared with another family staying in La Grange – the two children had a blast in the pool. Has been a very relaxing stay, weather has been amazing. Thank you for sharing your piece of paradise.” Jo & Gordon, August 2019
“Lovely stay. Looking forward to coming back. Pool fantastic for the girls. Beautiful places to visit.” Michael & Lorraine, August 2019
2018
“Even though we’re John’s brothers, we still wanted to write in the Guest Book to say how pleasant it is to stay here!” Francis & Steve, September 2018
“Brilliant holiday driving around the French countryside in the Citroën DS. Lovely place to stay and very welcoming” Paul & Chrissie, August 2018
“Another great stay with John and Abi in their charming holiday cottage.” Andy, August 2018
“A rather belated note thanking you for making our short break so enjoyable, even Denise who doesn’t yet quite qualify as a Citroënista was impressed with the DS’s ride and handling so I can’t wait to get ours up and running again.” Clive & Denise, June 2018
“Citroën DS experience was fantastic, saw lots of France. Abi and John great hosts and very friendly” Paul & Alison, June 2018
“A great holiday with great weather, comfortable accommodation and welcoming hosts” Gary & Alison, May 2018
2017
“Brilliant to return to our old home 10 years later! Great to see John and Abi enjoying this lovely place. Thanks for having us, a real trip down memory lane” Fiona, Richard & Ollie, October 2017
“As always, a relaxing escape. John and Abi are perfect hosts, there if needed but not hovering. Will return! Thanks Guys.” Alan, Andrew, Hilary & Sally, September 2017
“Thank you for a perfect stay, we felt so at home and loved the house and gardens. John and Abi have been such welcoming hosts, thank you for a fantastic holiday. We hope to be back one day!” Rich, Liv, Eloise & James, August 2017
“We’ve had the most idyllic 5 days here. Aurélie particularly has enjoyed every single second. Such a beautiful place …. we’re already planning a trip back so we can explore even more. Thank you John & Abi, it’s been perfect” Nikki, Christophe & Aurélie, August 2017
“What a magic place and great hosts. Citroën DS hire topped off a great experience – wafting down French country lanes in real style. Thanks John and Abi for a magical experience.” Paul, Robyn, Angus & Lucy, August 2017
“Absolutely idyllic place and very child friendly accommodation. Thank you so much. A great start to our holiday.” Emily, Graham, Arlo & Flora, July 2017. A post holiday blog post by Graham here: http://www.prewettbizley.com/graham-bizley-blog/charente-barns
“A fantastic birthday surprise for myself to drive both DS cars – I was reliving my youth. And the charming accommodation and informative hosts Abi and John made our stay one to remember. Thank you.” Mick and Debbie, June 2017
“Two weeks of gorgeous sunshine touching 36º at times! Highlight therefore: THE LOVELY POOL! But also many local towns, museums, marchés and friendly locals. Not forgetting of course John & Abi who looked after everything we needed. xx” Debbie, Phil and Annie, June 2017
“Splendid stay – thoroughly enjoyable, not least because of the unique opportunity to drive a Citroën DS! Thanks for making it possible.” Anne-Marie and Ivan, from Malta, May 2017
“A truly memorable stay for all the right reasons! My Dad could not have been made to feel more welcome for his birthday surprise! John and Abi have been wonderful hosts and driving the beautiful Citroën DS has been the icing on the cake! Thank you for your kindness and generosity.” Keith, Mair, Rachel & Ronan, April 2017
2016
“Thank you Abi & John for an absolutely wonderful time we have had in your tranquil paradise! Driving the DS23 in France was an absolute dream come true. Next time we will stay longer!!” Carol & Jeremy October 2016
“Visitors from Canada looking for Fernand’s ancestors in the Poitou region. We thoroughly enjoyed the peace and tranquility. Abi and John were incredibly helpful. The visit to St. Emilion and Cognac were highlights. La Grange was comfortable yet full of history – if the walls could speak what a story they may tell. Thank you.” Janet & Fernand September 2016
“Not quite our usual three week stay here but another great stay (and our surprise trip was definitely worth the look on Abi & John’s faces!) Thank you once again – see you soon!” McLeans & Connell July 2016
“John and Abi made us very welcome in their gite ‘La Petite Maison’ . The welcome pack was one of the best that we’d ever received.The gite had all home comforts and the swimming pool was splendid (especially the Kontiki Bar).
Our stay coincided with the Bastille Day celebrations and Abi and John invited us to join them at Vanzays village get together at the local Lavoir where plenty of good food and wine were consumed before we all tottered back to the gite.
We also enjoyed a run out in our classic cars, following our hosts in their rather beautiful Jaguar as we toured through several picturesque villages before arriving at pretty Verteuile for a gourmet lunch .
Many thanks to John and Abi for making our holiday very special.” Trevor, Helen, Sharon & Nick July 2016
2015
“Another great three weeks here. Totally gutted to be going home again! John and Abi are absolutely fabulous hosts, and couldn’t do enough for us. Thank you once again, hopefully see you both soon xx” McLeans August 2015
“Thanks for a memorable stay here and for being great hosts. The DS was superb, forcing us to slow down to a more French pace! – Mike”
“I have truly enjoyed my stay here, and loved the Citroen DS – Sam”
“So much fun and would love to come back – Ben”
“Thanks so much for a fantastic week! We have fallen in love with the DS, a true goddess! We have had fun in the pool, especially volleyball with the Geordies at midnight! A very special week of memories! – Kate” Mike, Kate, Sam & Ben August 2015
“A very relaxing week in this lovely gite. Abi & John are great hosts. The Vallée des Singes is worth a visit and the market at Lezay is a must for fresh and 2/4 legged produce! Thank you” Nick, Jayne, Izi & Imi August 2015
“A fantastic holiday at a beautiful location – we’ll really miss the place. Our kids are pressuring us to build our own swimming pool at home (unlikely!)” Henry, Laura, Millie & Ollie August 2015
“What a perfect spot, loved it all especially the owls! Weather fab and company great as always – thank you!” Caryl & Clive July 2015
“Beautiful gite in a great location. Perfect to view the area- very comfortable and cosy” Kenneth & Karen March 2015
2014
“Had a wonderful Xmas in this lovely, cosy cottage. Very peaceful village, great for quiet walks Did not want to leave!. Lizzieann & Dave December 2014
“Great position for touring, many good days out. Gite very comfortable & John was a great host and very informative. Day out with the DS was a highlight combined with good weather. Keith & Steve September 2014
“Lovely hosts, lovely gite, lovely weather. Great holiday, many thanks John & Abi. p.s. loved watching work on the cars, great entertainment!” John & Janet Hicks September 2014
“A blissfully quiet escape after the chaos of our wedding weekend. We have eaten far too much delicious French cheese, drank copious bubbles and lolled around the pool and gardens in a lazy heaven. George has fulfilled a lifetime’s ambition of driving a DS (and pretending we were in a vintage movie!) Thank you for a perfect start to our married life together x We loved canoeing in the Marais, dinner at Parthenay and the free (!) wine tasting in Saumur” Rozzie & George September 2014
“Particularly enjoyed the pool and gardens and the surrounding area. I thoroughly advise going to Futuroscope. I had a lovely stay and enjoyed exploring the area” The Doyle family August 2014
“We have loved staying here, the pool is fantastic and in a beautiful setting. We have had a great week & wished it had been longer! 🙂 Joe, Lou, Anna, Sam & James July/August 2014
“Our 2nd visit, but hopefully not our last! Beautiful weather helped what we knew would be a brilliant holiday. Thanks John & Abi for the ‘cocktail du jour’ and for celebrating our anniversary with us. The kids have enjoyed the pool, the gardens and the nighttime barn owl/bat/star gazing… Would recommend La Vallee des Singes, Chauvigny velo ride & Geants du Ciel, kayaking at Ruffec, the silver mines at Melle and the lake/chateau de Javarzay at Chef Boutonne for days out. We will be back (watermelons and tequila in hand!) Thnks so much for a fab fortnight!’ Laidlaw family July/August 2014
“What a beautiful and relaxing location! Thank you so much” Adam, Nadine & Evie-Lily July 2014
“Lovely two night stop wish it could have been longer!” Joan June 2014
“En route to Morocco, slept like babes!” Carl & Angel + G4 April 2014
2013
“What a great time – very relaxed atmosphere. John and Abi proved to be perfect owner/hosts. Thank you” Johnny, Nellie and Harry August/Sept 2013
“We enjoyed staying at John and Abigail’s! Thank you, loved the company, we liked the contiki bar and swimming pool. We really liked it here, thank you” Daisy, Ellie, Andrea & Mark August 2013
“So non relaxing for my liver. Great hosts, will have to come back as I never got the lawns cut. 3 weeks not enough, will enjoy the memories. Loved the company, pool bar and all your tales (particularly Abi and the cornfield). Great holiday – thank you!” Kevin, Gillian, Lauren and Sarah July/August 2013
“Thank you for our welcome. We loved the peace of the place and driving round the region in our 1960s DS” Richard & Tricia, Margaret & Alan June 2013
“A truly relaxing and peaceful place to stay. Loved every moment. Thank you for making Ian’s dream of driving a DS come true!! A great day experience. What are the squatters rights in France??!!” Rita and Ian June 2013
“A lovely place to spend our ‘lune de miel’! The gite and amenities were excellent and of course hiring the DS23ie was a real treat. Cognac and La Rochelle are great road trips but there are lots of great villages nearby too. Vallee des Singes also well worth a visit. Hopefully see you again soon!!” Charlotte and Paul May 2013
2012
“Thanks for a lovely welcome basket – and a very relaxing week, our only missing ingredient was the sunshine! But it was still lovely to be here! Many thanks!” Michele and Tony September 2012
“Good swings” “Had a great time with Maddy. Great pool” “Nice place” Thalia, Alex, Maddy, James & Jessica August 2012
“A great stay. Very relaxing, fantastic weather. The kids loved experiencing the gardens and the pool” Mark, Carol & Myla, Andrew, Sarah & Isla July 2012
“Thank you for a very comfortable but shorter stay than originally planned… due to the curse of the weather. Made very welcome. A super gite. Very, many thanks” Stewart and Peta July 2012
“Lovely tranquil stay. R & R definitely achieved!” Firth family July 2012
“Lovely gite. Lovely people, lovely cars! Thank you for a wonderful holiday, we will return in a Triumph!” David, Rachel and Harriet June 2012
“Thank you for a very warm welcome, lovely comfy bed” The Hanes January 2012
2011
“A most relaxing experience. To be recommended to anyone. We will certainly visit again. Lovely people too!” Caroline, Andrew, Sophia and Oliver September 2011
“Lovely stay that the weather couldn’t spoil!” Vicky Duffield August 2011
“Thanks Abi & John for a lovely stay at your truly relaxing and peaceful place. Take care x” Emma, Richard, Mia and Jake August 2011
“We all had a fantastic stay. Beautiful pool and wonderful hosts. Thank you again Abi & John” Roger, Becca, Scarlett and Mattie August 2011
“Our third visit and the pool is a fabulous new addition. Relaxing and chilled out as ever. Thanks for your hospitality. xx” Sarah, Dion and Eleni August 2011
“Had a wonderful stay. Hospitality was excellent. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable.” Cyndy & Stephen July 2011
“What a wonderful place for this birthday celebration! You have well accommodated all 16 noisy celebrants!” Anna & Robin July 2011“Thank you. We’ve loved staying here, listening to Beatle music, admiring the architecture of the beams and reading Lord of the Flies” Pauline & Colin July 2011“What a great place for a 70th birthday party. I’ll never forget it. Just perfect in every way. Thank u so much A & J. We loved your cars too.” Sue & Kevin July 2011“Tres bel enduit, un enchantement!” Rene Minot July 2011
“Great holiday. Loved all the sights especially the Ile de Re, Marais Poitevin and all the markets. Have enjoyed the accommodation very much. Abi & John have been wonderful in all our needs. Will certainly tell all our friends about this restful and quiet village.” Beryl & Alan, Hilda & Rodney June 2011
“Thanks! Hope to see you again sometime!” Adrian & Mark June 2011
Made even better by friendly hosts, Abi and John and the suprise completion of the pool-wasn’t even ‘on the horizon’ when we booked-so a big plus… A very peaceful and relaxing place to stay, happy memories… Thanks guys…” Alan et al… May 2011
“Thanks so much for a wonderful stay. Lovely area and beautiful home. Can’t wait to come back!!” Pete and Kathleen April 2011
“Thanks for a fab week! The DS est une vrais DEESSE! Unforgettable 50th! Wonderful, chilling break – we needed the peace & tranquility – excellent hospitality and loved my nightly owl watch from the bedroom window!” Richard, Alison, Rob & Ruth April 2011
2010
“Thank you so much for a wonderfully relaxing week. We have loved it here.” Emily, Darren and Patsy October 2010
“Thank you for a pleasant couple of weeks. From Abi’s initial welcome to the “fond farewell”, hosts have been most accommodating. The gite had everything (incl. true “calme”) and the stay was very restful. Highlights of the visit included La Vallee des Singes (great for children & adults alike), the Medieval City at Chauvingy, the Marais Poitevin and Poitiers (unfortunately did not make it to the Ile de Re or Angouleme). It was great to meet parents and friends. Good luck in all your future projects.” Greta and Roger (Norfolk) September 2010
“Another wonderful holiday – shame only 1 week this time. Perfect for relaxing on the new decking. Glad to see the owls again. See you again, thanks.” Gill and Paul September 2010
“Abi and John, feel very bad that we are away too early to say a proper goodbye and thank you. We’ve really enjoyed our 2 weeks here and will be recommending the cottage and area to friends. Many thanks.” Hannah, Mark and Emma September 2010
“Thank you Abi and John. We’ve had a fabulous time in Vanzay, perfect setting for our son’s wedding. You are warm, welcoming and generous hosts. We’ll be back. xxx” Elizabeth, Angel, Philippe, Olivier and Alex (London) & Ewa & Voytek (Los Angeles) – August 2010
“Thank you for a fantastic stay. It was a wonderful trip! Peace, calm, beauty, great hosts. Thank you again.” Mary and Mike, Los Angeles – August 2010
“We have enjoyed so much the calm tranquility of La Grange, Vanzay. Such a warm and friendly welcome and the basket of ‘goodies’ greatly appreciated. It has been a pleasure to wend our way along the quiet country roads to lovely villages with busy markets and cafes where we could enjoy an espresso and watch the world go by. We particularly enjoyed our visits to the Abbey at Celles sur Belle and Coulon in the Marais Poitevin. Thank you very much for a gorgeous week” Di & Bruce – June 2010
“We have enjoyed the peaceful rural setting, bike rides on the network of quiet little roads, exploring the local towns and villages. La Vallee des Singes was a highlight – recommended. Thank you Abi and John for a comfortable and relaxing stay” Jill & Andrew – June 2010
“Great holiday for a car mad husband and sanctuary for a wife! Thank you Abi and John for the warm welcome, cosy gite and excellent ‘Welcome Basket’. The day out with the Citroen DS was wonderful, and a head turner where ever we went. Admired by French, Germans and Brits alike” Dick & Anne – June/July 2010
“Great hol, classic car fun, must try the DS next trip” Bertie, Emma & MG – June/July 2010
“Thanks for a great time – sorry about the window – and the table! See you next year! Rob & Claire – June/July 2010
“Another fabulous stay, quiet, relaxing, beautiful weather. Top tip – lovely drive to Cognac on the D19. Thanks John and Abi for a wonderful time” Francis, Micheline & Miranda – July 2010
“We have had the most wonderful time staying in your lovely gite. When we arrived there was everything we needed to get us started and we haven’t wanted for anything during our stay. We’ve really enjoyed being in ‘the middle of nowhere’, where in reality we’ve had excellent access to many regions and places – you are very well located for exploring a very large region of France. One of the highlights of our stay was to ride in a DS ‘Goddess’ and the MK2 Jaguar. We’ve also enjoyed trips to Cognac, Ile d’Oleron, Poitiers, Angouleme and Limoges (didn’t quite make it to the Loire or Bordeaux – next time?!). Thank you again, it’s been fantastic” Katherine & Simon – May 2010
“Lovely – lovely week. Beautiful and quiet surroundings, just what we were looking for! Beautiful cosy house, fantastic food and markets. Thanks to John and Abi for being such fantastic hosts. Hope to see you again! All the best” Connie, Juan & Tomas – April 2010
“Couldn’t have been more helpful and calming in the midst of madness. Best welcome box ever, ever, ever” Joyce & Quentin – April 2010
“Lovely cottage, very comfy bed! Thank you for a lovely week!” Rachel & Ian – April 2010
“Thank you for having us, it’s been a great place to relax” Paul & Clare – February 2010
2009
“Thanks so much for a wonderful, relaxing stay inn your beautiful home. We’ll be back!”Jo & Thomas – October 2009
“To John and Abi, thank you for the lovely time we’ve had here at La Ferme de L’Église. Your welcome and the comfortable gîte, in this tranquil pleasant area all contributed to the relaxing time we’ve had. We wish we were able to stay longer. Thank you again.” Janet & Louis – September 2009
“We enjoyed a most relaxing week in the tranquility of Vanzay. Comfortable and well appointed gîte – we lacked for nothing – thanks to the hosts! We enjoyed lovely sunshine, local markets, le vin and local produce and cuisine, and also the ancient architecture at Angoulême. Michael enjoyed discussing vintage/classic cars with John and his English visitors. Maybe one day we shall return with a Triumph TR6 (!) – wishful thinking?! – to enjoy the peaceful, rural driving in this area.” Sheila and Michael – September 2009
“To John & Abi, We’ve all had a great time staying here at La Grange. Thank you for being so welcoming and helpful. We particularly enjoyed going to Île de Ré, Cognac and St. Macoux. We enjoyed exploring the area and the market at Melle. Thanks so much for going the extra mile (to Poitiers in fact!). We will definitely recommend La Ferme de L’Église to our friends. Best wishes” Imogen, Andrew, Joe, Ruby and Frances – August 2009
“To John & Abi, thank you for the use of the lovely barn, we have had a lovely time. Your assistance with information and local knowledge was greatly appreciated. The area and location are superb, lovely rural and tranquil, a lovely change from the rat race. It’s facilities and equipment left us wanting for nothing. We have travelled over 2,000km since we arrived and have seen some wonderful places & have left several leaflets and brochures we picked up along the way. Once again, thank you John & Abi, and hope everyone else who stays has such a great time.” Mike & Rich – July 2009
“Lovely break in lovely surroundings. Enjoyed the markets – don’t miss Angoulême sunday morning and the Civray pattisserie on the market is to die for. Thanks” Eileen & Liz – June 2009
“Lovely break, good hosts and company – thanks” Paul & Louse – June 2009
“Wonderful to see our old house like we’d left it! So pleased you guys are enjoying it here, we’ll always be back! We miss the peace and quiet!” Fiona, Richard & Ollie – May 2009
“Lovely, fantastic relaxing time. Thank you so much for your warm and generous hospitality. When/if you’re in Spain make sure you come and stay with us!” Rigor, Gail & Ben – April 2009
2008
“Par excellence! A real tranquil retreat. Warm, welcoming hosts. The fine attention to detail makes it home from home!” Errol & Debbie – December 2008
“Ambience and hospitality beyond measure in a marvelous setting” Dawn & Richard – September 2008
“Thanks to Abi and John for being fantastic hosts and the chance to shut off from the outside world for a week of r & r. Gorgeous place made even better by the joyful kittens. It’s an ideal we’ll aim for! Good luck for the future” Nicky & Giles – July 2008
“Wonderful setting, wonderful hosts, wonderful! We will return!” R & L – June 2008
“Many thanks to John and Abi for their great warm welcome and helpfulness. We have had a fantastic restful week in your beautiful gîte. Had some lovely days exploring the area. Particularly enjoyed Marais Poitevin, Angoulême and Cognac – great for lunch! And well worth a visit – Oradour-sur-Glane. We are returning home with our batteries fully re-charged. Thank you again.” Jackie & Neil – June 2008
“Thank you for your very warm welcome and helpfulness. The goodies on arrival were much appreciated. We’ve had a restful and peaceful stay and enjoyed driving around the area. Highlights were the Île de Ré, Marais Poitevin and the Valley of the Monkeys. Thank you again.” Ann & Peter – May 2008
2007
“Thanks John & Abi, a relaxing 2 days in this lovely setting” Francis & Micheline – August 2007
“Fantastic place to spend a really relaxing week – visits to La Rochelle and Cognac well worth it. Many thanks for having us!” John & Genevieve – September 2007
“Two weeks is a month too short! Wonderful, relaxing holiday in a lovely setting. We wish you success in the future. Hope to see you again. Give our love to the owls!” Gill & Paul – September 2007
“Relaxing two weeks, plenty to see and do” B, C & J – October 2007
“Another great time at chez Wilkin. Keep it up!” Mark – October 2007
“If you enjoyed us being here half as much as we enjoyed being here, we enjoyed it more that you!” Al & Cath – October 2007
Holiday gites in Poitou-Charentes 