Built in 1854 and set in 5 acres, 1854 Chassors is a stunning former Cognac distillery with 2 gîtes situated in the courtyard outbuildings. Hidden behind high walls and private gates, you and your family can enjoy and relax in our newly renovated gites with high speed wifi and enjoy full use of the spacious and secluded walled grounds and fantastic facilities including heated pool and jacuzzi.
With only 2 large gites of 135 m2 and 95m2 in size and large gardens both front and back, the property is perfect for family gatherings if booked together for up to 14 or simply individually.
1854 Chassors is nestled in a small village surrounded by vineyards, whilst located only 4km and 10km from Jarnac and Cognac respectively - perfect for exploring the Nouvelle Aquitaine area of beautiful countryside, villages, vineyards, beaches and of course picturesque French life and glorious food.
Hi-speed WIFI is available in both gîtes and in the covered barbecue and games/fitness areas along with French, English and international TV channels and Amazon Prime.
The gites are called Cognac and Charente and furnished to a very high standard with everything you might need and more. You will be truly be in a home away from home with a few extras on hand. All bed linen and towels are included along with pool towels free of charge. Both have private outside dining areas as well as the communal barbecue dining area.
Upon arrival, enjoy our welcome basket - No need to rush to the supermarket ! Sample the local cheeses, saucisson, bread, wine and jam. Upon booking, simply tell us your choice of red, white and rose and a bottle will be waiting for you. Also included in the gites are all home essentials such as washing liquid for dishes and linen, cleaning products, dish cloths and condiments which will set you up for your stay.
We will also leave warm bread outside your door each morning at your chosen time.
135m2 COGNAC GÎTE WITH 3 BEDROOMS AND 3 BATHROOMS is furnished in warm neutrals, wood and metals to give that modern yet rustic feel and can sleep 8 people. It consists of a lovely 60m2 open plan living/ kitchen area with views on to the front courtyard/garden. Leading off from this are the 3 bedrooms, of which 2 have ensuites with walk in showers. One of which, has a big walk in wardrobe. There is also a separate 3rd bathroom with Italian shower, toilet and a large laundry room with a washer dryer off the kitchen . The sofa in the main living area can also be converted into a super comfy double bed.
You will find everything you need in the country style kitchen. Centred around a 5 burner gas stove and oven it also includes a dishwasher, fridge freezer, microwave, blender, toaster, Senseo coffee maker and Phone charger. Added to that you can enjoy the steam cooker and a raclette, crepe and hot stone set.
There is a lovely wooden dining table in the kitchen or simply choose one of the various outside tables to sit back and enjoy your meals and wine.
There is also free high-speed wifi throughout both gites. English, French and international TV channes are also available in the gites. Included also is a DVD player and a Sonos music system. Please help yourself to the various books and DVDs available in the barbecue area as well as in your gîte.
If staying in the cooler months, there is central heating in both gîtes and a log burner in Cognac gîte.
Each gîte has its own clothes washing equipment including washer/dryer, linen baskets, clothes line, iron and ironing board.
The grounds of 1854 offer something for everyone.
A large barbecue and dining area has been created in the corner outbuilding, perfect for those hot days or for entertaining evenings. A barbecue is available for each gîte. It even has its own original bread/ pizza oven!
Outside, enjoy the peacefulness and privacy of the property with the front and back gardens providing the perfect setting . There are lots of sun and shaded areas to enjoy.
A highlight of the property is the stunning 8.6 x 4.5 m open air heated swimming pool, finished in April 2019 within the walls of the original distillery. To the rear is a relaxation area which includes a spa bath and sun beds. The entrance to the pool is by a glass barrier with a secure built in glass gate also childproof .
We also offer child equipment free of charge, including cot and linens, high chair, changing mat, baby bath, potty, eating utensils and child inflatables for the pool. Just mention upon booking and they will be ready in your gîte on your arrival.
We are dog friendly - simply request upon booking.
There are lots of activities at the house and nearby. If you are looking for a laid back day, enjoy a glass of wine whilst playing on the original pétanque lawn in the back garden. Boules provided. Or play a game of Badminton or Volleyball. Recently installed are swings and a football area in the back orchard.
There is even a set of giant Jenga and dominoes!
For those with more energy stroll across the courtyard to the games area which has everything from table tennis, table football and darts to a fully equipped gym - complete with treadmill, 2 spin bikes, rower, weightlifting bench, free weights including kettlebells, bands, yoga mats, fitness ball and even exercise DVDs.
There is also a free tennis court just a 300m stroll away. Tennis racquets and balls are available in the games room free of charge.
To really enjoy the beautiful area, why not hire one of our new bikes for the day for just 10 euros a day or 5 euros for half a day per bike including helmets, child seats, locks and puncture sets and suggested routes. Choose from a range of mountain or road bikes in different sizes.
Or the Charente is just 5 mins away where you can hire kayaks, canoes or motorised boats.
We live in the main house and are on hand if you need anything to help your stay and can recommend places to see or eat and as fluent French speaking can make reservations or anything you might require.
1854 Chassors is perfectly located being equal distance away from the airports of La Rochelle, Limoges and Bordeaux at 1h 30. Angouleme is 35minutes away and from here you can catch the TGV and be in Paris within 2 hours so making a trip to Paris a fun day outing.
There is so much to see and do in the Poitou - Charente. In addition to the beautiful countryside, the area is bursting with history, culture and things to do, making it the ideal destination for the all the family and for friends.
Of course our immediate area is best known for the production of Cognac and also pineau. This is the local eau-de-vie aperitif and delicious when drank neat or with sparkling mineral water.Why not visit one of the grand Cognac houses such as Hennessy or Courvoisier for a tour on everything Cognac or visit one of the smaller houses for a tasting. We have a perfect one just in the next village which gives a great tasting experience and offers an amazing choice of everything from Cognac and Pineau through to white and red wines.
Food is a real delight here with the local menu de jour being great value for money! Being close to the sea, seafood is a speciality with oysters and mussels being a highlight.
The beauty of this area is that you have the choice of both exploring inland and the stunning Atlantic coast, know as the côte de beauté, reaching up to La Rochelle.
1854 Chassors is just 5 and 10 minutes by car from Jarnac and Cognac respectively. Set on the banks of the river Charente, these historic market towns are home to many of the Cognac houses and have all the amenities you need along with the river offering so many activities for all ages!
Jarnac is slightly smaller than Cognac and we love it - maybe we are biased! You will find everything here from 3 supermarkets, daily covered market (apart from Monday), bakers, butchers, various doctors, vet, post office and hairdressers.
Meander through the beautiful old town and make your way down to the quais and the banks of the Charente. Either walk along the trails and take time to explore the central island of Ile Madame of if you want to join in the fun, hire canoes and paddle up the river to the village of Bourg-Charente and have lunch at the Michelin starred restaurant, la Ribaudière.
There is even a horse racecourse along the banks which holds three consecutive race meets in September!
Drive 10 minutes and explore both the new and old towns of Cognac. The old town is breathtaking and includes the Valois castle and Sant-Jacques gateway flanked by its iconic twin towers overlooking the Charente. Visit the museums - Art and History and Arts of Cognac and learn all about the areas rich Romain-Gallo history and archaeological past or simply about Cognac itself.
Further afield, drive through the beautiful Gallo-romain town of Saintes on the way to Royan by the sea and relax on one of the many beautiful sandy beaches along the coast. You can even visit the Ile d'Oleron for the afternoon.
So many places to see and added to that an extensive list of events and activities in the region through the year.