Originally from Aisne, in Picardy, we chose Charente-Maritime to breathe new life into our lives as we approach retirement. We wanted to be closer to the sea, and we were also looking for a welcoming environment and history that reflects who we are. We were also won over by the region’s excellent location, with La Rochelle, Île de Ré, Bordeaux and the Basque Country all nearby. It was this balance between a relaxed way of life, openness and the richness of the surrounding area that confirmed that we had made the right choice.
A stately home inspired by Arcachon architecture, our property boasts a distinctive architectural style, a far cry from the usual conventions of the Charente region. Its multi-pitched roofs, with their generous overhangs, rest on delicate, curved oak struts. The corner and window surrounds are made of cut stone. The grand hall, bathed in light through a huge 48-pane window, opens onto a double-length lounge offering remarkable views of the grounds and the vineyards on three sides. The house, which is arranged in a L-shape, combines spaciousness with favourable orientations. To the north-east, an octagonal tower – which is round inside – houses a bathroom on the upper floor overlooking the grounds. Outside, a swimming pool and a tennis court are set within rolling grounds, dotted with tall trees, an orchard and a small pond filled with yellow irises.
Already listed in the Napoleonic land register, the house appears to have been built in the early 19th century, although the surviving records don’t pinpoint the exact date. Long known as the “Château de Bellevue” – a name still familiar to the residents of Courpignac – it was the property and residence of the d’Arche de Pessan family, one of the region’s prominent families for several generations. Probably designed as a holiday home, it reflects a way of life when people used to come to the countryside in search of tranquillity, light and the pleasure of a house that opens out onto its surroundings. With its original layout and character preserved, it has retained the understated charm of old properties that seem to have stood the test of time without ever quite belonging to it.
We wanted to make this house a place of respite, a place where guests will immediately feel at home. Our guests can take the time to relax, read, stroll or simply enjoy the swimming pool around the large cedar tree in the grounds. The soul of the house blends old-world charm with modern comforts, with an interior design that I have dreamt up and put together myself with items that catch my eye. We serve breakfast in the morning in our antique shop. Bicycles are available for guests to explore the country lanes and to make the most of the surrounding countryside. The house is ideally situated: far enough away to ensure peace and quiet, whilst remaining close to major attractions and towns, which are easily accessible to be explored.
In Salignac-de-Mirambeau, the Motard family welcomes visitors to the “Domaine du Botté” and shares its expertise in cognac and pineau. A chance to explore the historic wine cellars and distilleries, to follow the various stages of winemaking and bottling, and, from November to mid-February, to watch the distillation process in action. In Saint-Thomas-de-Conac, “La Ferme du Roc” sells delicious goat’s cheeses and welcomes visitors by appointment. In Chamouillac, Stéphane Lambert bakes organic bread at his Boulangerie Paysanne using heirloom flours made from grains that he grows and mills himself. The paths around the house are ideal for walks or cycle rides. They wind through vineyards and woodland, all the way to the Gironde estuary or Jonzac, along the river.
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