Entire home

Peaceful family-friendly rural cottage. Rejuvenating & stylish. A special place.

Photo gallery for Peaceful family-friendly rural cottage. Rejuvenating & stylish. A special place.

from the lower field
The comfortable sitting room with new sofas in 2021
oak stairs made for us by our local artisan craftsman in the village
sitting room & stairs
lovely teak african octagonal dining table & kitchen
Reviews
9.6 out of 10 Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6112 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Check out the area

Map
Moussac sur Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Popular LocationChâteau de Fougeret10 min drive
  • Popular LocationCircuit du Val de Vienne16 min drive
  • AirportPoitiers (PIS-Biard)52 min drive
  • Popular LocationFuturoscope54 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Peaceful family-friendly rural cottage. Rejuvenating & stylish. A special place.

Set in idyllic surroundings, on a country lane, a stone's throw from the River Vienne - this is our family place.

In a scatter of houses called "Biard" just across the river from the small village of Moussac sur Vienne, this ancient cottage has stood at the corner of the lane for generations. It has not only bags of character and 150 years of history - but also thick stone walls to keep it cool in summer, and two good woodburning stoves to keep cosy on spring or autumn evenings.

We love the time we have spent here over decades - it is our sanity-saver, our retreat, our tonic. It is not a house we bought to run as a business - it is very dear to us and our growing family and full of special and happy memories.

It is also ideal for an activity-filled family holiday with walks, canoeing, fishing, barbeques, wonderful river-swimming all on hand - or water-skiing, pedalos, bungee jumping, flume & 3-pool open-air public swimming pool, zip wire and Go-Ape in the town of L'Isle Jourdain nearby.

Masses of days out - Futuroscope, the Monkey Sanctuary, birds of prey displays and no end of castles and other special sights/sites .... OR .... a secluded and restorative break in the slow-lane, kick-back lounging in the garden and by (or on) the river watching the wildlife, kingfisher-spotting, and reading books.

With a south facing breakfast patio off the kitchen, and a large private garden and patio to the rear, a field to the front and woodland behind - there's plenty of space for wandering and pottering ! ... you can do weeding, deadheading roses and put your dishwater on the flowerbeds when its baking hot ... or do nothing at all. You choose !

There's a quality Weber BBQ to create a focus (and work for someone!) for the evening. Charcoal is easily available in most French supermarkets.

We watch the stars and satellites, the red squirrels and lizards, the buzzards and kites, the bats and the owls. There are deer and wild boar in the woods.

BEDROOMS: There is a double bedroom on the ground floor and two large upstairs oak-beamed bedrooms: master bedroom (1x dbl), & adjoining twin bedroom. There's a travel cot too. All bedding provided (except for travel cot).

KITCHEN/DINING ROOM: The whole house has been refurbished over the years and so there is a new well-equipped large farmhouse kitchen with a lovely handmade African hardwood octagonal family dining table, kitchen dressers and lots of cooking space: (oven, hob, washing machine, diswasher, microwave etc) . This room opens onto the south-facing breakfast patio.

LIVING ROOM: There is a large living room with original terracotta floor tiles and rugs and comfy sofas, a music system and a CD collection, a TV for DVDs (no TV signal) with DVD collection, free WiFi, masses of holiday reading. French-windows open to the second terrace & spacious garden with sun-loungers and everything you need.

BATHROOMS Two bathrooms: a bathroom/w.c. upstairs off the twin room, and a shower/w.c. downstairs.

Two wood-burning stoves & other heaters as needed. Extensive enclosed grassy garden, land and hillside woodlot to explore.

OTHERS A daily Bakery van swings by with your fresh croissants and baguettes etc.

WALKING DISTANCE .... just over the bridge to the canoe hire centre (which does drop-off & pick-up for you May-Sept) & small riverside campsite (toddler pool, jungle gym, table tennis); and the village (with its new bar /restaurant; a post office; tennis court; etc).

THE BRIGHT LIGHTS .... It's only 10 mins by car to the local market town of L'Isle Jourdain (banks, bakeries, café/bars, supermarket, restaurants, etc - and a large triple outdoor solar-heated swimming pool). A little further to Lussac les Chateaux where there is a Lidl and an Intermarche, and bars and restaurants etc. The large and picturesque villages of Queaux and Gouex along the river are worth a visit and there is a good open-air swimming pool at the latter.

GETTING THERE Easy to get to: Ferry Portsmouth to Caen (+4.5hr drive) or cheaper to Le Havre (+5hr drive); Dover-Calais (+7.5hr drive); RyanAir to Poitiers/Limoges/Tours, & FlyBe and BA in the summer, & then hire car (45/60/90 mins drive); EuroStar/TGV London-Poitiers & hire car.

A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND
Our jobs have often taken us to the disaster zones of our cruel world, or to terribly tough places where poor people lead hard and unjust lives. Moussac has been a quiet retreat and a huge priviledge for us for many years, our shelter from the storm - a reminder of how fine our lives are by comparison. It's a place where we have been able to recentre ourselves, rebalance our emotions, regain perspective and restore tired bodies and minds.
We hope it will have the same soothing balm and restorative effect on you.
It has done so for many many of the people (largely friends and family) who have stayed here over the years.

It was a neglected ruin when we bought it, broken windows, leaking roof and being slowly reclaimed by flora and fauna - inside and out ... but over the years we have gradually turned it back into a glorious haven in harmony with nature - and now we feel ready to let it commercially. It has had a new roof, new staircase, new floors, new ceilings, new bathrooms, new kitchen .... pretty much new everything ... and a garden we have created out of what was once a farmyard filled with old tractor sheds and agricultural debris and rubbish - now nurtured and filled with shrubs and fruit trees - and benches to sit about on and soak up nature.

VISITORS COMMENTS
We have been letting friends use our house for some years. Here is some of their feedback:

"The fish counter at the supermarket is great - fresh sardines on the BBQ was our real treat. One week was not enough."

"Beautiful place, full of ease and quietness - and no sense of the busy world beyond. My nephew and I sent bug hunting everynight and found the biggest stag beetle ever. Love the garden the most - so perfect to escape into. A secret space. We will return."

"How lovely to witness spring in all its glory in a place like this. Riverside walks rich in wildflowers - and also just sitting on the garden bench gazing up into the periwinkle carpetted woods spotting birds and red squirrels. We've enjoyed the simple pleasures that lFrench country life affords."

"Love so many things about this place - the QUIET, birdsong, owls calling to each other,, the river, the wine, beautiful medieval towns, etc. FABULOUS BREAK ! Thank you so much."

"Found crayfish in the river and glow worms in the garden + the girls spent hours 'catching' frogs. Lots of river swimming and pizzas in the square at L'Isle Jourdain. Thank you for our fourth great family holiday here - it was very hot and we have the tans to prove it."

Property manager

Nick & Caroline

Languages

French, Portuguese
Lock

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed
Dogs welcome. Other pets - pls contact owner.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Kids should not go in the woods or outbuildings unaccompanied.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Moussac

Located in Moussac, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Château de Fougeret and Lussac les Chateaux Bridge Ruins are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include La Sabline Prehistory Museum and La Planete des Crocodiles. Traveling with kids? Consider Abyssea, or check out an event or a game at Circuit du Val de Vienne. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and water skiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
Map
Moussac sur Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

What's nearby

  • Château de Fougeret - 10 min drive
  • Circuit du Val de Vienne - 16 min drive
  • La Planete des Crocodiles - 25 min drive
  • Valley of the Monkeys - 48 min drive
  • Futuroscope - 54 min drive

Getting around

  • Montmorillon Station - 31 min drive
  • Poitiers (PIS-Biard) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • Bar de la Fontaine - 14 min drive
  • Le 10 Pour Boire Pour Manger - 7 min drive
  • Le Col Vert - 5 min drive
  • Café de la Paix - 6 min drive
  • Restaurant du Barrage - 8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Peaceful family-friendly rural cottage. Rejuvenating & stylish. A special place. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sara R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful stay in Moussac
Nick and Caroline's home is a perfect base to have a relaxing holiday and explore a beautiful area of France. Their cottage is extremely well equipped and spacious, it was lovely and clean on arrival and has many thoughtful touches to welcome guests. The garden areas are equally enticing. I would love to return and wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Steve A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderfully peaceful week!
The cottage is lovely and set in a beautifully peaceful location just a short walk from the village of Moussac-sur-vienne. There are loads of suitable walks close by and a kayak/canoe centre on the river. The cottage is let on a 'leave it as you find it's basis, which is not ideal, as I found the people before me didn't do a great job of cleaning up. However, it wasn't bad and didn't dampen my spirits and I had a wonderfully relaxing week. Thanks Nick & Caroline
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mary L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heatwave in Moussac
This property has a very "French" feel and has been thoughtfully set up for tourists who desire a choice of either complete isolation or interesting activities nearby. Nick and Caroline have supplied lots of useful information. The kitchen is fully equipped for those who prefer to sort themselves out, there are two outside spaces for al fresco dining and a large circular kitchen table indoors. There is also a BBQ with additional chairs and table to use elsewhere. All the bedrooms are nicely laid out and the beds are comfortable. The shower is good and powerful and there is a bath as well, if you feel like a soak. We completely understand that security is required but we did struggle getting into the property with all the locks and keys but it didn't spoil anything.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Claire H.

We absolutely loved the property !
I wanted to let you know we had such a great holiday. The river was brilliant and we spent most of our time at the same spot & staying hours, often twice a day ! It was such fun and provided great shelter from the sun & warmth from the sun depending on what was required, we were so surprised to find the water to be warm! We took the kids to both Queux & Gouex and the outdoor pool in Isle d'Jourdain but the river remained the favourite, they actually refused to go to the out door pool at Gouex and insisted on being taken back to the river.... We went kayaking a couple of times which went from high drama getting stuck on rocks to total relaxing in the space of a few minutes..kids v excited to see kingfishers Water skiing a highlight & pedelos up to the bridge was also great fun We had a good few trips to the shop in Moussac but didn't manage to try their pizzas, we didn't quite figure out the various opening/closing times/days but it made no difference. We made great use of the BBQ, we used it every night bar one The baker lady was lovely and it was great to have service right at the door. I did lots of great running, once I had renewed my energy levels and managed to get up early enough to go out before it go too hot, the old railway track is perfect, I did lovely runs in both directions, making it to the other side of the river from Queux campsite, I didn;t quite manage to run there on our side of the bridge as I couldn't get past some fences but the woodland track along that way is beautiful & the big stones a perfect picnic spot Had a fun trip to the monkeys, the kids loved it ! it was really interesting to read through the visitor book and see all the work you have put into making the house how it is now. It must have been exhausting but so worth it !! I think that is mostly it, the real highlight was the proximity to the river we really had to persuade ourselves to leave and do some exploring, it felt very special.

10/10 Excellent

Catherine G.

Home from Home
We have just returned from our 5th year staying in this lovely property. We found it by chance on holiday back in 2013 and arranged to stay the following year. We love it so much we’ve come back every year since! When I walk back through the door for the first time I feel myself physically relax. It’s very welcoming and feels very homely. Everything you could need is here. The kitchen is well equipped, there are books galore, even a couple of bikes if you haven’t brought your own. What sets this property apart from a lot of others in the village is the garden. It’s large and secluded and great for BBQs. There is a great BBQ to use in the shed. There is a bench up on the bank up above the house which I love to sit on and read and one of my favourite things of all is sitting on the kitchen patio eating my breakfast in the early morning sun. The location offers lots to do. There are great walks, (we are still discovering new ones) bike rides, the nearby town has a great outdoor pool which is quite cheap. We are still finding new restaurants in neighbouring villages. The river is very nearby and offers great swimming and kayaking. My husband is an avid bird watcher and nature lover and there is lots to see, both in the garden and the surrounding countryside. It really is a relaxing stay and one thing I love is the lack of TV. There is one there to watch DVDs but I love the silence not having it on brings and that we are all playing board games and cards instead. There is Wi-fi for those that need a fix! After all this time it feels a little bit like our house in France and we always look forward to coming and are very sad to leave it.

About the host

Hosted by Nick & Caroline

Host profile image
We have spent our lives in international 'aid' work with charities/non-profits and lived and worked in several African countries for many years, and been fortunate to also travel widely on other continents. You'll see this reflected in the african furniture, art and artefacts in the house.

We have a relaxed approach to life - and an informal style - valuing the company of good friends and enjoying meeting new ones. We put a high priority on the diversity of life and friendships and what they can teach us - always keen to be open and welcoming to people of all identities and backgrounds.

We always enjoy being in the country for walks and the rural calm. We love visiting France as often as we can.

Languages:

French, Portuguese
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas

People also search for