Main Description
A rather impressive detached residence, this former Mairie, nestles peacefully in the heart of the small rural hamlet of Sainte Christine in the southern tip of the Vendee. Half way down the west coast of France and 30km or so inland this is an ideal location - far enough south to enjoy superb weather, easily accessible by air, car ferry/road and train yet still a most affordable location.
Surrounded by the timeless watery sanctuary of the Marais Poitevin, the "Green Venice", with its labyrinth of canals and waterways hidden beneath a canopy of pollarded ash and poplar, this really is a beguiling corner of France. Ideal country for cycling, walking, horse riding, boating or simply dawdling in the car; local amenities include the majestic ruins of Maillezais Abbey, nature reserves, picturesque villages, restaurants but above all - unspoilt peace and tranquillity.
Nearby village shops and boulangerie are just a few minutes cycling distance and supermarket and town facilities 5km away in Benet. The bustling seasonal tourist centres of Coulon and Dam Vix are a little further and the major towns of Niort and Fontenay le Comte some 15km & 20km. The picturesque harbour, old town, restaurants and wonderfully chic shops of La Rochelle are some 60km. AIRPORTS: La Rochelle - 40 miles, Poitiers - 65 miles, Nantes - 80 miles, FERRY PORTS: St Malo - 200 miles, Roscoff - 285 miles, Cherbourg - 300 miles.
THE PROPERTY Solidly built, a hundred years or so ago, of local stone under a clay pantile roof, the property benefits from an open fire, solid fuel room heater and individual electric radiators in most rooms. The simple architectural style of high ceilings and tall windows has been further enhanced by the generally white décor, original polished wood floors and sweeping staircase. With the new Shower/WC plus the refurbished original Bath/Shower/WC the property is perfectly habitable by a large family all year round or by an even larger group of family and friends for holidays. There is also tremendous potential, without spending a fortune, (subject to the usual permissions) to enlarge the accommodation by extending into the three roof spaces, garage and car port or dividing it into two (perhaps even three) smaller units. A large principal residence plus income earning gite seems a very appealing option.
THE ACCOMMODATION
LIVING ROOM 24'3" x 18'6" (10.44m x 5.64m) Brick fireplace. Two tall windows and two French doors provide views to the north over the quiet Church and south over the rear garden. Two convector radiators. Tiled floor.
STUDY 10'6" x 8'6" (3.20m x 2.60m) Convector radiator. Tiled floor.
SHOWER/WC White Low level WC. Vanity handbasin with cupboard under. Large Shower base with impressive mixer. Convector heater.
INNER HALL Sweeping staircase rises for two floors. Store cupboard. Tall north facing window. Tiled floor.
KITCHEN 11'6" x 10' (3.50m x 3.05m) Original sink. Two tiled work surfaces with tiled splashbacks. Solid fuel fired room heater with hot plate. Tiled floor. Tall French doors give south facing access to the garden.
SCULLERY 14'9" x 9'3" (4.50m x 2.82m) Original sink. Hot water cylinder. Plumbed space for washing machine. Door to garden.
WINE CELLAR 14'9" x 9'3" (4.50m x 2.82m) Original wooden wine racks (too many to fill!)
FIRST FLOOR
LANDING Two tall windows. Stairs to second floor. Polished wood floor.
BEDROOM 1. 12'6" x 12' (3.81m x 3.66m) Tall north facing window. Polished wood floor. Convector radiator.
BATH/WC/SHWR 12' x 6'6" (3.66m x 1.98m) White suite. Original short panel bath with shower mixer taps. Low level WC. Original pedestal handbasin. Convector heater. Tall south facing window.
BEDROOM 2. 15'3" x 12'3" (4.65m x 3.73m) Tall south facing window. Convector radiator. Polished wood floor. Shelved alcove.
BEDROOM 3. 12' x 9'9" (3.66m x 2.97m) Tall south facing window. Convector radiator. Polished wood floor.
SECOND FLOOR
LANDING Polished wood floor.
BEDROOM 4. 12' x 9'9" (3.66m x 2.97m) Window enjoying rural views to the west.
ATTIC 25'3" x 19'6" (7.70m x 5.94m) Original wood floor. Lots of scope to create extra accommodation. One feature central roof timber 5'11" (1.80m) above the floor. Window enjoying rural views to the east.
OUTSIDE
ATTACHED GARAGE 14'6" x 9'3" (4.42m x 2.82m) Double doors to the front. Access hatchway to floored loft area again offering real potential to create extra accommodation.
Just a narrow access/maintenance strip separates the rather imposing front of the property from the church square. The church is only used every fourth weekend or for special occasions.
The good size walled rear garden on the southern side of the property is mainly to grass with a short row of pollarded lime trees. Easy vehicular access and lots of parking space. Two useful small stone sheds.
ATTACHED OPEN FRONTED GARAGE 12'9" x 15'6" (3.89m x 4.72m) Again offering real potential to create extra accommodation.
VIEWING Local English key-holders are readily available and the English owners are happy to talk to prospective purchasers about all aspects of buying in France - just ask. NOTE This property is part-owned by a partner in Real Estates.
SERVICES
Mains water & electricity. Septic tank drainage.
VIEWING
Strictly by prior appointment through Real Estates, Redruth (01209) 215566