Two detached 17th century self-catering stone cottages, with heated swimming-pool, open throughout the year (bed & breakfast and winter lets also available) in Asnieres, south of Poitiers, near Melle, Poitou Charentes.

Situated in the heart of a beautiful, traditional hamlet in the Pays Melloise countryside of Poitou Charentes, these detached properties have both been tastefully renovated in order to maintain original features such as flagstone floors and fireplaces but also with 21st century creature comforts in mind. The cottages are secluded from neighbouring houses by dry stone walls and laurel bushes.

Asnieres is a ‘village perdu’, dotted with creamy-coloured Charentaise stone houses, surrounded by sunflower fields. The cottages are close to the small village green with its communal boules courts. While peace and tranquillity are vital ingredients of a relaxing holiday here, you are not isolated as the village is just seven minutes’ drive from supermarkets, restaurants, banks, cinema, open-air markets and summer lidos. The RN10 is less than ten minutes away, taking you to Poitiers (including TGV station and international airport) in half an hour.

• La Maison Cerise (three bedrooms) comfortably accommodates 5 people (+ baby) with two private terraces, enormous farmhouse kitchen and lounge
• Le Petit Puits (one large bedroom) comfortably sleeps 2 people (+ small child/baby). A double sofa bed in the lounge makes sleeping arrangements more flexible.

Both cottages have their own outside spaces for eating ‘en plein air’ as well as large dining kitchens. The large back garden is a communal space for the two gites, with room and seclusion for sunbathing, reading and eating at the picnic table. If booked together the shared heated pool and back garden become entirely private.

Bed & breakfast is also available except in July and August.

Central heating and wood-burners in the cottages make them ideal for winter lets.