In a captivating region steeped in rich history, stay in a Maison de Maître dating back to the 19th century, located on the edge of a rural French village in the Thouet Valley, a hidden gem of south-western France. Drive through the gated entrance and it feels like a step back in time as you admire the façade of this handsome house. Built around the mid-1800s, Manoir du Village remained in the same family until the early 21st century when it was sold to its current dedicated owners who have restored their home to a beautiful standard. Each room exudes traditional style with carefully chosen furnishings and antiques making the most of the original features and glorious light of this south-facing manor house. Manoir du Village has an interesting heritage – you will be able to view the photographs showing how the original owners sheltered American soldiers from the Germans in World War II. Nowadays it is a fine holiday home for a group of friends or family hoping to spend quality time together in characterful surroundings set in wonderful grounds. Suitable for up to 10 guests, the living spaces include a formal salon with a cocktail cabinet, a cosy TV lounge, an elegant dining room and a small kitchen that has been well-equipped for dining chez-vous. There are four king or emperor-size double bedrooms (two of which can be converted into twins) across the two upper floors whilst a fifth bedroom (a twin) can be found on a mezzanine level above one of the lounges. The mature gardens are a joy to spend time in whether seeking shade beneath the huge yew trees, picking figs and walnuts from the fruit trees, swimming in the inviting swimming pool or dining al-fresco on the long table and benches by the gas barbecue. There’s even a wine-cellar where tasting sessions can be arranged. Take a stroll around the vast grounds and gaze out to the wheat or sunflowers that are farmed on the adjoining field. As you explore the bucolic landscapes of this alluring region, discover flower-filled villages, medieval market towns, grand castles and peaceful riverside walks along the Thouet River with a wealth of fascinating wildlife. Admire the Romanesque church in nearby Airvault, swim in the lake close to Moncontour and visit the historic attractions of Thouars (18km), classified as a Ville d'art et d'histoire. A little further north, spend time in Saumur by the Loire River, sip wine in a characterful bar in Chinon and visit the incredible Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, less than an hour away. Some of the Loire valley’s iconic châteaux can also be reached for a brilliant day out, as can two of France’s most popular attraction parks, Poitier’s Futuroscope and the extraordinary Puy du Fou, around 80km by car. Features: Manoir Interiors Ground Floor -    Hallway with WC and sink -    Formal salon with cocktail cabinet and wood fire in feature fireplace -    TV lounge with Smart TV and large open fireplace. Stairs lead to mezzanine level -    Dining room with table and chairs for 10 guests and open fireplace -    Small kitchen (via three stone steps), fully-equipped including dishwasher, microwave, electric range, air-fryer, fridge-freezer, small round table and two chairs. Door leads to courtyard Mezzanine Level (above the TV lounge) -    Bedroom with twin beds or day room for reading First Floor -    Bedroom with king-size double bed, feature fireplace, wardrobe and en suite WC with sink  -    Bathroom with combination bath/shower, sink and WC -    Master bedroom with emperor-size double bed and feature fireplace Second Floor -    Worktop with coffee tray, kettle and concealed washing machine/dryer and fridge -    Bedroom with emperor-size double or twin beds and en suite shower room -    Bedroom with emperor-size double or twin beds and en suite shower room Outside Grounds -    Salt-water swimming pool (10x5m, depth: 1.5m) with electric safety cover. Open April to end-September. Can be heated (on request) -    Poolside sun loungers, parasol, table and chairs -    Open terrace with al-fresco dining table and benches (for 10 guests), fridge and music system -    Gas and charcoal barbecue -    Mature garden with fruit and walnut trees -    Barn with old wine cellar, table and chairs (wine-tasting can be arranged) -    Other outbuildings (children should be supervised) -    Bikes (x4) -    Trampoline (with safety net) -    Field (farmed by local farmer, usually wheat or sunflowers) -    Automatic gate Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Heating -    Fireplace -    Smart TV with Amazon firestick -    Stocked cocktail cabinet (spirits and Pineau de Charentes) -    Table tennis -    Bikes (x4) -    Trampoline (with safety net) -    Hairdryers -    Washing machine and dryer Location: Manoir du Village is a 19th century Maison de Maître located on the edge of a rural French village in the Deux-Sèvres department of south-western France, close to the Vienne border, almost equidistant between Saumur (50km) and Poitiers (55km). There is a lively open-air French tapas bar on the edge of the village which is usually open May to end-September. The next village along (around 4km by car) is home to a restaurant (open lunchtimes) and there is a bakery within a short drive. Crossing over to the Vienne department, the village of Moncontour (7km) has a grocery store, restaurants, pharmacy and a small handful of other amenities as well as the impressive Donjon de Moncontour. There is a lake near the village with summer water-based activities such as kayaking, water-skiing and supervised swimming alongside a pleasant lakeside restaurant. There is a larger supermarket and a small handful of good restaurants in Airvault (8km), an attractive historic town in the Thouet Valley. Visit the Romanesque Eglise Saint Pierre d'Airvault, embrace the ambience of the Saturday morning market and explore the town’s charming medieval centre. Just outside Airvault, take time to discover the beauty of Domaine de Soulièvres, a vast riverside estate perfect for woodland walks and cycle rides with picnic tables and play areas for children. Admire the half-timbered houses in the pretty village of Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet (13km) as well as the incredible 11th century riverside château. Look out for the Sunday morning market and try the delicious goats cheese produced in this region. The GR36 hiking trail passes through the village and beyond. Indeed, there are many glorious walks through the bucolic landscapes of the Thouet Valley. Watersport lovers can also enjoy kayaking excursions along the river around a 20-minute drive away near Thouars (18km). The town is famous for its 17th century castle and its enchanting medieval centre also features many noteworthy historic houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The town is classified as a Ville d'art et d'histoire and hosts a market on a Tuesday and Friday morning. Heading north-east of Thouars, the exquisite riverside town of Chinon (50km) is a wonderful place to spend time with its rich heritage, characterful wine bars and kayaking/canoeing opportunities along the Vienne River. The world-famous Fontevraud-l'Abbaye (45km) is less than an hour away, as are the troglodyte dwellings of Rochemenier (55km). You will soon reach the Loire River where you can sample the white sparkling wines of beautiful Saumur (53km) or potter around the riverside village of Candes-Saint-Martin (51km), one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Of course the Loire and its surrounding landscapes are a paradise for keen cyclists. Meanwhile, some of the Loire valley’s iconic castles include Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (72km), Château de Villandry (83km) and Château Royal d'Amboise (128km). Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? £1000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? 5.00 p.m. Departure time? 10.00 a.m. Energy costs included? Yes (except heating). Heating costs included? No, extra £100 per week for oil fired heating (on request). Linen & towels included? Yes, changed once for stays of over 14 nights. Pool towels included? Yes. End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Pool opening dates? The pool is open approximately April to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Pool heating charge? The pool can be heated via an electric heater (but the pool does not normally need heating from May to September). There is an extra charge of approximately £100 per week for this, payable locally - please request in advance. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. Changeover day? Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Minimum stay? 7 nights. All other durations on request. Pets welcome? On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Smoking Allowed? Not allowed. Other Ts and Cs? Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. Tax? French Visitors Tax Included.