Faye l`Abbesse Holiday Home in Poitou-Charentes, Deux-Sevres, France Reviews

We arrived in the middle of the night to a warm welcome from Diane. Our welcome pack meant we could immediately make hot drinks of tea and coffee and when our toddlers woke up early next morning we had fresh eggs, bread and Graham's homemade jam for breakfast. And then the fun started! Such an enormous garden to play and relax in with all the games, equipment and toys anybody might want. The pool (with easy to use safety cover) was always warm and had wide steps at the shallow end so we could walk in for our tiny baby's first swim. Our 10 days passed all too quickly - popping in to Bressuire for chateau, local market and supermarket shopping and to Parthenay for medieval architecture and family restaurant meal. But most of the time we walked and ran around in the garden, we picked blackberries, fed the chickens, quail and guinea fowl and collected eggs. Cooking was easy in the fully equipped indoor and outdoor kitchens or on the gas or charcoal BBQ. Our toddlers both learned to swim and the adults in our party could relax on the sun loungers or swim serious lengths of the pool. We were lucky to have glorious hot sunshine every day enjoyed by us and all the geckos, butterflies, bees and stick insects we could see in the garden. Diana and Graham were friendly neighbours to us and made sure we knew what was available in the village where we walked up to the square for the boulangerie and pizza restaurant. They supplied lots of information sheets for outings but we were more than happy to enjoy the amenities on offer at La Belle Echappee and went home feeling really relaxed and refreshed.

We had a fantastic week at La Belle Echappee - the house is large and spacious, the pool is fabulous and the garden is huge. With several small children in our party, it met all of our needs. Fully equipped with games, pool equipment, etc, this is a fabulous venue for a large group.

Graham and Diana, the owners, were extremely friendly and helpful, and delighted the kids by letting them feed the chickens and quails all week. Overall - highly recommended.

Perfection is the only way to describe La Belle Echappee. It would be impossible to list all the wonderful aspects of this accommodation . The luxurious bedrooms so beautifully decorated, the lounge/dining room breathtaking, kitchen with every appliance you could wish for.

The massive garden is amazing, a barbecue with outside kitchen and large covered dining area which we used daily. The childrens play area was very popular with the little ones as was the chance to feed the chickens. There were so many games and activities provided for both adults and children but of course the star was the beautiful salt water pool which was in constant use even at night when it is lit up.

There is everything here that a family could wish for. We met up with our son, his wife and three children who were visiting from Vancouver and we all had a fabulous holiday. The surrounding area is beautiful with many places within close range to visit, lots of information within the house.

Graham and Diana were fantastic hosts, never intrusive but friendly, entertaining and great company. Nothing was too much trouble and they did everything to ensure our stay was just perfect.

The only downside? The end of our holiday and having to leave which not one of us wanted to do. Thank you Graham and Diana.

Our stay at Belle Echapee couldn't have been better. The swimming pool is the best we have ever had ..great it wasn't chlorinated and so clean and warm! -Swimming under the stars a real treat. As 3 families we needed a lot of feeding and the BBQ and outdoor dining ga acilities are second to none:plenty of furniture and crockery and shade where necessary. Great sun loungers , lovely outdoor space and such comfortable sleeping ( cotton bedding and fluffy towels) ! Graham and Diane were wonderful hosts and though we don't normally book properties with the owners on site ( due to a previous bad experience!) we are now encouraged to not worry about this as Graham and Diane were charming and friendly , affording us freedom and privacy whilst being very helpful ( and generous with yummy eggs!) . Would recommend travelling East to Saimur, Airvault and St Loup la Marie as well as puy de fou! Great holiday with our dogs too!

The house,gardens and facilities were excellent. Diana and Graham are lovely people and could not have been more helpful.

We did not venture very far as the house and pool kept us all entertained including an eighteen year old and a sixteen year old.

I would thoroughly recommend this accommodation for a lovely family holiday.

We had a fantastic time staying is this beautiful house. The grounds and pool are brilliant and the interior is of a very high standard with the most comfortable holiday beds ever. Diana and Graham are lovely and go that extra mile to make your stay enjoyable. Fresh eggs from their chickens are an added bonus. We would definately recommend this place to our friends and family. Thank you!

The description of the house and grounds played down how spacious and beautifully maintained the property was. With two families and nine 'children' between us, there was more than enough space and games on site to amuse all and also allow relaxation for those of us who needed a restful holiday.

The property was immaculate and the pool was fantastic for the kids. We did no bother traveling far as there was so much to occupy us in the grounds.

Diana and Graham couldn't have been more hospitable; always on hand if there was a query or for advice but never intrusive.

We would strongly recommend this property.

The owners, Diana and Graham, have put so much thought and detail into every aspect of this wonderful house. Inside the facilities are excellent with everything there that you could possibly need. All the bedrooms are tastefully furnished with so much attention to detail and the beds are extremely comfortable. We were a group of 10, ages ranging from 2 - 62 and we had so much space...........at no time did we ever feel on top of each other.

Outside the pool area is magnificent with good quality sunbeds etc. and lots to keep the children occupied. The garden is huge with so many different seating areas and again such good quality outside tables and chairs. The outside kitchen is such a great idea and a good example of just how much thought has gone into this house.

Diana and Graham are the perfect hosts and the children were fascinated with the chickens and collecting the eggs. The best house/gite we have ever stayed in. We all loved it there and our week flew by far too quickly.

La Belle Echapee was a wonderful find. We wanted rural tranquility and it certainly fitted the bill - surrounded by miles of rolling countryside, yet still with good roadlinks to the area's attractions. The accommodation was even better 'in the flesh' than the photos suggested - scrupulously clean and well appointed, with many leisure activities provided for (bikes,swimming pool, badminton, table-tennis etc). There was even a monster BBQ available for our sole use - and many evenings were spent grilling and frying local produce (including Graham's free range eggs - delicious!). Graham and Diana were exemplary hosts - making us feel welcome in their home, but never intruding into our space - instinctively knowing when their assistance was required (Graham even came out to rescue me when I got lost whilst out running!)....

If you're looking for thrills aplenty go elsewhere, but if (like us) you want somewhere to undo all those knots that have got tied in your rope during the year, La Belle Echappee could be your ideal holiday.

The welcome we received from Graham & Diana was so warm & friendly, nothing was too much trouble. The beautiful house was really clean & luxuriously furnished. The beds were comfortable & the linen perfect. The kitchen was well equipped. The swimming pool & surrounding areas were clean & well maintained (plenty for children to do). The outdoor eating area was spacious with plenty of seating for eating & relaxing. The local restaurants recommended in Bressuire & Airvault were very good (our favourite Fa-ngam).

A family day out to Puy du Fou is highly recommended. We had a great time.

A perfect holiday in a beautiful house.