La Tiede

Visitors Book 2011  Visitors Book 2010     Visitors Book 2009   Visitors Book 2008     Visitors Book 2007     

Visitors Book 2006          Visitors Book 2005          Visitors Book 2004

The Manoir was built as a restaurant with rooms named the Relais de Saint-Claud and for many years was run as an exclusive dining club featuring in prestigious guides. It later had a brief spell as Le Claud Gourmand restaurant before entering into private ownership for several years. Purchasing the property in March 2004, the current owners have once again made this unique property accessible to the public to enjoy.

John & Penny Hitchings, your hosts, have endeavoured to make Manoir La Betoulle one of the most prestigious places to stay in Charente-Limousin. Keenly accepted by the Gites de France organisation as a Chambres d'Hôtes and awarded "3 epis" in September 2004 we have now completed our 8th season.  Following inspections in spring 2006 we  were awarded a “4 star” rating by Thomas Cook & Petit Futé for our Chambres d’Hôtes.  We pride ourselves on maintaining a high standard of accommodation for all our guests & the quality of our service is reflected by the number of our guests who return every year.  Every year our gîtes are fully booked from May till mid September and we have now achieved a high rating on tripadvisor with an increasingly International clientele.

Penny spent her career as a radiographer in both public and private sectors, mainly working on CT and MRI scanners but will now ably deal with your booking requirements and breakfast.......... John has an engineering and business background in IT and Telecoms - what better experience for dealing with those little plumbing and electrical problems that need to be resolved from time to time! We have worked overseas for long periods in the Middle East and Africa and have been holidaying in France since 1989 well, we say "holidaying" but for the first 15 yrs we were renovating a cottage in Normandy so holiday is perhaps not quite the right word!  Since relocating to the Charente we have enjoyed sharing our love for the area (especially the wines of the Haut Poitou region & the wealth of excellent restaurants) with our guests from all over the world.  We are more than happy to organize sports activities, wine tours & restaurant reservations in advance.

VISITORS BOOK 2011

 It is obvious that you both work incredibly hard around La Betoulle & the results speak for themselves.  I cannot think of one aspect I would improve or comment on – everything has been considered to the nth degree!  Many, many thanks for a truly great week; the children have had a fantastic time & we continue our journey very well refreshed & relaxed & thank you. The B family, Surbiton, Surrey

Thank you so much for our amazing time at La Tiede it has been great! We have had so much fun here & you have settled us in so well…… the facilities are absolutely fantastic we must have gone swimming at least twice a day & the tennis court was fab - right outside our front door!  The pool is unbelievably big & deep too! Just what we needed on these boiling days..thank you for providing us with so much & we ALL loved it here    JB aged 13yrs, Surbiton

 Thank you Penny & John for giving us our 4^th spectacular year at La Betoulle – as normal the swimming pool & tennis court were very well used …we saw the cats quite a few times, but sadly did not see Harry the hare, but my Dad saw the deer in the morning.  Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay  AH aged 9yrs, Dorset

Many thanks for another fantastic holiday – we still love the peace & quiet & easy pace of life at La Betoulle…as usual a much needed lazy, relaxing time. The H family, Dorset

Wow what a glorious week – hot, sunny & blue skies every day!!  Our 2^nd stay at La Betoulle & we returned because of the beautiful setting & hospitality of our hosts…they have advised us & taken care of all our needs – including keys locked in the van!!  Thank you so much for a wonderful week – we are sure we will be back! S&M W, Billericay, Essex

 Wonderful setting ideal for a great family holiday.  La Tiede is very well appointed & information pack was extremely useful with some great suggestions….John & Penny were excellent hosts – always on hand when required…the home made jam is wonderful.  The children thoroughly enjoyed the pool & chess. The S family, Chippenhams, Wilts

 Very lazy relaxing week here – our 4^th visit to La Tiede this time without our teenagers who were both working so we were able to please ourselves..pool & tennis provided vital exercise to work off the excesses of wonderful French cuisine!  Penny & John looked after us superbly as always..a big thank you & see you next year. The H family, Norfolk

 La Tiede offers modern comfort with old character – no noise, beautiful dimensions & excellent cooking facilities….spotting deer late one evening made it perfect…pool area stunning…great area for painting the light is fantastic. L & D F, Ashford, Kent

 Petit Bois is a clean & very pretty gite with everything necessary to make our stay more than comfortable…welcome hamper particularly helpful when arriving on a Sunday…La Betoulle is beautiful, peaceful & relaxing…..the Charente region offers a lot more to see & do than expected…John & Penny are very hospitable, a hive of local information & go over & above to be helpful..we will definitely return. K B, Oldham

 Petit Bois is well appointed, ideal for intimate stays for 2…..very generous & welcoming hosts….very informative about what is going on of particular interest to us. G & J G, Southport

Petit Bois was a very good gite with all that was required.  Bed comfortable, good quite powerful shower…La Betoulle was very relaxing. T H, Netherlands

 Petit Bois is delightful with every single amenity, nothing is missing..La Betoulle is tranquil & just a delightful place to enjoy the sunshine. C, Czech Republic

Petit Bois is absolutely first class – facilties are excellent with plenty of space around to relax..restful..well-maintained…pool superb – so clean….S, Northern Ireland

 Thank you for a wonderful stay – amazing dinners, fantastic breakfasts (all vegetarian too!)& a wonderful room..we hope to be back again one day. L&PT, Devon

We came stressed, left relaxed.....thank you for the ideas on days out, breakfasts were great!

I & LJ, Bedford

Just wonderful, as ever, shall return naturally. BK, Wallingford, Oxon

 Penny & John; thank you for sharing your home.  We had a short but amazing time here & your hospitality is a delight of our European tour..we’ll be back. P&GL, Queensland, Australia

 Thank you Penny & John..your attention to details & kindness cannot be beaten.  This is our 3^rd holiday here & no doubt we will be back again! It is so relaxing & comfortable & the breakfasts are amazing!  You are brilliant hosts. H & IS, Nottingham

 Fantastic stay & best breakfast ever!  We will be coming back next year  Super! S & SD, Havant, Hants

 A wonderful holiday in beautiful surroundings.  The children really enjoyed the pool (& cakes!)  breakfast always superb. The B family, Bucks

 Once again a fabulous relaxing holiday staying in the B&B was a lovely change & the breakfasts were unbelievable!  Now the dilemma next year is B&B or gite! The McC family, Devizes, Wilts

 What an oasis of calm, quiet & tranquillity La Betoulle is.  Thank you for all your unobtrusive care & attention..it has been a joy from start to finish to share your beautiful home; sleep in that fabulous bed & get to know Poitou Charente.  Roll on 2012 & our return!! L & KF,  Glos 

 We came for 2 days…9 days later we went home..absolutely marvellous.. we have been looked after so well..  thank you for making our trip so enjoyable. N&NH, West Mids

 Thank you John & Penny..had a wonderful stay..you have a gorgeous home & you guys are wonderful hosts. K I, Perth W Australia

 Thank you for your hospitality..thoroughly enjoyed your property & the area.  Great breakfast!! M, Perth W Australia

 An oasis in rural Charente..magnificent estate, beautiful room, wonderful breakfasts..an amazing stay..Penny is a superb hostess. K & A, Perth W Australia

 Thank you for a really lovely stay…we will definitely be back 7 recommend to friends.  Such a beautiful house & lovely breakfast. P & MW, Western Cape, S Africa

 We are proud of being the first South Americans visiting the manoir – both the place & the people are really warm..we had a great night here. G & EM, Argentina

Visitors Book 2010 some guests comments during our 2010 season      

What a lovely gite & estate.  We have been coming on holiday to France for 25yrs & this is the best ever…… thank you Penny & John for your attention to detail & also your helpful knowledge of local interests & places to visit.  We particularly enjoyed cycling in the Charente….we have found delightful places we would not otherwise have seen.  We are very hopeful of returning.  T & MP, Suffolk

 We had a lovely 8 days in the very comfy & clean La Tiede.  Penny & John were very welcoming after a long journey down & the welcome basket was delightful – especially the jam!!  The gite was lovely & fulfilled all our needs…the endless supply of books were well used for those days lounging around the pool & out on the terraces in the heat of the sun.  We were fortunate with the weather so were happy to spend most days relaxing by the pool & playing tennis …had such a good time we are wanting to come back & explore the area some more.  The J family, Oxford

 Our 3^rd visit & we enjoy it more each time, looking forward to next year already…we are going home rested & relaxed but wishing we could stay on – this is a pace of life we could get very, very used to…..many, many thanks to Penny & John for being so welcoming & allowing Annie the freedom to wander & explore…each year you make our holiday special through the tranquillity of the setting & friendly atmosphere.  The H family, Dorset

 Our 3^rd year at La Tiede & definitely not our last!!!  Thanks once again to Penny & John for excellent hospitality – the figs were super!!  We have reserved our week for next year, but our youngest (aged 8) wants to pitch a tent by the pool & live here!!  The C family, Leicester

 Le Petit Bois is very homely & comfortable – private, clean & maximum use of space – ideal!!  Secure, safe & friendly atmosphere – well cared for but with just the right amount of wild country feel.  You have struck the right balance between being on hand to make sure everything is alright & giving lots of privacy.  Hope the bees are OK – fantastic honey!! L & J McB, Glasgow

 Le Petit Bois is very comfortable & well equipped…really relaxing… exactly what we needed with a lovely patio.  A beautiful region – very quiet out of season makes for a relaxing holiday with no queuing!!    A & V R, Middlesex

Le Petit Bois is beautifully decorated & extensively equipped gite with a truly French feel…..a lovely setting in which to enjoy a truly relaxing time away from the pressures of everyday life…this is a magical place…every detail is perfect JT, Glasgow

 Stunning setting & grounds..tranquil, relaxing & very welcoming hosts.  An incredible region with so many interesting places to suit most people…boredom in inclement weather need not be an issue.  A M, Swindon

 Many thanks for a lovely few days..everything about La Betoulle is just perfect..it represents an enormous effort on your part & is much appreciated & enjoyed. G & LL, Kent

 Wonderful establishment!!  Fantastic hosts!!  Warmth of the greeting & extent of the care surpassed only by the willingness of the hosts to share their great knowledge.  Many thanks & hope to return  The M family, Cork, Ireland

We have had the best of both worlds – a week in Le Petit Bois & a week in the manoir with Penny’s delightful breakfasts…….  J & TP, Devon

 When Penny & John say that nothing is too much trouble they really mean it!!  They have catered to our every whim & the tennis coaching was great.  This is our 2^nd visit & if we don’t find the holiday home we are looking for we will be back  The K family, London

 Thank you for such a relaxing stay..much as we like the challenge of communicating in French you don’t realise how tiring it is until you relax under brilliant English hospitality within the ambiance of France…  P & V C, Bath

 All the way from Australia & had the most wonderful time..the best property we stayed at during our time in France…loved the fresh produce at breakfast.  Hopefully we will be back in the near future.  N S & friends NSW, Australia

 Another lovely stay here such a relaxing break with wonderful hospitality. We all love the breakfasts & will miss them next week when we are looking after ourselves…PS We wish we had a tractor like John’s  (CC, aged 15yrs)  The C family, Norfolk

 We have enjoyed a wonderful 3 night break on our tour of France – La Betoulle is an oasis.  The room & view is wonderful as are the crisp, cool cotton sheets after a day sightseeing.  The children have been made very welcome & 1^st down to a wonderful breakfast every morning.  The K family, Bath

It’s really fun here & my Dad made the right choice for this years holiday…I enjoyed the tennis court because you can play lots of tennis & I also enjoyed the swimming pool because I LOVE SWIMMING  (GK aged 9yrs) 

 Our 2 days spent here have been our first & we hope not out last….everything has been of superb quality – the greeting, the room & the food…John & Penny have created a place to which anyone would wish to return..it is quite simply outstanding…D & S B, Dorset

 Our 3^rd stay this year, it doesn’t get any better than this…amazing delightful utopia run by the nicest couple we have ever had the pleasure to meet.  A & D O, Liverpool

 We had a wonderful stay – the house, the gardens & pool are superb..your hospitality & attention to detail surpasses anywhere that we have stayed  M & K S, Suffolk

Visitors Book some guests comments during our 2009 season

We found Le Petit Bois to be very well equipped & just right for the 2 of us – large comfortable bed very welcome & we enjoyed the peace & tranquillity…….lovely grounds, pool & location added to the feeling of space & peace.  The pre-visit information & communication was very good & helpful.    T& CC, East Sussex

 Le Petit Bois was a lovely gite, very well equipped & comfortable….wonderful swimming pool….beautiful, very peaceful  AM, London

 Le Petit Bois is a perfect little home from home…with a fantastic range of different restaurants nearby culminating with La Grange Aux Oies,  JA, Herts

 Super time, super place, our hosts could not have been more helpful & accommodating ..would definitely recommend La Betoulle as a super place to stay, J & MP, Surrey

 Thank you for your warm hospitality & helpfulness…we’ve had a wonderful few weeks…La Betoulle is a beautiful place to stay, either in the gite or chambres d’hotes – we will be back,  P &JH, W Sussex

 Thank you so much for making our 2 weeks so special for us……we hope to get a chance for a brief visit next year,  N & L G, Northamptonshire

 Thank you Penny & John for a very relaxing week in La Tiede..everything down to the last detail has been well thought out & very welcoming…the basket on arrival gave us a good indication of the standards provided & the rest of the week proved the same…pool & grounds provide a tranquil environment perfect for catching up on reading. We look forward to our next visit.  K & JC, E Sussex 

Cannot think of anything that was not provided in the gite – definitely a first – fantastic….Penny & John you have a fantastic place in a very pretty area…the lakes are great…  N & KC, N Aryshire

Our 2^nd year at La Betoulle – we have swum, played chess, table tennis & tennis every day enjoying the fabulous space at La Betoulle….your hospitality once again superb & we managed to prise ourselves away from La Tiede for a trip to the Plan d’eau, the chateau at La Rochefoucauld, but most significantly once again to Futuroscope & stayed for the evening show which is highly recommended. It is with a very heavy heart that I venture north – we are already planning next year’s visit…merci beaucoup.  The C family, Leicester

We have had a fantastic 2 wks - we came here again looking forward to relaxation & spending time together as a family & we have done exactly that.  The weather has been superb so the majority of our time has been spent by the pool & Annie has enjoyed ‘stalking’ the cats.  We are all going home more relaxed with batteries recharged, if not a little fatter than when we arrived & we are looking forward to our visit next year already.  Many thanks for being such fantastic hosts & also for all the home grown produce…  The H family, Dorset

 The first week was so hot, it was all we could do to manage a game of tennis before lounging by the pool for the rest of the day!  We have really relaxed & enjoyed the holiday & don’t want to leave!  It is by far the best gite we have ever stayed in, the bed was so comfy it was hard to get up each morning…what a perfect holiday…good weather & lots to do…..  The McC family, Wiltshire

 We have had such a lovely time here – swimming, playing tennis & just admiring the views.  The peacefulness has been most welcome – it makes it difficult to leave.  The W family, Northants

 Thank you for a lovely stay – we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves & had a good rest.  La Tiede was superb – well equipped & very clean.  The family voted Penny’s strawberry jam the best tasted for a long time.  Thanks also for the top tips of places to visit – we loved the monkeys as much as Freya (aged 7yrs)  We hope to return next year & try your honey… The H family, Norfolk

 We came fully loaded against all eventualities & found that we could have left most of it behind….... La Tiede is a lovely gite, spacious, well equipped & comfortable…the regular offerings of home-grown fruit & veg were a lovely bonus.  We managed to find some lovely circular bike rides which justified bringing our bikes…but the main ingredient that made the holiday such a success were our hosts Penny & John with their exceptional hospitality..hope to see you again next year.  A & JS, Devon

Thank you for the fantastic food, company & the chance of new adventures… a fun afternoon spent on the Velo Rail & yes we are all still here to tell the tale (well worth a visit..)  T & MT, Reading

Thank you for a wonderful stay!! A truly beautiful place, the friendliest hosts & not least fantastic breakfasts.  We’re leaving having gained a wealth of knowledge & we know our wedding guests in April will just love it here…  A bientot  CH & MB, London

 Thanks for a lovely stay…beautiful setting, friendly cats & great hosts..what more could we ask for?  Hope to see you again soon. G & LH, Melbourne, Australia

 Well we said we’d be back…we just love it here..many thanks for the warmth & hospitality & those gorgeous breakfasts…keep ‘our room’ we’ll be back…. A & SH, Herts

 Beautiful, restful, a gem of a find,  K & BA, Essex

 Thanks for a delightful stay – lovely room, beautiful furnishings & excellent filling breakfast.  We will gladly recommend the manoir  L & JJ, Portland, Oregon, USA

 Thank you for the chance to spend time in your home – it is refreshing to see such attention to detail in every aspect…all very special, The L family, Cheshire

 We had not planned to stay here more than a week, but because of the wonderful treatment by our hosts, the fantastic environment & perfect accommodation we extended our stay here first by a week the then one day more & made our return home in one leap – thank you for everything you did to make our stay a pleasant one!  JC, Nijkerk, Holland

 We said we would be back & we are!!  We have now said we will come again & we will!!  Just perfect again…what more can we say??  J & MH, Kent

 Excellent hospitality – everything we needed & a very friendly welcoming atmosphere.  The threat stands – we will return….  P & AC, Essex

 Very difficult to think of anything that has not been said before using the same superlatives that I would use.  Suffice it to say our stay was delightfully restorative & all too short.  Delightful breakfasts & all those lovely bits in the guest kitchen…& of course the ultimate hosts..  L & GF, Tasmania

 A wonderful start to our French holiday, thanks for looking after us so well…  EK et al, New Zealand

 What a beautiful home!! We had a great time!! Thank you for your hospitality & suggestions. Let us know if you have a chance to visit Tokyo!!  B & MW, Tokyo, Japan

Many thanks for looking after us so well & will recommend you to friends who will be in France for the Ramparts Race.  A & AL, Edinburgh

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Visitors Book some guests comments during our 2008 season

 La Betoulle is set in idyllic countryside & beautiful grounds….it has a huge swimming pool… tennis court, table tennis, massive DVD collection & giant chess for when you get tired of the surrounding area.  Hosts Penny & John Hitchings are very welcoming & are a mine of information on all the activities on offer.  If you’re looking for anything – from the best Pineau to the latest art exhibition, Penny will know where to find it!!

Rachel Scott, Deputy Editor, France magazine Aug 2008  (article on Poitou-Charentes region)

 Happy to arrive…sad to depart but always pleasant to ponder the return – a haven of peace in a busy  world  G I, Forfar, Scotland

 A truly magical place to unwind!  The house & grounds are superb – it has been an absolute delight from our arrival.  We have been thoroughly spoilt & feel totally relaxed.  With so many wonderful restaurants & beautiful walks it’s our idea of paradise!!  You have made it very special..thank you so much to both of you for all your care & thoughtfulness – it has made our holiday complete.  The breakfasts have been brilliant & we’ll definitely be back for more!!!  R & G O Staffs

Thank you so much for a truly relaxing stay – we’ve really enjoyed staying here & you have looked after us very well – we’re going to miss having such lovely breakfasts!  Hopefully we can come back to try the other restaurants!  I & E K Staffs

 3 times in a year says something about this place……as Arnie says ‘I’ll be back’ DD,

 I would highly recommend it – it is brilliant F L (aged 10 yrs)

Thank you very much – very enjoyable F L (aged 15yrs)

A most wonderful welcome & a gloriously restorative week I L

Restful & restorative – most enjoyable   the L family, Falmouth, Cornwall

 Thank you for such a wonderful welcome..we were made to feel entirely at home.  Service certainly above the call of duty – especially being rescued from the downpour!!  Breakfasts were outstanding – we shall certainly recommend to our friends M & D A, Sussex

 Penny thank you so much, once again we have had a fantastic time in your beautiful home, everything is first class, definitely the best we have stayed in France, looking forward to coming back again  A & S B, North Shields

 Your warmth & hospitality have made us feel we’ve ‘come home’…so I guess we’ll be back!!  I know that breakfast just won’t be the same without you!!  S & A H, St Albans

 Enjoyed our stay of 7 nights – leaving thoroughly relaxed & full of ideas for breakfast chez nous.  Many thanks for all your help  L & K T,  Tiverton, Devon

 Warmth of welcome, tranquillity of setting, comfort of accommodation, attention to the little things that really matter, variety & simply deliciousness of breakfasts & advice on where & when to go to maximise the Charente experience for all the senses – every one of these merits as 5 star+ from John & Penny.  We have had such a wonderful time thanks to you & will be back for more of the same next year.  N & E G, Northampton

There is so much to do & so much fun – AWESOME   JG (aged 13yrs)

What a nice place to have our birthday 3 times! Thanks for another great holiday PG (13yrs)

 ‘Do you know what?  All I want to do is go back to La Tiede’  said Robin last December as he shivered in the depths of the dark, long, cold Northumbrian winter…’Pool, court, bikes, sun, comfort & a warm welcome – isn’t that just what we need??’  & back we came – for the 3^rd time…going anywhere twice was a first for our family..& somehow, its been our best visit yet, helped by perfect weather…Thank you John & Penny for another super holiday & for providing the many ‘little touches’ that make this place so special. Our 3 boys (twins of 13yrs) & J now 15 had a lovely time – swimming, playing tennis & ping pong – you might just see them again in a couple of years time  D & RG, Northumberland

 What a delight to arrive & find a lovely place, extremely well equipped & comfortable with so much thoughtfully provided.  Penny & John are the perfect combination of kind, helpful, informative & considerate yet unobtrusive hosts – a balance many do not get right!!  We have enjoyed evenings on the terrace with the deer, birds & bats at sunset.  We are grateful for the quality & size of the bed in La Tiede which is without a doubt the best we have encountered in the gites we have previously stayed at in France & looking forward to sleeping in it again next year.  C & W J, Waterlooville, Hants

Thank you John & Penny…we’ve had a lovely 2 week break in both Le Petit Bois & La Tiede…we’ve run, played tennis, cycled & swam, making the most of the great sunshine…there’s been masses to do & see in the area..then there’s the food & drink – a lovely market at Piegut, great local restaurants  & our attempts at dealing with ‘lapin entire’.  Both gites were very clean & comfortable with everything we needed – excellent range of fiction & cookery books as well as DVDs…a great escape.  Will certainly recommend to others.    K & D G, Cambridge

We love Le Petit Bois – it is a home from home….excellent…plenty of space to retreat to..great pool area…we love it..will definitely be back  A P J, Wellingborough

We would recommend La Betoulle to anyone who wants to explore the area.  Thank you Penny & John for your help in our quest to find our own special place – which we may have done!!  M & H B  Market Harborough

Our first visit to La Tiede & it was lovely.  The pool & tennis court were well used by me & my sister & it was funny learning how to play ping pong.  The great things here are you can spend as long as you want by the pool & the cats Thomas & Mitsy are gorgeous … without a doubt you have to have a family game of tennis…..The things I would recommend are that you should definitely do the Velo rail…I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed….the best place to eat is La Grange Aux Oies it has the nicest food & really kind greeting staff.  Overall we had an amazing time at La Tiede – you will have a great time & you won’t be disappointed  D S (aged 12yrs) Southampton

A 3^rd & hopefully not final holiday at La Betoulle – as ever a truly relaxing break……for the first time we visited Futuroscope which was thoroughly enjoyed by all…..we tried a number of new restaurants which we wish we had more time to revisit…The food & outdoor atmosphere at L’Argentor was excellent & Le Cheval Blanc offered tremendous value with its 17euros lunch.  Les Tilleuls in St Claud had a very good value menu which was enjoyed by all.  Of course La Grange Aux Oies & Chez Steph were excellent as before.  I am sure we will be back again     M H & family, Ashford, Kent

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Visitors Book some guests comments during our 2007 season

Sixth stay in 4 years says it all….  G I, Forfar, Scotland

 What a wonderful place – a real gem  J & G C Ireland

 Our second visit in 2 weeks – coming back in September.  Very enjoyable, great breakfast & hospitality C & B B, Staffs

Thank you for making us feel very welcome firstly in the smaller gîte & then in the main house.  It’s a lovely house  in a very pleasant area & we are seriously now thinking of buying a place of our own out here  A&L T  East Sussex 

Your raspberry jam is terrific, your mansion is splendid, your hospitality is very pleasant & your swimming pool is wonderful.  Such a distinguished place in the country of gastronomy, what more to ask for .???  Practice my English with people having a perfect accent maybe??  GL + M-H G,  Brussels, Belgium

 We had a great time in your lovely house – thank you so much for your friendly hospitality, all your help & tolerating our guitar practice  The Katona Twins – Les Cinq Sens Music Festival, St Claud 2007 

 Thank you for letting us stay in your lovely home – your hospitality has been excellent & the children have had a fantastic time……..K & E B

Thank you for allowing us to play chess – Will & I loved it even if I won.. it was good competition  W & HB age 12 & 13 yrs Carnforth Lancs

Thank you for your excellent hospitality & the most comfortable beds!!  The house is amazing & the warm welcome 2^nd to none…look forward to returning P&TR, Farnham Common

 Another lovely stay with extremely generous hosts  S & C N , Nottingham

 One of the most peaceful few days we have spent anywhere. Penny’s ever present help making it a wonderful holiday  C, D & E M, St Albans

Everything we had hoped for & much more.  What breakfasts – figs & jams will be missed!!!! Thanks for making it a special holiday – we shall return!!! 

M & J H, West Malling, Kent

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This is a lovely place – we enjoyed our stay very much – thanks for all your advice & excellent recommendations for restaurants…  T & J F, Rehovat, Israel

 Staying in your B&B instead of your smaller gite is a truly wonderful experience..your home is a credit to you. Penny your personal touch &attention to detail is first class & your breakfasts are the highlight of the day…we look forward to next year’s holiday K & J S, Sutton Coldfield, Staffs

 Beautiful spot, fantastic hospitality…we’ll be back  J & L B, Bath

 What a fab place to spend a wedding anniversary -watching the sunset whilst rocking gently in the hammock.  Great breakfast, great location & great hosts. S & L D Market Harborough

 Le Petit Bois is very well presented & the estate is beautiful…everywhere we ate we thoroughly enjoyed the meals especially La Grange Aux Oies  G & M C, Southampton

 Le Petit Bois is a lovely gite with all that you could wish for..the balcony from the bedroom gives it added charm…lots of amenities yet peace & solitude can be found in the vast grounds  Thank you we thoroughly enjoyed our very relaxing week.       P B, Pinner Middx

 Le Petit Bois is very private with a beautiful outlook.  Living room cosy & bedroom spacious with beautiful views from the balcony..splendid pool & surrounding area..very picturesque & tranquil…many superb restaurants within easy reach offering a variety of menus & prices  Wonderful hosts – extremely helpful & attentive without being intrusive – always there when needed  R & G O Staffs

 La Tiede is excellent – we enjoyed watching the wildlife in the evenings…it’s the nicest cottage we’ve ever stayed at M S Pembrokeshire

 Many thanks for making our short stay at La Tiede so pleasant & enjoyable.  We had just the mixture of activity & relaxation which we were looking for.  Your helpfulness & professionalism in the business you run here is exemplary & we wish you continued success.  B & H T, Dublin

 La Tiede is very comfortable with everything you need….wide selection of reading & games for wet weather days…great views of countryside from lounge windows & terrace..very relaxing holiday with plenty to do if you want to but pressure free for those who just want to unwind completely   J G Staffs

 As before a wonderful holiday – weather the best we have ever had in France in September.  Swam everyday in the fabulous pool, played tennis & had some lovely bike rides especially to Le Marronnier for lunch.  Thank you John & Penny for your superb hospitality & the little ‘treats’…both of us feel really relaxed & well....we will be back ..P & I T, Wetherby, Yorks

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Visitors Book some guests comments during our 2006 season

 La Tiede is very luxurious….we loved the space & Penny & John what great hosts you are – endless patience for our stream of questions & your generosity must be unequalled. F H & family, Newport, S Wales

 We found the gite comfortable, clean & well equipped – the pool was just fantastic – very quiet & relaxing.  We both had a super holiday & would like to thank both of you for your hospitality & of course the free vegetables…..we found the manor house stunning! G & L H, Co Armagh, N.Ireland

 I always find your gite extremely pleasant with many activities to do inside & outside the grounds.  The pool is lovely… will definitely stay here for a longer period of time again, very shortly!!!!  A C, Glos aged 14yrs

 It’s the first time I have been here & I was amazed at how beautiful the surrounding area & the interior of the gite & manoir are – I have really enjoyed being here. S aged 14yrs – friend of A C

Lovely pool for swimming & the tennis court was well used.  The large grounds are great – beautiful surroundings for walking.  Penny & John could not have been more helpful – especially after we lost our car in a fire ……….we may never have got home otherwise!  Thank you both for your hospitality & all the free vegetables.  We had a brilliant holiday here & look forward to coming back next year.  M H & family, Ashford, Kent

 We had a wonderful time here – thank you so much for that fantastic welcome basket – really useful!  We loved the gite & your attention to detail as well as the lovely surroundings….we’ll be back!  H & R S-T,  Farnham, Surrey

 We arrived home safe & sound - thank you, & thank you for your nice comments on how we left the villa – we both enjoyed our stay with you & will certainly visit again if we return to France, we would recommend you to our friends & family without any qualms.  I forgot to thank you for the lovely welcome basket we found on our arrival – it was very much appreciated.  P & R C,  Gravesend, Kent

 No bright lights, no discos!! Keep it all in the manner it is already, you have produced copious suggestions of things to do in the area, no reasonable party could ever get bored!!! On our last night we were not feeling hungry but thought it easier to eat out than to cook, so we went to Le Marronnier – your description hardly does the food justice!!  We had foie gras to start, prepared in house – superb, then the hare & duck washed down with what can only be described as a brooding, almost menacingly dark Vin de Pays Charentais – if you like wines with bite, body & soul this is it!!! Please find a bottle as a big thank you for the loan of the garage for the week of the Ramparts Race – I & the car very much appreciated it!!!  P B, Owner of Alfa Giulia Spider, Marlborough, Wilts

The gite was excellent in all aspects – would have been happy to take up residence – it was above all our expectations!!!  Congratulations – after many self-catering holidays yours is the 1^st frying pan which was usable & 1^st class as were all the equipment & furnishings.  We have done so much in 6 days & enjoyed the comfort & cleanliness of our temporary home, if there were previously any doubt about retiring over here, there is none now!!  Thanks for all your hard work & good luck for the future.  L & R L, Kent

 It’s been a wonderful stay with very helpful & friendly service.  A fantastic house & grounds with a restful atmosphere & sense of space.  Good luck with your business – we hope to return to see you again.  N & R G, Redruth, Cornwall

 Fantastic house & thoughtful, friendly hostess – a perfect B&B  J & R M, Powys, Wales

 Pleased to be here again – a most welcoming place…..  Amities  J & J-L G, Limoges

 Thank you very much for the wonderful room & great hospitality  M & P B, Florida USA 

So nice to see you again & experience your ‘Grand Project’ – your personal touch & hospitality makes all the difference – too relaxed to leave…. S & D B, Sunningdale, Berks 

A truly wonderful holiday in such a beautiful setting… thank you so much, especially with the cloak & dagger secrecy for my 40^th Birthday  E B & family, Wisbech, Cambs

 Fantastic stay! Will be back! Thank you so much for all your help & hospitality! P C & S U, Australia & Anglesey,Wales

 Thank you for making our stay so comfortable & introducing us to some fabulous restaurants  J & J M, Liverpool

 Thanks so much…had a great time staying with you….breakfast was DELISH!!!  Tried so many new things….à plus tard   A R aged 11 years, Co Wexford, Ireland

A beautiful place to stay & it made the weekend special – will recommend to anyone staying in the area  S & G K, Suffolk

 We wish we could stay longer!!  Everything was simply perfect – thank you for all your suggestions, assistance & the splendid breakfasts (I’ll miss the homemade melon jam)  We hope to see you again  M L, Los Angeles USA & J L, Milwaukee USA

 A lovely house & grounds…..attractive & comfortable bedroom….charming & helpful hosts.  All the ingredients perfect  for a thoroughly enjoyable stay for the race weekend.  Thank you very much   E M, Windsor 

We have thoroughly enjoyed staying in this stunning house!!!  Thank you for your hospitality & warmth….we’ll see you again!  S & A H, St Albans 

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Visitors Book - A selection of comments from our guests in 2005

 We had the best time in your beautiful manoir – it was just a pleasure hanging around the pool & just enjoying the room.  Thank you so much for your kindness, & the champagne bottle that arrived right on time!!  We’ll be back for sure...A R & R H-A, Paris, France & Boston, USA

Thank you for looking after us so well in your beautiful house.  We’ve had a lovely relaxing time, wonderful breakfasts & having the terrace for picnics was a real treat.

R, A, E & I  L, Notting Hill, London

Thanks for the wonderful cake I thought it was delicious & so did Patrick – it was such a surprise.  It was great swimming in the pool with the under water lights & it was a great way to end our 10^th birthday.J & P G, Hexham, Northumberland, aged 10yr

 We have been staying at various gîtes in France for a number of years & I can safely say on behalf of my family that you & John are the most hospitable & helpful hosts by far! R H, New Barnet, Herts

 Comfortable & well equipped gite….quiet relaxing location……cold beer in fridge on arrival much appreciated…….excellent pool & poolside furniture….S & M W, Hull

 Exceeded our expectations……as cyclists, the roads were as we would like, very little traffic & mainly good surfaces.  Ate at La Grange Aux Oies – perfect setting, super meal R & S B, Oldham, Lancs

 Service makes a holiday & you excel in this area……….Q H, Abergavenny, Wales

 Thank you so much for making us so welcome in your beautiful home ………..this was an unknown area for us, but we visited some super places on your recommendations…. we shall return…..A & J S, East Sussex

 Our son really enjoyed the pool, giant chess & being able to run around in gardens & fields.  It has made for a very pleasant & relaxing environment for our holiday. J & R E, Doncaster, S. Yorks

 We had a wonderful time – it was better than I thought it would be……even though I am aching from all the activities we did I am very glad I came.  The pool & tennis was great & there was always something to do here.  Thank you soooo… much for having us here. AC, Glos aged 13yrs

Had a great weekend for the Ramparts Race.  Thanks for the help in navigating the roads around Angouleme!!!!

A K & G P,  Porsche 911 Owners Club, Dorset

Excellent weekend – lovely for the Circuit des Remparts………highly recommended…..

C H & C G, Porsche 911 owners, Weymouth, Dorset

 We had high hopes from looking at the website and I have to say we were not disappointed! We have stayed in many gîtes and apartments over the years but we both agreed that La Tiede was, without doubt, the best we have experienced! It suited us perfectly - privacy without isolation. And having 3 terraces meant we could have sun or shade at all times of day according to our choice - wonderful. C & S S, Woburn Sands, Bucks

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Visitors Book – some comments received during our 1^st season 2004 

We had a great stay at your gîte – a beautiful gîte in a beautiful location….best place we ever stayed – surroundings amazing and very spacious. M & D P,   Godalming, Surrey

Thank you so very much again for your hospitality, if there is a chance of coming back to the Charente, then for sure I know where I want to stay. S H & R W,   Brussels, Belgium 

Just a quick note to thank you for your hospitality in June.

We really enjoyed exploring the area on the bike & relaxing by the pool.  We will definitely be calling in again

M & J F,    Thatcham, Berks

 Remembering with pleasure what luxurious feeling it was to be a guest in your manoir. J & B A,   Gothenburg, Sweden

Nous souhaitons vous remercier de votre accueil et de votre gentillesse.

Nous avons passé un excellent pluvieux et rapide séjour. A & M-P G,   Nanteuil, Deux-Sevres

 Fantastic amount of wildlife – I’ve never seen a swallowtail butterfly before in the wild…..another lovely holiday in the Charente. M & M M,   Stourbridge

 La Tiede is excellent….too much to do in a short space of time…we have all had a wonderful week…we will definitely be back. S & C N,   Nottingham

 Thank you both for making our stay at ‘La Betoulle’ so enjoyable……wonderfully relaxing holiday in this beautiful countryside, enjoyed the pool and the luxury of Le Petit Bois and found your knowledge of the local area really helpful. S & M M,   Cannock, Staffs

 ‘Quelle surprise’…..what a house of much ambiance & style. J B & C S,   Nice, Côte d’Azur

 Thank you for a wonderful stay – it rivalled the ‘Taj’ – great for relaxing & unwinding. L & J S Reading, Berks

 You have thought of everything to make a stay perfect…..you have a wonderful place and we will endeavour to spread the word. A S & A R,   Wooburn Green, Bucks

 An oasis in the midst of the storm of life ……….a wonderful much needed break…thank you to you both for everything.          P & B Y,   Tavistock, Devon                                        

Le Petit Bois was very nice, well equipped and comfortable for 3 people to stay in….lovely pool & tennis court……lots to see & do…absolutely fantastic holiday….we hope to be back soon. B & C C Berkhamsted, Herts

 La Betoulle – c’est presque le paradis sur terre! Accueil parfait en plus ! Revenir ! D S,  Brive, Correze

Wonderful as always…welcome pack very Fortnum & Mason’s – we’ll know in future that a frantic supermarket visit en route not necessary.  Spectacular estate…the pool area especially with plenty of furniture and a great shower. P&V M,  Essex

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