Entire home

THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”.

Photo gallery for THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”.

Interior
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Interior
Exterior
Pool

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

6 bedrooms2 bathrooms300 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Chermignac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Saintes Amphitheatre
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Saintes Cathedral
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Abbaye aux Dames
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Chermignac

A family-friendly stay in Chermignac awaits you at this holiday home. You'll be 7.6 km (4.7 mi) from Saint-Eutrope Church and 7.7 km (4.8 mi) from Saintes Amphitheatre. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a private pool and a washing machine. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with a DVD player, and home features free WiFi, 2 bathrooms and a fireplace. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A patio, a living room and a TV are also available. .This pet-friendly holiday home offers a garden and barbecues. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities. .In proximity to this Chermignac holiday home you'll find Royan Beach.

What's nearby

  • Saint-Eutrope Church - 9 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Saintes Amphitheatre - 9 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Saintes Cathedral - 9 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Saintes Golf - 9 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Abbaye aux Dames - 11 min drive - 9.6 km

Getting around

  • Saintes Station - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Burger King - ‬9 min drive
  • Au Bistrot des Halles
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪La Table Des Dix Vins - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪St Malo Creperie - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”.

If you are looking for something that has recently been renovated, with straight walls, without the odd crack, inside and out, Shabby Chic Paradise is probably not for you.
If by contrast you are looking for something idyllically charming you've just found it.
It is also the ideal if not perfect home and location for families with young children; it is safe and secure, has a large swimming pool but not too deep, gardens galore in which children can round around, a huge trampoline, a slide and swing set plus a variety of games and toys which are available to all!
On a practical note we have two kitchens and four fridge-freezers meaning you don't have to go shopping every day! Stock up, sit back and relax while your children run around the house and gardens.
Lastly, whilst seemingly in the middle of nowhere we are in fact only minutes away from the City centre of Saintes with a multitude of shops, restaurants, parks and attractions and we are only 30 minutes or so from the glorious sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast.
If the above strikes a chord with you we look forward to welcoming you to Shabby Chic Paradise, which is exactly what it is!
Best wishes,
Michael, Sophie, Lily and Rose.

Property manager

Michael Amphlet

Languages

English, French

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 6 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • Up to 25 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,229 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 3 (weight limit: 55 lb per pet)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.
  • Note from host: Please contact us to discuss pets BEFORE booking

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • On-site cash transactions can't exceed GBP 1000, due to national regulations. For more details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Shabby Chic Paradise
Shabby Chic Paradise; full of charm colour character...

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”.?

The closest beach to THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”. is Royan Beach (27.7 km).

Does THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”. have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

Is THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”. family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a playground and laundry facilities, as well as highchairs and children's books, it's no surprise that THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”. is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a private hot tub at THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”.?

No, but there is a private pool.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”.?

No, THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”. does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

THE RETREAT…”Huge house, gardens and pool. So much fun. Loved it”. Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Catherine E.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Check in was not ideal as Michael was still preparing the property for our arrival. At first glance we were blown away by the beautiful setting and the impressive property which initially appeared exactly as promised. However, as we began to unpack we realised that upstairs was clean and welcoming but conditions downstairs were unacceptable. All the couches and chairs smelt strongly of cat urine and we had to thoroughly clean the kitchen as there were mouse droppings on every surface.Outside, one of the adults in our party fell through the decking, which was rotten in many places and hurt himself quite badly. Similarly, we had to locate a saw and cut off a snapped part of the swing set as it posed a danger. We did not contact Michael about these issues, as none of them would have been an easy or quick fix and we just wanted to spend time together as a family. Therefore it was preferable to sort what problems we could ourselves. I am sure that had we contacted Michael, he would have done his best to make a positive difference. Overall we had a lovely time, but the current property description is not accurate. The pizza oven doesn’t work and the barbecue was too filthy to use. The decking round the pool definitely needs replacing as it is a significant hazard. With some tweaks this would be a perfect place to holiday and we would certainly come back.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andy M.

It is Paradise!

We actually stayed for 6 weeks whilst waiting for our house purchase to complete. In that time we were visited by friends and family. Shabby Chic Paradise is in a great location, peaceful and private yet only 10 minutes drive to Saintes centre. Lots of space for groups and their pets and children. The house is well appointed, unique in character and very comfortable. We had a very happy six weeks and were sad to leave. Michael is an excellent host.
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nothing but praise

We had a fabulous stay at Shabby Chic Paradise. The property was beautiful with stunning views of the countryside. Very family friendly. The owner Michael is English speaking, was really welcoming and was very knowledgeable about the local area, which helped greatly. Would definitely come back.
Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Hideout for the heatwave

We were a family of four who stayed at the property for two weeks. We were there during the heatwave and were glad for the thick farmhouse walls and the pool to keep us cool. The place is a little "shabby" as advertised so don't expect luxury accommodation. But we enjoyed the rustic nature of it and it felt like an authentic rural French farmhouse experience. The pool (unheated), play equipment and house set up were ideal for our two children - they absolutely loved it there. The location was amazing for us - the road up to the property (and two others) is a km from the main road so you really feel out in the middle of nowhere. But actually you are only a 10 minute drive from Saintes, supermarkets and such. It was the best of both worlds. Michael was an exceptionally honest and diligent owner - he even made sure the property was right for us before accepting the booking. We did have a couple of issues while we were there (as you can at any property) but Michael was great with comms and dealt with things ASAP. Overall, we had a lovely relaxing holiday.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eimear m.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful base for a family holiday

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. Plenty of space for everyone. The pool was great for the kids. Michael, was extremely helpful and available if we needed any assistance. Would definitely recommend to others and would love to return again.

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful stay at Shabby Chic Paradise

From the moment we made our first enquiries, communicating with Michael (the owner) was simply first class; his replies are prompt, understanding, humoured and most importantly, very well detailed. He was also very patient (organising 3 couples, 2 adults, 1 child and 3 babies is not easy!) and he clearly cared about making sure our stay was to be as comfortable and relaxing as possible. The property itself is exactly as advertised, a Shabby Chic Paradise, ideal for a group of adults and children to enjoy a wonderfully relaxing holiday. Where to start? Once there you will immediately feel relaxed. The view from the house, the amazing Conservatory in particular, is spectacular stretching over several fields with woodlands beyond and not a road in sight. Start the BBQ's up, light the pizza oven, open a bottle or two of Rose, watch the sunset after a lovely evening walk and chat late into the night in complete peace and tranquility. Then wake up to lovely soft sunshine, grab croissants and pain o chocolats from the Village store, and together with tea or coffee take time to ponder plans for the day. Plan 1: relax at the house, play in the pool or on the generous expanses of grass. Young children can roam around safely given the well constructed fence surrounding the pool. There is a slide and swings, inflatables galore for the pool, bikes with children's seats and plenty of space to play all manner of games. Plan 2: head to Saintes for a bit of culture and local food. Plan 3: splash around at the local aqua centre in Saintes or Plan 4: head west to the beaches of the French coastline. I could go on but if the truth be told, we were so happy at the house that we often made base there for the day. The children loved it and so did we! Insidthe house the temperature remains cool owing to the thick walls and lovely stone or wooden floors. The bedrooms are most generous in size and comfort. Both kitchens are well equipped and a total of four fridge/freezers mean you can shop for at least three full days before having to even think of further forays to the supermarche etc. The house and grounds are big; even with 12 of us it was possible to find a quiet spot inside or out to read a book and/or have a snooze. We felt the photos on the website despite being pretty spectacular just do not do the place justice - it really is beautiful. In short, if you want a place to properly catch up with friends or family, trust me, this is your place!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

rob l.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay in a lovely location with amazing weather, much fun for everyone

A fantastic week in a lively location, we all had a lovely time

8/10 Good

Olivier B.

Lovely place, very real.

Loved our 1 week stay in 'shabby chic paradise'. It is the imperfection that makes it perfect. Only 1 complaint, 1 week is too short.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Robert W.

Liked: Cleanliness

We had a wonderful, relaxing holiday in Michael‘s beautiful house. Fantastic for all the family.

The house is surrounded by fields and fruit trees, completely private with beautiful gardens and a pool. The rooms are large and comfortable and the kitchens have everything you would need. Michael is a great host for whom nothing is too much trouble, with great tips for things to do and places to eat. Our whole family - from kids to grandparents had a fantastic stay.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Frédéric S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Un bel endroit pour de mettre au vert

Nous avons passé un excellent séjour dans cette belle maison au milieu des champs qui conjugue le charme des vieilles pierres et très bon niveau de confort.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

François B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Formidable séjour !

Une charmante maison, agréable à vivre, très bien equipée, adaptée aux groupes où tout le monde y trouve sa place. Nous avons adoré notre séjour. Un grand merci à Mickael qui est vraiment aux petits soins pour ses hôtes.