Aug 10 2009 10:30 am
22nd July 2009[by Royal mail]
Dear Stephen,
I am sorry that it has taken me so long to write and thank you for the wonderful honeymoon we had at Chez Bouquet from 22nd to 29th May this year, but things have been rather busy, as you can imagine!
We were so pleased to see your website advertising Chez Bouquet, and fell in love with it instantly. We were certainly not disappointed with the reality!
Immaculately clean and tidy, and very well decorated. It certainly is the ideal place for a dream holiday, let alone a dream honeymoon!
We wanted for nothing whilst we were there, the house being very well equipped. We both loved the efficient power showers which were very refreshing after a day lazing in the garden or travelling around in our hire car.
Evenings we would go for a dip in the pool whilst crevettes and steaks sizzled on the barbie, and sit there until dusk when we would go to the very comfy bed provided by you, and sleep very well.
Your neighbours, Fernand and Evelyn were such nice people, nothing was too much trouble for them.
We were so impressed with the house that we have recommended it to all our friends. We had such a lovely relaxing time, that we cannot imagine anybody not thoroughly enjoying it there.
Thanks very much again, we hope we can book again next year, unless all our friends have bagged all available dates!!!
Yours
Mrs T Morrell
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Aug 10 2009 10:32 am
21/07/2009 [by e-mail]
Hi! Stephen
We just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how pleased we were with Chez Bouquet.We arrived quite late,July 16, but Fernand was there to greet us with a cheery smile, and as much help as he could give us[considering the language barrtier between us].Despite that he ordered pizzas for us from a local restaurant, and in addition to the local wines already waiting for us to help us relax, he loaded us up with some drinks and snacks for the kids.It was an unexpected, but wonderfully warm welcome, and especially appreciated after a long day of travel!
As for the house, we were delighted to find it to be just as expected. The pictures on the web-site do a great job of showing all the rooms. The woodwork throughout the house was beautiful, and exceptionally well maintained
Additionally there was tons of room for all our belongings in each room.
It was a delight to come in and find clean and fresh smelling linen, loads of towels, a kitchen that was well stocked with dishes, and even food!
All we had to do on our arrival was to pick up the pizzas, open the wine, eat, and fall happily into the delightfully large and comfortable beds. It was terrific!!
We found the house to be clean throughout, right down to the refrigerator. As a family of five, dining out gets expensive, so we used the kitchen every day, and also the party sized barbecue.
This may sound strange, but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised to find Chez Bouquet pest and rodent free....in this type of environment, I would've expected ants at least, but there were none. Also no trappings of mice, thankfully. I kind of expected there to be some kind of pests, as the house isn't lived in 24/7, but was pleasantly surprised.
The washer and dryer were a true blessing, and again, to my surprise, there was laundry detergent for us to use.
Thanks so much for preparing the place so that we could move right in and enjoy! We truly did!
Wish we had more time in beautiful France, but alas all good things must come to an end, and so did our stay at Chez Bouquet.We would certainly stay with you again if we return to your area.
Thanks again for all the help, and for all your friends' help. The warm welcome from Fernand and Evelyn, the extra bike from Richard, and a fantastic evening of wine tasting and dinner with Martin and Wendy!! It was a wonderful, wonderful holiday
Regards
Lisa Sears [and family] Maryland USA
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Aug 7 2009 09:17 pm
Thank you, for a great holiday in June
Your house and settings are exquisite, so nice to find a clean house and fresh linen. The lovely Charente way of life is slow and relaxed totally different to city life in UK or Jo’berg, we found the locals charming if not a little bizarre. The house looks a bit odd from the outside but once you start exploring it makes sense. It would be nice to transport it to the Cape overlooking the sea, that would be too much to ask, once again we all being six fun loving South Africans loved it. Above all the house was fresh and everything was clean and tidy, oh yes, G R E A T pool. Promise you that if we come to Europe again we will look you up.
Best wishes from.
Pete & Danie Botha
South Africa
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Aug 8 2009 10:55 pm
We chose to head to France at the last minute at the start of June 09. The weather was mixed but there was lots to do. The house was perfect, a break away from hectic city life. Couldn't recommend it enough.
Oonagh -Limserick
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Aug 3 2009 11:03 pm
We decided to take a winter/spring break at Chez Bouquet. Though it was cold later in the day, it was sunny, and great for walks. The children enjoyed feeding the horses and the crazy goat! At night we sat in the lovely lounge, with the beautiful log fire, wine, cheese, and wonderful oysters. Bliss. Please let us come back!
Beth and family.
South Wales
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Aug 3 2009 11:16 pm
Hello Stephen, RAGS [Rezare Art GroupieS] and four hangers-on have just returned from Chez Bouquet. We have joked, laughed, walked, biked, swam, ping-ponged and Boule-d our way through a week of bliss. Oh! Yes, the artists amongst us have also painted on average 4 paintings each. The weather was great and enabled us to paint your beautiful home from every angle. The great thing about Chez Bouquet is there is so much to do. The hangers-on enjoyed themselves just as much. We went to the winery of Mr. Bujard which was fantastic. They were just starting the harvesting of the grapes. He showed us round the whole estate and what beautiful wine and congac! Thanks also for the 2 restaurants you recommended. You had obviously told them we were coming and they were most welcoming. The food was excellent. You have a wonderful all-round happy holiday setting, but most of all it is a real home.Very well maintained. We will be booking up for September 2009. Thanks again for a wonderful time. A tout a l'heure!
Waveney
Cornwall
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Sep 2 2008 11:22 am
Hi Stephen, July 2008
Thanks for a lovely holiday at Chez Bouquet - a very relaxed and welcoming house that was just perfect for the family. The location is fantastic; an idyllic country retreat only 10-20 minutes from all the attractions the region has to offer. The games, table-tennis, bicycles etc. helped to make a great holiday; we made full use of the bicycles to explore the many cycle-tracks (all easy and flat for those disinclined towards energetic activity in 30º+, or in my case, any degrees!) and our teenagers appreciated the Satellite TV Channels (a family holiday wasn't quite such a terrible prospect!).
We loved the pool, you should have a photo of it at night with its under-water lighting on the website, we spent many an evening there with a glass of wine under a star-laden sky. Highlights of our trip would include the Blues Festival in Cognac, Royan (teenagers), the Roman Amphitheatre in Saintes and Zoo de la Palmyre and, of course, the peace and tranquility (and BBQ!) at Chez Bouquet.
All the best,
Joanne, Paul & Family
Aug 3 2009 11:18 pm
Hallo Stephen,
We have decided again to book your excellent Farmhouse in Sept.'08. Last year it lived up to all our expectations and more! It was possibly the most comfortable house we have rented in all the years holidaying in France hence the re-book. We find September ideal in Charente-Maritime area. Hot & sunny, day after day, without the tourists!! .
After our long drive from London what a treat to find your welcome gift of wine and baguettes-very thoughtful of you. I really hope you still have space in Sept.,we will all be so disappointed if we have missed out!!
Donna & Family
London
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Aug 3 2009 11:20 pm
in May 2006, we rented Chec Bouquet for our honeymoon. We flew over to La Rochelle, then drove down. When we got to the villa, we were amazed! It is 5 star fabulous! It was so peaceful and calming. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting by the pool, having a barbie -yummo crevettes and langoustine from a nearby market, fresh salad and baguettes. You can't beat French food.
We had the villa all to ourselves, and found it very well appointed, extremely comfy,, and beautifully furnished. During the day we would visit various places such as ile d'Oleron, where i used to be an au pair many, many years ago! Other days we went to Cognac, and my husband also went horse riding,
I thoroughly recommend Chez Bouquet to everyone. It is the most peaceful, relaxing place I have ever been to-and I have been to many!.
The neighbour, Fernand, who with his wife, looks after the house, is extremely nice and helpful. However, his accent can be somewhat difficult to understand.
Anji and Ian Stoneham Devon
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Aug 3 2009 11:23 pm
Dear Stephen
What wonderful tranquility indeed! We found it an ideal place to just chill out. Breakfast in the morning in the front conservatory and then off to the pool conservatory to relax, read and paint, swim, or do Yoga. Lunch and evening meals in the garden or out to one of the great little restaurants so near at hand. You really have set this home up beautifully. I will be contacting you shortly to book a painting holiday for RAGS, the art group I run, and our partners. I also have a Yoga/Tia Chi group who are interested.
Best regards Waveney (cornwall)
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Aug 3 2009 11:23 pm
A delightful area to visit, full of charm and interest. The house makes a comfortable base from which to discover the secrets of the Charente. The history of the area dates from Roman times, and we have learnt more from the area itself than we ever did at school! - much more fun, too!
Leonard and Family
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Aug 3 2009 11:25 pm
Had a relaxing time at Chez Bouquet - all local bottle banks now full - hope you do not get a surcharge for that
Gary -Birmingham
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Aug 3 2009 11:26 pm
We are so disappointed that you are full this year, as we had such a good holiday last time at your beautiful house.
Sean - North Wales
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Aug 3 2009 11:28 pm
Many thanks. I have asked the rest of the family for suggestions to help you and I would imagine that any will be minor as we all had a really good time, and the house was lovely.
Aileen, Scotland
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Aug 3 2009 11:29 pm
Just a quick note to thank you for the apperitifs at the Relais de Lidon,
that was the start of a very much better week for us weather wise.
The house, garden and pool were lovely and we had a wonderful relaxing
holiday.
Mark, Liphook
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Sep 16 2007 01:29 pm
'Weather was lovely. We all had a lovely holiday in your house, we thought it was in a wonderful spot, but still close enough to all amenities.'
Yvonne, Hertfordshire