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Luxury Farmhouse gite with exclusive use of pool – centrally located in the world famous Bordeaux wine region (includes St Emilion, Medoc etc), as well as UNESCO world heritage sites and conveniently close to the Gironde Estuary and to the south of Royan, La Rochelle, Il de Re. A short ferry ride from all the Atlantic beaches of Aquitaine, SW France. French Vineyard Vacations – a well-priced, comfortable and blissfully, relaxing holiday retreat, with use of secluded pool and vineyard. So whether you are relaxing by the pool, surrounding yourself with “soul food”, wandering through the vines or or seizing the moment and taking part in one of the many activities in the surrounding area; we'd like to think...Luxury Farmhouse gite with exclusive use of pool – centrally located in the world famous Bordeaux wine region (includes St Emilion, Medoc etc), as well as UNESCO world heritage sites and conveniently close to the Gironde Estuary and to the south of Royan, La Rochelle, Il de Re. A short ferry ride from all the Atlantic beaches of Aquitaine, SW France. French Vineyard Vacations – a well-priced, comfortable and blissfully, relaxing holiday retreat, with use of secluded pool and vineyard. So whether you are relaxing by the pool, surrounding yourself with “soul food”, wandering through the vines or or seizing the moment and taking part in one of the many activities in the surrounding area; we'd like to think our holiday accommodation includes all the right things to ensure your stay with us is really special and full of things to boost your get up and go. We also specialise in a more bespoke holiday experience by offering additional add on packages such as wine tastings and various wine tours of the world famous Bordeaux wine region. We aim to go that extra “mile” to help provide a more unique experience for each and every one of our guests. This includes other shopping packages like food, toiletries and wine.
La Grande Etouble is a lovingly restored, traditional stone Girondian Farm house with pool, accommodating up to eight, depending on your group's dynamics. Property Ground Floor Entrance hall, shower room and toilet, Small utility area + washing machine + tall fridge Farmhouse kitchen - well equipped with fridge, freezer, dish washer, microwave, toaster, kettle etc plus plenty of cooking equipment and usual mod cons Roomy sitting room with Satellite TV, DVD player, DVDs, Wi-Fi, books and games
First Floor ( All bedding is top quality and every bed has with soft fluffy pillows and crispy, thick white egyptian cotton bedding + mattress toppers help you very pampered and special.) Family Suite - Double bedroom with lounge area + DVD player (sofa converting into another double bed if required) Ensuite Bathroom, with bath, shower and toilet Golden bedroom with Louis Style bed Ivory bedroom with Louis style bed Shower Room + toilet with double sinks, mirrors, shaving socket
Facilities available to all guests:
* Pool - sun beds, pool equipment and shaded decking area etc
* Free off road parking for all guests
* B B Q and outdoor eating areas * Wi-Fi internet available in most areas
* Satellite TV and DVD player + DVD's (often remain unused)
* A good supply of thick fluffy towels and optional pack of toiletries and hairdryer (speed through security check)
* Comfortable beds - all with mattress toppers and crispy white bedding (because you're worth it)
* Washing machine in each property ( travel light)
* Most things you use at home (please ask if you have any questions)
* Starter pack of basic essentials on arrival (wine, bread, cheese, milk etc)
Tourist License / Licencia de turismo N °: 14004
House Rules
No smoking
Check with owner: PetsSuitable for children
As a general rule our property may not suit 'toddlers', and due to some of our guests having pet allergies we tend to reluctantly say 'no' to allowing dogs or cats. However, we appreciate arrangements cannot always be 'yes' or 'no' and so request you contact us in order for us consider each of our holiday requests on an individual basis.
Bedrooms
1 Super King1 King1 Double1 Sofa
Bathrooms
1 Full bath1 Attached (ensuite)1 Shower
Meet the host
Gill B
Hosting since November 2014
Languages spoken: English, French
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guests: As the owners of our holiday retreat, we are happy to stay in the back ground of your holiday. Simply handing the keys over and handing over our Holiday information pack for you to explore the area on your own. Equally we are happy to make suggestions which might suit your interests and provide the occasional taxi service perhaps to allow all members of your group to enjoy the wine and gourmet food which is abundant in our area.
This was a real home from home with many personal touches. Gill and Ben were exceptional hosts who made us so welcome. A fabulously appointed house set in their own private vineyard. The wine (and wine tasting) made it extra special..
We have booked our return next year already
Visited July 2018
Written 19 August 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gillandben
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for taking the time to review us - we do appreciate your very positive comments. We are really looking forward to welcoming you back this year, we've made a few changes and improvements. See you soon Gill and Ben
Written 5 August 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve R
Annapolis, MD2 contributions
Perfect stay at working vineyard in Bordeaux countryside
We had a wonderful stay at the Chateau Soleil near Blaye. The beautiful house and grounds- including pool- had everything we needed to make us comfortable. The chateau is very well situated and it was convenient for us to visit many of the historic and beautiful attractions in this part of France. This is a working vineyard and we gained a greater appreciation for the hard work, dedication and long hours it takes to produce a high quality wine. Perhaps best of all was our hosts, Ben and Gill. Warm, friendly, and knowledgeable, we could not have had better hosts.
Visited June 2018
Written 9 August 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gillandben
Hi Both - our first guests of the 2018 holiday season. It's so good to hear from you. Especially to hear your feedback all the way from America, thank you so much for taking the time to submit a review. We loved welcoming you and your friends here - thanks for inviting us around on my birthday , the yummy meal was much appreciated. One of our favourite evenings was the boat trip on the Friday night. It's left us with some very special memories of your visit. Kindest regards
Gill and Ben
Written 12 August 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann C
8 contributions
Heaven on earth in France @ La Grande Etouble, the most fantastic place to have your vacation!
This is our second stay, we felt in love last year as from the very first moment, as well with the house and his environment as with the hosts. Ben & Gill have equiped their house to provide their guests all they need to have a perfect holiday. A great kitchen, living room, rooms & bathrooms are very nice & have all you need. Outdoor: at the pool you can make the choice to be in the shade or in the sun, a lot of space, sitting area's for your breakfast/lunch/dinner, and a very handy BBQ.
Ben is a master wine maker, you need to taste his wine when you are there!
Gill knows every nice place to visit and can give you advice if you want this.
We know were to go next year, no doubt at all :-).
Visited July 2018
Written 8 August 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gillandben
Hello Ann It's always so good to read reviews from returning guests and hear you have enjoyed your second visit as much as your first. We are so pleased you have all ready booked up for next year. Next year we will be able to celebrate your birthday here - you can be our guests for an evening meal for a changé. It's a wonderful thing when guests become good friends too. We wish your all a very healthy, happy and successful year
Kindest regards Gill & Ben x
Written 10 August 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GOLFGOD2019
41 contributions
We cannot believe we found this amazing place to holiday .... absolutely fantastic.
We went on our final 'family' holiday with our two almost grown up sons (!) thinking this would be it from now on. However, we had such an amazing time staying at Gill and Ben's beautiful home that they want to come again, bring girlfriends and future parents in law! Ben and Gill have created an amazing calming environment with a beautiful French house but with all the luxuries of home, a lovely rustic garden filled with lavender bushes and trees hanging with fairy lights, excellent BBQ area and seating and the most stunning and beautifully maintained swimming pool. The vineyard is amazing and the cellar (where the tour ends with wine and cheese) is fabulous. The wine is superb - especially the Merlot - outstandingly pure! Ben and Gill are just delightful. They just seem to know when to offer some advice or help and are so kind and thoughtful. The welcome gift is unbelievable - it just made our arrival even more fantastic. I cannot thank them enough for making our holiday so brilliant and us all so very welcome. Amazing couple.
Visited June 2018
Written 6 August 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gillandben
Hello Jo - It's great to hear from you and we thank you very much for this wonderful review - it has given us a real booster of energy and reassurance to hear you had such a wonderful time. This holiday season seems to be the year of families and their adult "children" for us. It's been fantastic to see everyone sharing precious family time together. How brilliant to hear we've played a part in you all enjoying another holiday together. We really enjoyed chatting and searching Bourg antique market for bargains with you and your fabulous sons - shame we didn't find any treasure - perhaps next time. We are really looking forward to your next visit and hearing how your boys are progressing and the next steps of your own adventures.
All the best Gill and Ben xx
Written 8 August 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alan O
3 contributions
Perfect hosts in a wonderful,peaceful environtment
Ideally located in a vineyard , with amenities in Blaye nearby. A short drive of 40 minutes and you are in the best Bordeaux wine areas ( St Emelion , Pomerol, Margeaux….. )
Ben and Gill are wonderful hosts, the outdoor rustic BBQ area together with the private swimming pool hit the spot.
The accommodation is of the highest standard
Visited June 2018
Written 31 July 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gillandben
Hello Again - it's great to hear from you again, many thanks for taking the time to submit a review - we really appreciate it. What a wonderful week it was while you were here, the weather was good and lots of events to go and see and music events listen to. We really enjoyed the shared BBQ's and evenings we spent together. It's brilliant to are returning next year - we're looking forward to seeing you again. Kindest Regards Gill and Ben
Written 6 August 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TanyaTrimble
London, United Kingdom4 contributions
Outstanding on every level!
Wow! What can I say? We have just spent the most wonderful week in this amazing property. From the minute we booked, the service was first class. We were two families travelling and after reading great reviews prior to our stay we knew we would have a great time. The welcome and hospitality from Gill and Ben was second to none and we felt really privileged to experience not only the fabulous home they have restored but the wine, the vineyard and their fantastic company. The house oozes luxury and French charm and they have thought of everything! From bikes to paella pans and a never ending supply of wine! The pool was super -surrounded by vineyards and trees laden with figs, plums and apples- we enjoyed many evenings under the stars with the guitars and the only part we didn't enjoy was having to leave!!! We will definitely return but next time for longer! Thank you so much Gill and Ben for allowing us to share this little peace of heaven!!!
Visited August 2017
Written 4 September 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gillandben
Hi Tanya and Family
It's so good to hear from you and that you all had a wonderful holiday here. It was such a pleasure to meet you and your family and friends, you were all so friendly and cheerful. You're kind invitation to join you for a delicious paella is a very happy memory for us. Your husband sings and plays guitar very well. As you say, it was sad to see you leave. We're so pleased you're talking about returning, we're looking forward to seeing you all again in the future. We really appreciate your kind words and the time and effort you have taken to submit a review. Here's to our next meet up 🍷.
Written 7 September 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fmt2018
10 contributions
One of the best holidays we've ever been on!
We can't describe our experience. It was absolutely amazing. The house is amazing and so are the owners Gill and Ben. Their attention to detail on every aspect is outstanding and of the highest standard. The house is beautifully decorated and had everything we needed. It was like home from home. Our beds were comfortable with crisp white bedding the bathrooms spacious and showers again of the highest standard. The kitchen was fully equipped Gill even bought us another coffee machine and a new Paella dish. The pool area is also amazing with comfortable loungers, lots of space, extremely well cared for and most of all very clean. The outside area has a large dinning table and barbecue area which is great for dinning out in the evenings. We also had the pleasure of experiencing a very personal tour of the vineyard and some wine tasting. This was so enjoyable and a wonderful experience. We can't wait to return. There is no doubt a warm welcome awaits you.
Visited August 2017
Written 4 September 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gillandben
Nadine, amazing family and friends - What can we say in response to your wonderful review? Your words are so kind and we have to say ..... sometimes magic happens and guests become very special friends. You, your family and amazing friends were / are and always will be very welcome here. From your kind invitation to share a paella evening with you all - together with guitars and music......through to the brilliant video of your son's holiday experience here ( by way of gift for us. ) A wonderful week full of happy memories. We'd love to welcome you guys back here as and when it fits into your plans. Wishing you a happy, healthy rest of 2017 and a successful North Run xxx
Written 4 September 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin D
Newmarket, United Kingdom10 contributions
Fabulous vineyard location exceeding all expectations
Beautiful vineyard location surrounded by vines. Amazing accommodation with everything you could possibly ask for and more. With three double bedrooms ideal for large or extended families. Superb decor giving a comfortable rural feel with a level of equipment beyond expectation. Included was a wonderful swimming pool and sundeck, high quality sun loungers, four modern cycles, outside gas hot plate, inside and outside dining options, well stocked book shelf and DVD library, board games, table tennis and most importantly a rack of 100 bottles of their own produced wine and honesty box. The local village is less than a mile away where you can find the perfect supply of fresh bread, meat and a small supermarket. Great places to visit nearby such as the Citadel at Blaye, Bordeaux and St Emilion.
Ben and Gill were the perfect hosts and we arrived to a bottle of wine, bread, cheese, home-made quiche and some other food essentials. They were discretely nearby if required and readily gave advice on any local attractions/events. One of the highlights was a tour of the vineyard with Ben taking us through the growing, harvesting and wine production process followed by cheese and wine tasting.
All in all a fantastic holiday and we could not recommend this place more highly. We hope to return before long.
Strongly recommend taking a supply of their wine home with you.
Visited July 2017
Written 18 August 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveller and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gillandben
Hello, It's so wonderful to hear from you, especially when we read how much you enjoyed your holiday. It's always a real pleasure to share holidays with guests and to part as friends. It's very reassuring to hear we will hopefully meet up with you all at sometime in the future.
Your complimentary and detailed review is very much appreciated as it has given potential future guests so much information about the time you spend with us. Thank you so much for the time and effort you have obviously taken in submitting this review. It's a real gift for us to read such a rewarding review - tu est tres gentille x
Written 18 August 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
babygirl88
Cambridge, United Kingdom17 contributions
Absolutely wonderul
Well, what can I say. This place was an absolute dream. The property itself was beautiful. Really good facilities, modern, light and very spacious for a family. There were so many small touches that had already been thought about before our arrival, it was all so welcoming. We had everything we needed for our stay and more. We have already spoken about returning to the property. Could not recommend highly enough.
Visited August 2017
Written 16 August 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gillandben
How lovely to receive your review, we really appreciate the time and effort you have taken to share your experience with others. We are so pleased you are discussing coming back to see us at some stage in the future. I'm sitting here smiling as I think of our wine tasting and tour - we miss you guys. We wish you a wonderful wedding and honeymoon next year.
Written 17 August 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline C
18 contributions
Fabuous from start to finish
This property has been lovingly restored to a really high standard by the very friendly owners Gill and Ben. The welcome breads, cheese and wines were greatly appreciated and quickly consumed! Everything you could possibly want is available, bikes, ping pong, petanque, badminton, lots of outside seating and loungers, as well as the lovely private pool. We have never stayed in such a well equipped property. The added bonus of the beautiful setting within the vineyard make this a fabulous place to escape and spend a wonderful holiday. We enjoyed touring the area and seeing different vineyards, but particularly enjoyed being shown round the vineyard we were actually staying in - We would love to visit again. Thank you for all your hard work in making our holiday so memorable
Visited June 2017
Written 27 June 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gillandben
Thank you so much for taking the time to send in a review, it's much appreciated you have included all the things you enjoyed while holidaying with us. This is the first year we've started offering our own vineyard tour and degustation ( tasting wine), so its great to hear your feedback on this. We really enjoyed meeting you and it would be wonderful to welcome you and your family back here at some future date.
Written 27 June 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The local area offers plenty of leisure activities to suit everyone and most of them are with a 5 to 25 minute drive including:Fishing, jet skiing, boat trips, cycling, walking, bird spotting, visits to local historic world UNESCO heritage site. There's always plenty of opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting / tour in many of the local or perhaps further afield. Many of our guests enjoy simply relaxing within our idyllic oasis , followed by a delicious meal at one of the great local restaurant. Or a homemade BBQ evening, sampling the delights of the wine from our vineyard.
Getting around
Ways to explore our area: by car, in less than an hour you can be tasting the mouth watering Grand Cru's of St Emilion, Medoc, Pomerol etc.
We include the use of 4 bikes for the duration of your visit - great for getting the morning croissants or going to Blaye or Bourg to the farmers markets. Bikes rentals are also available within Bordeaux. Boat trips are also very popular.
Access
Car advised
How to get there
As and when your holiday is fully booked, we will be ssending you lots more information, maps and directions to help you locate our holiday retreat.
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 8 weeks before check-in
25% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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