GîTE DE LA PRAIRIE

Description

Situated amidst the apple orchards yet close to a town with supermarket, shops, bars and restaurants Set in a peaceful, quiet cul-de-sac tucked among the apple orchards, our self-catering accommodation is a perfect retreat to relax and return to nature, even if you do not fish.  Despite its peaceful, rural ambience, Secondigny village has all the amenities you may require without having to stray too far (1.5 miles).  A supermarket, butcher, 2 bakers, newsagent, chemist, banks and hairdresser can all be found in Secondigny, and of course 2 or 3 bars and restaurants.  As well as an outdoor swimming pool, mini golf, tennis and pedalo hire at our town campsite.  Surprisingly, the town even has a knitting wool shop and a tattoo parlour!  There is also have an excellent English speaking vet, and we are dog friendly, so you don’t have to leave your faithful friend behind (we’ve welcomed cats, dogs, rabbits and tortoises in the past!). Fishing, walking, painting, meditation, yoga, wildlife, tree-hugging, photography, visiting the numerous tourist attractions or simply relaxing and soaking up the beauty of mother nature, our gîtes are your ideal getaway.  We have had customers who claim that being at La Germondière is “good for the soul”.  We have to agree. Just sit back and watch and listen to the huge variety of birds and wildfowl who visit our lakes – watch the swallows dipping into the water, and see if you can spot the Kingfishers feeding on our smallest fish.  You might even be lucky enough to spot the stunning but elusive Golden Oriole. With our years of working on leisure sites with a focus on conservation, we are keen to ensure the environment we provide is pleasurable for people but also attracts the insects, bugs and wildlife for a natural environment.  We mow the grass around the lakes, but intentionally leave areas wild and uncut so as to provide the best habitat for insects, which in turn brings in the variety of birdlife. You will see damsel and dragon flies, butterflies, humming bird moths and many varieties of birds, particularly finches, black redstarts and siskins.  And then of course there are the frogs, you will never have heard a frog chorus like it. Why not book both gîtes for a family or friends holiday get together?  We can also accommodate campers. Both our gites are traditional and rustic, with exposed beams, tiled floor throughout, wood burners for the colder periods – yet are fully equipped for all your self-catering needs, plus UK TV and Free Wifi. We don’t have a swimming pool, but there will be moments when you are welcome to swim in the larger lake (we do!) A 1 bedroom gîte with mezzanine lounge, south facing enclosed patio and garden, overlooking the nearby apple orchards Graded 2 ‘epis’ by Gites de France (good comfort), Gite de la Prairie can accommodate 2 people in the double bedroom, with a further 2 people utilising the sofa bed on the mezzanine lounge area. The gîte comprises a well equipped kitchen/diner area (seating for 4), with a mezzanine level lounge area (with sofa bed), a spacious double bedroom, walk in shower and separate WC. Fully equipped with gas cooker, fridge/freezer, washing machine, iron & ironing board, microwave, coffee machine, kettle, toaster and clothes airers.  There are electric radiators in most rooms but the wood-burner is usually sufficient. The gite has a private fenced garden and patio area, with a patio set (including parasol), sun loungers and a BBQ.   Sheltered parking.  The gite garden is a superb spot to sit and enjoy a glass of local wine, or to lie back on the loungers and gaze at the tremendous amount of stars (with no light pollution). We also supply a picnic blanket – we hope you will use it by our lakes (plus plastic plates and glasses, a cool bag and ice packs). A cot and high chair can also be provided upon request. The gîte is not suitable for people who have difficulty walking or with steps.  There are two steps into the front door, plus 2 steps out onto the patio.  Inside, the steps to the mezzanine are quite steep. Our Lakes We have two spring fed fishing lakes of 1.5 and 3 acres (so the levels remain constant), set in mature gardens of 2.5 hectares. Our lakes are stocked with carp (mirror, common, crucian, koi and grass), tench, perch, roach, bream, pike, zander and black bass. We do not aim to compete with ‘trophy carp’ fishing lakes, but if you simply like catching good specimen fish, you won’t be disappointed.  From float fishing to carp fishing – either lake will give you a good day’s catch. Caring for the fish in our lakes is of prime concern. We don’t like to give a long list of rules… but we will provide you with some key rules that we respectfully ask you to follow. Tourist Attractions Once immersed into the tranquillity of La Germondière, many of our customers have barely left the premises – but if you are worried you might go stir crazy, there are plenty of tourist attractions to keep all the family entertained.   From adventure and animal parks, to churches and historical attractions, the marshes and canals of the beautiful Marais Poitevin, the famous theme park Puy du Fou and modern attractions at Futuroscope – there is something for everyone within around an hour’s drive.  Just a little further than that you can visit La Rochelle and the Vendée beaches.