About This Villa

This beautiful medieval priory is now an Oliver’s Travels award–winning holiday home in Charente. It has also appeared as No 1 in The Times 2019 list of '50 Best Holidays in France'!

Located in the tiny village of Pressigny on private grounds, adjacent to the church and within the Deux-Sevres, this French manor house, converted to a priory in the fourteenth century, sleeps twelve adults in six bedrooms and can accommodate an additional four children.

Relax by the heated pool, dine al fresco at one of the great outdoor tables and enjoy the beauty of the rose covered walled gardens that surround the property, a lovely area for children to play.

Six delightful bedrooms accommodate up to sixteen guests. The high-ceilings, beams, ancient wooden floors and honey coloured stone walls are a perfect backdrop for the mix of antique family furniture and pictures. The kids will enjoy playtime in the bright, colourful games room with its cool turret and arrow slits (no budding archers allowed to shoot the guests!).

The house is well appointed. The kitchen has a gas range, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher and American fridge freezer as well as kettle, coffee machine, toaster and iron and ironing board. Hairdryers are provided in the bedrooms. There are cots, high chairs, baby bath, changing mat and pushchair available for little ones. Satellite TV, internet connection and bicycles are provided for the enjoyment of guests.

Attached to the priory is the equally stunning and romantic Tour St. Thérèse. Groups of up to 21 guests can hire both beautifully renovated homes; together, ideal for a celebration, intimate wedding or special holiday for a larger party of guests. Whilst they are attached, they each have their own entrances and gardens (see Tour St. Thérèse for full details of the tower.)

This unique home is perfectly positioned within the Deux-Sevres in Charente, known to be France’s second most sunny region. There is a good choice of restaurants in neighbouring villages, about ten to fifteen minutes by car, where visitors are greeted with a warm welcome. You’ll find a supermarket, cafés, and bars just 7km away in Thenezay and the beautiful medieval town of St. Loup is only around 15 minutes by car.

This beautiful area, full of wooded valleys, streams, ponds and shallow, flowing rivers is a joy for walkers and cyclists. From great local food markets, vide greniers and country trail walks to riding, lake fishing and canoeing, there is a plethora of activities in the area. Historical Poitiers, an hour away, is a city full of centuries old art and history, visit the magical chateau and sample some fine sparkling wine in Saumur or head west to the Atlantic coast with its stunning beaches and interesting town of La Rochelle.

And, for those who truly want to relax, full catering is offered by the brilliant owner.

Amenities