Set in the rolling hills of the Haute Vienne, L'Hirondelle offers spacious, light & airy accommodation in a peaceful, rural location. This converted barn has an open plan ground floor that facilitates family living plus 4 en-suite double or twin bedrooms - making it great for groups of friends as well as families. The modern fitted kitchen has all the facilities you'd expect - electric oven & hob, microwave, 2 fridges. a freezer, coffee maker, kettle, toaster, dish washer and a full range of utensils, crockery, cutlery & glasses. There's a washing machine and dryer, an iron and ironing board, vacuum plus other cleaning equipment and products. End of rental cleaning service at 75 euros. The gite has comfortable lounge seating for 8 plus a desk area. The large dining table has ample space for the 8 chairs plus a high chair. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, wardrobes, full length mirrors & bedside cabinets. There is a ground floor cloakroom with toilet and washbasin. Outside is an enclosed private garden with terrace, dining furniture, loungers and a BBQ. Free WIFI throughout the property. For the cooler months there is oil central heating. Well behaved dogs are allowed by request. For the comfort of all our guests, dogs are not allowed in the bedrooms or to sleep on the lounge furniture.

We moved to this lovely, peaceful area of SW France in January 2009 in search of a different way of life. We swapped stressful jobs in the public and private sectors, for running a small guest house and gite rental. We love the simplicity of life here; the time to watch the seasons change. Most importantly, we enjoy welcoming guests to our home and sharing with them this beautiful area.

In a hamlet, surrounded by fields 3 kms from the village of St Mathieu where there is a supermarket, fuel station, baker, newsagent, post office, bank, cafe and bar serving food. Our local lake is a 5 min drive, great for walks, picnics and summer swimming. There's crazy golf, pedalo hire and a beach snack bar. Tues eves in July & Aug - visit the farmers' night market in St Mathieu or Champniers Reilhac - buy your meat, ask a volunteer to grill it, buy a box of chips & a bottle of wine or beer, join a table and enjoy the live band. Within a 20 min drive you have the choice of several other lakes with beaches and swimming areas, sailing, canoeing, pedalos, play areas, volleyball, walking trails and picnic benches. Rochechouart is our nearest town (20 mins by car) where a good selection of restaurants can be enjoyed along with a visit to the Chateau. Piegut market on a Weds morning is a 15 min drive - a traditional French street market - great for food plus arts and crafts. Brantome -The Venice of the Perigord - is about a 40 min drive. An old town enclosed by river and canals with an ancient abbey. Take a boat trip or canoe around the town.