Poitou-Charentes, Deux-Sèvres, Melleran, France

Set discreetly behind gated entrance and approached via a beautiful tree-lined driveway, this charming stone property enjoys an exceptionally private setting in the heart of a thriving village. The house and its traditional stone barns are arranged around a delightful central courtyard with covered dining terrace, while to the rear, mature landscaped gardens surround a lovely swimming pool and sun terrace.

Despite its peaceful and secluded atmosphere, the property is ideally located within walking distance of the much sought after village of Melleran with amenities which include a bar-restaurant, post office and a school

The house opens into a wide entrance hall featuring original tiled flooring, exposed beams, an elegant original staircase and a convenient ground floor WC. To the left is a characterful French-style kitchen with original fireplace housing a wood-burning stove. A door leads directly to the 'Au Vent' covered outdoor dining terrace, ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining.

To the right of the hallway, double doors open into a spacious dual-aspect sitting room with French doors to both front and rear gardens, exposed stone walls, original cupboard, beams and a fireplace with wood-burning stove. A further door leads to a study, which could also serve as an additional bedroom, with French doors to the front garden and access to the attached barn and boiler room.

Also on the ground floor are a practical laundry room and a large family bathroom with twin vanity basins, bath, walk-in shower, bidet and exposed beams.

The first floor offers a generous landing and five bedrooms. The principal bedroom benefits from built-in wardrobes and an en-suite shower room. Three further bedrooms overlook the front of the property, while a fifth bedroom overlooks the rear gardens; the current owners had intended to convert this room into an additional bathroom if desired. A separate WC completes the first floor.

Attached to the house is a substantial barn of approximately 80m² with cellar, mezzanine level and large double doors opening to both the courtyard and rear garden. Opposite the house stands a second stone barn of approximately 84m² with mezzanine area, offering excellent potential for workshops, storage or further development, subject to permissions. An open hangar provides a wonderful shaded space for summer dining and entertaining.

The mature gardens feature established trees, soft fruit, attractive hedging and a 10m x 5m swimming pool with surrounding terrace. Additional terraces around the house create several peaceful spots for outdoor relaxation. The property also benefits from a well, oil-fired central heating and predominantly double-glazed windows.

The market towns of Chef-Boutonne and Sauzé-Vaussais are both within 7km, offering supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries, cinemas and leisure facilities. Niort is approximately 40 minutes away, Poitiers with its international airport and TGV station can be reached in 45 minutes, while the beautiful Atlantic coast at La Rochelle is around 1 hour 20 minutes away.