Testimonials
"Our second visit to Pres de Geais!"
"We recently returned from our second stay in My Secret River - this time we had two weeks - last year a mere one week - which left us needing to return! It was just as lovely and peaceful as before and we were delighted to see the very new and very impressive bathroom! (Also glad to see that Martine and David have now added photos of it to the gallery!)
We were very lucky to have wonderful weather for most of our two weeks in May - however the fish remained elusive despite the most concentrated efforts of husband John and his friend Rick - who joined us for a few days of fishing! They did however agree that if you were not able to catch fish - this was the perfect spot not to catch them in! We followed up a suggestion to try the Aire de Rejallant, on the right, just as you enter Ruffec - and although again it looks perfect for angling - it was extremely hard work - so we have concluded that possibly French fish take their vacation in May.
I would agree with all previous reviews about dining out - and would also add Le Beau Rivage Hotel in Mansle where we went at David's suggestion. One last recommendation would be to go for coffee at the Moulin bakery in Verteuil, just below the bridge - and see if they have any of their freshly baked brioche. It will undoubtedly spoil you for eating brioche anywhere else - ever!
Martine and David were, as always, kind, helpful and thoughtful and we very much enjoyed their visit. One last plus was having Wifi available which allowed me to listen to Radio 4 on our laptop!
Am sure we will be back once again - there are still fish to be caught and honour to be preserved!
Guest Name : Ros & John Reeves - Devon
Date of stay : 21 May 2011
"Perfect peaceful haven"
"This is a beautiful location and perfect if are looking for a peaceful, relaxing holiday. The description on the website is very accurate. The house is extremely well equipped - there wasn't anything that we needed that wasn't available. Sitting by the river with a drink in the evening watching the Kingfishers, Sand Martins, Buzzards, Coypu and occasional red squirrel is a delight. The local area is surrounded by some very lovely villages - we did very little exploring as the house was so nice we struggled to tear ourselves away, but we did visit Auberge de L'Agentor in Nanteuil which has great food and a good value 4 course lunch with wine for €20. Angouleme is also worth a visit.
I would not hesitate to recommend this property to anybody who loves peace, lovely countryside views and watching wildlife. There is also several games (badminton, boules, board games etc.) and a large paddling pool so I think a family could entertain themselves easily.
Guest Name : April & Ty Smith - Woking
Date of stay : 25 June 2011
"Wonderful House for Recreation"
We are a family with 3 teenagers and had two very relaxed summer weeks in this wonderful house. The house is situated very nicely at the Charente, is very well equipped - as one can see on the fotos - and is ideal for re-creation. A boulangerie can easily be reached by one of the bikes provided, a supermarket by car. Martine and David are very friendly and helpful. I would rate my overall experience for this rental property as : Excellent I would recommend this property for : Age 55+, Families with young children, Tourists without a car, Romantic getaway, Families with teenagers .
Guest Name : Andreas & Christine Boemer - Koln (Germany)
Date of stay : 13 August 2011
"Amazing place"
We had an amazing 5 day stay at the property during the last week of the school holidays with three teenage children, we had a lovely relaxing week , the boys enjoyed fishing ( although they caught nothing ! and were very jealous of the new photos of the very large one caught in september!) and rowing up and down in the boat. The setting is so peaceful and tranquil. We had a lovely lunch in Nanteuil ( which i think is singposted village pictoresque) as well as a couple of other great meals out thanks to the brilliant visitor information pack. We have no hesitation in recommending my secret river - its fantastic and i am sure at some point we will be back. Thanks again - martine & david
Guest Name : Julie & Steve Horton - Roxwell (Essex)
Date of stay : 29 August 2011
"MY SECRET DISCOVERY!!!"
Wonderfull,wonderfull wonderfull week my wife and i had in this beautiful and extremely well equipped property.We have been to this area of france before and can only say that if you are looking for peace quiet and tranquility,then my secret river has it in bundles! The house is beautifully maintained leaving you wanting for nothing. The location for me (being a mad keen carp angler!!) was perfect. The fishing was hard but the rewards were well worth it. Previously uncaught mirrors and commons up to 25lb and no doubt bigger lurk in there somewhere!!! My wife was completely home from home within the house and the meals she prepared from some of the thoughtfully provided books were superb. We both spent most evening just relaxing under the lovely gazebo reading(fishing of course) and sinking wine by the bucket! Wildlife in abundance to keep you occupied most of the day but especially at night where we saw the Koypu and numerous bats. Martine and David,whom unfortunatly we missed,were very accessable by phone and left no attention to detail within the house,and communication with them was excellent. In short........we loved it. Thank you Martine and David for a superb week in the Charente. We'd have no hesitation in returning to your wonderfull property, thank you.
Guest Name : Stuart & Claire Johnson - Higham (Kent)
Date of stay : 17 September 2011
