Montmorillon, our local town, is 6 miles away - this is a 15 minute drive. It is a very attractive medieval town with good shops and services, and even a Hypermarket on its outskirts. It has a good hotel, several great restaurants, take away pizza, bar, café and a lovely river running through it. On Wednesdays it is the scene of a substantial local market. And don’t forget, it boasts the world famous Museum of the Macaroon (honestly) which is the best cake and chocolate shop for miles around. And yes, it also has a museum attached to it….

There is a wealth of other attractive medieval towns within half an hour’s drive and the chateaux of the Loire are only an hour away.

Poitiers is a fascinating city with an outstanding cathedral and markets galore and, for children, Futuroscope is about 50 minutes drive from the house. There are other places of architectural and historical interest such as the Abbey at St Savin with its unusual frescoes.

Angles sur l’Anglin, supposed to be the prettiest town in the Charente is about 20 minutes away and boasts some good restaurants and some great brocantes (antique shops).

At Lathus (15 minutes drive) is a fabulous equestrian centre where anyone from beginners to experienced riders can have tuition or just enjoy a little trot in the countryside, at extraordinarily good value. Lathus also has rock climbing and kayaking available.

Other lovely days out for those with children (or who just enjoy wildlife) include La Vallee des Singes which is a beautifully realised country park full of monkeys. The central island area has families of gorillas living on it, and the rest of the park has many different species of monkeys just dancing around amongst the visitors. Sounds a little weird, but it is very well done and a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

Or you can sit by the pool, or stroll amongst the countryside, or cycle in the surrounding (nice and flat) area amongst the sunflower fields. No pressure.