Our caretaker, Kath, is available on 0033 963 544406 or you can email her at kathrynmaxwell59@gmail.com. Please try to understand that the rural nature of the region may mean getting hold of her is sometimes difficult. We carry our mobile with us at all times so please feel free to call us (07747 621104) if you cannot get hold of Kath.

Arrival time is any time after 4pm and departure time is any time before 10am. Please be sure to stick to these times to allow adequate time for changeovers. Unfortunately early arrivals are generally not possible as the time frame is very tight.

There is a chance that the caretakers will have left before you arrive in which case the keys will be located in a safe place. This location will be confirmed to you when we process your booking.

The house/s will be cleaned before your arrival. Please leave the houses as you found them.

Please inform your caretaker of any breakages/damages as soon as possible. If you cannot contact the caretaker for whatever reason please contact the owner.

Please inform your caretaker as soon as possible if you are experiencing any problems with the house/s. If you cannot contact the caretaker for whatever reason please contact the owner.

Please note that all bedding and towels are provided, but not beach towels or cot bedding.

Our outside caretaker will endeavour to visit once a week to maintain the pool and gardens. However, if you notice that some of the planting is looking a little thirsty we would really appreciate it if you could give them a quick water to keep them nice throughout the season.

There is a welcome book with all the instructions of how to use the facilities, please pay attention to the rubbish and recycling collection times.

Thank you for choosing our properties, we hope you have a fantastic holiday.

We would like to make all guests aware that shop opening times in France are not as flexible as in the UK. If you are arriving late (i.e. after say 6pm) or on a Sunday or a Bank Holiday it is advisable to bring some basic provisions to tide you over until the shops re-open. Please see below for the French Bank Holidays.

The following dates are Public Holidays in 2012 when many businesses are likely to be closed. Please make sure you are aware of these dates as it can be very inconvenient:

When a Public Holiday falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, it is very common to for the Friday or Monday to be included, creating a long weekend (“faire le pont”). Many businesses, therefore, are closed for the entire period.

Driving directions are now given on the Travelling advice page.

Please make sure that the BBQ grills are left as you found them as our caretaker(s) work in a small 6 hour window between guest changes and cleaning the grills is very time consuming. We suggest spraying the grills in oven cleaner and leaving overnight to penetrate the grease, then cleaning back to a good standard the following morning. Please note that failure to do so MAY result in a deduction from your damages deposit if more time is needed over and above the 6 hour clean period.

Please make sure the summer cover is pulled over the pool when not in use, especially at night. Failure to do so will most certainly result in debris falling into the pool making it unpleasant for your stay. We have had an occasion where one house has left the cover off for a few days and forgotten about it then days later the pool was filled with debris and spoilt the enjoyment for both parties. Your swimming pool caretaker will visit on a weekly basis to clean and balance the pool in order to keep it acceptable for your enjoyment.

Please take time to read the welcome book and signs, and adhere to the rubbish and recycling stipulations. There are set days when the black and yellow bin bags are collected. A row of colour coded bins are along the drive. Please remember to familiarise yourself with the system in order to maintain healthy standards for both yourselves and the next guests.

Towels and bedding are provided for each guest (except cot bedding and beach towels) We ask that you leave all towels, sheets and blankets in the bathroom after your stay.

Unfortunately bicycles are not provided for health and safety reasons. You are more than welcome to bring your own or to hire them out locally.

Car hire is available from most major railway stations, ports and airports. As the companies providing these services often change we recommend Googling Car Hire La Rochelle or wherever you are arriving at.