Beautifully restored farmhouse and grounds in the heart of a picturesque village
Nestled amongst rolling vineyards and sunflower fields, Bay Tree Farmhouse is a stunning 18th-century French farmhouse, fully restored with love and care as our family holiday home. The village of Macqueville, close to the historical town of Cognac, is renowned for its welcoming Cognac and Pineau vignobles. With its spacious kitchen, traditional stone-walled rooms, large wood burning fireplaces, and large flood lit private swimming pool, it is a perfect relaxing rural retreat. • Extra-large kitchen with a wood-burning stove and a traditional farmhouse dining table and benches • Large relaxing sitting room with a wood burning fireplace and traditional Chinese day-bed centre table, TV/DVD player • Large second sitting room with a TV/DVD player, perfect for kids to have their “own” time • Master bedroom with super-sized bed and en-suite, with roll-top bath and walk-through shower, and adjoining babies room with a hand-built wooden cot • 4 beautifully pointed double bedrooms, and a cosy single bedroom • A second bathroom with a roll top bath • A third bathroom with a separate shower • A large 10mx5m heated swimming pool, nestled behind the arches of the former barn, with out door dining area with a large traditional farmhouse dining table and benches (pool is open from mid-May until mid-September) • Plenty of parking space, internet throughout the house Our perfect end to the day is a relaxing glass of wine watching the sunset across the fields, replaced by a jet-black sky emblazoned with stars.
For comfort, there is a maximum limit of 8 adults and up to 4 children, with a minimum age of 25 for the contracting renter.
The house is strictly for individual vacations - no party rentals are permitted.
More details are available at https://baytreefarmhouse.com
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Macqueville
Located in Macqueville, this cottage is in a rural area. Museum of Art History and Francois Mitterrand Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Le Cep Enchanté and Camus.
Office de Tourisme du Pays de Matha - 17 min drive - 14.5 km
La Moutarderie Charentaise - 19 min drive - 13.1 km
Birthplace of François Mitterrand - 25 min drive - 20.6 km
Hennessy Cognac Company - 34 min drive - 23.2 km
Getting around
Gondeville Jarnac-Charente Station - 19 min drive
Restaurants
Coffea - 13 min drive
La Loge Restaurant - 15 min drive
Fish & Chips Pougemin - 7 min drive
Boulangerie Barbeau Aurélien - 11 min drive
Guillon Bouchereau - 9 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does Beautifully restored farmhouse and grounds in the heart of a picturesque village have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Beautifully restored farmhouse and grounds in the heart of a picturesque village?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beautifully restored farmhouse and grounds in the heart of a picturesque village on 6 Sept 2026 start from AU$690, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Beautifully restored farmhouse and grounds in the heart of a picturesque village pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Beautifully restored farmhouse and grounds in the heart of a picturesque village?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Beautifully restored farmhouse and grounds in the heart of a picturesque village?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Beautifully restored farmhouse and grounds in the heart of a picturesque village?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Beautifully restored farmhouse and grounds in the heart of a picturesque village located?
This family-friendly Macqueville cottage is located in a rural location, 1.9 mi (3 km) from Le Cep Enchanté, and within 9 mi (15 km) of La Moutarderie Charentaise and Francois Ier Park. Cognac Public Garden and Cognac Golf are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We have a lovely holiday and the home was great, with attentive communication from the owner and the local contact.
Kathryn L.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct 2025
Kathryn,
Apologies for the delay in responding. Many thanks for your review and your follow up suggestions, which we will be taking into our annual off-season upgrade.
We would love to host you again. Cheers, Nick & Hayley
The house is as stylish and capacious as the booking information suggests! We made full use of the cool indoor spaces and the pool during our stay at the height of a heatwave. Macqueville and the nearby villages are very quiet and we experienced the slightly unreliable hours of the village shop and restaurant. Booking there is essential. Also a special mention for Dave who was very helpful.
Graham B.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct 2025
Graham,
Many thanks for your review. It was a pleasure to host you and we would love for you to stay again.
We share your slight pain over the village shop opening times - definitely a "quant" feature of rural France. You can normally rely on them early mornings as they provide half the village with bread, and often they open for food at lunchtime, but after that it's not so reliable (the shop up the road in Ballans is more reliable).
Thanks again. Nick & Hayley
An absolutely stunning property in the Charente, perfect for a large family grouping or 2 families. Stunningly well equipped, the owners have gone the extra mile to make sure everything is perfect for a great stay. The pool area is gorgeous and the pool impeccably clean. The main bedroom is stunning. One of the nicest houses we have stayed in. Our only regret is that we were only there for a week. David was super helpful if we had any questions.
Jonathan S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2023
Jonathan, thank you for choosing BayTree Farmhouse and for your review. We really appreciate the feedback. We would love to have you stay again - you were a pleasure. Thanks. N&H
Property very rural, so very quiet (good)However, property renovated some time ago and requires some TLC - electric supply in kitchen tripped off numerous times, hot water could only supply ONE tap/ shower at a time, Ice maker in fridge was broken and had rusted presumably due to a leak.House is decorated / equipped in a shabby chic style, but we got tired of searching through the many plates and bowls for 6 non chipped or cracked. This is the only property we have rented in France that had a shortage of descent wine glasses!The pool area is great and the local shop good for fresh bread and some essentials, though hours are variable!
Keith M.
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct 2025
Keith,
Many thanks for the review. As we discussed, your feedback has been helpful.
Firstly, thank you for your kind words on the privacy that the house offers, and the quality of the pool and its setting.
As per each year, we have already started our off-season annual upgrade to ensure that the property remains in excellent condition. We have incorporated your specific suggestions into this - a new fridge freezer is being installed and the hot water supply is being upgraded.
In terms of crockery, we’ve intentionally sourced a very large range of local, ornate French dinner sets. This is something that we work to enhance every year. That said, based on your feedback, we have added a complete set of matching white crockery. We have also sourced 12 large matching wine glasses.
In terms of décor, we continue to invest in a wide range of renovated French and imported handmade and antique Asian furniture. We have received very positive feedback from guests on the style of the decor, and it is something that we highlight in the listing photos.
Finally, in terms of the kitchen electrics, I can confirm that the system has been fully checked.
We thank you again for choosing Bay Tree Farmhouse and we would love to host you again.
Nick and Hayley
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour en famille (Enfants et petits-enfants) dans cette magnifique maison avec piscine.
Tous ont beaucoup apprécié la qualité du bâti et l'espace offert.
HAMARD M.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2023
Marie Jo, merci pour votre avis. vous étiez un invité fantastique. nous serions ravis que vous restiez à nouveau. merci beaucoup N&H
Marie Jo, thank you for your review. you were a fantastic guest. we would love you to stay again. many thanks, N&H
Wonderful holiday to suit young, old and inbetween!
We enjoyed a really wonderful stay at Baytree Farmhouse. Finding a location and property to suit a large family group aged between 11 and 84 seemed like a tall order but we were extremely pleased with everything this lovely house had to offer. From the spacious grounds (fabulously set up for children of all ages) to the swimming pool, the well equipped kitchen and roomy living areas, there was a space and activity for everyone.
We received a very friendly welcome and guidance on key aspects of the house. The interiors are warmly furnished, clean and comfy. The bedrooms are well set up with adequate bathrooms for a bigger group.
The swimming pool was a huge success with our children who spent many hours outside. The pool area itself is large and well set up with outdoor furniture.
We made good use of the local shop for bread and ad hoc items and made a straight forward journey to a larger supermarket on a couple of occasions.
Baytree Farmhouse is set in a very quiet and tranquil area and while not overlooked does have neighbouring properties nearby. I did feel slightly conscious of our children laughing in the pool when not another sound could be heard but hopefully nobody was concerned!
The only small things I would change would be a softer mattress in the main bedroom and some summer weight bedding. Certainly only minor points and we very much hope to stay again next year.
Becky S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2023
Becky, thank you for your review and for choosing BayTree Farmhouse. We also really appreciated the feedback you gave We would love to have you stay again. Finally, apologies for the very late follow up - we've only just realised that there is a RESPOND option. Thanks again. N&H
Beautifully presented property in a quiet village. Photographs don't do it justice. Wonderful accommodation and large heated pool.
Kitchen is perfect for guests to cook as it is very well equipped.
A car would be essential for exploring the surrounding environment and going to eat out.
Helene M.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2023
Helene, although it's a rather late response (we've only just realised that there is a RESPOND option), just a thank you for choosing BayTree and for your lovely review. We always appreciate the feedback. It would be a pleasure to have you stay again if you plan to visit to Charante again. Take care. N&H
We enjoyed a week long stay here at the end of May. There were four adults and a 2 year old so there was more than enough space in this beautiful property.
Nick was very helpful in the weeks before our stay answering any questions I had. We were the first group to stay in this holiday season yet didn't experience any teething issues.
The property itself is beautifully restored and has everything you need for your stay. There was even a highchair for our daughter which made it much easier to pack. We took our own equipment such as knives and bottle openers but didn't need to use any of that as the kitchen had everything we needed and more.
The pool was always a pleasant temperature and there were toys to keep the little one (and the childish adults) entertained. The furniture by the pool seemed new and was very comfortable, making it easy to spend the afternoon outside.
Inside, there was plenty of entertainment across the two lounges - books, DVDs, games etc.
The bedrooms were well laid out and comfortable.
We met Dave at the property and he also cleaned the pool midweek. He was very friendly and helpful and made us feel at home.
All in all we had a fantastic holiday and would love to stay again next time we're in the area.
Bekki B.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2023
Bekki, I know it's rather delayed (we've only just realised that there is a RESPOND option) but we did want to thank you for choosing BayTree Farmhouse and for your lovely review. It would be a pleasure to havr you stay again. Many thanks, N&H
Magnifique maison rénovée et décorée avec beaucoup de goût : objet chinés et plus personnels, nous avons passé un merveilleux séjour, que nous avons trouvé trop court !
Notre hôte, anglais et son contact sur place sont très disponibles, à l'écoute, outre leur grande amabilité et gentillesse.
Premier séjour qui ne sera pas le dernier, rendu particulièrement agréable, grâce à nos hôtes, dans une campagne calme et pleine de charme.
Josiane O.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jan 2022
Josiane, merci beaucoup. It was a pleasure to have you and your family stay at our house. We look forward to the next time! Bonne Annee. Nick & Hayley
About the host
Hosted by Nick Allen
We were living in Thailand when we bought this abandoned rural French farmhouse 20 years ago, with the dream of converting it into our "escape to the country" family holiday home. After years of dedicated work, it has been fully restored, and has become our home from home, providing the perfect antidote to London life!
Why they chose this property
We bought the house because of its location, which combines the tranquility of rolling vineyards and a friendly French village, and the vibrancy of the beautiful and historic town of Cognac.
What makes this property unique
It has been lovingly restored by local craftsmen, and filled with a combination of traditional French and handmade and antique Asian furniture.
We did not buy it to let - on returning from living in Asia, we fully restored it over 10 years to be our second home.
Only then did we realise that it was possible to make it available to other people.