Podien Cottage
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Overview
Podien Cottage is part of a working Côtes de Blaye vineyard. Once the workers' home, the cottage has been charmingly restored and filled with modern touches to help create an effortless stay.
An open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area is on the upper floor with a panoramic window making the most of wonderful views over the estate. The kitchen has all the appliances you need for your stay. A circular dining table sits in the centre of the room surrounded by four wooden chairs. The lounge is on the opposite side of the kitchen and has a large sofa with cushions for you to relax into. Next to the lounge is a tall stone wall with a traditional stove and fireplace to keep you warm on winter nights.
Both bedrooms are located on the lower floor. They are spacious with homely details such as a patterned headboard, long mirrors and paintings hung on the walls. Each has an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower. One ensuite has a washing machine on hand if needed and there is stand-alone bath in one of the bedrooms. The bedrooms both have double beds, however one can be converted into two singles.
Doors from the upper level lead out to a newly built patio terrace with a long heated swimming pool to one side against the terrace wall, providing privacy from the tennis courts and village on the other side. There are sun loungers near the pool for you to relax on warm summer days. The terrace also features an outdoor seating and barbecue, set up for long evenings cooking delicious meals together. Toast marshmallows on the fire pit, ideal for gathering beneath the stars.
The organic Côtes de Blaye vineyard is in the Bordeaux region and provides the perfect backdrop to your holiday. Podien Cottage is on the village side of the working vineyard, with views of the grounds, vines and estuary in the backdrop. Wine tours and tastings can of course be arranged. The cottage is also next to the village tennis courts, which you are invited to use.
The heart of the local village is a short walk away and has all your essentials including a small grocery shop (with fresh bread), a butchers and a pharmacy. On some Sunday mornings the village hosts oyster stalls on the main street.
What you should know…
- Podien Cottage is one of two properties within the wine estate (see also Foy Cottage). It is on the village side, next to the village's tennis courts (which guests can use).
- Please note this is a working vineyard with machinery in use. Children should be supervised at all times, especially as the grounds are unenclosed.
Property Features
House Interiors
Upper Floor
- Open-plan lounge and dining area with Smart TV, fireplace with stove and doors leading to terrace and pool
- Open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, microwave, fridge, toaster, oven, kettle
Lower Floor
- One bedroom with double bed, bath in the bedroom, doors leading to garden and en suite bathroom with shower
- One bedroom with double bed (can be split into twin beds), door leading to garden and open en suite bathroom with shower
Outside Grounds
- Heated salt-water swimming pool (8x3m depth: 1.8m) with safety cover. Open approximately May to end-September
- Poolside terrace with sun loungers (x2) and outdoor dining area
- Barbecue
- Firepit
- Lower garden/grounds
Location
About the surrounding area of Podien CottagePart of a certified organic vineyard in the Bordeaux region of south-west France, Podien Cottage is one of two charming homes set within the estate (see also Foy Cottage).
This working vineyard, producing a range of Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux wines, is a unique location for your holiday – the estate’s château dates back to the 18th century. The wine produced is mainly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and the vines are grown in clay and limestone, typical of the conditions on the right-bank of the estuary. There are opportunities to tour the estate and sample the wines.
Podien Cottage is on the village side of the domaine, next to the village tennis courts which guests can use (just ask for the key). It's a very short walk to the heart of the village with its grocery store (selling fresh bread), butchers and cafe-bar-tabac. On a Sunday morning you can pick up rotisserie chickens at the village butchers and there is occasionally a stall selling oysters.
Blaye (8km) is your local town, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Citadelle de Blaye. Designed by the celebrated French military engineer Vauban, Citadelle de Blaye is a fortress offering panoramas over the Gironde estuary. Built in the 17th century, the citadel of Blaye had 1.5km of ramparts, over 30 hectares of fortifications and 1,500 soldiers occupying the fort.
Spend time strolling through the citadel's narrow streets and meet the craftsmen, restaurateurs and shopkeepers who dwell in the once-fortified fortress. Tours are available for those who want to delve deeper into history and enter the underground passages below the surface. The town of Blaye also offers café, restaurants and shops for you to refresh yourself with.
Travelling slightly further away, take a day to visit the picturesque St. Emilion (47km), a medieval village located in the famous Bordeaux wine region. Surrounded by vineyards, St. Emilion has two thousand years of history found in beautiful architecture and monuments. Golden bricks shine in the sunlight as you wind through the village, exploring historic vineyards, cafes and shops.
Spend an afternoon feeling refreshed and head to the coast. The southwest of France is home to the Aquitaine coastline, the longest sandy coastline in Europe, stretching 230 kilometres. The surfing beaches around Lacanau (60km) are around an hour away (via the car ferry) or drive north to experience the seaside charm of Royan (85km), less than 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bordeaux
(52.3km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Berson
(Short walk ) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Blaye
(8km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
St. André de Cubzac/Bordeaux Saint-Jean
(20.5km/48km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Several restaurants in Blaye and Bourg
(Within 8-10km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Proxi grocery store in the village
(350m) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Cafe-bar-tabac in village
(400m) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
Village tennis courts
(Next to the cottage ) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Lacanau/Royan
(60km via car ferry/85km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf de Margaux - Médoc - Bordeaux
(26km via car ferry) |
||
Region
Aquitaine’s reputation as a varied and enchanting destination is well-earned – whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, this beautiful part of south-western France is a feast for every one of the senses. To make sure you’re getting the very best of your holiday (and to clue you up if you’re thinking of going) check out our wonderful travel guide – it’s full of tips, info and the things you really shouldn’t miss when you visit unforgettable Aquitaine.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesFamilies are warmly welcomed at Podien Cottage - a cot and highchair can be requested. The cottage is on the edge of the wine estate, close to the tennis courts and village. Guests can also use the playground which is visible from the cottage. Please be aware that the grounds are unenclosed and open to the large working vineyard so children will need to be supervised accordingly.
Guests can use the village tennis courts next to the cottage (just ask for the key) and it’s also great to be able to stroll a few minutes to get groceries and fresh bread or stop off for a drink in the bar-tabac less than five minutes away.
Young and old historians alike will be fascinated by the historic town of Blaye, around 10 minutes by car, home to a 17th-century citadel, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. River cruises often depart from Blaye, a wonderful way to appreciate the Gironde estuary. Car ferries cross the water towards the Médoc peninsula (a great place for beautiful lakes, cycling trails, watersports, sand dunes and surfing the Atlantic waves).
Keen cyclists can follow the back roads towards Blaye and then join the popular voie verte between Blaye and Étauliers (part of the Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo).
If staying in July and August, around 20 minutes by car is a Base de Loisirs (Nat&a) offering tree-climbing adventures, zip lines, archery and other summer activities.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- DVD
- Toys
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Bathroom Toiletries
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | €200 charged to client’s credit card two weeks before arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4pm. |
| Departure time | 10am. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €200 charged to client’s credit card two weeks before arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4pm. |
| Departure time | 10am. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including pool towels. |
| Heating costs included? | Included in rental price. |
| Energy costs included? | Included in rental price. |
| Internet access? | Wifi internet access included in rental price. |
| Minimum stay | 2 nights. |
| Changeover day | Fridays June-end of September, and Christmas. Flexible during other periods. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Not allowed. |
| Pets welcome? | Not permitted. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Pool heating charge? | Included in rental price. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 4 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 26th 2024 - Dec 20th 2024 | £563 | £844 | £1,125 | £1,406 | £1,969 |
| Dec 20th 2024 - Dec 31st 2024 | - | - | - | - | £2,417 |
| Dec 31st 2024 - May 30th 2025 | £563 | £844 | £1,125 | £1,406 | £1,969 |
| May 30th 2025 - Sep 30th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £2,521 |
| Sep 30th 2025 - Dec 19th 2025 | £563 | £844 | £1,125 | £1,406 | £1,969 |
| Dec 19th 2025 - May 30th 2026 | - | - | - | - | £2,521 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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A fantastic time
Thank you for letting us stay at your amazing house!
The family have had a fantastic time. We look forward to seeing you again soon. -
We've had such a lovely stay
We've had such a lovely stay - what a beautiful setting. The kids have had a fantastic time in the pool as well. Thanks for the restaurant recommendations - we've definitely been well fed!
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We have had a wonderful time
We have had a wonderful time in this beautiful area of France. The cottage had everything we needed and the pool was fantastic in the heat.
We are feeling very relaxed and happy. Thanks so much, we will return. -
Beautiful!
Beautifully presented and designed cottage in a lovely location. Naomi has answered every minor issue immediately and made our stay start very well.
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Magnificent cottage
A great relaxing stay! A magnificent cottage with very neat decor. Really perfect - I'll be back.
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Beautiful
Wow wow wow. It’s been the most amazing week! The Gite was beautiful, The essential supplies including wine (from the chateau) were a great touch on arrival. We had every need catered for!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
