Picture yourself unwinding in your private jacuzzi, a glass of local cognac in hand, as the golden light of a French summer evening filters through the trees of your secluded garden. This is the reality awaiting you in this single-story villa, a serene retreat where the vineyards of Charente meet the historic town of Cognac, offering the perfect balance between peaceful countryside living and vibrant French culture. This 95m² villa represents an exceptional opportunity to own a turnkey vacation home in one of France's most celebrated regions, where world-renowned spirits, rolling vineyards, and riverside tranquility create an incomparable lifestyle for discerning international buyers seeking an authentic French escape.
This thoughtfully designed single-story villa eliminates stairs entirely, offering effortless accessibility that international owners particularly appreciate for multi-generational family gatherings. The home welcomes you through an entrance hall that flows seamlessly into a spacious living and dining area, where a wood-burning stove creates a cozy focal point for winter evenings after exploring the region's distilleries. Natural light floods the space, enhanced by double glazing throughout that maintains comfortable temperatures year-round. The first bedroom offers flexible use as a master suite or guest accommodation, while two additional interconnected rooms at the rear provide creative possibilities—imagine a second bedroom paired with a dedicated office for remote work, an art studio inspired by the Charente landscape, or a playroom for grandchildren during summer holidays. The fitted kitchen opens directly onto one of two private terraces, transforming al fresco dining into a daily ritual during the region's warm months, which stretch from April through October.
The true jewel of this property reveals itself in the 505m² enclosed garden, a mature landscape of established trees and thoughtfully designed outdoor living spaces. Complete privacy defines the experience here—no neighbors overlook your sanctuary, allowing you to relax in your jacuzzi terrace without reservation or host gatherings on the dining terrace with complete freedom. The mature plantings provide natural shade during summer while creating a park-like atmosphere that changes dramatically with the seasons: spring blossoms, summer abundance, autumn gold, and winter's architectural beauty. A practical garage attached to the house protects your vehicle while providing valuable storage for bicycles, outdoor furniture, and equipment needed for countryside exploration. The cellar accessible from the interior corridor offers traditional French storage space, ideal for building your personal collection of local cognacs and regional wines.
The Cognac region offers vacation home owners an extraordinary blend of cultural richness and outdoor recreation that few European destinations can match. The town of Cognac itself, less than 1.5 kilometers from your front door, pulses with the heritage of centuries of spirit-making tradition. Here, you can tour the legendary cognac houses—Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell, and Courvoisier—learning the art of distillation and aging that has made this region world-famous. The tourist-friendly atmosphere means excellent restaurants, bistros, and cafés line the streets, offering everything from casual lunches to refined dining experiences featuring Charente lamb, foie gras, and fresh river fish. Weekly markets overflow with regional produce, artisan cheeses, and specialty products that make cooking at your vacation home a joy rather than a chore.
The Charente River, which winds through this landscape, provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Kayaking and canoeing along calm waters offer unique perspectives on riverside châteaux and wildlife, while the extensive network of riverside walking and cycling paths creates perfect morning routines or afternoon adventures. The famous EuroVelo 3 cycling route passes through the region, connecting you to hundreds of kilometers of maintained paths through vineyards, sunflower fields, and historic villages. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the river's reputation for pike, carp, and catfish, with local fishing associations offering day permits for visitors. During summer months, river beaches and swimming spots provide refreshing breaks from warm afternoons, while autumn and winter transform the landscape into a photographer's paradise of morning mists and golden light.
The vineyard landscape surrounding Cognac creates an ever-changing backdrop to daily life here. Spring brings vibrant green growth across the chalky soils, summer deepens the color as grapes mature, autumn explodes with harvest activity and turning leaves, and winter reveals the architectural beauty of pruned vines against clear skies. You'll develop relationships with local vignerons, visiting their properties for private tastings and purchasing directly from producers. The region celebrates its heritage with festivals throughout the year: the Cognac Blues Passions festival in July attracts international musicians, while September's harvest celebrations bring communities together for traditional meals and festivities. The proximity to Bordeaux (120 kilometers south) and La Rochelle (100 kilometers west) expands your cultural options, with both cities reachable for day trips yet far enough to maintain Cognac's peaceful character.
For international buyers, this property's technical features eliminate common vacation home concerns. The modern air-to-air heat pump system provides efficient climate control, supplemented by the atmospheric wood-burning stove for authentic French winter ambiance. Connection to mains drainage removes septic system worries, while fiber optic internet enables remote work capabilities and maintains connections to home. The move-in ready condition means you can begin enjoying your French lifestyle immediately, without the delays and uncertainties of renovation projects. Local property management companies specialize in serving international owners, offering services from routine maintenance to rental management during periods when you're not using the home yourself. The rental market for vacation properties in the Cognac region remains strong, with visitors seeking authentic experiences beyond the typical French tourist circuits. Your property can generate income to offset ownership costs while you're away, particularly during the cognac tourism high season from May through October.
Accessibility makes this vacation home genuinely convenient for international owners based anywhere in Europe or beyond. Cognac's train station connects directly to Angoulême (30 minutes) and onward to Paris (2.5 hours by TGV), making weekend getaways entirely feasible. For those driving, the A10 autoroute passes nearby, connecting to Bordeaux, Paris, and Spain with ease. Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, approximately 100 kilometers away, serves numerous European destinations through Ryanair, EasyJet, and traditional carriers, with regular flights to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and major European cities. During summer, seasonal routes expand options further. Poitiers Airport, though smaller, lies 100 kilometers north and occasionally offers additional connections. The Charente region benefits from Southwest France's enviable climate—mild winters rarely see sustained freezing, while summers bring warm, sunny days cooled by Atlantic influences. The region averages 2,000+ hours of sunshine annually, significantly more than Northern France or the UK, yet avoids the extreme heat of Mediterranean France.
Owning property in France as an international buyer has become increasingly straightforward, particularly post-Brexit administrative adjustments. EU citizens maintain full property rights, while UK and other international buyers navigate a well-established legal framework that has served foreign property owners for decades. Local notaires (French lawyers) specialize in international transactions, guiding you through the process in English if needed. The Charente department welcomes international residents warmly, with established expatriate communities providing support networks and social opportunities. Property taxes in this region remain remarkably reasonable compared to coastal or major urban areas, making annual ownership costs manageable. Whether you envision your Cognac villa as a family gathering place, a rental investment, a remote work retreat, or your eventual retirement destination, the property's versatility supports any vision.
Key features that distinguish this vacation home opportunity: Three bedrooms plus flexible office space accommodate family and guests comfortably. Single-story design eliminates accessibility concerns for all ages. Private 505m² enclosed garden with mature trees provides park-like setting. Dedicated jacuzzi terrace offers resort-style relaxation. Second terrace with kitchen access enables outdoor dining. Attached garage protects vehicles and provides storage. Traditional cellar offers authentic French storage space. Modern heating combines efficient heat pump with atmospheric wood stove. Fiber optic internet enables remote work capabilities. Double glazing throughout ensures year-round comfort. Connected to mains drainage eliminates septic concerns. Complete privacy with no overlooked views. Walking distance to local shops and services. Less than 1.5km from Cognac's historic center and attractions. Immediate access to vineyard walking and cycling routes. Move-in ready condition requires no renovation delays.
This villa presents more than a real estate transaction—it offers a gateway to the authentic French lifestyle that international buyers dream about. Imagine weekends exploring different cognac houses, learning the subtle differences between grande champagne and petite champagne designations. Picture leisurely Tuesday mornings at the market, selecting ingredients for lunch on your terrace. Envision hosting friends for a week of vineyard cycling, river kayaking, and evening gatherings around your wood stove. Consider the investment advantages of owning in an established but not overtouristed region, where rental demand remains strong and property values reflect genuine value rather than speculative excess. The Cognac region rewards those who seek depth over superficiality, offering cultural richness, outdoor beauty, culinary excellence, and warm community—all within a property that requires no work, just the simple pleasure of unlocking the door and beginning your French adventure. Contact Homestra today to schedule a viewing and discover why this villa represents the vacation home opportunity you've been seeking in the heart of France's most spirited region.
