Imagine summer mornings beginning with coffee on the covered stone terrace, watching horses graze peacefully in sun-dappled paddocks as the Charente valley awakens around you. The scent of fresh bread from the village boulangerie drifts through open windows, mingling with lavender from your garden. This is the rhythm of life at this exceptional equestrian estate in Aunac-sur-Charente, where authentic French countryside living meets versatile vacation property ownership. This remarkable stone residence offers a rare opportunity for international buyers seeking a vacation home in the Poitou-Charentes region that combines traditional character with modern comfort and genuine income potential. Set within 1.46 hectares of private grounds in the peaceful heart of Aunac-sur-Charente, this property comprises two independent residences: a 4-bedroom main house and a 4-bedroom guest house, each with its own entrance, kitchen, and living spaces. The estate's complete equestrian facilities, 10x5m swimming pool, and substantial stone barns create endless possibilities for family gatherings, holiday rentals, or establishing a boutique equestrian tourism business in this horse-friendly region of France. The main house showcases the finest elements of Charentais architecture, with recently refurbished interiors that honor the building's heritage while providing contemporary comfort. Authentic stone flooring flows through the ground level, where two generous living rooms totaling 66 square meters offer flexible spaces for entertaining or quiet relaxation. The new modern kitchen spans 34 square meters, complemented by a separate 22-square-meter kitchen-dining room perfect for casual family meals. A dedicated utility room adds practical convenience for extended vacation stays or permanent residence. Upstairs, four bedrooms include a 17-square-meter master suite with ensuite shower room and a spacious 13-square-meter dressing area. Two additional bedrooms feature private ensuite bathrooms, while the fourth bedroom shares a well-appointed shower room, ensuring every guest enjoys comfort and privacy during summer holidays or festive family gatherings. The guest house operates as a completely independent 4-bedroom residence, making it ideal for rental income, extended family visits, or hosting friends during peak season. The ground floor features a substantial 44-square-meter open-plan kitchen and dining area, while upstairs, four bedrooms include two with ensuite facilities. This separation allows owners to welcome guests while maintaining complete privacy in the main residence, or to generate significant vacation rental income during periods when the property isn't in personal use. The Charente region remains one of France's best-kept secrets for vacation property investment, offering authentic French rural life without the premium prices of Provence or the Dordogne. Aunac-sur-Charente sits in a particularly favored microclimate, enjoying warm, sunny summers ideal for outdoor living and mild winters that extend the usable season. The village itself provides genuine community atmosphere with essential amenities including bakery, café, and local services within walking distance. The estate's equestrian facilities represent exceptional value and opportunity. Nine spacious boxes in a purpose-built stable block, plus two additional boxes in a stone barn, accommodate multiple horses with professional standards of care. Fenced paddocks, a ménage for training, field shelters, and full water and electricity connections create a turnkey equestrian operation. Whether you're an experienced rider seeking your own French equestrian retreat, considering agritourism opportunities, or simply appreciating the pastoral beauty of horses in the landscape, these facilities add tremendous versatility and value. Two substantial stone barns measuring 110 and 120 square meters respectively offer remarkable potential for conversion into additional accommodation, creative studios, workshop spaces, or storage for classic cars and recreational equipment. With mains drainage already in place and the buildings' solid construction, these structures represent ready opportunities for future expansion as your needs evolve. The 40-square-meter covered terrace extends outdoor living throughout the seasons, providing shaded dining space during summer heat and protected relaxation areas during spring and autumn. The 10x5-meter swimming pool, set within landscaped grounds, becomes the natural gathering point during warm months, offering refreshing respite after countryside walks or days exploring nearby attractions. Location proves crucial for vacation property success, and this estate delivers exceptional connectivity. Verteuil-sur-Charente, one of France's most historic château villages, lies just minutes away, offering restaurants, shops, and the magnificent medieval Château de Verteuil overlooking the river. Angoulême, the region's cultural capital famous for its International Comics Festival, sits approximately 30 minutes distant, providing TGV high-speed rail connections to Paris in under two hours and Bordeaux in 45 minutes. This accessibility transforms the property into a genuinely viable weekend retreat for Parisian or international owners. The surrounding Charente valley unfolds with remarkable diversity. Spring brings wildflowers carpeting the meadows and outdoor markets overflowing with local produce. Summer invites kayaking and swimming in the Charente River, cycling the region's extensive network of quiet country lanes, and evening meals featuring Charentais melon, local cheeses, and wines from nearby Cognac country. Autumn transforms vineyards into golden tapestries while mushroom foraging becomes a weekend ritual. Even winter holds appeal, with truffle markets, cozy fireside evenings, and the absence of tourist crowds that plague more popular regions. The Cognac region, just 30 minutes west, offers world-renowned distillery tours and tastings at houses like Hennessy, Rémy Martin, and smaller artisan producers. The Atlantic coast beaches of Royan and the Île de Ré lie within 90 minutes, providing seaside escapes during summer heat. Medieval towns like Confolens and Charroux offer markets, festivals, and authentic French provincial life unchanged by mass tourism. For international buyers, the Charente presents favorable market conditions. Property prices remain approximately 40% below comparable estates in the Dordogne or Provence, while rental demand continues growing as travelers seek authentic experiences away from overtouristed areas. The region's equestrian culture supports strong demand for properties with facilities, whether for personal use or rental to riding enthusiasts. French property ownership for international buyers has become increasingly straightforward post-Brexit, with clear legal frameworks and established processes. Local notaires handle transactions professionally, and English-speaking agents and services support international owners. The property's mains drainage, modern systems, and good condition mean minimal immediate investment beyond personalization to your taste. For those considering rental income, the dual-residence configuration offers multiple strategies. Rent the guest house while occupying the main residence, achieving 30-40% cost offset during your ownership. Alternatively, rent both houses separately or together, potentially generating 8-10% gross yields during peak season given the property's equestrian facilities and pool. The growing agritourism and equestrian tourism markets in France support premium rental rates for properties offering authentic experiences and specialized facilities. This estate represents more than a vacation property; it's an invitation to embrace a different pace of life, to create multi-generational memories, to pursue equestrian passions, or to build a lifestyle business in one of Europe's most authentic rural regions. The flexibility of two independent residences, professional equestrian facilities, and substantial grounds creates a canvas for whatever vision you hold for your French adventure. Key Features: 8 bedrooms total across two independent residences with separate entrances, 7 bathrooms with multiple ensuite configurations for guest privacy, 426 square meters of living space across main house and guest house, 1.46 hectares of private grounds with landscaped gardens and paddocks, Professional equestrian facilities with 11 horse boxes in two stable blocks, Fenced paddocks, ménage, field shelters with water and electricity, 10x5-meter swimming pool for summer enjoyment, Two stone barns totaling 230 square meters with conversion potential, 40-square-meter covered terrace for outdoor entertaining, Recently refurbished main house with new kitchen and authentic stone flooring, Mains drainage and modern systems throughout, Village location with amenities within walking distance, 30 minutes to Angoulême TGV station (Paris 2 hours), Strong rental income potential from dual-residence configuration. Contact Homestra today to arrange your private viewing of this exceptional Charente valley estate and begin your French vacation home journey.
