Manoir de Plaisance

Manoir de Plaisance is a magical 19th-century manor house that's been gracefully transformed into an adult-only boutique hotel with just 4 luxurious suites. Nestled in the countryside of the Charente-Maritime region of France, just half an hour's drive from La Rochelle, this romantic getaway stands proudly in more than 12 acres of private parkland and boasts both a swimming pool and tennis court. The silence at night is broken only by birdsong and the occasional owl.

Breakfast is a continental affair, with an array of goodies including bread, croissants, cheese, ham, and freshly squeezed juices. Plus a selection of fruit and yoghurt.

Enjoy seasonal table d’hôte meals of an evening courtesy of Chef Ben – a 3-course €42 set menu, including an apéritif poured at 7:30pm (in the grounds on a warm night, or in the sitting room if not). Half an hour later, dine at candlelit tables, sip on local Ile de Ré wines, and don't be surprised if a cheese plate is served as a cheeky extra. Book at least 24 hours in advance, and be sure to let Ben know if you have any dietary requirements.

There are many restaurants to choose from in nearby Benon, Vouhé, Surgères, and Courçon – all within a short drive or cycle ride. Restaurant Le P'tit Caprice in Vouhé is particularly charming and serves simple, delicious dishes.

If you don't fancy leaving Manoir de Plaisance (we don't blame you), the accomodating kitchen prepares mouth-watering lunchtime picnic hampers to devour in the grounds, full of delicious treats – crusty baguettes, a selection of charcuterie and fromage, homemade quiches and leaf salads. There are lots of tables dotted around the garden, but a blanket is also included if you want to find your perfect spot under the dappled shade of the trees or by the river. 

All of the 4 suites at Manoir de Plaisance are massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliette balconies. Decorated beautifully in a soft palette of French greys, taupes, and whites, with pretty antiques, the bedrooms exude charm and style. They aren't air-conditioned, but the stone walls are thick, keeping things cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

There's nothing that hasn't been thought to make your stay completely unforgettable; 2000 pocket sprung king-size beds, Nespresso machines, Molton Brown products, and crisp cotton bed linen. All rooms have complimentary WiFi but no TVs – believe us when we say they would ruin the experience. Each features an unexpected quirk such as Maurice's exposed plaster wall, L'Écrivain's shower in a tower, and Christiane's charming balcony.

Extra beds and cots cannot be added, Manoir de Plaisance is adult-only.

The park the property sits in was the creation of an English landscape gardener in the early 20th-century, with every tree carefully placed to create the glorious setting that now exists. Two spring water lakes sit in the grounds, connected by a winding stream. Feel free to bring a fishing rod and try your luck...

The secluded 14-metre by 7-metre heated swimming pool is available for a dip between late May and September. After a splash about or a few lengths, dry off on one of the loungers and catch a few rays. For the more active, head over to the tennis court to brush up your skills.

Hop in a car northwards for 30 minutes and you'll reach Marais Poitevin, a rather lovely spot known as ‘Green Venice’, where the countryside is entwined with canals; there are plenty of places to rent a boat and hit the water. While in the area, check out the Abbaye de Maillezaie and the picture-postcard village of Coulon. 

Half an hour westwards from Manoir de Plaisance is La Rochelle, with its old port and charming narrow streets. From there, take the 3-kilometre bridge to Île de Ré, a gorgeous island surrounded by beaches. We highly recommend visiting for a day trip: there's a fantastic restaurant by the sea called La Cible where you can while away a whole afternoon with deliciously cool bottles of rosé and fantastic food.

We definitely recommend hiring a car if coming by train or plane. There's a train station at Surgeres (10-minute drive) with a car rental in the town. Otherwise, Niort and La Rochelle train stations are half an hour's drive away, with car rentals at both. The closest airports (La Rochelle, Nantes, and Bordeaux) all have car hire available.

La Rochelle is 30 minutes' drive away, Nantes is 1 hour 30 minutes, and Bordeaux is 2 hours by car.

Free parking is available.

Free Wi-fi is available.