Riverside terrace in the centre of town

We are a retired couple who spend half our life in Sydney, Australia and half our life in Confolens.

Our three level house has a terrace overhanging the river, shaded by wisteria and with a view of the Pont Vieux, a 10th century Roman Bridge. We face the river on one side and the road leading to the central square on the other side.

There are beautiful river views, a vegetable garden in self watering pots on the terrace for herbs, salad etc.

The main living area is on the first floor with windows opening onto the river. The bedrooms are on the floor above. The house is full of art work, mostly be family members and local artists from areas we have lived in.

The house is 500 years old, and one of the oldest houses in Confolens. In one of the bedrooms, I have taken two of the walls back to the original and replastered in the old sand and lime breathable plaster. Here you can see the original bones of the house. This room does not have a window, is only suitable for sleeping or storage. I have plans to introduce a solar tube to provide ventilation and light one of these days. The other two bedrooms are double bedrooms with windows on the river or on the street in front. The street side windows are all double glazed and all windows have wooden shutters for further protection and quiet.

There is a modern kitchen with dishwasher, gas cooking (no microwave), and most of the cooking gadgets you could want. A further groundfloor kitchen area has portable cooking items for cooking on the terrace, which has a gas bottle to use with the gas griller.

The town and house are suited for a quiet holiday with short walks and painting, reading, writing. It is not suitable for disabled access as there are many stairs and quirky steps.

There is a toilet on the ground floor and also on the bedroom floor.

The main guest bedroom has a TV and DVD player as well, and a wifi extender on that level provides a good signal.

About the location

Update on transport:

From Angouleme train station, Line 24 gets you to Confolens in 1.5 hours. From Limoges Montjovis station, take the train to Chabanais, and the Line 24 bus gets you to Confolens in 21 minutes. Buses run once or twice a day, depending on holidays/non-holidays. The Angouleme - Confolens run has been tested by us and friends successfully.

General

Confolens is a small agricultural town on the river La Vienne, and used to be an administrative centre for the area.

There is a modern hospital in town. You will be required to show your insurance details when you attend.

Shopping:
There are twice weekly produce markets in the town square 5 minutes away. Great baked goods and very fresh vegetables. As we are vegetarians, I cant comment on the meat or fish.

Lidl (best croissants in their in shop bakery!) and Intermarche are 20 minutes walk away in different directions.

There are a few antique shops, two optometrists and a pharmacy and a bank with ATM within a few minutes walk, as is the Town Hall and the post office.

Entertainment:

Frequent Friday evening music sessions are on at the nearby riverside arena. There are at least six cafes, two with pool tables. There is also a cinema nearby on the new bridge (we have two bridges crossing La Vienne, both within a few minutes walk).

Across the pedestrian bridge is the Fontorse area with a bar (Chez Eric) and a cafe/gallery(ArThe) also on the river and with a gorgeous garden and trees. Eric does evening curry meals by arrangement, and my friends tell me he is good. Nick and Mary at ArThe do a variety of light lunches and cakes, with a wide variety of teas and great coffee.

The Emeraude, on our side of the river, the Cafeteria both provide meals. There is also a cafe on the square (Cafe le Sports) and a breakfast place in town (The Irish Belle). There is also a Creperie/Pizza place behind the covered market. I am sure I have left some out.

There are a few Michelin restaurants outside Confolens in nearby town. However, be careful of the drink driving laws in France, as they can be quite strict, as are insurance rules for the car. You will not be covered if you have an accident and are found over the limit.

In warmer weather there are paddle boats and canoes for hire on the river.

There is a very good art gallery in Limoges as well as smaller exhibitions. Apart from that the local Cafe/Gallery ArThe can have some surprisingly good work at times.


Transport: Not very good public transport.

There is an early morning bus that goes to Angouleme and takes forever, and returns from Angouleme at 5pm. This is fine for a shopping trip, or if you want a couple of nights away. Nick at the cafe sometimes takes guests at his B&B on walks on the Issoire river, which is quite beautiful. But short walks around Confolens itself are plenty.

A few people will do paid runs to Poitiers or Limoges or Ruffec or Chabanais, at rates cheaper than taxis. There you can catch planes or trains to Paris (3-4 hours) and elsewhere.

As a number of english speakers have settled in Confolens, many establishments speak English. Most estate agents also have an english speaking consultant on their staff, as there is overseas interest in the town.

Conditions of exchange

Facilities

Nearby