The Piglet Barn

About this property

The Piglet Barn is a beautifully converted holiday home, where the pace of life slows and days begin with birdsong and a stroll to the village boulangerie. This high-quality barn conversion sits on the edge of Vouvant, one of France’s prettiest villages, known for its medieval heart, ancient ramparts and artisan charm. Whether collecting warm croissants for breakfast, browsing the galleries or dining al fresco in the village square, everything is within walking distance.

Inside, the barn is bright and spacious, with an airy open-plan layout framed by beams and a soaring double-height ceiling. Patio doors invite natural light and lead directly to the dining terrace and garden beyond. The living area is thoughtfully furnished for comfort, with UK TV channels and Wi-Fi keeping you connected. A well-equipped kitchen makes self-catering simple, and the large family shower room adds a sense of ease. With a double bedroom and a twin room, the space is perfectly suited for a couple or small family seeking calm and convenience in equal measure.

Outside, the grounds open to two acres of woodland, perfect for shady picnics on warm summer days. The 10-metre swimming pool is flanked by loungers and parasols on the sun deck. Pool and beach towels, along with bath-robes, are all provided to make packing lighter.

The Piglet Barn offers a superb base to explore this often-overlooked corner of western France. The nearby towns of La Châtaigneraie and Fontenay-le-Comte provide excellent local amenities, while the wild beauty of the Marais Poitevin and the excitement of Puy du Fou are both within an easy drive. Kayaking and lakeside picnics await in Mervent, just 15 minutes away, whilst the glorious Atlantic shores are just over an hour by car.

Whether you’re seeking days of adventure or leisurely countryside charm, The Piglet Barn offers a relaxed and well-placed setting for an unforgettable Vendée escape.

Step into the charm of medieval Vouvant, where winding cobbled lanes weave between flower-draped houses, artists’ studios, and remnants of fortified walls, crowned by the storied Mélusine Tower.

The Piglet Barn is set in the open countryside, yet just a 3-minute drive (or less than 15 minutes on foot along a country lane) to Vouvant where you will find everyday essentials: a bakery, grocery shop, café-bar, and welcoming restaurants. Take part in a daily guided tour to uncover the village’s layered past, where legends echo through its buildings and natural surrounds. A nearby hiking path offers a scenic adventure across the La Mère river via the unique chain ferry, the Bac à chaîne.

Ideally situated for both relaxation and exploration, Vouvant lies just 15 minutes from La Châtaigneraie (12.5km), a hub for shopping, dining and forested walks, with excellent local fishing spots. Don’t miss the bustling market in Fontenay-le-Comte (15km), where you can delve into the town’s elegant Renaissance history.

Closer still, Mervent (8.5km) invites nature lovers to kayak on serene waters or visit Natur’Zoo de Mervent, a verdant park home to over 300 animal species. For a magical escape, the nearby Marais Poitevin, just 20 minutes away, is a tranquil wonderland of leafy canals, towpaths and flat cycling routes, often nicknamed the “Green Venice” of France.

Those in search of excitement will relish a trip to Puy du Fou (46km), where award-winning performances bring centuries of French history to life in spectacular fashion.

And for beach lovers, the golden shores of La Tranche-sur-Mer (75km), Les Sables-d’Olonne (100km), or the idyllic Île de Ré (80km) are all within easy reach, promising unforgettable days by the sea amid picturesque landscapes and charming coastal towns.

Accommodation

Barn Interiors

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Open-plan living and dining area with sofas, wood-burning stove, TV (with UK channels) and table. Patio doors open to terrace and garden
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Open-plan side kitchen with oven and hob, fridge freezer, microwave, washing machine
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Bedroom 1 with double bed
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Bedroom 2 with two single beds
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Shower room with WC, shower and sink

Outside Grounds

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Swimming pool (10x5m, depth: 1.8m)
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Poolside deck with sun loungers and parasols
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Dining terrace with barbecue
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Large garden (leading to open countryside including 2 acres of woodland)
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Private parking

The swimming pool may occasionally be shared by the charming owners who live on site.