August 2015 Thank you for welcoming us to your charming Gite du Calme. We have had a vey relaxing stay enjoying the tranquil setting between the forest and the vineyards. The Gite is very well equipped and met all our needs. Thank you also for the delicious offerings of your culinary mirabel jam , victoria plum jam and chocolate cake and the delcious cepes. The kids loved the slushies too.Good luck with senior school for Daisy and the future. The quayle family Lincolnshire.

August 2015 (written by the clients kids, aah!) Thank you we all loved staying in your hous. I loved gowing in the swiming and the trampleen. From Summer, Ryan Oscar Jeorje Gail Ed Hellan Simon.

August 2015 What a wonderful holiday we had at Gite du Calme, the children love their room and so many thoughtful touches around the Gite. Our highlights have been swimming in the river at Jarnac, followed by a tour around courvoisier, parc at Abbaye de Fontdouce and the meal we had a Moulin de la Baine. We were given a passbook at the ampitheatre in Sainte which give a reduction at tourist sites. We also loved sampling the Pineau de Charente. Many thanks for a wonderful stay. Mel, Rob Miles and Imogen Cumbria, Johathon,Rose and Amelia and Leo Warwickshire

July 2015 Julia Robert and Daisy - A wonderful stay at Gite du Calme-A truly restful Gite with so many thoughtful touches to make a family holiday so enjoyable. Our children loved the garden and all the games and of course the pool, and we all loved exploring the region, swimming in the river, eating excellent food and exploring the wonderful town of Saintes. Thank you for a great holiday. Isobel, Ross, Imogen and Yasmin.

July 2015 A Julia Robert et Daisy, Merci a vous trois de nous avoir accueille dans votre espace de paix et de sourire.Ce petit paradis fut pour nous quatre un moment de bonheur et de repos. Delphone, Michel Esther et Jean Poitier France

July 2015 Gite du Calme, Julia Robert and Daisy, a memorable week for our family! Thank you for your hospitality, sharing your knowledge of the area, which allowed us to sample some of the local pleasures! Above all the serenity of the Gite and kids swimming has come on brilliantly. Glad Daisy and her friend came to play too. Maybe it took temps to rise to a balmy 34 degrees for them to join us in the pool :) xxx A wonderful life you have here and we hope to come back and share again. Jill FC Murray and Kyle du Toit Helensburgh Scotland.

July 2015 Julia Robert and Daisy, thanks for a lovely stay, the Gite is gorgous and we do not want to go home! Amanda Simon and kids xxx

April 2015 Julia Robert and Daisy,Thanks for the wonderful location, and many laughs. This was the perfect place to reunite family. Jen AJ Lana and Mischa - Yellowknife Canada NWT / Thank you so much for letting us join you for a couple of days, lots of sun, lots of interesting places to visit, and comfortable and peacful surroundings to return to. A great break - and great to have the opportunity to spend time with family. Barbara and Ian./ Well, 3 weeks of relaxation, family, beautiful settings and no snow! This area is new to us, so it was great to explore and dream. To have our family join us for the first part and the last part of our stay was a bonus. Were really going to miss the bread! Thank you Julia Robert and Daisy for giving us the location to do this. It is ideal for what we wanted. Janet Price Edward Island Canada. And from Keith: Definately enjoyed, great chats around the table and meeting you all. Our best wishes to you, as you develop Gite du Calme. Wonderful Stay at Gite du Calme, great hosts, Julia and Robert and especially Daisy for looking after our girls. Beautiful GIte, great location and so much to do for the kids. We will be back. Tanya, Paul, Evie and Poppy Nicholson. Darlington UK.

May 2014 Much improved weather this week with some pleasant warm sunshine! We really enjoyed our week here, a lovely relaxed atmosphere and such friendly, helpful hosts in Julia Robert and Daisy. Our children/ grandchildren found so much to do, with all the activites provided. Badminton,table tennis, trampoline, the pool archery etc. The list goes on. We had some lovely bike ride together in the beautiful country side as well as some interesting visits in the locality, suggested by Julia. The honey/Pineau lady in the neigbouring village is a must visit. We appreciated the peace and tranquility of this Gite - it truly is Gite du Calem. We would love to come again some-time, we really enjoyed a fabulous week. Many thanks and very best wishes. John, Sue Clare, Steve, Rowen and Lily - Leicestershire. Daisy, you have good taste, the chocolate cake was yummy :)xxx Thanks

May 2014 Days of unrelenting rain. Thank you Julia for your wonderul warm welcome when we finally discovered the gap in the hedge and parked our car within the willow tree! Thank you too for the instructions on how to find places and the conversations. We have been so comfortable and relaxed you both go the extra mile to ensure that your guests enjoy their stay at Gite du Calme. Its so peaceful ( apart fromt the thunder ) and in a wonderful setting within the vineyards - very best wishes. Jan and PEter Mitchell Hayling Island Hampshire

May 2014 Sejour tres agreable, cadre paisible, Hote charmants et disponible, une petit fille adorable.Un suel regret ... le moment du depart. Christelle, Aurielie

May 2014 Nous sommes tres heureuse d'avoir passe un agreable sejour ici. Ce Gite est tres spacieux il y a tout le confort interieur et exterieur. Bravo pour tout. Madame Carrie

May 2014 Dear Julia and Robert, Thank you for the prefect place to stay while house hunting in the area. (Closer than we expected) The Gite and site are beautiful, hopefully we will stay again soon. Penny Lewis Devon UK

April 2014 Un accueil tres Chaleureux Un Gite idyllyc Une region magnifique On a vraiment envie d'y rester Merci beaucoup Ann et Michel Loiseau

April 2014 A house full of stories, a host full of stories, this is a place where writers could write a loit of books, thanks for the hospitality. Stefan Brijs - The Angel Maker

August 2013 Dear Julia, As the book is full of wonderful comments, we will send you a new book with our comments in. Ros and Tim and family

August 2013 What a lovely Gite you have. Its been perfect for all our family with loads to keep everyone occupied. Thank you Julia & Robert for all your help, especially with suggestions for places to visit. Thank you, also to Daisy from Iestyn & Harri, they have both enjoyed your company. We're all going home feeling we've had a wonderful time. Its been a great place for us to celebrate our Ruby Anniversary. Best wishes The Smith Clan.

August 2013 Many thanks we had a lovely time. A very quiet, peaceful place, we slept really well. Best wishes Claire, Jez & kids London

August 2013 Dear Julia, Robert & Daisy - Marvellous! Thank you for a lovely holiday. sunshine and swimming, markets and macarooms, Cognac and kittens! Wishing you all health and happiness. Love and hugs. The Fenton family xxx

August 2013 Dear Julia Robert & Daisy,We've had a lovely time in Gite du Calme. The weather was great and the pool, although a little green at first, it was very refreshing. Thank you for your recommandations of a few fine restaurants. We really enjoyed our stay and your company ( and the jam, and the cherries and plums from the garden Daisy gave us. Bisous from all of us Carl & Inge(Belgium)

July 2013 Family holiday Wow what a wonderful place. Gite du Calme is a beautiful house with an enormous garden, lovely pool and charming owners. Nestled in the vineyards it is quiet without being remote, in good reach of endless activities to suit every generation and hosted by a fabulous, welcoming family. The gite is very spacious with a huge kitchen and family bedroom. Each room is of a very good size, finished to a good standard, with excellent en suite facilities. If you want to get away from it all this is an ideal place, however wifi access is available too! If you're travelling with a family you really couldn't want for more. There are toys and games for every age inside and out, and many other pieces of baby/toddler equipment available. Not to mention the owners daughter who kept our 3 and 1 year old entertained for hours! We really loved Gite du Calme. 3 weeks on and we are still missing it! We would definitely return and recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful or alternatively an active exploratory holiday. Gite du Calme really ticks all the boxes. Well done Julia, Robert and Daisy. Thank you for a fabulous holiday. We hope to see you again in the future. Sam & James Bannerman Norway/UK

August 2012 What a wonderful time we've had at Gite du Calme. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality especially towards Gracie. Your Gite is truly magical, so tranquil and relaxing - we will certainly return soon. Much love Susan, Jon & Gracie xxx Hertfordshire & London

August 2012 Dear Robert Julia & Daisy We have had a wonderful week staying at Gite du Calme. The weather has been fantastic for us to enjoy the local area and beaches further afield. The house has been perfect. The children have adored the pool and we've all enjoyed the trampoline and table tennis. Its been a great place to enjoy a relaxing family holiday. Barker family

August 2012 Thank you Daisy for playing with me, from Zachary. We have had a fantastic week - thank you for your wonderful company - We have made new friends and we look forward to seeing you in London. Zachary is already asking when will we be back. Much love Trudi Nick and Zachary x

August 2012 Dear Rob Jules Daisy and cats xx Our new friends in France - thanks for letting us borrow your beautiful Gite. Everything was just perfect and we hope that we shall see you again soon, and you'll almost be most welcome in Stratford. Thanks for the laughs! With much love Al and Catherine xxx

July 2012 Dear Robert Julia and Daisy, once again we have had a lovely, lovely time. Our third visit and still as lovely. Thank you lots of love Sharron, Nigel, James,Laura and Sophie, Crowborough

July 2012 We greatly enjoyed our stay.Everything we need in Gite, and more (although would prefer stronger bottle opener on desert island - cannot think of any other complaint, this after 30 years regular visits to France.) Full of admiration for your bold adventure to up sticks from the UK, and sincerely wish you well for the future, Daisy especially. For future guests - do agree with Julia's recommendations of restaurant at St.Sauvant and the new cafe du The et Saintes, Musee d'arts - closed Tuesdays. Also the floaty pontoon at Rouffiac - inexpensive, friendly lovely setting. Thought the Moulin food not brilliant, although worth a visit once if only for the ambience. Definately one of the best holidays - no wish to return - home I mean! John and Sue Garside

June 2012 The fact that this is the first holiday location that we have re-visited speaks volumes. If you are searching for complete tranquility and relaxation in a wonderful location, then look no further than le Gite du Calme ! Finally, what makes that extra special difference is the hospitality and friendliness of the owners Julia and Robert. The Bentleys UK

March 2012 Absolutely awesome stay what a great place and fantastic hosts! So many things to doaround here, fishing, cycling, karting, gourmet dining and of course Cognac tasting. Highly recommend a tour of the Cognac houses in grand Champagne and spending lots of time with Robert Jules and Daisy who are the best! Thanks Ben, Ali, Alina, Juan Maricruz, Ivan Madrid. p.s watch out we'll be back!

October 2011 Dear Daisy Julia & Rob, Well what can we say! A beautiful Gite. You are the most perfect hosts and made us feel welcome and at home. We do not actually want to go home! Daisy is a real gem and Trinity loves her. Thanks for your hospitality. We will be back. Kay & Tim Stanmore UK

September 2011 Thank you Julia & Robert we’ve all had a lovely relaxing week at beautiful Gite du Calme. It was a great place to get all the family together. Would love to come again and will tell all our friends! Lynn & Mike Dorset UK

September 2011 Thank you so much for an amazing week in a beautiful and very relaxing Gite! We particularly enjoyed the trampoline and having so much space to run around in. Hoping to return before to long! Andy & Rhuan St.Albans UK

August 2011 Many thanks for an enjoyable stay yours & Daisy’s hospitality was appreciated. We found the Gite typically French, with rambling surroundings. The location was ideal for our stay and your local knowledge invaluable. The Gite was spacious and comfortable although we did purchase additional towels in order to have one per person. All in all we had a lovely time. Nick, Sharon & family Suffolk UK

August 2011 Dear Daisy Rob & Julia Well what a lovely holiday we have had! The Gite is perfect and location ideal for everything we could wish for. The only thing that we’re not happy about is that we haven’t booked for 3 weeks and we now have to go home! Harriet and Olivia have enjoyed playing with Daisy and will be sure to email her regularly with all their news from England. I’m sure we will be back to this region again (if not the Gite as well, hopefully!) We have fallen in love with this beautiful landscape and the wonderful things it produces, especially the wine!! Take care to you all. The Parson family UK

August 2011 Dear Julia Robert and Daisy, Our holiday was as we say in Flemish “Leven als god in Frankrijk” (vivre comme dieu en France). The children enjoyed the many things including the toys to play in and around the house and so did we … on Wii. We enjoyed the Mirabelle jam and apple compot very much. Merci et au Revoir! The Els family Belgium

July 2011 Thank you Julia Robert & Daisy for a wonderful holiday! Super weather and lovely Gite – so well equipped for everything. Our kids loved the trampoline and the pool and the weather ( except for one drizzly day!) was glorious. Fantastic trip to Moulin de la Bain, well worth the short journey over there, just remember to stop at the Dompierre Boulangerie on the way home! We will be very sad to leave. Kerry, Colin, Claire & Robert Kent UK

June-July 2011 We have had a wonderful 2 weeks here! It’s a shame it rained so much though. Our two families enjoyed our stay very much and the jams were fantastic. Daisy was great and really fun. I hope we get a chance to come back again soon. Thank you for everything. p.s Thank you for the sunflower seeds Daisy. The Fisher & Lankstead families Canada.

June 2011 Wonderful holiday – fine weather, excellent hosts, splendid accommodation. Would love to come back another year. Sue, Steve and family Cornwall UK

May-June 2011 Gite du Calme – Honestly there weren’t enough words in the world to describe it! Me & my family have been to France before but that time and probably most of our other holidays does not compare. We had great hosts ( Julia Robert & Daisy) and I don’t even think you should put insulation in for the 2nd floor to stop the creaks, its all the more charm! Thank you soooo much for this is all I can say! We’ll come back, I’m sure, just for another of your chocolate pancakes! The Bentley family Yorkshire UK

May 2011 Just like last year we enjoyed our holiday in Gite du Calme very much. This year the weather was lovely and therefore we enjoyed visiting Royan, relaxing by the pool and the morning cycling rides to the boulangerie in Cherac. Verena liked the school of Daisy and all the kids (Verena, Eva, Joran & Jris) enjoyed the trampoline and the cherry cocktails Daisy made. The new BBQ is perfect for a lovely and tasty diner, you really have to try it yourselves very soon Julia & Robert!! Thank you for a lovely stay. Marco & family Netherlands

March 2011 We stayed with Julia & Rob whilst property shopping locally. The Gite is very clean, comfortable and spacious. The Gite du Calme is particularly well suited for families with small children. The garden is huge and there are lots of toys. Julia & Rob are very relaxed which makes the atmosphere perfect for a chilled out break. The Piquets - London

September 2010 We had a most enjoyable week at this delightful place - so comfortable and spacious. We enjoyed some wonderful weather. The chance to explore the many areas of interest that surrounded us. Very relaxing setting and helpful hosts. Thanks a bunch. The Newmans UK & Canada

August 2010 For the first time in many years I can honestly say we have had a truly relaxing holiday here at Gite du Calme. We really got away from the hustly and bustle of our daily lives and unwound. The Gite was very comfortable and spacious, the gardens were full of surprises and the surrounding countryside really quite spectacular. The children loved being here - probably because of Daisy, the trampoline, the pool and the drawer of toys! Julia & Robert made us feel very welcome and settled. Thank you. The Sharpe family, Hove

August 2010 This was our second visit to Gite du Calme. Having thoroughly enjoyed our stay last summer we couln't wait to get back here this year for two weeks of rest and relaxation.It has not disappointed again! Great local Rosé, Cognac, food and cheeses and with fantastic hosts in Julia, Robert and Daisy. What more could anyone ask for! A thoroughly relaxing two weeks. Thank you Sharon, Nigel, James, Laura, Sophie, Moira, Owen Crowborough East Sussex UK

July 2010 Beautiful Gite, heavenly surrounds lovely lovely hosts. We have had a truly wonderful stay at Gite du Calme and please God we will be back next year. This is a very special place thank you for sharing it with us. Hynes/Kelly family County Kildare Ireland

July 2010 Merci Beaucoup - c'e'tait vraiement superbe! We had such a lovely time here and really relaxed. It is inspired us to think about our own little Gite somewhere in France. The house was wonderful and had everything we could wish for - adults and children. Our children really loved it and Abigail is very sad to say goodbye to Daisy. We will defintaely recomend it. A une autre fois peut-etre. Louise & Benjamin & Co Galway Ireland, Aurillac, Madrid, Toulouse

August 2010 Thank you for a wonderful twelve days in your beautiful Gite. You have been amazing hosts and made our holiday very special. We will be very sad to say goodbye especially to Daisy. Julia was an amazing cook and mum will defintaely be buying a Tagine now! You have done a brilliant job with the Gite we wish you all the luck in the future. Lots of love Rosie, Georgia, Nic, Tim and Pat. Somerset and Cornwall UK. All the generations have enjoyed and appreciated the thought care and imagination you have shown making this holiday special to us all

August 2009. Just returned from a fabulous 2 weeks at Gite du Calme. A wonderful restoration, the rooms are big and airy, and the kitchen is a great size. The terrace was a great place to relax and enjoy the balmy evenings over a long meal, great local cheeses, and a glass of rose! The children had enormous fun in the pool with Daisy, and on the trampoline. If you get chance do try the local honey and eggs as they taste great! We have been coming to the area for more than 20 years and would thoroughly, and highly recommend Gite du Calme for a relaxing and chilled out holiday. Thank you Julia, Robert and Daisy!! Sharon, Nigel, Moira, Owen, James, Laura & Sophie, East Sussex UK.

July/Aug 2009 Thanks Julia & Robert for a great holiday in a wonderful gite in a fabulous location.Perfect for relaxing in and ideal for touring the region. The Davies family , Durham ps your jam was excellent.

july 2009 We were here for a week with two families and had a great time. The house is spacious, big rooms very well decorated, fabulous kitchen and livingroom, huge garden with great stuff for children, nice and clean swimming pool. Julia, Robert and their daughter Daisy are lovely people. We did not have good weather every day but there was plenty to in the do in and around the house. We felt very much at home and welcome and will definately recommend this place. Dick, Sandra, Pascale, Eric-Jan and children from The Netherlands

july 2009 A luxurious interior and lots of places to sit outside, including loads of fun garden games for the kids + the pool. Just the place for a family holiday. Tom & Friends.

06/22/2009 The Anderson family - We would highly recommend Gite du Calme - by far the nicest self catering accommodation we've stayed in. It was so well equipped and had absolutely everything we needed for our 1 and 3 year olds. The huge trampoline, outdoor toys and paddling pool were ideal for the kids and mum and dad so enjoyed early evening badminton before getting kids to bed and having wine in the garden til sunset. Thanks for your hospitality - hope you're all well. Rona, Craig, Rachel & Fraser x

10/05/2008 Nicky, Richard & Alex - Staying at Gite Du Calme - Sept '08 Having our first holiday abroad with a baby we were apprehensive about our ability to have a real break. We needn't have worried, Gite Du Calme was beautiful and the photos you see on this website do not do it enough justice. The place is condusive to relaxing and really 'taking out the batteries'. The gite was furnished with fantastic baby equipment so there was no need to bring anything with us. Jules and Rob made us feel extremely welcome and their knowledge of the region was really helpful when deciding on daytrips. Would also recommend Julia's scrumptious cooking! Thanks guys for an amazing holiday and your generous hospitality.

09/07/2008 sue waine - Holidays at Gite du Calme We were a party of 6 adults who stayed in Gite du Calme for 2 weeks in July. We had a great holiday! The gite is set in a very peaceful location with extensive grounds harbouring plenty of nooks and crannies where you could sit in sun or shade. The countryside round about was ideal for cycling. The gite was well eqipped and the kitchen was spacious and could easily seat us all. You could also eat outside, which we did frequently as the weather was warm and sunny. As we were 3 couples, we really appreciated the three, roomy, double ensuite bedrooms. The hosts Julia and Robert, ably assisted by their charming daughter Daisy, were very welcoming and helpful. Vive la france! P.S. The bikes were a little hard going for us old crusties! - how about buying a couple of new ones Julia?!!!

07/18/2008 James, Anna, George and Ben King and Chris James - Gite du Calme We have had a lovely week and the gite is just fab. Beautiful inside and out. The boys thought Daisy was great fun and she was really kind to them even if they did splash her in the pool! Good luck with your business. Only minor things missing from gite is a washing basket and a jug for taking drinks out to the pool/table outside. Otherwise really well equipped.

07/09/2008 Harriet - Staying at the Gite We spent a week at the Gite and had a great time. Our room was gorgeous, and the whole Gite is beautifully decorated. The weather was really hot, so we were able to enjoy the lovely gardens with the swimming pool, and our 4-year-old was kept busy with all the play equipment. It's in a great location right between Saintes and Cognac, and we visited both. Thanks so much to Rob and Julia for looking after us so well, and we really hope to come back!