This property has been lovingly restored to a really high standard by the very friendly owners Gill and Ben. The welcome breads, cheese and wines were greatly appreciated and quickly consumed! Everything you could possibly want is available, bikes, ping pong, pentaquin, badminton, lots of outside seating and loungers, as well as the lovely private pool. We have never stayed in such a well equipped property. The added bonus of the beautiful setting within the vineyard make this a fabulous place to escape and spend a wonderful holiday. We enjoyed touring the area and seeing different vineyards, but particularly enjoyed being shown round the vineyard we were actually staying in - We would love to visit again. Thank you for all your hard work in making our holiday so memorable
La Grande Etouble, Saint-Ciers-de-Canesse, Aquitaine, 33710, France Date of Stay 10 Sep 2016 5 stars *****
From the moment we arrived Gill and Ben could not have been warmer or provided a better service. They live in the property next door and while they're keen to respect your privacy, we loved it when they occasionally popped round with a couple of cakes from the local baker, figs from their neighbour's fig tree, a bottle of their own vineyard wine (great with cheese!). They made our holiday really special. The house itself is spacious and very well furnished. The photos don't show it but there's a choice of outdoor eating areas - in the sun or in the shade - although the huge kitchen is also a great place to entertain too if it gets cool in the evening. There's also a well stocked wine rack in the kitchen with an honesty box - nice to know you'll never run out of wine! The pool area is a great place to spend a few hours swimming or sitting in the sun overlooking Gill and Ben's vineyard. They've also built a shaded area by the pool with seats, a hammock and huge banana plant - a very relaxing spot. This property is perfect for those looking for a relaxing break away from it all in a beautiful house with an exceptionally high level of service from its owners from the time of booking right through to the day you leave. Absolutely fantastic - thank you Gill and Ben, we'll remember our stay for years to come.
Laurent C. said... 5 Oct 2016 Superbe! Date of Stay = 30 Jul 2016 5 stars *****
Nous (2 adultes et 2 adolescents) avons passé une semaine superbe! L'accueil de Gill et Ben a été à la fois chaleureux et attentionné. La maison entourée de vignes est extrêmement agréable à vivre et décorée avec gout. Nous ne pouvons que la recommander! Mon seul regret est de ne pas être resté assez longtemps pour voir les vignes évoluer au fil des saisons et en discuter avec Ben.
Traveler rating 5 stars *****
Reviewed 1 week ago for a stay in August 2015
Thanks for the most relaxing holiday ever! Gill and Ben have done a fantastic job in thinking ahead of their guests every need in their gorgeous villa in Berson. It's such a tranquil place that we hardly wanted to leave and spent most of our time by the swimming pool or in the shady garden, but there are a lot of activities in the area too - we tried tree climbing and canoeing and went to some of the great local restaurants and markets. Bourg and Blaye are definitely worth a visit too. Hope to come back soon!
Traveler rating 5 stars
Reviewed 3 weeks ago for a stay in June 2015
We spent 1 week here on our honeymoon. What a place! Absolutely stunning house and beautifully decorated, and a great location. Everything was perfect. Our favorite was the pool area - it is such a treat. There were fresh flowers, food in the fridge and champagne for our arrival. Gill and Ben could not have been more helpful – always on hand for recommendations of things to do in the local area. They also kitted us out with bikes and tennis racquets. The house boasts a huge farmhouse kitchen, alongside spacious bedrooms and a comfy living room. In the local area, the historic town of Blaye cannot be missed – with it’s fortified citadel and more great restaurants (‘the Gallery’ is well worth a visit). We had a thoroughly relaxing stay, and felt very welcomed from the start.
Traveler rating: 5 stars
Traveler rating 5 stars"Bordeaux to fall in love"
Jul 19, 2015 A TripAdvisor Member
We came to the apartment of Gill and Ben after our slightly strenuous boating holiday and we enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, tranquility and excellent wines highly. Gill, and Ben are wonderful hosts, very responsive, and caring but also cautious, respecting the privacy of their guests. The apartment is very spacious and tastefully decorated in country style. From the beautiful garden with a breakfast, barbecue area (gas grill is at your disposal) and a "play / boules lawn" leads directly into the large kitchen in also easy to cook several people together. The Equipment with Geschirspüller, two refrigerators, one with ice maker, various kitchen appliances and a well stocked wine rack is very good. Downstairs is a small simple shower room with toilet (practically at garden and pool activities) and a living room for cozy togetherness with satellite TV, DVD, etc. (who needs it !?) On the first floor you will find 3 double bed's bedroom and 2 bathrooms, one of them "en suite" bathroom so you have to be shared occupancy with more than 4. The decor is tasteful and stylish, the beds but not very large. For us it was absolutely fine, however, we are not giants. So there is still the pool. nice, clean, well maintained daily by Ben with a shadow corner, Polldusche and more than enough chairs, chairs and hammocks. A few more words about environment. We have hardly seen tourists and our visits at the weekly markets in Blaye and Pittsburgh were absolutely awesome. Fresh oysters, fois gras, baguettes, delicious fruits and vegetables from the region and wine were unforgettable. The best croissants there is the way in the small Boulagerie on the square in Pittsburgh. It wages also visits various chateaus and wineries for example. Chateau de la Grave and a trip to Medoc and the Atlantic coast - by ferry from Blaye, it is fast and it's fun, the road over Bordeaux is often clogged. (The town but well worth a visit. You should also visit the Citadel in Blaye (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with restaurants and events. If you are looking for a quiet place with really French way of life, you are in Gill, Ben and her small Jack Russel " Cheeky dog "right!
Translated from German
Traveler rating: 5 of 5 stars
"Cottage among the vineyards of Blaye"
Jan 19, 2015 A TripAdvisor Member
Haven of peace in the vineyards on the road of the hills, ideal for exploring the vineyards (Saint Emilion, Blaye, Bourg, ..), the Citadel of Blaye, the estuary of the Gironde, Bordeaux ... We enjoyed the charm and the comfort of this beautiful home. Thank you to Gill and Ben for your warm welcome and your touches. We will return to enjoy this time of the great pool! Translated from French
— M & A Hrau, 19 Jan 2015
Traveler rating: 5 stars
“A high quality gite in an interesting wine producing area”
Reviewed January 19, 2015 for a stay in September 2014
We were welcomed warmly on arrival with a lovely cake and our rooms were light airy and so stylis ! The gite is surrounded by vineyards and we were lucky to be there at harvest time! The pool is a good size for exercise or lazing on an inflatable and the garden offers shade as well as sun worshiping areas. We relaxed on the terrace, enjoying the peaceful vineyard.
Just a short drive away is Blaye, an ancient town with historical sights, riverside views, a market, good wines and restaurants and a fascinating Roman villa at Plassac. Also nearby is Bourg, a walled gem also on the banks of the Gironde with small shops, eating places and wonderful red wine!
Bordeaux , being only 45mins away, is a must day out , as is a day in St Emellion with the narrow strreets, specialty shops, the restaurant Amelia Canta and all the trips around the wine chateauxs available. We are definitely going to book up another holiday in Grandetouble!!
Traveler rating:
"Bordeaux to fall in love"
Jul 19, 2015 A TripAdvisor Member
We came to the apartment of Gill and Ben after our slightly strenuous boating holiday and we enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, tranquility and excellent wines highly. Gill, and Ben are wonderful hosts, very responsive, and caring but also cautious, respecting the privacy of their guests. The apartment is very spacious and tastefully decorated in country style. From the beautiful garden with a breakfast, barbecue area (gas grill is at your disposal) and a "play / boules lawn" leads directly into the large kitchen in also easy to cook several people together. The Equipment with Geschirspüller, two refrigerators, one with ice maker, various kitchen appliances and a well stocked wine rack is very good. Downstairs is a small simple shower room with toilet (practically at garden and pool activities) and a living room for cozy togetherness with satellite TV, DVD, etc. (who needs it !?) On the first floor you will find 3 double bed's bedroom and 2 bathrooms, one of them "en suite" bathroom so you have to be shared occupancy with more than 4. The decor is tasteful and stylish, the beds but not very large. For us it was absolutely fine, however, we are not giants. So there is still the pool. nice, clean, well maintained daily by Ben with a shadow corner, Polldusche and more than enough chairs, chairs and hammocks. A few more words about environment. We have hardly seen tourists and our visits at the weekly markets in Blaye and Pittsburgh were absolutely awesome. Fresh oysters, fois gras, baguettes, delicious fruits and vegetables from the region and wine were unforgettable. The best croissants there is the way in the small Boulagerie on the square in Pittsburgh. It wages also visits various chateaus and wineries for example. Chateau de la Grave and a trip to Medoc and the Atlantic coast - by ferry from Blaye, it is fast and it's fun, the road over Bordeaux is often clogged. (The town but well worth a visit. You should also visit the Citadel in Blaye (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with restaurants and events. If you are looking for a quiet place with really French way of life, you are in Gill, Ben and her small Jack Russel " Cheeky dog "right!
