La Glycine is an ancient (almost certainly pre 1750) farm workers cottage. After a history that also includes life as a bread oven, a prune oven, a chicken house, a summer kitchen, a pig house and a pigeon house, the building has now been restored and transformed to provide a comfortable and interesting cottage. As much of the original fabric of the building as possible has been retained during the renovation work, including a colombage wall running the length of the lounge, the wood beamed 'A' structure for the roof and several 'exposed stone' walls. The gite includes a lounge with dining area, a kitchen (open plan to the lounge, but around a corner at the end of the L shaped room), a double bedroom and a shower room (feature large shower), all newly equipped. There is a TV (French only) and a DVD/CD player. The modern kitchen is found in an area that was the pig shed until a few years ago (it now includes an oven with four ring gas hob and a washing machine, but no pigs). The gite accommodates two people in comfort. A cot for a baby is available if required. The accommodation is all on one level, and is approximately 55 square metres in total (i.e. larger than many 'sleeps 4' gites). A wood-burning stove has been installed for cooler weather. The property is set on a small hill, so the large private terrace / garden area to the front of the property overlooks miles of rolling countryside. Villereal church and Rives church are both illuminated at night making the view even more memorable. You can watch the buzzards and kestrels circling, count the stars, or enjoy a barbecue. The terrace faces east, and is not overlooked by (or within hearing distance of) the outdoor seating area for the other gite at the property. This terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a meal and a glass of wine (barbecue and garden furniture are provided) and simply to listen to the quiet of the countryside and enjoy the views. In addition to its private terrace and garden area the property shares 16 acres of countryside with the owners property, comprising meadows, open grassland and a small woodland, which you are free to explore for wildlife, have a picnic, play ball games and so on. The large swimming pool (12 metres * 6 metres), surrounded by terrace, a lawn area and gardens has views over open countryside and is always a very popular area during the summer. It is shared with La Grenadier and occasional use by the owners. The pool is open June - September, weather permitting. The pool is both fenced and alarmed, in compliance with the new safety regulations in France. Villereal itself is a 2 minutes drive and contains bars and restaurants, supermarkets, banks etc. Villereal is a big attraction for many of our visitors, since it is such a lively town and a great place to sit in front of a cafe and watch the world go by.