Jo is a super hostess and responded instantly to any requests. The house was very well equipped. The layout of the property was perfect for our needs: 2 grandparents, 4 other adults, 2 teenagers and 2 10-12 year-olds. Setting is lovely, on the river and 2 kayaks provided to enjoy. Highlight for us was the huge covered area. Housed the BBQ, a lounge area, dining table and games area. We spent most of the time in this great space. A very enjoyable family Break!

I absolutely loved the property. So much space for two families with grown up kids. Bedroom and bathroom each and all lovely. Fab kitchen and equipment. Glorious garden and pool area with river frontage for canoeing. Well equipped for all the activities and games and books galore. Jo the host is absolutely lovely and I can’t wait to revisit. A little drive to St Emilion and some wonderful restaurants.

Family of 12 - 3 generations including a toddler and 3 year-old. House much bigger than expected. Beds comfortable, plenty of bathrooms. Great outdoor spaces including swimming pool, huge terrace, and access to river for kayaking. All very secure for little people with gates and a walled pool area. Great cooking facilities and bbq. We loved our stay! It's rural, 20 min walk to nearest town. (Slight negative was poor internet/wifi). But truly a great place for a holiday!

A wonderful 2 weeks with family in an iconic French farmhouse by the river. Fantastic weather and a swim in the pool everyday. There is so much more to Coutras than we expected, the surrounding areas and Chateaux’s everywhere made for a perfect holiday. And none more than our wonderful host Jo.

Attractive, well laid out, thoughtfully equipped and catering superbly for the needs of our extended family (3 generations) through a range of options which allowed the younger members of our party to be as active as they wished whilst ensuring a more sedate alternative for the more mature. A great place to spend a holiday. The area itself also offers a breadth of experiences to suit all tastes whether they be cultural, wine (the vineyards of St Emilion are a short drive away) or family fun activities eg water parks, paddle boards, velorail all within 15 minutes of the property. Jo herself, was very supportive and always on hand to answer questions, the perfect hostess. We would have no hesitation in recommending this property.

We were a group of 8 adults and 3 children. The house was lovely with large rooms, ensuite bathrooms and a very large terrace that we used for meals and relaxation. The kitchen is very well-equipped. The swimming pool is great and was used a great deal. Overall, I can recommend this property for a great family holiday.

The best vacation house we have rented ever. Verry well equiped to stay there with a large group.

Thank you Jo & Martin for letting us stay in your beautiful home. We really appreciated your warm welcome, helpful timely responses to our pre arrival questions and abundant amounts of tourist info. We are a family of 8 adults and 1 x 8week baby and it was ideal, offering spacious accommodation inside & out (with a shady terrace for the baby) , a sea water swimming pool, which we used everyday, sun loungers, the table tennis, canoes, fairy lights & huge plancher (BBQ). We wanted for nothing! Loved the real McCoy ‘butchers block’ in the kitchen, all the cooking utensils, fridge space and crockery and you even had a very cute, family heirloom Moses basket! Well done & thank you. The story book of your restoration of this Vielle Ferme is inspirational! We do hope to return soon. Thank you again

A lovely holiday house perfect for our family holiday

A wonderful weekend with the family. The house is gorgeous,spacious and well equipped. Jo and her husband are lovely and it was a pleasure to meet them...we will be back!

We had a great week at Jo's holiday home. The barn conversion is breathtaking and really well kitted out. Jo was very welcoming and the location offered the perfect base for our adventures in the Dordogne. The kayaking at the back of the property is a real added extra and proved the perfect backdrop for a wedding engagement amongst 2 of our party!! Tom

3 families, 6 adults and 6 children aged between 8-13 stayed at this beautiful house for the last week of August. After booking and reading about the house and its facilities we were excited for our visit and we were not disappointed. This house which it tucked away up a private drive really is the ideal holiday accommodation. When you are in the house and its grounds its is so quiet (accept the children running around everywhere!) and it has a really good vibe about it. The house itself is very big and is decorated to a high standard. The bathrooms are modern and the furnishings are of good quality. You can tell that a lot of time and effort has been put in to create an ideal holiday space. There is a book in the house detailing the journey of its modernisation project from start to finish. Jo, one of the owners who lives next door could not have been more welcoming or accommodating. There is a wealth of information on offer in the house and Jo is there too to ask any questions. The facilities are tip top, the pool is a very good size and was used almost every minute that we were in, the children absolutely loved it. The river that is at the end of the garden is accessible with an Indian canoe or a two man kayak that are provided with the house. At some stage every member of our party went for paddle. The outside area is very large and perfect for an evenings eating and drinking. There is a grand dining room inside the house that we did not get to use as the weather was so good but if booking this in a slightly colder time of the year would be very regal for your evening meal. The house is situated in an area that is surrounded by chateaus, there are grapes as the eyes can see as you approach the house. The picturesque town of St Emilion is only 15 minutes away that is a must see on your trip. Overall i could not recommend this house anymore, a must for any party between 8-12.

We have rented many houses over the years in quite a few countries and this was clearly one of the very best ones! We immediately felt at home and were very sad to leave. The choice was particularly important for us given that we rented it for a very special family occasion. The house is perfect, very spacious, beautifully decorated, fully functional in all respects, with a splendid terrace and great pool, plus direct access to the river with the possibility to kayak on it. Shops and supermarkets are only a few minutes away by car. Gorgeous St Emilion is 15-20 minutes and Bordeaux less than one hour. The owner and manager of the house, Joanna, is as charming as the house, very friendly and efficient, and responsive to any question or need that may arise before or during the stay. She also provides excellent advice on where to find some services in Coutras. If ever we have another family event in the area we will be sure to rent the house again.

What a find. So glad I booked early. This house and it's garden and all it's additional features and extras from toys, canoes, kitchen utensils made our week a really memorable one. The house was much bigger than it looks in the pictures and the space was fantastic. Even though the weather wasn't that kind to us (it was rather wet and cold) the pool was still warm enough to swim in and there were enough other things to do from playing ping pong, taking the canoe out and relaxing in the hammock to keep us happy. I'd strongly recommend this place - the hosts were fabulous too. Thanks very much Jo for a great holiday.

La Vieille ferme Is a spacious house which is beautifully decorated . We were 3 couples travelling around France and we spent 3 relaxing nights here. The house caters for large groups particularly families with numerous bedrooms and well appointed bathrooms as well as everything you could possibly need to cook for large groups, as well as outstanding living areas. Sumptuous couches and a slow combustion stove made for very relaxing evenings. We particularly enjoyed sitting in the garden and in the enormous verandah where we able to enjoy the view of the garden and the river. We would have liked to have had longer to enjoy the activities on the river. The owner Jo was friendly and a wonderful help regarding places to visit and eat. The house is also close to a supermarket and vineyards. The large eat-in kitchen was fabulous ( we didn't even go into the large formal dining room)! We had a wonderful 3 days, the house is amazing and we hope to return another time with our families.

This is a lovely property with everything we needed to enjoy a relaxing holiday with three generations - from two 80+ Grandparents to two primary school aged children. It's a set up where everyone can muck in to make it fun. A huge kitchen, large living room and six bedrooms - almost all en suite. But best of all were the outside spaces - we dined alfresco every night - often with food cooked on the barbecue - with lovely local wines and cheeses. The days had relaxing cool shade for my parents, while the young kids basically became mer-children - spending hours in the pool. With the addition of a hire car, to travel to/from Coutras and for day trips out, we really had what we needed to make a great holiday. We had riding lessons at the excellent local Harris Horses, wine tours around St Emilion, a few holes of golf, and managed to fix some tennis time in Coutras - all good. We had 8/9 people sleeping there at various times - it could easily have accommodated several more. Easy to recommend - and I'm sure we will return.

We had a wonderful and relaxed holiday with two families at la vieille ferme. The spacious house is beautifully located and offers both relaxation and playing/fun possibilities with the swimming pool, tennis table, canoes and the great terrace in the backyard. The bedrooms and bathrooms are spacious, comfortable and nicely decorated as is the rest of the house. We would definitely recommend la vieille ferme to friends and would love to come back! Thanks Jo and family for the great week!

11 members of our family aged from 9 to 70 enjoyed a fabulous week at la Vieille Ferme. The house was spacious and very well furnished and equipped. It remained cool and comfortable despite the hot weather. There was something for everyone to enjoy at all times. The pool was in constant use as was the table tennis table. The situation on the banks of the river Isle was idyllic especially for 2 members of the family who are fanatical kayakers. We were in fact all able to enjoy the water as 3 kayaks were provided for guests. The owner who lived nearby was helpful but in no way obtrusive. I would thoroughly recommend this property.

This is the second year our family and friends have stayed at La Vielle Ferme. There is plenty of room for people not to feel crowded, even with a full house. The bedrooms are all very comfortable and well-furnished. Having 6 modern bathrooms is definitely a plus.The dining, kitchen and living area are very spacious and again, well done. I don't find anything shabby at all! The furnishings are comfortable, selected with care and with a French country house flair. The owner has obviously taken a lot of time to decorate with interesting local artifacts and there are elements of the old farm house that remain to give the house a sense of its history. Be sure to look at the book that documents the renovation of this farm house! The transformation is remarkable. The most amazing part of the building is the enormous covered veranda with activity space, game area, and a custom dining table from Morocco. More outside tables and chairs are available and the pool area is well equipped with high quality lounge chairs and umbrellas. The kayaks and canoe are available for cruising on the lazy river. Another of the outside wonders is the extensive landscaping, which is well maintained. Although the owners' home is connected to the main structure, utmost privacy has been achieved by hedges, fences, and extensive plantings; we felt completely private and at ease. In fact, it was convenient to have them so close in case of emergency (such as borrowing herbs from their garden!). The owners, Jo and Martin are nothing but perfect hosts. There when you want them, otherwise invisible. They are extremely flexible and accommodating not to mention friendly and interesting people! We plan to return at some point and would definitely recommend this property without qualification. The Telesco family.

As two families of 4 adults and 3 Children, we have jointly and collectively rented many villas over the past 10 years. We have stayed from 2 star to 5 star and been happy with pretty much every place we have stayed. This was undoubtedly the worst. Firstly, the house is actually attached to the owner's property so there is no true sense of privacy and independence. On arrival the house was filthy and we spent most of the first day cleaning inside and outside. Basic items such as mold growing in the coffee machine, dirty cutlery, grubby floors and even some kitchen worktops. This was compounded by the attitude of the owner who quite frankly just could not care less. The house is very tired and fittings generally cheap. Rotting gateposts, flimsy badly fitting doors etc. This not a business but the tired ex house of the owner that has had hardly any investment. At this price and compared with all the paces we have rented via Home and Away, a scandal. Do not go here!

Beautiful property with spacious outside areas (good shaded area) alongside the river. Excellent sized rooms - great feeling of space. Owner on hand to help with local information and extras - we were celebrating our Father's 70th birthday and a cake was awaiting our arrival. The board games and jigsaws could do with updating but the boules and table tennis outside were fine. The pool was great but no shallow end brought some challenges for younger swimmers. Excellent location to explore Bordeaux and only a short distance from the beautiful town of Saint Emilion. Nearby town of Coutras has all you need by way of markets and supermarkets. Would recommend and visit again!

What a find in one of god's most beautiful and lush corners of his blue earth. We stayed for 10 days at this jewel of a find with a nice group of friends. There was a total of 10 adults who came to this area because we love the wine and food. I ended up loving Le Vielle Ferme as well and the property around the home. First let me say the house is restored beauitifully. The furnishings and decorating really complement the French Country theme. Glazed confit pots, old butcher block island in the kitchen a wonderful dining room table for meals from the bounty of fresh foods from the local markets. The back of this house is amazing with the yard spilling to the river and a great area for bouls tournaments and barbecues Perfect location for visiting St. Emillion and other areas. Not far from Bordeaux and the coast. Coutras is a nice little townwith a super market. Oysters from Arcachon and the local whites? I'm in heaven. The owner Jo was such a lovely host. She set up a tour of a local and important barrel making factory. It was one of the high lights of the trip. Truly amazing and educational. I can only say that the well stocked kitchen is perfect for cooking wonderful meals and entertaining. We have self catered all over Italy Spain and France and this ranks as one of our best finds. And again, thanks Jo you really made it special.

We've just enjoyed the most perfect early-autumn break in this wonderful house. It's so spacious, beautifully situated, decorated and equipped, and the sunny weather meant we could spend a good deal of time out in the fantastic terrace and gardens, which run down to the river. Jo and Martin maintain the highest standards, and are the perfect hosts - friendly, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Thanks for everything - it was wonderful

We have just returned from a fantastic 14 nights holiday at this lovely house. It has so much space, we were one of three families but we never felt overcrowded (12 of us in total including 6 adults, 3 teenagers and 3 children). There is so much space it is great. Lovely pool , hammock, tables tennis and canoes of which we used all. Jo the owner is very helpful and friendly but does not interfere in any way. It's a great house for hide and seek!!! We visited St Emilion and a wine chateau which was recommended by Jo and purchased some lovely wine. Lovely fluffy towels provided and no end of cooking utensils and crockery. Would recommend to anyone, thanks Jo and family The Simpsons, The Newtons and the Stockers

I would most definitely recommend this holiday home to anyone planning to take a large family or large group away to France. It is especially well suited to families with children. I have just come back from 2 weeks in August there with my husband, our three children and my sisters and their fanilies. In total there were 6 kids, aged from 2 - 8 and all were entertained all of the time. The pool was, perhaps the greatest attraction, and there were many lilos, arm-bands and water toys available to use. The toy cupboard was also well-stocked and there were plenty of adult board games for us to use too. We also used the kayaks many times for exploring the river and it is so calm we swam in it on several occasions. There are fishing rods that we also used. I found the villa clean, safe and full of character and the owner very friendly and helpful. There is so much space inside and outside which was just perfect. The surrounding area is very picturesque and we enjoyed trips to St Emillion and Bordeaux. The impression I got was that there would not be much of a night life nearby, with Coutras not being particularly interesting, so, if you are after this sort of holiday then, the villa may not be in the perfect location. However, there are plenty of lovely restaurants a short drive away. I enjoyed a romantic evening meal by the river in Libourne at La Guinguette with my husband and, we ate a tasty lunch there again with the family the next day. All in all, a fantastic holiday, and would love to go back. Thanks Jo.

13 of us (6 adults, 6 children) and a dog stayed here for two glorious weeks in August 2011 and had the time of our lives. The pictures don't do the house justice as regards how spacious and beautifully finished all the rooms are. We were lucky with the weather and so wiled away our days by the pool, on the canoes, playing table tennis or swinging in the hammock. Saint Emilion and Bordeaux are pleasant day trips a short drive away and Jo (owner) is on hand to offer hints and tips for other excursions. A truly lovely stay, would definitely reccommend for large familes wanting a comfortable but stunning house to make a memorable holiday.

Great house for a group of people, plenty of space, we were 9 during 15 days and we could have stayed more without problem. Upstairs nearly every room has its own bathroom, downstairs is an easy place to leave, great TV room with 3 sofas and great kitchen divided in two parts the table for more than 10 people and then a well organised kitchen with all the facilities. The backyard is the best of the house, wonderful garden by a river plus the swimming pool. Ping pong, basket, kajak, coffe outside, nice chats outside at night... wonderful place, we stayed at home more than we planned.

A very spacious house, very well suited for families, or large groups of friends, with every facility one could think of The property is well maintained and very clean. The location is pretty and peaceful but the immediate surrounding area - Coutras and Abzac - is rather dull. However within 20 minutes St. Emilion has great restaurants and cafes, and the hundreds of vineyards within a short drive are a wine lover's heaven. The house is about 90 minutes drive, depending on traffic to Bordeaux Merignac airport. There is an excellent supermarket, LeClerc, within 10 minutes drive and a great fresh food market in Libourne on Sunday, about 30 minutes away.The English speaking owner lives in the adjoining house and is very pleasant and helpful.