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Escape Winter at This Rural 14th-Century Tower in Sunny Southwest France

Enjoy an open log fireplace inside and a slow-paced lifestyle outside.

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This 14th-century property, Tour St. Thérèse, looks like it was ripped from the pages of a fairytale. Tufts of lavender grow along a narrow path and ivy climbs the stone walls of the tower, a 14th-century addition to the adjoining medieval house, Prieure St. Thérèse. Interiors have curved walls and exposed wood beams, giving the whole place a cozy vibe. Moreover, it's located in Deux-Sevres in Charente, among the sunniest places in France, making it ideal for winter getaways.

Those who appreciate eclectic and character-filled decor will find much to ogle inside the tower. Meander through the rooms to find a curated collection of French furnishings and English antiques, from the delicate crystal chandelier and antique crockery in the kitchen to the makeshift nightstand of stacked leather suitcases in the twin bedroom.

Spiral staircases lead to each of the two bedrooms, one a master, and the other furnished with two pull-out beds for children age four and older.

And whether your dream winter break involves a stack of books by the fire, or long walks and hearty meals, this property delivers. The working log fireplace in the living room is the perfect spot to hunker down with a pot of coffee, brewed in the vintage French percolator. Outdoors, woods and fields surround the property, ideal for winding walks. Quiet lanes lead to neighboring southwest France towns and villages with cafes, bars, and markets. The medieval village of St. Loup, for instance, is about five miles away and offers ancient architecture to explore.

The tower property can accommodate a small family, and groups of up to 22 guests can book both the tower and the adjoining Prieure St. Thérèse. If a sunny French getaway in a storybook setting sounds intriguing, head over to Oliverstravels.com for more details and booking.

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