Vegan Culinary Weekend with Ritchie Stainsby
June 13-15 2025
Vegan Culinary Weekend with Ritchie Stainsby
13 - 15 June 2025Join us for an exclusive gastronomic experience in the heart of Southwest France – our vegan culinary weekend, hosted by Masterchef: The Professionals finalist Ritchie Stainsby. Unwind over a long weekend in a luxury retreat in southwest France and enjoy two 8 course tasting menus cooked by the award-winning plant-based chef (Friday and Saturday evenings). The meals will be served in a beautiful courtyard overlooking sunflower fields and vineyards, watching the sun go down with delicious local wines.
As well as dining on some of the best vegan food around, you will have the chance to learn how to cook it too with Ritchie hosting an intimate masterclass in vegan cookery, mastering pasta-making skills and much more!
Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Charente, this immersive experience is perfect for food lovers and you’ll get the chance to sample local cognacs and Pineau des Charente (a local apéritif made from cognac and grape juice).
Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure on this one-of-a-kind vegan foodie weekend!
What’s included in our vegan culinary weekend:
2 nights stay in luxury accommodation with full use of the gardens & swimming pool.
Two 8 course vegan tasting menus cooked by Masterchef The Professionals finalist Ritchie Stainsby
All your meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and complimentary wine with dinner.
A vegan cooking masterclass with Ritchie Stainsby covering multiple dishes and techniques
Cognac tasting and cocktails made by Lauren Stainsby
2 nights stay in luxury accommodation with full use of the gardens & swimming pool.
Two 8 course vegan tasting menus cooked by Masterchef The Professionals finalist Ritchie Stainsby
All your meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and complimentary wine with dinner.
A vegan cooking masterclass with Ritchie Stainsby covering multiple dishes and techniques
Cognac tasting and cocktails made by Lauren Stainsby
Weekend itinerary
Friday
Arrive Friday evening (we can discuss transport from the airport with you)
8 course tasting menu with local wine
Saturday
Breakfast buffet
Vegan masterclass with Ritchie & lunch
8 course tasting menu with local wine
Sunday
Breakfast buffet
Check out
Ritchie Stainsby, your chef for the weekend
Ritchie Stainsby is a self-taught chef whose passion for plant-based cuisine has redefined vegan dining in the UK. With no formal culinary training, Ritchie honed his skills through relentless experimentation, guided by a deep commitment to sustainability and ethical food practices.
Driven by his mission to challenge perceptions of vegan food, Ritchie’s creations combine bold flavours, intricate techniques, and locally sourced ingredients. His goal is to make plant-based dining not just accessible, but exceptional.
As head chef at his award-winning Nottingham restaurant, No. Twelve, Ritchie continues to push the boundaries of what plant-based cuisine can offer. His commitment to sustainability and creativity has earned the restaurant four consecutive Good Food Awards UK from 2022 to 2025, cementing its place as a leader in the plant-based dining scene.
Having reached the finals in MasterChef: The Professionals, Ritchie is venturing out of his restaurant to explore the world and provide his food further afield.
“This is one of those dishes that can change minds. This is the best vegan dish I’ve ever eaten.”
William Sitwell, restaurant critic The Telegraph
“One of the hardest things to impress people is plant-based cookery. You’ve got beautiful little elements singing all the way through this. Very very good indeed.”
Marcus Wareing, chef & restauranteur
“You don’t see cooking like this very often”
Grace Dent, restaurant critic The Guardian
“Ingenious”
William Sitwell, restaurant critic The Telegraph
“Real technical proficiency”
Jimmy Famurewa, restaurant critic
Take part in a vegan masterclass with Ritchie Stainsby
Spend a morning with Ritchie Stainsby learning how to make handmade vegan pasta with a rich sauce made with local mushrooms and cognac.
During the masterclass you will learn:
Making fresh vegan pasta by hand across a variety of shapes.
Utilising fresh mushrooms produced right in the village and local cognac to make a decadent filling.
Championing beautiful herbs to make bright, fragrant oils for dressings, pestos, and salsas.
Sauce making using local ingredients.
“The outstanding produce in this region of France has left me spoilt for choice on how best to showcase it. I’ve decided to celebrate local mushrooms and turn back to my roots of pasta making.
By the end of the afternoon, you’ll be confident you can impress your friends with fully plant-based pasta skills, new chef techniques that can be easily applied in your home kitchen, and how best to use up leftover produce. You’ll even be able to take recipe cards home.”
A note from Ritchie Stainsby
Accommodation
La Cour de Husson is nestled in the beautiful rolling fields and cognac vineyards of The Charente. Guests will stay in two newly renovated self-contained gîtes (holiday cottages). There are a mix of king, super king, double, and twin rooms to choose from. Please see the prices section for more details on room setup.
The Gardens
The Rooms
Renee K
01:47 10 Oct 25
This place was absolutely beautiful! The housing has everything you could ever need, I wish I could live there. Nick and Jen are so sweet and serve wonderfully delicious meals! It is so peaceful there and I hope to go back someday! Thank you!
Adriana Bates
18:08 26 Sep 25
DO NOT LOOK FURTHER!!!
At La Cour de Husson you’ll find everything you could wish for—and much more. Hosts Jen and Nick are not only highly professional but also incredibly warm and attentive. From arrival to departure we were looked after in their stunning, eco-friendly estate. Natural materials are used throughout, the furniture is carefully chosen, the bedlinen is crisp cotton, and the mattresses are very comfortable.
The vegan food was delicious, made with top-quality ingredients and served in a beautiful, private setting. On warm evenings dinner was served outdoors beneath a sky full of stars. We attended an art retreat led by the renowned artist Carne Griffith, held in an open barn set in the expansive garden beside the swimming pool.
The surrounding countryside is wonderfully peaceful—perfect for a restful night’s sleep—and during the day you can enjoy long walks through the sunflower fields. I highly recommend La Cour de Husson for an exceptional stay. We plan to return soon.
Thank you, Jen and Nick, for a truly memorable experience!
At La Cour de Husson you’ll find everything you could wish for—and much more. Hosts Jen and Nick are not only highly professional but also incredibly warm and attentive. From arrival to departure we were looked after in their stunning, eco-friendly estate. Natural materials are used throughout, the furniture is carefully chosen, the bedlinen is crisp cotton, and the mattresses are very comfortable.
The vegan food was delicious, made with top-quality ingredients and served in a beautiful, private setting. On warm evenings dinner was served outdoors beneath a sky full of stars. We attended an art retreat led by the renowned artist Carne Griffith, held in an open barn set in the expansive garden beside the swimming pool.
The surrounding countryside is wonderfully peaceful—perfect for a restful night’s sleep—and during the day you can enjoy long walks through the sunflower fields. I highly recommend La Cour de Husson for an exceptional stay. We plan to return soon.
Thank you, Jen and Nick, for a truly memorable experience!
wendy renshaw-lewis
10:18 26 Sep 25
My stay at La Cour De Husson was a wonderful experience. Nick and Jen are great hosts, very helpful and friendly and was their adorable pup Betty.
The gites are a delight, tastefully decorated and full of charm. The vegan and gluten free food they prepared for our stay (art retreat) was delicious. I am looking forward to returning soon.
The gites are a delight, tastefully decorated and full of charm. The vegan and gluten free food they prepared for our stay (art retreat) was delicious. I am looking forward to returning soon.
Kristine Peterson
13:52 25 Sep 25
I went to La Cour de Husson for an art retreat they hosted. It was a wonderful experience! Jen and Nick were wonderful hosts! They were incredibly helpful during both the planning of the trip and during the retreat itself. All the meals they prepared were delicious! The gites were lovely and comfortable and quite frankly giving me interior design ideas (if I can somehow recreate the feeling of living in a cottage in the French countryside at home). Highly recommend it!
Jenna Kornberg
15:41 24 Sep 25
La Cour de Husson is such a beautiful place to stay! I was there for an art retreat and absolutely loved my time there. The gites were very well renovated and very comfortable (I’d love to live there) and the public space and landscape was so beautiful and picturesque. As part of the retreat we got three meals each day and the food was absolutely incredible. Nick and Jen are the nicest people ever and they were amazing hosts. Plus, they have an adorable pup! I would absolutely stay again and recommend to anyone. If you’re able to, I’d recommend renting a car as it is very rural (part of the charm).
Natalie Dawkins
14:27 29 Aug 25
Absolutely fabulous in every way. We had a great holiday here. Jen and Nick are the best hosts and really have thought of everything. We were made to feel incredibly welcome and they were happy to provide info and ideas for the holiday. The food they made us was delicious, and the stay was great. The house was beautifully styled and very clean, and the pool area and honesty bar kept us and two children relaxed and entertained. It has set the bar very high for family holidays.
Ugly Vegan
16:52 15 Jul 25
Alix Rosenberg
21:04 07 Jul 25
We spent a week at La Cour de Husson, staying in the 2 bedroom gite. The location and site are stunning with beautiful grounds and courtyard, a lovely pool area and surrounded by sunflower fields. The gite was beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable and well equipped with so many thoughtful touches. It feels very peaceful and relaxing.
The welcome guide has lots of ideas for exploring the area and we enjoyed wandering around local villages and spending lots of time at the nearby river as well as a day trip to the coast.
As well as the included breakfasts we also arranged an evening meal and a picnic. All the meals were delicious and beautifully presented and really added to the overall experience. This was such a great option for a vegan holiday in the area, some lovely meals included, simple self catering in a very well supplied kitchen and lots of suggestions for eating out. Jen and Nick are such kind and welcoming hosts who provided lots of helpful suggestions. They have created a wonderful vegan experience that feels super relaxing and luxurious. I can't stop thinking about it and when we can go back!
The welcome guide has lots of ideas for exploring the area and we enjoyed wandering around local villages and spending lots of time at the nearby river as well as a day trip to the coast.
As well as the included breakfasts we also arranged an evening meal and a picnic. All the meals were delicious and beautifully presented and really added to the overall experience. This was such a great option for a vegan holiday in the area, some lovely meals included, simple self catering in a very well supplied kitchen and lots of suggestions for eating out. Jen and Nick are such kind and welcoming hosts who provided lots of helpful suggestions. They have created a wonderful vegan experience that feels super relaxing and luxurious. I can't stop thinking about it and when we can go back!
Meg Thomas
15:15 30 Jun 25
I had the most wonderful time on this vegan culinary weekend, a true escape for the senses and soul. As a solo traveller, I felt welcomed from the very first moment. Nick and Jen were absolutely brilliant, thoughtful, considerate, and so genuinely friendly.
The accommodation was beautiful, nestled in gentle sunflower and chickpea fields, with a lovely pool to cool off in under the warm sun. My gite was tasteful and spacious, and very stylish.
Ritchie's food was exceptional, with eight-course vegan tasting menus each evening, crafted with such skill and creativity, accompanied by flowing wine that brought everyone together in laughter and conversation. The cognac cocktails were the perfect touch to warm up our taste buds.
The other people on the course were so friendly and good fun, it felt like a gathering of old friends by the end. Everything was organised seamlessly, leaving me feeling inspired and like a right fatty fatty.
I look forward to returning.
The accommodation was beautiful, nestled in gentle sunflower and chickpea fields, with a lovely pool to cool off in under the warm sun. My gite was tasteful and spacious, and very stylish.
Ritchie's food was exceptional, with eight-course vegan tasting menus each evening, crafted with such skill and creativity, accompanied by flowing wine that brought everyone together in laughter and conversation. The cognac cocktails were the perfect touch to warm up our taste buds.
The other people on the course were so friendly and good fun, it felt like a gathering of old friends by the end. Everything was organised seamlessly, leaving me feeling inspired and like a right fatty fatty.
I look forward to returning.
Edwin Seijsener
18:00 24 Feb 25
Gezien op de TV, ziet er goed uit.
I have not had the opportunity to stay with them but the friendly and honest reactions in our communications for sure makes me even more see the Cour de Husson with my own eyes.
I have not had the opportunity to stay with them but the friendly and honest reactions in our communications for sure makes me even more see the Cour de Husson with my own eyes.
Laura Bath
17:38 24 Feb 25
Such a beautiful place where every little detail has been considered. Jen & Nick are quite possibly the best hosts we’ve ever come across. Would recommend in a heartbeat. Can’t wait to go again.
Nick Shackleton
16:43 05 Dec 24
Had a wonderful week's holiday relaxing at La Cour de Husson and exploring the surrounding area. The Gite was perfect in every way, as were the hosts Jen and Nick who couldn't have been more helpful, as well as providing fantastic vegan breakfasts. A truly memorable holiday - we hope to return in the not too distant future!
Alex Blakoe
07:57 10 Sep 24
If you want to feel completely looked after and cared for, this is the place to be. From the very beginning, Jen and Nick could not have been more warm and welcoming, meaning we could truly relax and enjoy our escape to the stunning French countryside.
Everything about our stay was perfect. The interior is beautifully designed and well thought through. The bedrooms and communal areas are modern without sacrificing a homely feeling. You can tell the hosts have poured their hearts into renovating the gîtes to an exemplary standard.
The rest of the property is equally stunning, with a lovely pool area as well as a cosy covered area lit by fairy lights.
The food was absolutely exquisite - every meal featured a beautiful and generous selection of inventive dishes using fresh ingredients, many of which were sourced from the neighbouring area. So not only are Jen and Nick the friendliest hosts you could wish for, but they are incredibly talented in the kitchen too.
We spent much of our trip plotting our return - we can't wait to come back with our families to show off this gem we are so pleased to have discovered.
Everything about our stay was perfect. The interior is beautifully designed and well thought through. The bedrooms and communal areas are modern without sacrificing a homely feeling. You can tell the hosts have poured their hearts into renovating the gîtes to an exemplary standard.
The rest of the property is equally stunning, with a lovely pool area as well as a cosy covered area lit by fairy lights.
The food was absolutely exquisite - every meal featured a beautiful and generous selection of inventive dishes using fresh ingredients, many of which were sourced from the neighbouring area. So not only are Jen and Nick the friendliest hosts you could wish for, but they are incredibly talented in the kitchen too.
We spent much of our trip plotting our return - we can't wait to come back with our families to show off this gem we are so pleased to have discovered.
Gill and Rob Reid
17:15 03 Sep 24
We had such a lovely week at La cour de Husson! We took the train from London which was really straightforward and hired a car from Angouleme for the week. Gite 2 was a delightful space with the comfiest bedding and furniture and everything we needed for a week of mostly self catering. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind in a peaceful setting but with plenty to keep us and our two boys occupied on site and in the local area too. Jen and Nick added some lovely touches to our stay (an incredible welcome hamper with homemade cakes, welcome cocktails, delicious breakfasts and a picnic) which made the holiday feel quite special. They gave us so much information about things to do in the local area we didn’t have to do much to plan our days out and it was a revelation to travel in France and eat so well! Paddle boarding and kayaking trips on the Charente followed by a relax by the pool were holiday highlights. Vegan or not we can’t recommend a stay at La Cour de Husson highly enough.
susan morrell
19:00 26 Aug 24
Our visit to La Cour de Husson was a dream come true. Actually, it surpassed my imagination. As a vegan family, we thought it might be tough to visit the French countryside. But we had the dreamiest holiday. The beautiful
home, days spent by the pool, epic scenery, even the weather was perfect. And homemade vegan ice cream, come on! Jen and Nick are super hosts and went above and beyond to help us have the best, most relaxed time. We are vegan gîte converts now and we're already counting the days until we return. Merci pour tout!
home, days spent by the pool, epic scenery, even the weather was perfect. And homemade vegan ice cream, come on! Jen and Nick are super hosts and went above and beyond to help us have the best, most relaxed time. We are vegan gîte converts now and we're already counting the days until we return. Merci pour tout!
Helen Palmer
11:03 06 Aug 24
The ultimate gîte experience in France. We travelled as a family of five with young teens. Beautiful, stylish and spacious accommodation with super comfortable beds, all brand new equipment and generous Grind coffee supply with home made delicious baked treats. Plenty of well tendered outdoor space with gorgeous pool, hammocks and fun barn to play in. Endless supply of home made ice cream/sorbet, soft drinks, iced coffees along with delicious vegan breakfasts. So much thought and care into every aspect! The best bit - the hosts! Nothing was too much trouble! Jen even baked a cake for my son’s birthday! This is luxury gîte living. And the local area is fantastic! Within 15 minutes drive, fun lakes, tranquil rivers, beautiful villages and a summer of fun, authentic French experiences - broccantes, bric a brac, Cognac tasting, food markets and endless sunflowers etc. The perfect combination of relaxation and fun. Book while you can. This gem is sure to fill up with returning guests… us included! Helen Palmer, July 2024.
Julian O'Dell
08:12 31 Jul 24
We had the most wonderful week in the beautiful two bedroom gite, which is well equipped, spacious and very comfortable, with two double bedrooms (one huge) and a big bathroom. And the views across the fields are fantastic. Jen and Nick are the perfect hosts…they’re when needed and so attentive. They provided us with breakfast on two mornings and it was absolutely delicious. The pool is clean and fabulous to swim in and the area around it has plenty of loungers and parasols. It is peaceful too. Free parking on site was a bonus. There is only one other gite currently on the site so there are very few folk around making it very quiet and relaxing. Lots of places to visit including nearby villages where there are some great little restaurants and bars. All in all, a brilliant holiday and a place we will definitely rebook in the future. Marvellous.
Lucy Skennerton
18:11 15 Jul 24
We enjoyed the most wonderful week at La Cour de Husson. The Gite was both beautifully presented and absolutely spotless. Jen and Nick (and Betty the dog) are wonderful hosts who have thought of everything and made us feel completely at home. Nothing was too much trouble. This is a very special place within easy reach of idyllic villages and towns. The perfect place for a quintessentially French holiday.
Gary Duarte
10:19 05 Jul 24
Just wanted to say a huge than you to Nick & Jen, our wonderful hosts for a Vegan patisserie weekend! The family and I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend long course, it was so much much fun, French patisserie chef Fifi was fabulous, we learned lots of new techniques, ate lots of fabulous vegan meals and - perhaps best of all - got to eat our body weight in Vegan friendly patisserie! I couldn't recommend La Cour de Husson (Beautiful!) any more highly!
Gabriela Lacaci Infante
07:03 19 Jun 24
Amazing experience at this beautiful holiday homes. The house is perfect, has everything you need for a lovely stay. It's beautifully decorated and with all the amenities you would expect at home. We stayed with our baby daughter and the hosts provided a travel cot and high chair.
The grounds and house is absolutely stunning, with a huge garden, great pool, BBQ etc and set in lovely fields. Very quiet, relaxing area but with plenty to do nearby. The hosts are super nice and accommodating. The vegan breakfast was a highlight also.
Loved our stay there and would certainly come again.
The grounds and house is absolutely stunning, with a huge garden, great pool, BBQ etc and set in lovely fields. Very quiet, relaxing area but with plenty to do nearby. The hosts are super nice and accommodating. The vegan breakfast was a highlight also.
Loved our stay there and would certainly come again.
Lucy Johnson
09:16 17 Jun 24
Such an idyllic little stay at La Cour de Husson - tucked away in a peaceful but super accessible part of Charente, SW France. Our lovely hosts Jen and Nick could NOT have been more welcoming and hospitable - arming us with all the information and advice we could ever need for our trip! Around every corner there is a truly thoughtful touch - welcoming guests with any kind of need. We felt SO looked after. The gîte itself was stunning - kitted out tastefully and stylishly, treating us to a real slice of luxury inside these stunning historic buildings.
I was personally after a trip where I was able to switch off and relax, but also be able to explore a bit of this fairytale part of France - and this stay really delivered! We were able to find real peace chilling out in the gîte, but also enjoyed fun days out cognac tasting, exploring local towns, eating cake in local villages, going for evening walks through the fields and even visited some historical sites and museums (thanks to Jen & Nick's amazing recommendations!) I honestly barely had to use my brain the whole time - and had no idea how much I needed that!
I cannot recommend La Cour de Husson enough - and can't thank Jen & Nick enough for being such brilliant hosts. We will absolutely be back!
I was personally after a trip where I was able to switch off and relax, but also be able to explore a bit of this fairytale part of France - and this stay really delivered! We were able to find real peace chilling out in the gîte, but also enjoyed fun days out cognac tasting, exploring local towns, eating cake in local villages, going for evening walks through the fields and even visited some historical sites and museums (thanks to Jen & Nick's amazing recommendations!) I honestly barely had to use my brain the whole time - and had no idea how much I needed that!
I cannot recommend La Cour de Husson enough - and can't thank Jen & Nick enough for being such brilliant hosts. We will absolutely be back!
Vivien Jones
14:30 05 Jun 24
We had a fantastic time at La Cour de Husson. . Jen and Nick were super hosts. Nothing was too much trouble for them. A welcome basket awaited us. We had breakfast made for us twice whilst we were there. It was absolutely delicious. The gite was wonderful, had everything you needed. Lovely quiet surrounding. We didn't want to leave. Can highly recommend a visit.
Lauren Marchant
19:59 04 Jun 24
The most stunning farmhouse and perfect holiday let. We hired both gites as a family and had the best time. Jen and Nick were such lovely hosts and went above and beyond to make our stay wonderful. The food is exceptional- I’m going to dream about those breakfasts for a long time. Stylish, beautiful decor and the comfiest beds.
Thank you for the best stay- we will 100% be returning!
Thank you for the best stay- we will 100% be returning!
Stephanie Hanna
10:46 03 Jun 24
We have just returned from our second stay at La Cour de Husson and we had another fantastic stay. Jen and Nick (and Betty the dog!) are the perfect hosts and always make us feel so welcome. From making sure we have everything we need in the gite to providing expert local knowledge, we really couldn't ask for more. The gite is so beautiful, comfortable and well equipped and the outside space and swimming pool is always a massive hit with our sons! The local area is also excellent and there's lots to do nearby including walks, kayaking, local sightseeing and eating delicious food. Thank you Jen and Nick - we can't wait to return soon!
David Peuaud
21:14 21 May 24
Jane and Nick are charming hosts, attentive to make the stay very unforgettable. The cottage is pleasant and well decorated. The area is very pretty with superb sunsets. A visit to Tusson is essential. without forgetting Jane's excellent ones
Herve Queraud
11:47 20 May 24
An ideal place to share a spacious, very well equipped and nicely decorated gîte with your family. Very nice touches, a gourmet basket, a homemade breakfast, .... and a cuddly teddy bear in the bed for our little girl!!! Thank you, Jen and Nick for your warm welcome and your availability. See you
jaz Storey young
18:41 14 May 24
I had the most amazing long weekend at La Cour de Husson in April for a vegan patisserie course. There was nothing that Jen and Nick couldn't do to make our stay perfect, from cooking us the most delicious meals and snacks to leaving us welcome gifts and providing airport transport. I had the best, most memorable time and couldn't reccomend this place enough!
Catherine Walton
17:03 29 Apr 24
Nick and Jen hosted a vegan French pâtisserie weekend with @thefloatingbaker which was great fun. We learnt how to make a number of French pâtisseries and then went back to La Cour de Husson for a delicious vegan lunch prepared by Nick and Jen. Nick and Jen made everyone feel welcome. Their passion for #veganfrenchlife is clear. Their gîte looked like a fab place to stay and is in a great location.
Abigail Townsend
14:43 19 Oct 23
Cannot recommend highly enough. Our gite was beautiful: well equipped, spotlessly clean, comfortable and stylish. The swimming pool was great: kids loved playing in it, we loved lounging by it. It was really peaceful - you're surrounded by vast sunflower fields - yet interesting towns and cities were easy drives away. Most of all though, we can't praise our hosts Nick and Jen enough. They were welcoming, helpful and generous, and provided us with some of the best breakfasts we've ever eaten. Truly worthy of a 5-star review.
Hélène D
14:33 13 Oct 23
very welcoming hosts, a pleasant and nicely renovated gîte and a vegan place which is quite rare in France and even more so in the countryside to underline it.
Clarissa Ferguson
19:56 13 Sep 23
I can't say enough about my stay at the beautiful French villa; La Cour de Husson. Apart from being an absolutely stunning and peaceful place to stay, the hosts Jen & Nick were so kind and thoughtful throughout. The gite I stayed in was absolute perfection, every detail was thought through, such a comfortable sleep too! (Also extremely clean and I am a tad fussy with that!)
Although Jen & Nick were around if needed it was such a private little haven, honestly I could have just stayed there the whole time and been extremely happy! I read on my private terrace for hours with a beautiful local wine that my lovely hosts suggested I try. However, there are some lovely places to see nearby and there is a book of things you can do too in the gite which I found really handy.
The vegan breakfast was also divine!! It was so delicious, among other things I tried Jens vegan cinnamon buns. For all my fellow vegans out there, just come for those alone! Next time I also want to try the vegan picnic hamper that you can organise via the hosts too.
Without a doubt I will definitely be coming back here again. I felt so comfortable and at home, and there is still so much I would like to do. I genuinely feel like I had a luxury break away from the madness of London.
Thank you so much to Jen & Nick, I hope to see you again next year!!
Although Jen & Nick were around if needed it was such a private little haven, honestly I could have just stayed there the whole time and been extremely happy! I read on my private terrace for hours with a beautiful local wine that my lovely hosts suggested I try. However, there are some lovely places to see nearby and there is a book of things you can do too in the gite which I found really handy.
The vegan breakfast was also divine!! It was so delicious, among other things I tried Jens vegan cinnamon buns. For all my fellow vegans out there, just come for those alone! Next time I also want to try the vegan picnic hamper that you can organise via the hosts too.
Without a doubt I will definitely be coming back here again. I felt so comfortable and at home, and there is still so much I would like to do. I genuinely feel like I had a luxury break away from the madness of London.
Thank you so much to Jen & Nick, I hope to see you again next year!!
Anneke De Groot
08:09 26 Jul 23
This is one of our favourites place to stay. The gite is a lovely place, with eye for detail. You can feel and see the love of Nick and Jen (the owners). With a very warm, open and friendly welcome from this lovely couple, your holiday will come in your top 3 for sure.
The surroundings are beautiful and lovely towns and villages to go to.
Jen and Nick made our holiday unforgettable, for so many reasons. And we also love the vegan life.
We hope to visit them again and enjoy everything they have to offer.
And the swimming pool is the best we had in years.
The surroundings are beautiful and lovely towns and villages to go to.
Jen and Nick made our holiday unforgettable, for so many reasons. And we also love the vegan life.
We hope to visit them again and enjoy everything they have to offer.
And the swimming pool is the best we had in years.
Clément Boriello
13:19 03 Jul 23
La Cour de Husson is a true gem, a place that exudes calm and tranquility, in an absolutely idyllic setting. Imagine an old Charentaise building, perfectly preserved, renovated and furnished with all possible comfort; where you can relax around a magnificent swimming pool, which overlooks fields as far as the eye can see.
Nick & Jane are high-quality hosts who go out of their way to offer you a very high standard of stay (special mention for vegans, who will appreciate the efforts of adapted breakfasts).
The lodgings are extremely comfortable, perfectly equipped, and decorated with great taste, in a rustic and modern mix which totally preserves the authenticity of the atmosphere.
The place is in a hamlet which adjoins a medieval village with many shops (including a very practical grocery store / tobacconist), and 10 minutes from a town which offers all amenities.
The ideal place to visit a region that never ceases to surprise us, for its tranquility, its immediate nature, its historical heritage and even its proximity to the ocean!
Thanks again !
Nick & Jane are high-quality hosts who go out of their way to offer you a very high standard of stay (special mention for vegans, who will appreciate the efforts of adapted breakfasts).
The lodgings are extremely comfortable, perfectly equipped, and decorated with great taste, in a rustic and modern mix which totally preserves the authenticity of the atmosphere.
The place is in a hamlet which adjoins a medieval village with many shops (including a very practical grocery store / tobacconist), and 10 minutes from a town which offers all amenities.
The ideal place to visit a region that never ceases to surprise us, for its tranquility, its immediate nature, its historical heritage and even its proximity to the ocean!
Thanks again !
Michele Cardinali
10:41 30 Jun 23
C’est magnifique !
Nestled between cognac vines and sunflower fields is a beautiful relaxing place. La Cour de Hudson. Our hosts welcomed us with a delicious vegan dinner and couldn’t have been more welcoming.
The gite is surrounded by local markets and farm shops. A treasure trove for a foodie like me.
The accommodation itself is sparkling; beautifully decorated and every night was like sleeping in cotton wool. We couldn’t have asked for more than an everyday refreshing swim in the clear blue pool before drinks in the courtyard.
Nick and Jen were perfect hosts and knew best recommendations.
I’ll definitely be returning !
Nestled between cognac vines and sunflower fields is a beautiful relaxing place. La Cour de Hudson. Our hosts welcomed us with a delicious vegan dinner and couldn’t have been more welcoming.
The gite is surrounded by local markets and farm shops. A treasure trove for a foodie like me.
The accommodation itself is sparkling; beautifully decorated and every night was like sleeping in cotton wool. We couldn’t have asked for more than an everyday refreshing swim in the clear blue pool before drinks in the courtyard.
Nick and Jen were perfect hosts and knew best recommendations.
I’ll definitely be returning !
Dawn Wilson
09:42 19 Jun 23
Amazing hosts ! Amazing location! Attention to detail was spot on
Nic and Jen went above and beyond to make our stay perfect !
Will definitely be returning
Nic and Jen went above and beyond to make our stay perfect !
Will definitely be returning
Itti Olly
07:15 12 Jun 23
La Cour de Husson lived up to my every expectation: a wonderfully restored, historic farmhouse, with mellow golden stone, authentic architectural details, and the scent of roses in full bloom.
The Gite is stylish, tasteful, and simple yet chic, with every convenience. I even had my own private little courtyard - perfect for coffee and croissant in the mornings after a sublime morning dip in the crescent shaped pool!
The wonderfully comfortable beds with gorgeous crisp, white linen ensured a great nights sleep in this haven of peace and tranquility.
Jen and Nick are lovely: perfect hosts, discrete yet on hand when needed. They have done an amazing job of bringing this wonderful old building back to life.
Thank you for a really enjoyable stay!
Top tip: try the delicious vegan breakfast served in the courtyard - I'm now a convert to vegan cuisine.
The Gite is stylish, tasteful, and simple yet chic, with every convenience. I even had my own private little courtyard - perfect for coffee and croissant in the mornings after a sublime morning dip in the crescent shaped pool!
The wonderfully comfortable beds with gorgeous crisp, white linen ensured a great nights sleep in this haven of peace and tranquility.
Jen and Nick are lovely: perfect hosts, discrete yet on hand when needed. They have done an amazing job of bringing this wonderful old building back to life.
Thank you for a really enjoyable stay!
Top tip: try the delicious vegan breakfast served in the courtyard - I'm now a convert to vegan cuisine.
Erin Moore
14:59 26 Apr 23
My boyfriend and I stayed at La Cour de Husson for 4 days and it was an absolutely lovely experience, from beginning to end. We flew into Paris from NYC and drove to La Cour de Husson from Paris, which was nice. We could have taken the train from Paris to Angouleme, about 2 hours and 45 minutes. From there, we would have rented a car and driven 35 min drive to Charme, where the gite is located. We tried this drive (from the train station in Angouleme to the gite) and it was really straightforward!
What we all loved about staying here is that it felt like no detail was left unnoticed. The gite had everything we needed and was decorated so tastefully-it's the perfect combo of feeling "homey" and also like a hotel. There were fresh flowers and a great welcoming basket of snacks (chocolate, chips, Lotus cookies, cake), all excellent quality, when we arrived. Then we had beautiful breakfast spreads every morning -fresh baguettes, homemade cinnamon rolls, overnight oats, preserves, orange juice, chia yogurt cups, homemade granola-a different combo of the above, each day. They had coffee and tea and options for all: French press, espresso maker, and Italian coffee maker, and non dairy milk. All of it was tasty and we really looked forward to the breakfast every morning.
The rooms are spacious with cute decor and we had plenty of space. We loved the big tub in one of the bathrooms (and plenty of hot water for baths!!!!), and the aromatherapy soap was a nice touch:)
The setting doesn't get more beautiful. It overlooks the countryside, and there is a ton of outdoor space. There's an area to barbecue, including a full-sized grill and table. There's an area to hangout on the hammock and read a book. There's an area for lounging at the beautiful, clear blue pool. It's all so peaceful and picturesque. It's a dream switch up for us city people-all the amenities but in nature!
Jen and Nick, the owners were the most hospitable and gracious, hosts. They left no stone unturned inside the gite and with the meals. They also were super helpful with info and recommendations on what to do in the area, where to eat, and just made us feel at home and comfortable. We went to a local cake and flower shop that they recommended as well as a Cognac tour, about 45 minutes away and enjoyed both. We loved staying here and plan to come back whenever we next visit France.
What we all loved about staying here is that it felt like no detail was left unnoticed. The gite had everything we needed and was decorated so tastefully-it's the perfect combo of feeling "homey" and also like a hotel. There were fresh flowers and a great welcoming basket of snacks (chocolate, chips, Lotus cookies, cake), all excellent quality, when we arrived. Then we had beautiful breakfast spreads every morning -fresh baguettes, homemade cinnamon rolls, overnight oats, preserves, orange juice, chia yogurt cups, homemade granola-a different combo of the above, each day. They had coffee and tea and options for all: French press, espresso maker, and Italian coffee maker, and non dairy milk. All of it was tasty and we really looked forward to the breakfast every morning.
The rooms are spacious with cute decor and we had plenty of space. We loved the big tub in one of the bathrooms (and plenty of hot water for baths!!!!), and the aromatherapy soap was a nice touch:)
The setting doesn't get more beautiful. It overlooks the countryside, and there is a ton of outdoor space. There's an area to barbecue, including a full-sized grill and table. There's an area to hangout on the hammock and read a book. There's an area for lounging at the beautiful, clear blue pool. It's all so peaceful and picturesque. It's a dream switch up for us city people-all the amenities but in nature!
Jen and Nick, the owners were the most hospitable and gracious, hosts. They left no stone unturned inside the gite and with the meals. They also were super helpful with info and recommendations on what to do in the area, where to eat, and just made us feel at home and comfortable. We went to a local cake and flower shop that they recommended as well as a Cognac tour, about 45 minutes away and enjoyed both. We loved staying here and plan to come back whenever we next visit France.
Jonathan Watts
11:07 20 Nov 22
Such a wonderful place to escape, beautiful accommodation quietly set in open countryside; lovely walks to be enjoyed. Conveniently located for exploring the Charente region. Nearby town Ruffec is convenient for supermarket shopping. So many lovely places to explore nearby (owners Nick & Jen can offer recommendations) I particularly enjoyed the city Angoulême as well as the small local villages nearby which have plenty to offer. Verteuil-sur-Charente is an absolute must! I spent the week with my family, relaxing by the pool, exploring the local area and thoroughly enjoying the peace.
Rie Kitagawa
12:57 08 Oct 22
I spent two weeks at La Cour de Husson. A really enjoyable experience. The place was so relaxing that I forgot the all stress from the city. The room I stayed was stylish and good taste. I loved specially the cute bathroom with a big bathtub. The vegan breakfast was flavorful and satisfying. Jen and Nick who own the place were nice and kind. 5 stars!
Kate Voigt
14:10 05 Oct 22
La cour de Husson is absolutely beautiful, both the accommodation itself and the surrounding areas. Jen and Nick are all incredibly kind, cool and accommodating! Everything was immaculate and considered, the bed was comfortable and warm & the vegan breakfast was delicious. I stayed for two weeks, and each day for breakfast we had differing vegan options from fruit, Bircher, avocado on toast all served with fresh juice and lovely coffee. If you are looking for a serene and beautiful trip to France this place is perfect. It is well deserving of 5 stars. Thank you Jen and Nick for a beautiful stay x
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