This is 3 star plus, but the system doesn't allow half stars. Loved the wide open countryside with no one to see for miles. Quiet roads, easy to get around (a car is a must), plenty of private safe parking (gated drive) and pleasant extensive grounds with interesting plants and nature. Peaceful village, blissful calm. Warm weather everyday without being over-powering, though air-con for the car essential when out in the middle of the day. Plenty of space in our end of the farmhouse, three reasonable sized bedrooms, though a 5' bed would have been a welcome bonus. Loved the shutters, really worked well with the heavy masonry walls maintaining a nicely cool interior. The sitting area could be improved with better more comfortable furniture and perhaps laid out differently to make better use of space (the least spacious part) but loved the country kitchen/dining room; the shower room downstairs and the bathroom upstairs appear to be new and very comfortable, with modern quality fittings, all perfectly clean.
With 5' bed and a better sitting area this would have been 4 star plus.
Vicki is easy to deal with, very helpful and charming.
The whole feel is rural France, and the peacefulness is stunning, probably the most relaxing holiday I've ever had - and I am quite old! No TV but not really missed and in fact its absence went a long way towards the relaxation. Nice selection of books, games, etc, though a few thrillers added to the library would improve it for me. Enjoyed the slightly sycophantic book on Stephen Hawking. Plenty of equipment in the kitchen, etc.
Particularly enjoyed trips to Surgeres (where you'll find the nearest bigger supermarket) and Niort, and the canals go for miles beyond the picturesque touristy sections. Also liked La Rochelle, Royan and the islands. You can go miles across the wide-open fields without seeing anyone. Not a lot in Mauze-sur-le-Mignon, but there is a reasonable small to mid sized supermarket and a few cafes, which is only approx 4 to 5 miles from the house. Few English people to be found and little spoken, but people are by and large helpful and were tolerant of my rubbish remnant schoolboy French.
Overall it was a very memorable, super relaxing and enjoyable holiday, both the area and the property. And lovely owner.