Welcome....... to Bandouille

This is our beautiful house in the Deux Sevres region of France, called Bandouille, a wonderful stone building, part 12th century monastery, and part 18th century farmhouse, set within the 24 acre grounds, facing the 12 acre lake. We have numerous outbuildings and barns, the remains of the original church, the magnificent monastery dome, two smaller lakes, fields and orchards.

From April to end of September we run painting holidays at the house. A really stunning location for any holiday and with a multitude of subjects to draw or paint, whether views across the lake, trees and plants or the array of wildlife, you could spend a wonderful relaxing holiday here, just within the grounds.

The holiday is for upto eight guests. With the availability of three double bedrooms and two single bedrooms, guests will normally have their own room with en-suite facilities. We look to have a maximum of six single guests staying in any one week, with one guests sharing the largest bedroom with one other guest, maybe a friend. The number of guests will only ever be in excess of six when the double rooms are occupied by couples.

We want you to have a holiday to remember, in France, so after some time in the studio, we will take you out and about, to some of the locations we have found in the area. Historic towns, chateaux, landscapes, rivers etc. are all within an hours drive. Subjects to inspire you to paint or sketch, to enjoy yourself quietly on your own or with other like minded people who have also joined us for the week. We will have guest tutors visiting, and staying with us during the summer, who will be more than happy to give advice on methods and techniques, or you can chat with members of the local "pleinair" art group or any of the other artist friends who regularly visit or pop in. Tutored groups are welcomed.

Your accomodation will normally be in the main house, which we hope you will find not only comfortable, but interesting, with it’s huge fireplaces, beamed ceilings and roof terraces. Extensively renovated over the past three years, with particular attention to the French electrics and plumbing, we have completely redesigned the first floor to create five guest bedrooms with ensuite facilities, yet retaining its original character.

France Painting Holiday