Today was the most amazing day!!
Started off with a late-ish breakfast. Gorgeous- figs, baked cherries and fresh breads.

Keen to take up the invitation we had received the previous day, we set off to Wil and Marja (pronounced Moya) Moeling's property around 11am following "Aussie Ken's" directions. We were in sight of their property when the dirt track we had been carefully navigating became impassable. Andy and Michelle ran up to the house and andy returned with Will in his Land-rover ready to tow us out if necessary. In the end we pulled the same trick as the bus the night before and reversed 500 meters up the track before Andy could turn around and follow Will to the front driveway using sealed roads- good one Ken!

Their property called Les Planchettes, was in a village outside Confolens called Saulgond, and as suspected was amazing. Originally an old barn Wil and Marja had extensively restored and extended it creating a spacious 2 storey open plan country home befitting their worldly lifestyle. Designed for socializing in the 5 months of the year they spend there the house boasted several guest rooms including self contained apartment that Hanneke currently called home. Furnished in a stylish mix of stainless steel, wood and plastic Ikea furniture the decor was and eclectic mix of old and new and the Massive proportions of the living areas allowed space for unusual pieces like an old F1 racing car and paired 7 foot high rocking horses to be displayed.

After a wonderful lunch of champagne, tuna, pate, cheese and escargot all prepared by Will, Michelle prepared to go horse riding with Morja.....

After a spot of bonnet posing Ippo went for a ride in Wills 1927 Willis. I walked around the property videoing points of interest and Andy had a snooze on the couch (until I rudely awoke him - see video for full reaction!)

Advised that Michelle and Marja were likely to be a few hours we decided to take Will up on his offer to bring Michelle into Barry and Sharon's later. We thanked him for their wonderful hospitality leaving a bottle of Bergere brut from de Champagne Ave in Epernay as a token of our appreciation.

We found our way back to Confolens easily and settled in at Barry and Sharon's 400 year old home on the banks of the La Vienne. The home is 4 stories high and comes complete with rickety stairs, musty cellar and sloping floors! Being the owners of Signature Homes I applaud their cest la vie attitude with the buildings many irregularities. Here solid is far more important than straight but for a man who has spent half his life with a spirit level in his hand this must have taken time to get used to. In the 4 years since they bought the property (chosen due to the area being the original home of the Delaporte name) they have done much to improve the condition of the house. They accomplish what they can in the 3 months a year they spend here but needless to say there is still much to do.

After having a good look around Confolen and saying our final goodbyes we went to the local supermarket and bought fromage, poulet and jambon for a picnic on our La Betoulle terrace.

A note from Michelle's perspective...

When the invite was extended to us to visit Marja, I hoped she would let me ride one of her horses she had told me about the night before, so I packed some jeans and enclosed shoes just in case! It didn't take long after we got there for her to make the offer and of course I took her up on it straight away!!!

She had two horses, one an anglo Arab called Syrah, and the other a warmblood called Funny Face. Syrah was young and a bit unpredictable so she put me on her old faithful, funny face.

We rode along country lanes and through bridal paths. Trotting took a few minutes to remember, but after 12 years out of the saddle (19 years since I had my own horse!) it was a bit like riding a bike, you never really forget. The best part was a beautiful track that Funny enjoyed stretching his legs on. I let him go and he galloped all the way up, thankfully agreeing to stop before we got to the road. We rode for about an hour and a half before making our way back. My fanny bone, inner thighs and calves were killing me, but it was worth it!!!! Thank you Marja!!!!