Martin was a wine merchant in London for nearly 40 years, selling fine wines to Hotels, Restaurants, Corporate dining rooms and private clients. He continues to run Winelines, a business offering private and corporate wine tastings all over Europe. Em enjoys her potager and painting and encourages everyone to bring paint and brushes with them and set up an easel in some secluded spot to paint in the fabulous light here. Wine Tasting week-ends and Painting Breaks are, not surprisingly, available upon request at Les Picardies. We have four children (and two wonderful grandsons and two grand-daughters) three of whom live and work in London and one who lives and works in Santa Monica.

The original estate, comprising around 150 hectares, was originally purchased, during the 100 Years War by a family in Picardy, in the then non-unified northern part of France. The land was almost certainly purchased to protect their wealth in the event of an English monarch seizing their possessions. The land was subsequently purchased by Bishop Tabari, whose family lived in Lesterps, and the present house was built around 1475. His story, and his connection with Les Picardies, is detailed in the Maison du Patrimoine situated in a medieval house in Lesterps' main street The splendid barn, on the east side of the house, is a more recent addition; probably built around 1840 but, sadly, with little respect for the original architecture. One of of which we have now converted in to a four bedroom gite. The gardens were heavily overgrown when we arrived and our quest to regain the land is never ending, having re-acquired 26 hectares of the original estate which we are wilding for our guests to enjoy exploring. We have also created a large parking area, using locally sourced gravel and interesting peaceful sitting areas. The heated swimming pool and the landscaped surrounding terraces, at the end of the barn, was opened to guests in July 2016 and is open during the summer season.

Lesterps is a medieval village with quaint houses, a remarkable church tower, an interesting maison du patrimoine and the most welcoming village shop in France. The local area is great for walking and there are plenty of interesting chateaux, ruins, villages and monoliths to visit. Fishing is very popular and shopping is available in Limoges, Angouleme, Poitiers and St Junien - all an easy drive away. Come and visit us, we'll suggest something to suit your interests....