Description
Accommodation:
Bedrooms
There are three double bedrooms on the first floor, one with wash basin, 1 with king size bed. On the second floor, [reached by a steep staircase] there are 2 twin rooms, 1 with en suite shower and wc.. And there is a 'bunkroom' with shower on the first floor. A cot is available and there are 2 z-beds.
Duvets and pillows are provided. Bed linen hire is available for hire at an extra charge of €18.00 per bed per week, which includes a towel per person. And for that we'll make the beds ready for your arrival.
Bathrooms
There is one bathroom and one shower room on the second floor, and there are 2 shower rooms on the first floor. There are 4 wcs, one of which is on the ground floor.
Kitchen and dining
The kitchen is large and airy and fully equipped - cooker and hob, dishwasher, coffee maker, fridge-freezer and microwave. There is a large dining table which can easily seat 14 people. The washing machine is in a utility room off the sitting room. There is a high chair for the younger children.
Living rooms
There is a lovely large sitting room with wood burning stove and french doors leading to the garden, The tv receives English programmes via satellite and there are cd and dvd players and an iPod dock. There is a selection of books, dvds, cds and games.
Free wi-fi is provided. Electricity, water and gas for cooking are included.
Electric heating is provided throughout the house in winter and there is a wood burning stove in the sitting room, which is beautiful and cosy. A welcome supply of logs is provided.
Garden and outside
There is a large garden (about an acre) with fruit trees. Barbecue and garden furniture are on the large sunny patio. There are some garden activities for children.
This is a great area for bird watching. Red squirrels and some unusual butterflies come form time to time.
There is plenty of parking space for 2/3 cars.
All electrical sockets are French, so you will need continental adaptors.
The caretakers are English-speaking.
We welcome dogs [for which there is a small extra charge] and have included a dog basket and dog bowls.
Visitor suitability
This house is ideally suited to large family gatherings and celebrations. But we also have we have several couples who return year after year for the spacious peace and quiet (and the excellent local food and wine could have something to do with it too!) It is suitable for all ages - a cot, highchair, baby bath and stairgates are available on request.
A steep staircase to the second floor might make the top floor rooms difficult for those with mobility problems.
This area is ideal for birdwatchers, walkers, cyclists, fishermen and those who just want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Normandy countryside.
This part of Lower Normandy is ideal for country lovers and those interested in history, both ancient and modern. The are also provides interesting and exciting visits for children. You can watch birds in the garden and there are specialist bird watching areas nearby in the forests and marshes; red squirrels are frequently seen and the rare midwife toads are present in summer. There is good walking and cycling; there is a trout fishing lake locally where you can catch fish for your barbecue; or you can simply chill out on the extensive patio.
There are many sites connected with English history; William the Conqueror was born in Falaise and buried in Caen, where he and Matilda had the Abbe aux Dames and the Abbe aux Hommes built; The D-Day landing beaches are within easy reach and the whole of the Battle of Normandy was fought out across the area in 1944. The fabulous Mont St Michel is a 45 minute drive and Bayeux, with its old town and magnificent tapestry, is also 45 minutes. Beautiful sandy beaches are a 20-30 minute drive. Champrepus Zoo is 20 minutes drive away. Golf, riding and tennis are nearby. There are theme parks and the great Clécy model railway to suit children of all ages within easy reach.
Brecey and nearby Villedieu-les-Poeles have good shops and restaurants. Market day in Brecey is on Friday and that of Villedieu-les-Poeles is on Tuesday.