La Chapelle

nr Bayeux

Normandy

2 bedrooms > Sleeps 5

Changeover day: Saturday

A traditional ivy-clad stone cottage, lovingly restored, on a 300-year-old former cider and dairy farm, La Chapelle is situated in 3 acres of tranquil Calvados countryside, providing an ideal base for varying holiday needs. The English owned gîte (self-catering cottage) sleeps up to five people. The stone farmhouse and cottage, typical of the area, are situated at the end of a long drive bordered by pear and cherry trees, and face southwest. Historic Bayeux, D-Day beaches, seaside all within ½ hour. Ideal for family holidays or house-hunting! Nearest ferry port Ouistreham / Caen is just 45 minutes away.

Whether you wish to visit places of historical & architectural interest, soak up some sun on the wonderfully spacious sandy beaches, or simply have a peaceful break in a rural idyll, this region is an ideal holiday destination. The area is popular with British people looking to purchase property - we can help you take the first steps and advise with translation. We are always on hand for any help and advice you might need, or can simply can leave you in peace to enjoy a tranquil break or family holiday. A few highlights are detailed below - we hope these will whet your appetite!

La Chapelle was formerly the largest dairy & cider farm in the area, owned by the local mayor. The same family built many of the nearby properties over the last 300 years or so. We purchased from the surviving family members in 1989 and converted part for use as a gîte (self-catering cottage). It is just possible to discern traces of the building's original role as dairy and cider store; many original features have been retained in its simple, natural country style decor. The irregular oak-beamed ceilings were carefully sanded and polished, stairs made with the wood from a huge ancient oak cider barrel, and dining room walls rendered with traditional Normandy creamy limestone plaster. A date stone set in the wall of a barn opposite gives a date of 1727, some buildings are undoubtedly earlier. During WWII the main house was used by the Nazis as a communications centre. Steeped in history, the area is excellent both for historic interest and for family holidays.

On the ground floor are the dining room with traditional Godin stove for extra heating, sitting room with three-piece suite, books and games, TV and CD/radio/cassette player; the pretty country kitchen has a cooker, microwave, a large fridge/freezer and plenty of cupboard space. There's one utility area with washing machine and another for storage of bicycles etc. Upstairs, the large bathroom has a bath, basin and WC. Each bedroom has a comfortable double brass bed; one also has an additional single bed and we can supply a cot if required. The cottage is fully furnished and equipped. Sheets, bedding, pillowcases and personal/kitchen towels are included in the rental price; beds will be made up for your arrival with pure cotton or linen sheets and pretty patchwork quilts. Each room has an electric convection heater, individually regulated. To the rear is a secluded lawn with garden table & chairs and a barbecue with a rotisserie. There's ample parking space in the courtyard to the front.
The hilly Manche peninsula lies to the NW, stretching from Mont St. Michel to Cherbourg. To the east is the city of Caen , capital of Calvados, with its mediæval château, its street markets and shops. To the SE is the Suisse Normande, an area of spectacular tree clad hills, deep gorges and fast flowing rivers. Bayeux, best known for its 230-ft long tapestry, is 20 minutes away, a beautiful town at any time of the year. The Musée Memorial de la Bataille de Normandie 1944 and the 11th century cathedral also should not be missed. Just 10 minutes further are the D-Day Landing Beaches, the picturesque fishing town of Port-en-Bessin and the sandy beaches of the Côte de Nacre - great for a family day at the beach. Honfleur, the birthplace of Impressionism, and Mont St. Michel are both about 1½ hour's drive away; Paris and the wine producing Loire valley are longer day trips. Most sports and leisure activities are catered for and there are numerous châteaux and other places of historical interest within easy reach - we have a huge pile of leaflets, maps and guide books for you to plan your itinerary.

Seafood, apples, cider and cream form the basis of traditional local cuisine although you will be spoilt for choice with the large range of restaurants in the region, including a superb "gourmand" restaurant in nearby Balleroy for special occasions (or just a treat...). The départment of Calvados is well known for its fiery apple brandy of the same name, there are numerous farms producing both Calvados and cider in the vicinity, some of which offer visits and, of course, sampling! Fresh food can be bought each day in the colourful street markets, held in every town once or twice a week. Our local small town, Caumont l'Éventé (5km) has a full range of shops; fresh bread is available in Cormolain (4km), a short trip for your fresh croissants each morning! A little further afield, you'll find a full range of supermarkets and hypermarkets, excellent for stocking your wine cellar.

La Chapelle is within easy reach of several channel ports; from Caen / Ouistreham the journey is about 45 minutes, Cherbourg is just over an hour's drive and Le Havre about two hours. Dieppe, Calais and Boulogne are all also within easy driving distance.

More details: www.lachapelle-holidays.com

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