Wonderful, informal Chateau, built in 1751 with a safe, secluded garden in 3 acres of grounds. Ideal location for several families to holiday, reunions or house parties -large rooms, 3 lounges and halls suitable for banquets. Also a beautifully restored 18th Century Carriage House, south-west facing and forming part of the large front garden courtyard of the Chateau. The building dates from 1751 and has many unusual features and plenty of space - giant oak beams, Douglas redwood floors, 18th Century local stone fireplaces, an unusual dome shaped kitchen and 5 sets of French windows. It is ideally situated in lovely countryside, 8km from Cherbourg and only 30 minutes from superb Gulf Stream beaches opposite Jersey.
The chateau: 11 bedrooms (3 triples, 2 quadruples, 2 twins, 4 doubles). 6 bathrooms + 1 downstairs WC. Large kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, range cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer. 3 lounges. Large hall (suitable for banquets). Boot room. Central heating. Linen not provided.
The carriage house: 5 bedrooms (3 doubles, 1 twin, 1 double with bunk beds). 3 bathrooms. 1 downstairs WC. Dome shaped kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, range cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer. Very large lounge/diner with fireplace. Central heating. Linen not provided. Maximum 3 cars parking.
Highlights:
- Swimming and
sunbathing on the beautiful sandy west coast beaches at Cartaret, where the gulf
stream produces a little-known sunny microclimate.
- Country and coastal rambling - this region was the most affluent in
France in the 18th Century and has a wealth of grand houses, gardens and
culture. There is a labyrinth of beautiful ancient walkways, for which we have
detailed maps.
- Shopping at the daily regional markets - particularly the one in
medieval Bricquebec on Monday (9am to 12.30pm)
- A trip across the oyster beds by amphibious craft to Tatihou island - an
ancient penal colony and bird sanctuary off St. Vaast la Hougue.
- An evening at the village butcher's bar - a brilliant, informal 4 course
meal usually cooked over a fire - for 60 francs including wine and cider.
Children are welcome, and at half price!
- Incomparable moules frites at a quayside bar in Cartaret, opposite the
Channel Islands.
- An omelette aux lardons avec frites at the end of your coastal walk
Omonville la Rougue at the harbour bar.
- A visit to some local chateaux and their gardens - Toulaville, Vauville,
Urville-Nacqueville, Crosville, and Martinvast.
- Bayeux tapestry - a great exhibition 45 minutes away.
- A round of golf at Cherbourg's picturesque, quite demanding (an
underused!) golf course at Glacerie.
- The landing beaches - Pegasus Bridge and new museum, Arromanches
Mulberry harbour and its 360 degrees cinema - 18 minutes of drama. Point du Hoc.
Bayeux war museum. American war cemetary at Ste. Marie Eglise (John Steel).
- The Memorial Peace Museum at Caen.
Wine tasting in the Normandy Wine Warehouse in Cherbourg, and browsing the
boutiques in centre ville.
- A fun few hours at the indoor pool, with the snaking slides at La
Piscine de Collignon in Tourlaville (east Cherbourg).
- An afternoon in the charming animal park at Montague La Brisette.
- Surfing (or watching them!) at Sciotot bay. Paragliding at Cartaret.
Windsurfing at Nacqueville.
- A flutter at Cherbourg casino, rounding off the night in the local
nightclub.
- A tour of the region's junk shops.
- Tea or aperatifs on the quayside at Barfleur, after climbing the 365
steps of Gatteville lighthouse.
- Succumbing to the many temptations at Auchan - the best of the three
hypermarkets in the region.
- A boat trip round the Napoleonic harbour in Cherbourg.
- An evening without the children at a top restaurant like Mesnil Grand or
Les Fuschias at Saint Vaast (English babysitter available!)
- A day at the stunning Mont Saint Michel - a wonder of the world.
Chateau
