Old Farmhouse in National Park
Sensitively Restored and Furnished
Sleeps 7 + infant
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The rural property La Pichardiere lies in rolling farmland and woods in the south of Lower Normandy, near the village of Beauvain. It is a couple of miles east of La Ferte Mace and about five from Bagnoles del Orne. The granite buildings form three sides of a square courtyard and have been there in some shape or another for at least six centuries. The farm house covers 180 sq.m. the other structures are barns. The owners have endeavoured to retain the feeling of the past by using local and natural materials throughout i.e. stone, terracotta, wood and glass wherever possible instead of concrete and plastic.
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| Rental Period | Per Night | Per Week | Per Month | Min. Stay (Nights) |
| 2 January 2012 - 31 March 2012 | £440 | 4 | ||
| 31 March 2012 - 28 April 2012 | £500 | 4 | ||
| 30 April 2012 - 2 June 2012 | £550 | 4 | ||
| 2 June 2012 - 14 July 2012 | £600 | 4 | ||
| 14 July 2012 - 1 September 2012 | £700 | 7 | ||
| 1 September 2012 - 29 September 2012 | £580 | 4 | ||
| 29 September 2012 - 27 October 2012 | £500 | 4 | ||
| 27 October 2012 - 22 December 2012 | £440 | 4 |
Notes on prices
Prices are for the week from Saturday 4pm to the following Saturday 10am. Bed linen and small towels provided - please bring own bath-towels. Winter logs for the stove and heating are included in the price.
Changeover day
Saturday change over, departure by 10am, arrival after 4pm.
Accommodation
| Bedrooms: | Bedroom 1: king-size bed, sofa, chest of drawers, cot, linen chest. En-suite shower room including WC and hand basin. Bedroom 2: king-size bed, chest of drawers. Bedroom 3: single bed. Bedroom 4: king-size bed, window seat. |
| Bathrooms: | Main bathroom: solid cast, white glazed bath with shower head, wc and hand-basin. En-suite shower to master bedroom: ceramic base, glass door and marble tiles. Downstairs: shower, basin and wc. |
| Kitchen: | Tall fridge freezer, french stove with 5 hobs and capacious oven, double sink unit, dishwasher and microwave. |
| Utility Room: | Vacuum cleaner and cleaning equipment, , ironing-board and iron , outdoor games, bikes etc. |
| Living Rooms: | The living room has a large Norwegian wood burning stove and three sofas. A small library and a stereo with mainly French and classical music, English TV and DVD films. Stairs to landing and doors to front and rear gardens. |
| Other: | The dining room will comfortably seat eight to ten people and has a chandelier. (New fangled electric light is also available!) |
| Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: |
Bed linen, hand towels and kitchen towels are provided. The property is cleaned before and after your stay but please leave it as you find it. |
| Amenities/Facilities: | hob/stove oven fridge/freezer microwave dishwasher washing machine tumble dryer iron/ironing board satellite tv tv telephone central heating cot high chair barbecue |
| Location Type: |
Notes on accommodation
The house has central heating (underfloor downstairs and radiators upstairs) which is very cosy in the winter . The nature of house and garden is not especially suitable for small children, though fine for older children. The kitchen is well set up for serious cooks.
Accessibility
The property is not set up for wheelchair use for the time being.
Outside
There is a 2 acre garden, half of which is woodland with paths. There is a barbecue, outdoor seating plus table and umbrella, sun loungers and also a hammock. There are 3 bicycles for your use which can also be folded and taken out for the day in the back of an estate car. Many old fashioned, mainly French, climbing roses have been planted making the gardens especially colourful in May and June. There are magnificent old oaks and Spanish chestnut trees, one of which has a trunk 20 feet in circumference. There are no major roads nearby so that the overall atmosphere is that of a green and tranquil hideaway.
Coast/Beach
The north coast is about one and a half hours by car. Here is the location of the historic WW2 D-day landings, now peaceful, extensive sandy beaches. It is about the same distance to the seaside town of Granville on the west coast. It has a traditional promenade and beach, a street market -good for fresh fish- and a great art gallery. Mont St. Michel is near Granville and travelling further west, past the oyster beds are St Malo and Cancale, about two and a half hours drive.
Golf
There is golf five miles away at Bagnoles del Orne.
Special interest holidays
Most outdoor activities are available from gentle walks to bungee jumping (near Vire, if you feel so inclined). Otherwise 3 miles away, at La Ferte Mace, there is an indoor swimming pool and also a large lake with a sandy bathing beach. Riding, canoeing and climbing are available locally.
Travel
Paris is three and a half hours drive to the east but much quicker if the traffic is with you. Rennes is the nearest airport of significance. Ouistreaham is the nearest car ferry terminal and is a one hour and twenty minutes drive.
Distances
The nearest town La Ferte Mace, has supermarkets, banks, shops and cafes and a few restaurants. Bagnoles del Orne is about five miles away with more and better restaurants. Ranes is about six miles east with two good restaurants and a small but helpful supermarket with long opening hours.
Further details
The flower bedecked spa town of Bagnoles del Orne is worth a visit to see the 'belle epoque' architecture. It also has a chateau and park with a lake, rocky crags and gentle walks. Falaise has a brilliant history show at William the Conquerer's castle (half an hours journey North). On the same tack, don't forget to visit Bayeux and its Tapestry (half an hour west of Caen or one and three quarters of an hour from La Pichardiere). The Alps Mancelles have beautiful villages, especially St Ceneri le Gerai (half an hour south). Just north-west is the Suisse Normande: hills with pretensions to be mountains, charming nevertheless. To the east, towards Paris, lie forests and open countryside, clay farm-land and horse country including the National Stud at Haras du Pin. The pleasure is in exploring, Normandy is so rich in old villages and towns, natural history, archaeology, WW2 history, foods and drinks, all awaiting your discovery.
Booking notes
25% deposit to secure booking, and balance 6 weeks before arrival. A security deposit of £150 is requested.
Guest comments
"What a wonderful week we've had! The house is lovely, comfortable and like a home from home".
Summer 2009.
"What a fabulous place! Great surroundings and plenty to keep us occupied. A good base to tour Normandy".
Summer 2009.
"We have just enjoyed two lovely weeks in your gite - thank you. It is very well equipped with good facilities and a fabulous setting".
Summer 2009.
"The house is wonderful - lovely attention to detail and lots of thoughtful touches".
Autumn 2009.
For booking and further information
Property Ref FR4018
Contact Name:
David Pain
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