a château in normandy

Today I am taking you to dream of living in the heart of Normandy, to a beautiful château with nothing but fields and private woodlands all around.   This beauty is further west from us, in a part of normandy known for its grand homes and rolling countryside.  Can't say that there's a lot to do once you're there but, hey!  in a place that looks this good, does that matter?!

 No need for too many words, these stunning pictures do the work for me.  Just know that it was built over the 16th 17th and 18th century, and comes with its own 32 hectares or 80 acres of land.

I so love these double sides steps down into the lower garden ...

 

and if you'd like to find the details of this beauty, and several others!, you are welcome to check out the real estate site here

a dreamy french riverside home for sale

If you have ever dreamt of finding a cute little house in Normandy, tucked away in deep green countryside, then this one is for you!

This charming property belongs to a friend who has to move for professional reasons.  It lays on the banks of the river that runs through our valley, just a couple of minutes from our village. 

The house is quite small, which makes it ideal as a country pied-à-terre, or a weekend hideaway from a busy life in Paris.  Downstairs there is a large sitting room, a dining room and a small kitchen.

I love the beams and the beautiful floor tiles.   There are many windows to make the house bright and airy.

Below is the view from the dining room through and across the hallway into the sitting room.

The kitchen is small but very well put together and very functional.

Upstairs there are three bedrooms, this is the one I prefer, for the view of course, a long uninterrupted vista across fields.

The bathroom is also bright and airy with its big window that lets the sunshine pour in.

Sitting outside on a summer evening here, is quite wonderful.  The river running by and the birdsong is about the only sound to be heard.  Today there are some great trees and  a good basis in the garden, and with a little TLC it could become quite spectacular.

The house measures about 120 square meters or 1300 square feet, and the overall property around 7000 square meters, or 1.7 acres.  It was built in the 50's, and a lot of old materials were used, which is why it has such an authentic air.  I particularly appreciate the old roof tiles, typical of traditional houses in Normandy.

And if perchance you wish to keep  horses, there is already a paddock fenced off, with a couple of stables ready to go!

If you would like any further information on this property, you are very welcome to send me a mail, or if you prefer to contact the owner directly.  

Happy dreaming!

dreaming of the smaller french house for sale

A couple of readers have kindly written to me explaining  that while you enjoy seeing the properties I show for sale, many would prefer some smaller less expensive houses to dream over. 

So today let's pretend that we have maximum 200,000 euros to spend on a property in Normandy.  We prefer an old house with character, and we don't mind if it needs a little restoration, and total redecorating!  Do you agree with these criteria?  Good, then here is my selection for you to carry around in your mind this weekend    .......

I am showing you one of my favourites first of all, comes complete with a stable, chicken house, pond, large garden, wine cellar and huge attic to renovate

These properties are mostly further west in Normandy than us, often in the traditional Normandy style, that is long and narrow, rooms leading from one into another, usually with several fireplaces.

The beams showing through the structure is also typical of the region, on this house I love the exterior staircase

From the so sweet to the more imposing!

 Voila!  I have to add that I am not an estate agent, and the agencies have not paid me to show these properties, it's just my pleasure for an in-between-season weekend.  If however you want more details on any of the houses, just drop me a line and I'll give you  the link.

Happy dreaming! 

dreaming of a house in Normandy?

Have you ever dreamt of changing lifestyle and heading out to the deepest French countryside to do up an old house and run your own B&B ?    I may have the place for you......

This beautiful house is 250 years old , it was originally a Fuller's mill.  Its 2.5 acre garden  backs onto a nature reserve, and has its own spring supplying fresh water to the whole property;

The house is to be found down a tiny lane in a beautiful little valley.  Among the numerous outbuildings, is this stunning old barn that could be converted into further living space.

The main house is not enormous but has an open plan living area with a huge fireplace, a cellar and five bedrooms.  There is a tiny maison d'amis with a bedroom and a bathroom plus another barn with 5 more bedrooms and a large work studio upstairs.  The property has been run as a seminar centre for several years. The structure and layout are fantastic but there is still scope for improvement and embellishment.

These pictures show the back of the main house, overlooking the grassy slope leading down to the stream.  It would be great to add a raised wrap around porch to this side of the building and enjoy the views and sunlight.

This is the side of the house that people arrive to.  The garden is well planted and very attractive.  The terrace is a great place to eat alfresco.

The extensive grounds are as quiet as they are beautiful.  The soil is rich, the garden grows well.

The large barn close to the house was built with five bedrooms on the ground floor and two huge studios above.  The property can sleep over 20 people so this space is useful when welcoming groups.  With its wooden beams and wood clad walls it is warm and welcoming.  Again the potential is enormous.

Back in the main house, the living area with its large wood burning stove feels relaxed and inviting.  The windows on the left look out towards the stream.

This long corridor in the main house  upstairs serving the bedrooms and bathrooms gives a feel for the overall size of the property.  I love the use of the oriental rugs, and the way that antique furniture and paintings can be displayed so effectively.

The bedrooms upstairs are charming, they feel warm and cosy

The sweet little maison d'amis lies directly opposite the entrance to the main house.

vaulted ceilings in the cellar

Today the kitchen is compact and functional, with a walk in larder and storage area behind.

The property is a couple of hours drive from Paris, in the heart of the cheese country.  Camembert, Livarot, and Le Pont l'Eveque are just a couple of the famous cheeses made locally.   The university town of Caen and the pretty seaside town of Deauville are an hour away, the landing beaches too.

I know this property well.  It is up for sale furnished and equipped at around 450,000 euros, I believe there is some room for negotiation.   If you would like any other details don't hesitate to get in touch, I'll happily answer your questions or put you in touch directly with the owner.