This is a stunning estate in the heart of Normandy, near Honfleur and Deauville. Although the 18th century chateau is a private residence, it and some of the other buildings in the estate are available for holiday lets. We are featuring the chateau itself (which sleeps 18) and a farmhouse which sleeps 10 – there is a short gated path which joins the two, so it’s perfectly possible for one party to hire both properties. A big group of up to 28 can all dine together in a beautifully converted barn.
The chateau has generously proportioned, sunny rooms, polished floors you could skate on, cosy sofas, carved wood panelling, and ornate ceilings.
The house was originally constructed in 1641 by Francoise de la Haye and at that time was a 'manoir' rather than a chateau, being much smaller than it is now. It was extended in the early 18th century to its current size. The current owners have given the whole property a complete makeover.
The chateau has nine bedrooms - one suite (with double bed), six doubles and two twins. Each room has wow factor, particularly those on the first floor, decorated in gilt and stucco, with the kind of ornate beds which make guests feel like royalty. Up on the second floor there are further bedrooms, all lovingly decorated with thoughtful touches like curtains around beds and sloping ceilings. The chateau and farmhouse are available separately or together.
The original lower ground floor cellars were converted into what is now a wonderful big kitchen, painted in white, with all mod cons within an old, characterful framework.
There are big open fires in huge fireplaces in the principal rooms of both the chateau and the farmhouse.
The farmhouse sleeps ten in three doubles and two twins. The doubles are ensuite whilst the twins share a shower room. The house has been completely restored to an extremely high standard.
There are plenty of bathrooms – the chateau has six, the farmhouse four.
The estate is ideal for a variety of functions including a wedding or a christening, as it has a fully restored chapel in the grounds, close to the fountain. It is an idyllic setting, and the terraced and Italian gardens make great backdrops for photos.
In addition, a beautiful traditional barn in the grounds has been restored to create a function room with large kitchen, galleried hall, cloakroom, and lavatory. The hall is 14 metres long and can seat 26 people for a formal meal, or receive many more people for a buffet, or reception. It has windows that open onto the pool, and the orchard. The whole building is centrally heated.
Your group has full use of the outdoor swimming pool (12m x 6m) which is heated (but at the cost of the guests). It tends to be closed by late October to keep out leaves but could be in use again from March. The pool has an adjacent pool house with a changing room, shower, lavatory, kitchen and gym.
The caretaker for the estate is available to welcome you and can clean by separate arrangement.
Children are very welcome, and pets are allowed by special request.
Please note that the chateau gardens (but not the house itself) are open to the public every Saturday from June to September. You would not really be affected by this – even on a busy day there are only about a dozen visitors, and they cannot access the house or the area around the pool.
The estate is at the end of a 1km long drive, and a 15 minute walk from the nearest village (St Maclou). It is a five minute drive to the market town of Beuzeville, ten minutes to Honfleur and15 minutes to Deauville.
The Chateau is well placed for ferry links to the UK - Calais is 2 1/4 hours away, Dieppe 1 1/4 hours, Caen 45 minutes and Le Havre 30 minutes.
Airport: Deauville St Gatien (15 mins); Paris (Orly or Charles de Gaulle, 1hr 45 mins)
Station: Pont L’Eveque (15 mins)
This part of Normandy is well provided for in terms of sports facilities - for both participants and spectators. There are many stud farms, including the Aga Khan's, and in the summer there are horse auctions as well as horse racing and polo at Deauville. There is also horse riding available, and various golf courses within half an hour of the chateau.
Honfleur is about 10 minutes away, in the Seine estuary. It is a medieval fishing and sailing village, much loved by the Impressionists and other artists, and was the birthplace of numerous navigators, sailors and captains. It’s a lovely place to wander around, with good shops and lots of atmosphere.
There are many sites around Normandy linked with the Allies’ famous 1944 landings and the following Battle of Normandy. The beaches codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword are all between Caen and Ste Mere Eglise. The Pegasus Bridge near Caen, St Mere Eglise and the Arromanches Museum and Cinema just north of Bayeux are just a few places not to miss.
Deauville and Trouville are two famous seaside resorts with casinos. Deauville in particular has excellent fashion shopping - all the major brands such as Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton are represented there. Normandy is also famous for its gastronomic delights - Calvados, cider, cheese – and there are lots of markets where you can buy excellent food.
Favourite restaurants in the area include the Auberge du Vieux Logis at Comteville (6km) which has one Michelin star.
Lastly, a lot of guests make the trip to Monet’s famous gardens at Giverny, an easy and worthwhile day trip from the chateau.
Rates for 2012:
A) Chateau
Up to 16 people are as follows (a 5% surcharge for 17/18 people):
High Season: (30/06 to 1/09 plus Christmas and New Year) 7,500 Euros
Mid Season: (May, June, September and October plus Easter) 6,000 Euros
Low Season: ( All other times) 4,300 Euros
B) Farm
Up to 10 people are as follows:
High Season: (July, August, Xmas & New Year) 2,150 Euros
Mid Season: (May, June, September, October & Easter) 1,800 Euros
Low Season: ( All other times) 1,500 Euro