France

Maison De Prairie is an idyllic bolthole in a perfect setting for experiencing the historic charm and beauty of Normandy alongside its gastronomic delights. You are within walking distance to a pretty village on Calvados’ Route du Cidre and less than half an hour from the iconic seaside resorts of Deauville and Cabourg.

Formerly stables and surrounded by stud farms, this 18th century half-timbered maison has been exquisitely renovated. The owners have created a boutique style family home which combines antique furnishings and objets d’art with ultra-modern features (such as 4K Smart TV and a Sonos dock). Its light-filled lounge opens out to the garden and jacuzzi terrace whilst the fully-equipped kitchen exudes character alongside contemporary style. The wooden table also acts as an office space with free Wi-Fi in case you are looking to peacefully work from home.

There are two gorgeous double bedrooms, each one with stylish décor, high-end bedding and slate-tiled shower rooms as well as bathrobes, slippers and toiletries, allowing Maison De Prairie to sleep up to four guests.

The glorious garden is beautifully maintained with white roses, box hedges and lawns which you can admire from the terrace with outdoor sofas, an al-fresco dining table and gas barbecue. As you sit back in the hot tub you can gaze out to the meadow and the grazing horses.

Following narrow country lanes so typical of the Pays d’Auge, you can drive or walk to the local village just over 1.5km away where there are restaurants, inviting shops and handsome Normandy houses. It is one of the villages on the sign-posted Route du Cidre alongside other picture-perfect spots including Cambremer, Beaufour-Duval and Beuvron-en-Auge (classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’).

As well as sampling calvados, cider and Pommeau from local producers, visit delightful markets selling the wonderful produce of this region. The Monday morning market in nearby Pont-l’Évêque showcases some of France’s finest cheese whilst the fish market in Trouville is a must for seafood lovers.

Indeed, the vast sandy shores of the Côte Fleuri are within easy reach alongside iconic Belle Époque resorts such as Deauville, so loved by Parisians and only 20km by car, whilst historic Honfleur is just a little further. For another amazing day out, discover the historic city of Caen, the incredible tapestry of Bayeux and the D-Day Landing beaches with Omaha and Arromanches-les-Bains just over an hour away.

Features:

Maison Interiors

Ground Floor (with the occasional step)

-    Partially open-plan lounge with wood stove and doors opening out to garden
-    Open-plan dining area and kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, microwave, oven, Nespresso machine, filter coffee machine, kettle, mixer and dining table for 4-6 guests (can also be used as office space). Door leads to al-fresco dining terrace
-    Bedroom with double bed, meadow view and private bathroom with walk-in shower
-    Bedroom with double bed, garden view and private bathroom with walk-in shower

There is a third bedroom upstairs beneath the low eaves with twin beds, WC and sink. This bedroom is available on request only (as it is just for passing guests)

Outside Grounds

-    Terrace with hot tub (soft tub) and two deck chairs
-    Terrace with table and chairs for al-fresco dining and outdoor lounge
-    Gas barbecue
-    Garden, partly overlooking surrounding horse meadow 
-    Electric gate and parking

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Wood stove
-    Heating
-    Smart TV (4K) with access to Netflix, Prime video
-    Sonos sound dock
-    Use of bathrobes and bath slippers
-    Toiletries
-    Washing machine/dryer 

Location:

In the Pays d’Auge, Maison De Prairie is so beautifully located near a pretty village in Calvados, a short drive from the vast beaches and iconic Normandy seaside towns of Deauville and Cabourg.

If arriving by ferry, the nearest ports are Caen-Ouistreham (42km) and Le Havre (56km) or travel by train into Pont-l’Évêque (a 2-hour journey from Paris Saint-Lazare). The drive from Paris CDG, Orly, Paris Beauvais or Rennes Airport is between two and three hours.   

This 18th century house (formerly stables) is surrounded by meadows and stud farmland where horses graze. It’s just over 1.5km to the nearest Normandy village, such a picturesque place full of character with a handful of restaurants, shops (including a grocery store, boulangerie, tabac, butchers and pharmacy) and traditional Norman houses. There is also an electric vehicle charging station in the village.

The village is on the Route du Cidre which includes other idyllic spots such as Beuvron-en-Auge (13km), Cambremer (10km) and Beaufour-Duval (8km) – try AOC Pays d’Auge cider, calvados and Pommeau from local producers just a short distance away. Flower-filled Beuvron-en-Auge is officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with its half-timbered houses that date back to the 17th century. Look out for the flower festival in May and a cider festival in October.

The nearest town is Pont-l’Évêque (13.5km), an absolute paradise for gourmands with its delightful food shops and cheese producers. The weekly market takes place on a Monday morning where you will come across local specialities such as crème fraiche, seafood, Camembert, Livarot and of course Pont-l’Évêque cheese alongside a wealth of seasonal produce. Just outside the town is Lac Terre d’Auge and a seasonal Base de Loisirs with a lakeside beach, watersports, inflatables, mini-golf and fishing. Other outdoor activities across the region include cycling through the Normandy landscapes of apple orchards, villages, half-timbered houses and farmland.

The magnificence of the Côte Fleurie is waiting to be explored from historic Honfleur (30km) to family-friendly Cabourg (25km) and beyond. Deauville (20km) is especially iconic with its boardwalks, vast beach, amazing restaurants and little boutiques, a seaside resort so loved by Parisians who visit at weekends and holidays. Trouville-sur-Mer (21km) is another highlight for food lovers with its famous fish market.

Further afield, the D-Day Landing Beaches around Arromanches (79km) and Omaha Beach (94km) are just over an hour by car.

Terms & Conditions:

Arrival time
5.00 p.m.

Departure time
10.00 a.m.

Minimum stay
7 nights in summer and during holidays. Short stays (minimum 2 nights) possible on request outside of July and August.

Tax
French Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night – please enquire if exact amount is required).