La Queurie

If it’s a deep breath of fresh air in the unspoiled nature you’re looking for, you couldn’t have found a better spot. The tranquility washes over you the moment you arrive. For over five centuries, the manor house—with its natural stone walls and outbuildings—has stood here, surrounded by the green countryside of Normandy and right on the banks of the Orne River. Thekla and Luc Benevello were captivated by the heritage-protected estate from the moment they set eyes on it. In their search for a new home where they could connect more closely with nature, they found the 15th-century farmstead at La Courbe—and a lifetime’s work to go along with it. In renovating the buildings, they relied on traditional techniques and natural materials: oak, slate, limestone, and clay plaster. Where the stable and apple press once stood, there are now two guest rooms with high ceilings and oak floors. The decor is minimalist, with warm earth tones, custom-built fixtures, and modern furniture combined with vintage pieces in a rural style. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the magnificent natural garden, where wildflowers bloom and cats and black chickens roam—an invitation to immerse yourself in Norman country life: visiting the sheep in the pasture, savoring freshly baked plum tart made with fruit from the garden, or taking long walks through the unspoiled landscape. And even though the clocks seem to tick more slowly here than elsewhere, time will fly by far too quickly.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The way the two guest rooms open up to the outdoors, with plenty of natural light streaming in through the windows that were added later.
• How the owners have preserved the character of the manor house: “We took the time to truly understand this extraordinary place so that we could blend into it with humility.” They’ve succeeded wonderfully!
• The care that goes into the small details that give a house its character: the candlesticks crafted by a local metalworker, the garden flowers in the rooms, or the homemade mirabelle plum jam for breakfast.
• That natural materials are used both indoors and outdoors. The exposed stonework also lends a special charm
• The oak cabinets, stairs, and benches were custom-made by the owners and blend harmoniously into the overall design
• That there are so many two- and four-legged friends here: you can pet cats and sheep or collect breakfast eggs in the chicken coop. Early risers might be lucky enough to spot herons, kingfishers, deer, or foxes
• Sitting outside in the evening with a bottle of wine, counting the stars under a clear sky while listening to the hooting of owls
• The friendly host family, who live on the estate and devotedly look after the guests’ well-being
• Outdoor activities like canoe and kayak tours, strolls through the surrounding villages, and walks in the woods—plus plenty of time in a lounge chair in the blooming garden!
• The ensemble of manor house and outbuildings feels like a little world of its own, far removed from the outside world—a retreat in the truest sense.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Both guest rooms accommodate 2 people each. One features a living area and a sleeping loft accessible via a staircase.
• Children are welcome; an extra bed for up to two children is available in the loft room for an additional fee.
• The delicious and varied breakfast made with local ingredients is included in the room rate.
• Both double rooms are equipped with modern bathrooms with walk-in showers.
• Thekla is German, Luc is French, and both also speak English—no matter which language you speak, the hosts have the best tips for restaurants and excursions.
• Thekla is a passionate gardener—you can learn from her how to prune fruit trees, weave traditional Norman hedges, and lay out flower beds.
• Unfortunately, due to the cats that live on the property, pets are not allowed.
• If you’re looking for suggestions about local finds to bring home, the hosts can recommend great places: from antique shops and flea markets to cider and calvados, and even local art.
• On hot days, you can cool off in the river or drive about an hour to reach several beaches by the sea.
• There are opportunities for hiking and biking in the immediate vicinity. The Normandy-Maine Regional Nature Park and the Château de Carrouges are both just under thirty minutes away by car.
• The D-Day landing beaches in Normandy (a little over an hour and a half away) and Mont-Saint-Michel (about two hours away) are also within reach for a day trip.
• If you’re traveling by train, it takes just over two hours to get to Argentan from Paris Montparnasse; from there, it’s another 16 kilometers by bike or rental car.