Into the Prairie

Rose, Florence, Louise, Josephine, Isidore, Jeanne, Anne and Marie—these simply melt in the mouth like creamy chocolate mousse and are the names of the former residents of eight beautiful vacation homes in Brittany. One lady is more enchanting than the other: There is Isidore with the charm of an artist’s studio and a real glass house in the middle—serving as a children’s kingdom. Then there’s pretty little Florence for two with her mix of cottage and mini-loft and the wooden-fenced terrace in front of the large window. And Jeanne, who must have been a teacher in real life, because the old school chairs, blackboards and maps here are reminiscent of a school from long ago. The eight cottages vary in size and the furnishings are a charming mix of old and new. They are all located on the Côte d’Amor in Brittany, on the small farm of the Irish-French host family Liz, Corentin and their four children. Between meadows, cornfields and a small orchard, guests have plenty of space to read, play, run around or do nothing. With all the idyllic surroundings, it’s hard to leave the farm, but there are plenty of excursion destinations: The spectacular pink granite coast, many beaches and bathing bays, islands and places steeped in history—none of them far away. On some days, however, you may just want to sit in one of the striped sun loungers, wave to the children whizzing past, and enjoy an aperitif while feeling fabulously French.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The beautiful historic natural stone houses
• The creative interior design: Natural materials such as stone and wood combined with steel or polished concrete, plus furniture from antique dealers, flea markets and modern design objects. Everywhere there are unusual fixtures, stairs, niches or windows to discover and marvel at.
• Each vacation home is individually furnished: From the cozy, romantic hermitage for two to the spacious, renovated luxury barn for a larger family.
• The kitchen garden and greenhouse—guests are free to help themselves to Liz’s organically grown salads, herbs, edible flowers and vegetables. 
• Five of the houses have a wood-burning stove (including firewood) for a cozy atmosphere and soothing warmth in cooler temperatures.
• Corentin’s sisters’ farm restaurant and the associated farm store and kitchen garden at the other end of the village—definitely worth a visit!
• Younger guests can let off steam in the playground, go pony riding or go out on the pedal boats.
• zum Bilderbuchdorf Châtelaudren mit seinen historischen Steinhäusern, den hübschen Gassen, Bäckereien, Restaurants, Cafés, Pub und Brauerei und Markt gelangt man nach einem kurzen Spaziergang über einen Fußweg 
• The green location surrounded by flowers, bushes, meadows, fields and fruit trees

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Children are very welcome; each house has baby equipment: This includes a travel cot and mattress, high chair, baby bath and changing mat.
• There’s plenty of space to play, a playground and another highlight—real farm animals.
• On request, a breakfast basket can be delivered to the accommodation every morning (in summer only at weekends).
• The vacation homes are heated by an ecological central heating system powered by a wood-burning stove.
• Various beautiful beaches are about 10 minutes away.
• The nearby coastal paths are great for walking or hiking and discovering bays, beaches and islands.
• The friendly Irish-French Corentin family has many personal recommendations to give their guests.
• Cooking classes for children are offered from time to time.
• Special requests are gladly fulfilled, such as candlelight dinners, picnic baskets or champagne on arrival. 
• Just a short walk away is the “Hisse & Ho” attraction with giant trampolines in the treetops. Great fun for children and certainly for some adults, too.
• It’s a great starting point for many destinations worth seeing in Brittany: The pink granite coast with Paimpol, Dinard, Ile de Bréhat, and Mont-Saint-Michel.
• Other activities include bike tours (bike rental nearby), surfing, surfing lessons, pony or horse rides, hiking, visiting gardens and castles, and weekly markets.
• Arrival by train is possible: Travel to the long-distance train station in Saint Brieuc, where you can hire a car, for example. The accommodation is about 15 minutes by car from the train station.