Esprit du Bocage

After many vacations in the area, Dutch couple Ruud and Gea lost their hearts to the hilly hinterland of Mont-Saint-Michel. They upped and left behind their life in Holland, moved to France and with a great deal of love and care, gradually renovated the two cottages on their neighboring property—the result is something to be proud of! Not only have they made sure to use natural materials as much as possible, but at the same time they have placed a focus on modern furnishings. Old and new successfully combine with an attention to detail that makes for a wonderful ambience. From this beautiful country estate, you can explore both Normandy and Brittany. So off to the apple house (Gîte le Pommier) or rather the cherry house (Gîte le Cerisier)?Gîte le Pommier) or rather the cherry house (Gîte le Cerisier)?

What we like:

• The combination of the original construction and modern furnishings makes it cozy without being cramped: Thick granite stone walls, a slate roof, oak parquet and beams, large floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, plenty of space and select, well-chosen pieces of furniture.
• A few bright spots of color lift the otherwise simple, white-grey furnishings.
• There’s just the right mix of rustic and nostalgic versus minimalist clean lines.
• The lovingly landscaped, large, well-kept garden (Normandy to a tee!) with a south-facing terrace
• The historic granite fireplace in the living room, which now houses a wood-burning stove
• The location—from here you can explore beautiful beaches, charming villages, historic sites, nature parks and forests.
• Our favorite spot—the place under the stairs in Gîte le Cerisier! Gîte le Cerisier!
• The tranquility

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The apple house (Gîte le Pommier) is located on a 1,000-square-meter property. On the first floor, there’s a large living room and a cozy eat-in kitchen, upstairs there are two bedrooms (one double bed, two single beds).Gîte le Pommier) The apple house (Gîte le Pommier) is located on a 1,000-square-meter property. On the first floor, there’s a large living room and a cozy eat-in kitchen, upstairs there are two bedrooms (one double bed, two single beds).
• The cherry house (Gîte le Cerisier ) is even bigger: 2,000 square meters with a great view; there’s a living room and a big kitchen-living room on the first floor; on the upper floor, there are three bedrooms (one room with a double bed, two rooms with two single beds each).
• Children are welcome—a baby bed or an extra bed on request.
• Bed linen and kitchen towels are provided; you can start feeling right at home on arrival.
• The two vacation houses are each on a large plot of land of their own, next-door to Gea and Ruud’s home. Both houses can be rented together for extended family or group holidays.
• Shopping is available about seven kilometers away in Mortain (the big waterfall here is worth seeing) or Sourdeval (every Tuesday, there’s a great weekly market). great weekly market) 
• Cities in Normandy that are worth a trip are Avranches (40 kilometers), Granville (70 kilometers), Caen (80 kilometers), and Baueaux (80 kilometers), and in Brittany: Saint-Malo (100 kilometers), Fougères (50 kilometers) and Rennes (110 kilometers).
• Various children’s activities are possible in the vicinity, from swimming pools and a zoo to adventure parks.