Notes from the host
French Chateau in Normandy
This Chateau is located in the Orne, Lower Normandy, just two hours from Paris and Channel ports but a million miles from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Chateau de Courtomer was built for entertaining and was the family seat for Count Antoine de Saint-Simon, the Marquis de Courtomer. It was completed on the eve of the French Revolution. Today’s chateau stands on the vestiges of a medieval building dating back to the 11th century and, unusually, the chateau and the estate, (350 acres) remained in the same family for generations until it was bought and lovingly restored by Elisabeth Bonner, an American from New York. The estate still retains a working farm and our guests love to watch the cattle peacefully grazing in the fields that surround the park.
On entering the estate over the moat you will be transported back in time and the only sound you will hear is birdsong or the wind in the trees. As you walk through the glazed entrance doors to the reception hall you will be transported back to another era, an era of elegance and style. The ground floor rooms are filled with light, with sun pouring in through the huge windows. One room spills into another, a design feature that the French call 'en filade', inviting guests to explore....
Normandy is one of the gastronomic capitals of France and the kitchen is designed with catering in mind. It is fully equipped to cater for large groups as well as intimate affairs and it's big enough for all the family to help in meal preparation.
The large dining room overlooks the moat and farmland beyond and is lit with fine crystal chandeliers. From here, doors lead to the sitting room and library, which on cool mornings is warmed by a crackling log fire. All public rooms and en-suite bedrooms are centrally heated and offer fine, uninterrupted views over the park or farmland that surround the Chateau. If you get up early you will probably catch a glimpse of the deer or wild boar that live in the park. Our guests love the quality of the furnishings and beds and the fact that no one has to share a bathroom!
If you love al fresco dining as much as we do you will enjoy our outside dining areas. The terrace, in front of the Chateau, is dressed with tables, chairs, parasols and large barbeques to allow you and your guests to dine in style. We also provide a range of outside games and bicycles to explore the surrounding areas. They come in very handy for trips to the bakers in the morning to fetch warm bread and croissants. The village is just a five minute cycle ride away.
The estate is very private and can be exclusively yours, our minimum stay is three nights and our minimum price is based on 15 guests. Our prices are the same all year round so you will not be paying a premium for staying with us in the high season. We offer 24 hour, on site security and maintenance.
The property benefits from a professionally installed WIFI system throughout the estate and so is ideal for small seminars or workshops. The Orangerie, just a few minutes walk from the Chateau is designed with seminars, parties and informal dinners in mind. If you need more space our farmhouse, which has been recently renovated can offer an additional four bedrooms, all ensuite.
The Chateau can be enjoyed as a self-catered venue or we can organise additional support for guests who are looking for an increased level of attention during their stay. Additional services, which need to be pre-booked, can include on-site concierge, housekeeping, catering or private chef and special event management for celebrations such as weddings and family gatherings. We work with a number of talented vendors who will be pleased to provide you with a quote once you have briefed them as to your requirements.
The Orne is a rural area which has preserved traditional customs, values and ways of life, the passage of time is marked by the seasons. Courtomer village is just a few minutes away and offers a full range of local services, including a boulangerie, a cafe where you can enjoy a coffee or a simple lunch, a chemist and a very good mini supermarket. There are regular open-air markets in the village offering you a chance to meet local producers selling fresh, seasonal vegetables and a wide variety of cheeses.
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Hosted by Mariah Bonner
