Notes from the host
Large Farmhouse in Calvados In a rural location
Spacious and well-presented Normandy farmhouse with 5 large bedrooms and an attic dormitory, sleeping up to 14 people. Set in exclusive garden and field with fire-pit, barbecue and large games room including pool/billiards table, table-tennis table and table football as well as other games and outdoor activities. Indoor and outdoor eating for 14 people. Suitable for large gatherings of family and friends in peaceful surroundings with no neighbours. Close to many outdoor, sports, cultural and historical sites.
The Property and what it offers:
Imagine you wish to gather a large group of friends or family for a birthday, anniversary, pacse or a family reunion for all the generations. Located in the fields of Calvados without neighbours and in perfect peace and tranquillity, you can play games, relax, entertain the children, watch the wildlife, enjoy long evenings by the fire or eat and drink inside or outside whilst stargazing or just enjoying the company of great friends, creating wonderful memories for the future. Perhaps you wish to visit historical and cultural sites or indulge in some outdoor adventure sports or simply enjoy the games room available here, whilst unwinding after a long week at work. All of this is on offer here at Maison la Crière.
Kitchen/Dining:
The kitchen is bright and spacious with double French doors leading directly to the garden where there is a 5-metre outdoor dining table with parasols suitable for 14 people. Inside the kitchen there is a large oak table for 14 people to sit around. The kitchen is very well equipped with a 5-ring gas range cooker and all the usual appliances. There are 2 large raclette machines and a coffee filter machine (percolator) and a cafetiere (push coffee) jug. Finally, a bluetooth/Wifi speaker is available. There is a good Wifi signal throughout the house. There is a period fireplace with wood burning stove for those colder months. We supply wood for this and all other stoves at no extra cost.
Kitchen items provided:
- Tea towels and hand towels
- Hand soap
- Washing up liquid
- Dishwasher tablets
- Washing machine tablets
- Bin liners
- Aluminium foil, cling-film and baking paper
- Paper kitchen towel
- Tea bags, ground coffee and filter papers
- Sugar
- Salt & pepper
Hall and Entrance:
Large porch with wood for the stoves and other useful items.
In the hallway - downstairs toilet/sink and coat/shoe area.
Lounge:
A large lounge with double windows - views over the garden and farmland. A large wood stove for a cosy and sociable atmosphere. Firewood for the stoves included. There is plenty of room for everyone to sit and enjoy an evening together in a relaxed, sociable manner. There are 3 large sofas and 2 armchairs, TV (French & English channels) and a DVD player with a selection of family DVDs, books to read and games suitable for all.
Games Room:
We have a full-sized pool table, table tennis table and a table football. Also, a football, petanque, frisbee, various bats and balls and much more for everyone to enjoy.
Bedrooms:
The house is arranged over three floors (see the floor plans in the photo gallery section) and has 5 large bedrooms and an attic dormitory.
On the first floor, there are:
- 3 large bedrooms with king-sized beds, 1 with ensuite shower, toilet and sink.
- 1 large bedroom with two single beds.
On the second floor there are:
- 1 large bedroom with king size bed with ensuite shower, bathtub, toilet and sink.
- An attic dormitory/living area with 4 single beds.
On the second floor there is also a living room area with a TV and DVD player, seating and cushions to lounge on as well as another adjacent area where 4 single beds can be found for larger groups to use (outlined above).
High quality bed linen, choice of pillows and towels for each guest as provided. There are no additional charges for cleaning.
Bathrooms:
In addition to the downstairs toilet there are 3 bathrooms.
On the first floor, there is:
- 1 main bathroom - shower, bathtub, toilet and sink. The bath has views over the garden and field for you to enjoy while you soak.
- 1 ensuite bathroom (in Yellow Room) - large shower, toilet and sink.
On the second floor there is:
- 1 ensuite bathroom (in the Attic Bedroom) - large shower, bathtub, toilet and sink.
For the bathrooms we provide the following items:
- A large white fluffy towel for each guest as well as hand towels for all bathrooms
- Bathmats
- Toilet paper
- Hand Soap
- Shampoo
- Shower Gel
Garden:
1 hectare or 2.5 acres of garden and field for relaxation, fun and games for all ages. There are garden chairs and tables for at least 14 guests and a lawned garden area surrounded by manicured pots of colourful flowers and plants. Across a small footbridge is a large field of grass and meadow to run around or play games with the children. A perimetre path encircles the field for those wishing to stretch their legs, walk the dog or for the children to search for wildlife or make adventures. The field can be used to erect a marquee for larger events on request. A barbecue with a bag of charcoal, firelighters and utensils is at your disposal too. A firepit awaits you with seating for at least 14 people. From the garden you can watch an array of wildlife including our resident Barn Owls. The secluded location lends for clear skies at night and great star gazing.
For the Garden we provide the following items:
- 5m dining table, parasols and seating for at least 14 people
- Outdoor lighting
- Deck chairs for sun-lounging
- 2 garden benches
- Games, and sports items
- A garden hose and water supply
- Barbecue and utensils as well as a bag of charcoal and firelighters
- Firepit and seating for 14 people. Wood provided as well as skewers for the marshmallows!
- Two large parking areas – driveway and carpark
The owner’s accommodation is on site so we can help answer questions or help with your stay. You will not see us unless you choose to, and we will not be disturbed by you as we live at the end of the property. It is important to us you enjoy the entire property as though it were your home during your stay. You can email or talk to us at any point, and we aim to answer all questions within minutes of you asking. If there is something the house doesn’t have which you need, just ask!
Check-in & Departure Times and Key Collection:
We offer flexible arrival and departure times where possible. For weekend bookings where there is no other booking, we guarantee a departure time of 4pm and earlier check-in times are available too at no extra cost. Please just ask as we always try to say “YES!”
We offer a self-check in service with a key security box, so guests can come and go at their leisure.
Pets:
We welcome pets as part of the family. There is no additional cost, and we just ask that you tell us on booking that you plan to bring pets with you.
Additional Costs:
There are no additional costs for cleaning, bedding, towels, electricity, gas, pets or anything else outlined in this description. Everything is included in the quoted price on the website/platform.
THE AREA
The house is located near the market town of Aunay-sur-Odon which offers a range of restaurants, takeaways, bars, shops, boulangeries, boucheries and several supermarkets with a lively market every Saturday morning.
Within 20 minutes’ drive from the house, you will find the larger towns of Vire, Villers-Bocage, Souleuvre en Bocage, Thury-Harcourt and Conde-sur-Noireau. All of these towns have supermarkets, shops as well as great restaurants and boulangeries. Each town has a market each week too.
Even closer to the house is the beautiful and internationally renowned area of Suisse-Normande with the stunning villages and towns of Clecy, Pont d’Ouilly and Pontecoulant. There is so much to do, from the many restaurants and picnic spots, to hiking, cycling, mountain-biking, rock climbing, kayaking, paragliding and zip-wiring. There really is something for everyone to enjoy.
Details of all local activities and sites of interest will be sent to you on booking.
Very conveniently located for ferry ports at Ouistreham-Caen (45-minute drive), Le Havre, Cherbourg and St Malo (all within a 90 minute drive).
Paris is 3 hours away by train and car.
Outdoor Activities:
We are on the edge of the stunning Suisse-Normande area.
The viaduct at Souleuvre offers a wide range of adventure activities.
There are many walks and pilgrim routes around the house so why not just step outside and start exploring.
Family Activities:
Jurques Zoo is just 15 minutes away.
Festyland amusement park (30 minutes) with its rides and amusements.
Bayeux Adventure waterpark is another guest favourite for the children.
Beaches and the picture postcard coastal towns of Deauville and Honfleur are nearby.
History Trips:
The house is located in the middle of the bocage area of Calvados which was at the heart of the fighting during the D-Day Normandy invasion. There are cemeteries, museums and the strategically important site of Mont Pincon in view of the house.
The D-Day landing beaches are a 45-minute drive away offering museums, artillery batteries, machine gun nests and tours.
Falaise, the birthplace of William The Conquer, with its Chateau and vibrant town.
Bayeaux is 40 minutes away and is a great place for a stroll around, taking in the Tapestry, and then enjoying lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes.
Food Enthusiasts:
There are plenty of tours for foodies, including tours of cheese producers, biscuit factories, chocolate makers, caramel makers and Calvados producers. Sampling the wares is a must!
Local farms surround the house offering a variety of produce.
Cultural Trips:
Vire Museum has many exhibitions and fixed displays relating to art and architecture.
Mont Saint Michel makes for another great day out and is best seen in the early evening.
For art lovers, Claude Monet’s house and gardens make for a great day out.
Hosted by Carly & Ewan Mitchell