A Rural retreat in the countryside

Farmhouse situated in 1,5 h of gardens and lakes. The gite is set within spacious gardens, offering a regenerative space for mind and spirit in natural surroundings with peaceful sounds of the countryside. As well as the two small lakes there is a dell and bog garden. Surrounding area is excellent for walkers & cyclists. Bikes are available for guests at no extra cost. This haven of peace is a converted cider press and it is completely self contained. It has two rooms and a bathroom with a shower in the entrance hall. The downstairs kitchen/living room has french windows opening out onto a breakfast terrace, facing east, in front of a herb and lavender garden and views of the countryside. There is a table and chairs on the terrace for breakfast in the outdoors and a double size swing. Below the terrace there is a gas barbecue and a chiminea if you feel like using the swing, balançoire, for star gazing in the evening. The kitchen is fully equiped and has a gas cooker, microwave, mini electric oven, toaster, kettle and fridge, crockery and utensils are provided. There is a large dining table, benches, seats and a sofa-bed. The bedroom is low beamed with a full sized double bed. There is a travel cot suitable for a child up to 3 years. In the floor length window there is a desk overlooking the lake. Period oak furniture and flooring and a small seating area make this attic bedroom a charming space to relax. * Bed linen and towels are provided. * It will accommodate up to 2 adults and a small child. * Pets are welcome. We accept all caged pets. We prefer that dogs sleep in crates and not in the bedroom. We have welcomed two small dogs in the past but for your own comfort, in this limited accommodation, more than one large dog could cause you some discomfort. We have sheep and lambs in an adjoining field and there are Charolais cattle in other fields close by. * No extra costs, no cleaning fee. *Because of the Covid situation we now have a extensive deep cleaning programme with days where the Gite is left unoccupied. This means we can now offer extended time for your stay with our revised check in / check out times. Check in from 10 am. Check out up to 1800 hrs Guests in the gite have access to its terrace, herb garden and can feel free to wander through the owners gardens and lakes where they will find many tranquil spots to sit and observe the wild life or simply chill. There are ladies & gent bicycles available for guests use. Please note that no safety equipment is provided. There are many quiet cycle ways close by and lots of unspoilt rural walks. Some guests have cycled to the nearest village restaurant for lunch, others have ventured as far as Mayenne. You can cycle or drive to the nearest boulangerie but we always provide home made fresh bread daily for those who want it. Please let us know in your reservation. Peace and quiet, the relaxing pursuits of fishing, bird watching, cycling and walking. This farm has been an environmentally friendly habitat for flora and fauna for over 25 years. There are many interesting birds, insects and mammals If you have time to sit and observe. We have our own chickens, sheep, orchard, vegetable and fruit gardens so it is possible, when available, to enjoy cooking with fresh organic vegetables from our allotment and have our own organic jams, chutneys, fruits, vegetables and eggs. Victor is a trained chef and can always serve you up an à la carte menu if you don't feel like cooking. We are surrounded by countryside, fields and low hills. Nearest small towns are approximately 10 minutes by car : Villaines la Juhel and Bais. They have 4 bars, 3 restaurants, 3 boulangeries, pôle santé, chemist, banks, tourist info. office, outdoor swimming pool, launderette. Many small shops and supermarkets. Outdoor market Monday mornings. We are one hour from Le Mans or Alençon, one hour and a half from St. Malo, Mont Michel and the coast and 2 hours and a half from Paris by car. There are train connection links from Evron or coach to Alençon. You can carp fish in our own lakes subject to site fishing rules, available on request. Trout and course fishing are possible with a day or weekly licence anywhere in the Mayenne dept. There is a network of pathways, "chemin rurale" which can be used for walking, cycling or horse riding. Horses to rent, hacks, are available at a local stable. You can take an art class in the studio or in “plein air" on site. Many places of interest to visit, locally, a snail farm, Roman remains at Jublain, many chateaux are open to the public,the closest one in Lassay. A petting zoo and childrens playground 10 minutes walk away at La ferme de Bohème. Mayenne town is 20 minutes away. Castle, museum, restaurants and bars, art exhibitions and river craft in season. Château de Carrouges. 40 mins from Hardanges The ‘unspoilt village' of St. Ceneri le Gerei. 35 mins from Hardanges The medieval village and castle of St Suzanne has historical reenactments during the summer season. 35 mins from Hardanges In the forest Sillé de Guillaume there is a swimming lake with café/ bars around the lake, VTT bikes and ‘funny bikes' for hire, VTT tracks, pony rides, mini golf, tourist train (goes around the lake) and a small park. There are also pedalos for hire on the lake. Over the road from the lake, just behind the main car park, is Les Tyroliennes. 35 mins from Hardanges St Leonard des Bois also has accrobranche. 35 mins from Hardanges Averton has a fishing lake with a nice park for children. 2O mins from Hardanges Alençon has historic trails, Lace museum, Plantagenet historical interest. Le Mans 24h race circuit, museum and historical centre, a large university city. L'arche de la nature in Le Mans. 1 hr 15 mins from Hardanges. Bagnoles de L´Orne Spa Town with various Spa treatments available. Plus a delightful lake and restaurants. Town of Bais with local shops, café-bar restaurant. Outdoor swimming pool. 10 mins from Hardanges Town of Villaines la Juhel with Supermarkets, local shops, café-bar, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and park. 10 mins from Hardanges Gué de Selle near Mezangeres has a fishing lake and a restaurant. 20 mins from Hardanges Mont St. Michel. 1 hr 40 mins from Hardanges. Festyland. 1hr 40 mins from Hardanges Zoo de la Fleche. 1 hr 35 mins from Hardanges Papéa Parc in Le Mans. 1 hr 10 mins from Hardanges Trotting races, local country fetes or festivals thoughout the summer :) Fétè de la Musiquè 21st of june. There are many celebrations on and around this date.