YOUR COTTAGE IN NORMANDY

Comfortable, cosy, extremely quiet and charming two-bedrooms, sleeps 6, 125 sq. m. - completely refurbished in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) traditional Norman ancient “longère” cottage, nested in flowers and green meadows. Disabled access, kids and dogs friendly. Comfortable, cosy, very quiet and extremely charming two-bedrooms, sleeps 6 •125 sq. m. - completely refurbished in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) traditional Norman ancient “longère” cottage •In the heart of wooded and green countryside, on the lands that once belonged to the Comtesse de Ségur, author of The Misfortunes of Sophy •Located in, yet completely independent from, a wildlife ecological (no pesticides) preserved 10 Ha private estate. •Framed in honeysuckle, climbing roses, hydrangeas and lavender flowers, facing South, sunny all day long, a (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) square meters private garden is at your disposal *Disabled access: note that the entire house is entirely on ground floor, with no steps, hence easily accessible with a wheelchair, a baby stroller or for people who might have difficulties walking or climbing stairs. Note also that one of the toilets and the shower are handicapped friendly (the shower has two wall-set handles, a stool can be added, and the toilet are set on a raised step). YOUR SURROUNDINGS: In front of the house, a 3 meters large pink and grey flint gravel terrace goes along the whole house length, with a finely crafted vintage iron table and 6 matching chairs, to enjoy meals or drinks outside. Large beach-type umbrella and 4 wooden lawn chairs (with cushions) are provided too. Beyond the terrace lays a (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) square meters large wild flowered lawn, full of snowdrops in the spring, daisies and in season delicious dandelions, an apple and cherry trees orchard, hazel tree on the right corner and tall white ash in the hedges, a trimmed bower closing the garden. One can glance in the back at the tall trees of the main estate and the nearby organic vegetable garden (visits on request). Facing the back of the house (on the kitchen side), there is a very ancient barn, used only for tool storage, no direct neighbours, and a long and large wild lawn (approx (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) sq meters) that runs up to the closing hedges of the estate. Here you will find our ping-pong table, a swing a a children's cable ride, and more than enough space to enjoy our badminton or croquet set. The whole estate is a private ecological wildlife preserve for more than 40 years now and welcomes all kinds of local birds, herons, goldfinch, pine siskin, robin redbreast, woodpeckers or blue chickadees are but one example of many showing around here: morning chirping to be expected! And of course many small wild animals live on our ground too. If you are lucky enough at nightfall you could spot our large eagle-owl, see some fox running by or hear the rampage of the shy hedgehogs and the secret badger. The garden is perfect for all outdoor games, we will be happy to lend you some children’s outdoor toys, and a baby "swimming pool" (100 cm large / 40 cm deep round shaped bassin). Our football goal and our ping-pong table are already on the lawn, and you will find in the house our croquet, pétanque and badminton set. CLOSE AMENITIES: Aube walking/ biking distance (3 km), a village offering some convenient services and basic shops: post office, school, pharmacy, doctor, pub, small supermarket, pastry shop, tennis courts, sports and kids playground. L’Aigle 10’ drive away (8km), a small country town with all amenities: huge weekly farmer’s market (every Tuesdays), several pubs and restaurants, hairdressers, newspaper shops, organic grocery, pizzeria, swimming pool, bowling, movie theatre, supermarkets, schools and kids playground, sports and cycling shops, hospital, doctors, veterinarian etc… IN-HOUSE FULL DESCRIPTION & AMENITIES: Two separated toilets, one between the master bedroom and the bathroom, one behind the kitchen and the living room. Electric in-house heating in every room, including the toilets. Electric heating towel rack in the bathroom and in the kitchen. Hot water tank of 300 litres. Functioning fireplace (logs provided). The whole house is tiled with vintage local “tomettes”, red terra-cotta clay tiles. Every door and window can be closed from the inside with thick wooden shutters. Entirely refurbished in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) The whole house is floored with antique red tiles, typical from this area, it has very thick and ancient walls, hence its thermal insulation is surprisingly efficient: it stays fresh during the hot season, and warm and comfy during the winter. Every door and window can be shut from the inside with thick wooden shutters. TOTAL SLEEPING FACILITIES: 6 adults + 1 infant/baby 1- Master bedroom, queen-size bed, South facing window, bathroom en-suite and independent toilets 2- Second bedroom on the opposite end of the house, queen size bed and large window facing south too, desk and chair. 3- One extra sofa bed in the living room, easy to manipulate, comfortable, fits two. 4- a crib or an infant bed can be added on demand LARGE DOUBLE LOUNGE / DINING ROOM AREA Ceiling with exposed vintage beams, an antique wood-framed (functional) fire place. Large double French window-door (that can be opened completely), facing South. Huge antique wood framed mirror reflecting the garden Two comfortable sofas (each sit 3, one is a sofa-bed). Television and DVD player (BRAND NEW SET CHANGED IN MARCH (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) Dining room area, between the kitchen and the living room, large window and glassed door facing South, folding wooden table that once fully opened can sit up to 8 people LARGE FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN faces North and the back of the garden, overlooking the ancient barn. It is fully furnished with a long counter facing the two windows, plenty of storage room, a brand new four-ring gas stove and oven, a dishwasher, a refrigerator, and all basic cooking tools (crockery, dishes, cutlery, pots, pans, robots, toaster, kettle, coffee maker etc..) and commodities: salt, pepper, sugar, tea, coffee, some homemade organic jams, and more on demand. BATHROOM The bathroom has a window of its own, overlooking also the back of the garden, with a curtain and a wooden shutter. It is furnished with an amazing huge and very deep vintage bathtub (180cm length, 45 cm deep, fits 2 adults or 3 kids easily) with mixing valve and hand shower, sitting on stunning antique sculpted and painted cast-iron feet. Has also a separate tiled shower open cubicle, with wall-set handles, and a sink with mixing valve. All the plumbing fixtures are vintage style porcelain, cast iron and stainless steal. There will always be someone in the house next door to help you with your arrival and such. Our family have been living in the area for over 40 years now, and will be happy to provide you with all the necessary help and information to make your stay memorable. English, Italian and French spoken NEARBY ACTIVITIES: On demand tours of our entirely homegrown and organic 300 sq meters vegetable garden can be organized. Plenty of diverse sportive, cultural or gastronomic activities can be easily arranged, close by (maximum 20' drive) you can enjoy: Municipal heated pool, 10' drive: one of the tallest slides of Europe, indoor and outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hamam, aqua gym, various activities - including baby swimming classes. Organic outdoor pool (chlorine and chemical free, aquatic plant filtration system), by the river, various activities Other sports: •Bowling •Poney club, horseback riding or trekking •Bike trails •Donkey hiking •Bird watching •Tennis courts •Mushroom picking •Forest hicking •Lake fishing •Horse stud farms visits •Archery club •9-hole Golf course (30’ drive) Places of interest: •Museum of the Comtesse de Ségur, (author of The Misfortunes of Sophy), who lived in the village hereby from (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) to (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) •La Dame aux Camelias (Camille, by Alexandre Dumas) birth home and Museum •Museum of June (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) in l'Aigle •The renowned Abbey of La Trappe and beautiful Moulin-La-Marche forest •Best French brioche medal winner pastry shop •An antique foundry (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) located in Aube by the river •Meteorite museum, about the one which fell on l'Aigle the 26th of April (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) •Haras du Pin, national horse stud institution, royal heritage •Le Bourg Saint Leonard XVII century castle and park In the area you will find many memorial places of the Normandy battle, many remarkable gardens and forests, many churches or abbeys, and definitely a lot of places of interest, whereas you should wish to focus on orchards and local gastronomy, or maybe on gallic relics or famous writer’s homes, you will surely find plenty to visit, and La Mésange Bleue is definitely a great starting point to discover Normandy. Here are a short list of some ideas, all located between 40’ and an hour drive: •Camembert, home of the famous cheese •The Bellême forest: (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) ha of one of the most beautiful forests of France •CERZA and Thoiry wildlife parks •Carrouges, stunning brick and granite castle built form XIV to XVII century •Chateau d’O, charming XV-XVII castle, orangery and antique moat. •Chateau de Rânes, XV century castle and dungeon, prehistoric museum •Chateau du Tertre, Louis XIII typical architecture, •18-hole Golf course in Bellême •9-hole Golf course near Verneuil •Arboretum and lace museum of Alençon •Lisieux Cathedral •Mont Ormel Memorial •Caen Memorial Day trips are also easy to plan with the charming coastal towns of Deauville, Trouville, or Honfleur, to the famous landing beaches, to Monet's garden, or to Bayeux’s tapestry. HOW TO GET THERE? Enter « chemin de Maubuisson, Beaufai (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) » in (Hidden by Airbnb) map. 10’ drive from L’Aigle / 20’ drive from Verneuil / 1h30 drive from Paris / 1h30 drive from the coast (approxt.) •Train station : L’Aigle, 10’ drive / 8 km •Airports : - Caen, 1h20 drive / 126 km - Deauville, 1h25 drive / 88 km - Roissy, 2h10 drive / 172 km - Orly, 1h50 drive / 150 km •Ferry : Ouisterham, 1h20 drive / 110km •Motorway: Gacé, 23’ / 24km ****70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy**** : Please note that we are located only 10 kms and 8’away from l'Aigle, one of the major sites of the Battle - where you can also find a Memorial Museum - in the heart of the Remembrance Itinerary of "L'Encerclement" (the surrounding), following the footsteps of Gal Leclerc’s 2DB. ****World Equestrian Games****: Horse lovers will be delighted to find out that the prestigious World Equestrian Games come to the region from 23rd August to 7th September. One of the most interesting site, and where many events will take place, the famous and spectacular Haras du Pin, is only 30 kms and 25' away from us.