Le Castel

Rooms

The size of the 4 first-floor bedrooms, and their feel of relaxed grandeur, is one of the B&B’s strongest selling points. And the space extends outside, with wonderful soul-soothing views over lawns, woods and fields. They're furnished with antiques which Jon found in Coutances, and which marry nicely with the age of the house.

The largest and most sumptuously decorated - and one of our favourite rooms - is Marie Antoinette, with its blue and gold colour scheme, carved 19th-century antique bed and original grey granite fireplace. Louis, the smaller twin room at the end of the oak parquet landing, is remarkable for its green silk wall-linings, which Jon inherited with the house. Alternatively, you can rent Marie Antoinette and Louis as the Roi Suite, which gives you 2 bathrooms.

The other 2 first-floor rooms share a bathroom and are therefore rented together as the Emperor Suite: twin-bedded Josephine, with its yellow silk walls and plush red velvet furnishings, and double-bedded Napoleon, which is flooded with sunlight in the morning. Both suite options are perfect for families or friends travelling together, with 1 double room and 1 twin, plus their own kitchenette (handy for parents).

The 2 second-floor attic rooms are smaller and more informal. Double-bedded Charles VII has a stylish claw-footed bath from where you can gaze over the gardens while you soak; the adjacent triple room, Joan of Arc, has 3 single beds. Again both can rented together as the Dauphin Suite.

The Comte Suite, on the ground floor, was added after our visit. It consists of a small double room, an ensuite bathroom (with overhead shower) and an additional room that can be used a lounge or a child’s room. It opens directly on to the terrace, so it’s close to the noise of the dining room which some might find annoying. That said if you have a small child you may appreciate the opportunity to dine while they sleep nearby.

All rooms have decanters of Calvados, occasional fresh flowers and desks in case you're moved to pen some poetry. Joan of Arc, Louis and Josephine are the only rooms with showers.