Le Castel

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Cotentin peninsula, Normandy, France

Revel in the relaxed grandeur of a 19th-century Normandy chateau, done the English way

Reviewed by Clare Hargreaves

Le Castel, France, Overview

LE CASTEL - REVIEW

‘Laid back’ and ‘chateau’ aren’t words that always go together in France, but at Le Castel they’re effortlessly fused. English owners Nick and Jon, who gave up a London flat and a high-flying job on The News of the World to move here, are the perfect hosts, running their Napoleon III chateau like one long house party.

The mansion, in 4 acres of parkland, started life as a hideaway for the mistress of a Parisian socialite and, as you twist your way here along country lanes, you can see why. But once you find it, the fun begins. Aperitifs are served on leather sofas by a roaring fire, a four-course candlelit dinner is set outside on the terrace or beside the baby grand piano. In your antique-furnished bedroom – named with a smidgeon of irony after figures like Napoleon and Josephine – the only sound likely to disturb your slumber is the owls. There are generally plenty of other guests to fraternise with, but if not you’ll enjoy the easy company of Jon and Nick, their 4 Burmese cats and 2 pet llamas.

HIGHS

An idyllic location in rolling country near the cathedral city of Coutances, Mont St Michel, Bayeux and the sandy D Day Beaches
Space – lashings of it both in the rooms and outside
The perfect place to bring a group of friends or family, and let someone else do the cooking; Nick’s evening feasts are renowned
The unfussy, homely atmosphere, with games/TV room, honesty bar and free tea and coffee in the kitchen
Nick and Jon are attentive and generous hosts, but they respect your space when you want it

LOWS

Furnishings are antiques and often intentionally well worn, so if you seek contemporary chic, this is probably not the place for you
In peak months the house fills with families or groups of friends; if you’re after a romantic hideaway, go off-season or move into the gite
Not suitable for people who are allergic to cats

Print Whole Report

Name	Le Castel	Location	Montpinchon, Normandy
Type	Friendly Chateau: 6 rooms, 1 gite	Country	France
Price Guide	Dbl: €120-155/nt, BB Family gite: €200/nt	Open	All year


DISTANCES	Airport: 80km	Nearest Shops: 3km	Nearest restaurant: 5km	Beach: 15km