This cute-as-a-button half-timbered building was once a stable block - fittingly, since the fields around are filled with horses - before French owners Thierry and Caroline spent a year carefully renovating it into a spectacular barn-style home. It now has three bedrooms (two ensuite doubles for grown-ups and an upstairs single for kids), plus plenty of stylish and relaxing living space both indoors and out.
Style-wise, the barn is beautifully decorated with atmospheric Farrow & Ball colours and slate tiles, filled with gadgets like a Sonos dock and large flatscreen TV connected to Apple TV with Netflix and Prime access, and gilded with unique touches like a glittering chandelier and stuffed antelope head in the double-height living room. It's a total one-off, and looks fabulous. Glass windows and doors face the sunrise and sunset for maximum light. We had a wonderful time lazing in the hot tub as the light began to seep from the sky, then rustling up gourmet delights in the sleek kitchen before chilling out by the wood-burning stove. Perfect for couples or a family enjoying life's simple pleasures in Normandy's lovely Pays d'Auge.
Highs
- A peaceful, rural setting for stylish relaxation, but within easy reach of Bonnebosq (a small town, part of the famous cider route); a short drive from Deauville, Honfleur and Normandy's beaches, and an hour from Le Havre
- We loved the chic blend of styles: antique tables, vintage chairs, French country linens, religious artefacts, and wonderful wooden beams
- Beautifully kitted out for a rental property - bathrobes, toiletries, a Nespresso coffee machine, and stylish slate bathrooms
- Utterly romantic and private: a hot tub, champagne for honeymooners, a choice of master bedrooms
- Well set up for foodies: a lovely well-equipped kitchen and plenty of regional restaurants in Bonnebosq, plus Michelin-starred eateries in Honfleur (30 minutes' drive)
Lows
- Fairly isolated - you'll need a car to get here, and during your stay
- The gite is set within the owner's property, but they are at a discreet distance and you still have lots of private space (gardens and terraces)
- No pool, though there is a hot tub
- The owners keep donkeys, horses and dogs; this isn't a good place for people who aren't into animals
- The third bedroom is for kids only
Best time to go
Normandy is a year-round destination. The summer months are particularly good as you'll find plenty of village festivals, fairs and horse racing events nearby (although it the touristy hotspots can get very crowded such as Honfleur); in the early autumn foodies will find fresh local scallops, the apple harvest ongoing and trees full of colour. It's relatively quiet here in the winter months, when you can relax with a roaring fire with views of snowy fields.
Our top tips
Normandy food is famously rich. If you want to do the local thing, try a 'Trou Normand' - a shot of Calvados taken with apple ice cream to clear the palate between courses. Other local appley delights include pear liqueur, pear and apple ciders and Benedictine, taken post-meal as a digestif.
Thierry and Caroline are Normandy born and raised and are a fount of knowledge about the area and local activities.
Thierry and Caroline are Normandy born and raised and are a fount of knowledge about the area and local activities.
- Boutique Barn Rental
- 3 bedrooms
- Self-catering
- All ages welcome (best for older kids)
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Weekly maid service
- Board games
Rooms
We loved the hideaway, and thought it would suit everybody from a couple or group of four friends to a multi-generational family. On the ground floor are two double bedrooms, both ensuite with slate shower rooms, and decorated with equal flair so no-one need feel they've got the short straw. The queen size Chocolate room opens onto the garden, while the Grey room, where we stayed, has a vintage mirror above the bed. Organic toiletries of shower gel, shampoo and conditioner are provided, as are plenty of blankets, bathrobes, slippers, big soft towels and bottles of water bedside.
Up steep stairs, the Kids room has lovely exposed beams, oil portraits on the wall, and bright Union Flag cushions, and has its own toilet.
Downstairs, there's a large living room with a high ceiling, a lovely place to lounge in front of the wood-burning stove on either of the chocolate-brown sofas. There’s a large TV screen with Apple TV and Netflix and Prime free access and a Sonos beam soundbar. An extra large circular mirror, stuffed antelope heads on the wall and a shimmering chandelier add an extra dash of style.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Tumble dryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
Food is at the heart of this gite - specifically food that you can prepare together, then sit and enjoy at a relaxed pace. The small slate kitchen leads on to the dining area, where there's a table and 6 chairs, plus you get an outdoor table and chairs on the terrace outside.
You'll find Thierry and Caroline have placed breakfast items in the fridge for your arrival. Expect eggs, yoghurt, butter from the farm, bread, orange juice, local jam, milk and white wine - this may vary seasonally. i-escape guests also get cider and local cheese. Cupboards are stocked with seasoning and spices, olive oil, mustard, flour, coffee, and cleaning products. Caroline will often provide a little extra something if cooking - for us delectable chocolate mousse.
The fully equipped kitchen is a modern design dream, with slate worktops, shiny steel appliances and beautiful classic crockery and glassware. In summer you can barbecue on the terrace; and, with notice, arrange for additional groceries to be supplied.
For your next meals, pop in to Bonnebosq's lovely food market. The town has a butcher, baker, a good regional restaurant (you'll need to book L'Auberge des Deux Tonneaux) and is on the cider route - so you'll find plenty of apple-based tipples. On Mondays, when Bonnebosq's shops close, you can stock up in Pont l'Eveque. Regional specialties include Camembert, Pont L'Eveque and Livarot cheeses, mussels, oysters and scallops. Don't forget to buy some Calvados for digestifs.
There are plenty of other good restaurants in the countryside - the folder in the living room will have suggestions, as will Thierry and Caroline. If you want a real treat, head to Honfleur, where among a plethora of eateries are two Michelin-starred restaurants (Sa Qua Na receives rave reviews).
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Kids' meals
- Microwave
- Oven
- Shopping service
- Toaster
- Welcome hamper
Activities
- Take long walks in the surrounding countryside, or further afield along sandy beaches (15 minutes' drive)
- Relax at the house: sit in the hot tub, feed the horses and donkeys, sunbathe on the terrace and enjoy the peace and quiet. In the autumn and winter, light a wood-fire and watch DVDs or read books; stargaze at night
- Go horse riding (the owners can arrange) or, in July and August, head to Deauville for horse racing; there are 4 golf courses between here and Deauville
- Tour orchards and drink Calvados in pretty villages - this area of Normandy has its own cider route
- Visit local antiques markets. Beuvron en Auge has an antiques fair in July and regular market on the second Sunday of the month
- Head to the coast for the famous D-Day beaches. Honfleur, Trouville and Deauville are under half an hour's drive away
- Walk around the beautiful gardens and manor houses of the area. The castles of Crevecoeur, Canon and Jonquets are particularly special
- Bayeux and Caen are also 45 minutes away by car
- Guests have been known to go to Paris for the day on the train
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Museums / galleries
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Stargazing
- Swimming
- Wine tasting
Kids
We think this is a great place for a family with well-behaved older kids or for babies (although there is no high chair or bath tub on the premises), grandparents could easily take one of the two Master bedrooms for example. The focus of the place is on being outdoors, eating well, walking in the fields, going to the beach and living life at a slower pace.
It's not so good, however, for excitable children who want thrills, spills and endless attractions, and not recommended for older toddlers as there would be too many breakables - the crockery is on open shelves in the living room for example.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
There are 2 main ensuite bedrooms downstairs and a single guest room upstairs which is only for a kid or teen as the stairs are steep. There is a cot available for babies. Both bathrooms are shower only, though; not ideal with tiny ones.
Cots Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting can be arranged; ask in advance. Perfect if you want to go to one of Honfleur's world-class restaurants
Baby listening:
A baby monitor will work throughout the house, you will need to bring your own
Baby equipment:
- Baby cot
- Baby bath
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Children's meals:
The kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher, microwave and hand-held blender, and you can request ingredients to be delivered prior to your arrival. You can buy everything you need in the nearby town of Bonnebosq. Note you would have to bring your own plastic cutlery and crockery.
Kids Activities on site:
- Fields and lawns to play on
- DVD player and library
- Satellite TV with plenty of English and European channels
- Donkeys and horses nearby
Kids Activities nearby:
- The beaches at Trouville, Deauville and Honfleur
- Swimming pools at Deauville and Lisieux
- Naturospace in Honfleur, tropical gardens and butterfly centre
Families Should Know:
Children under 12 are not allowed in the Jacuzzi. Parents will need to watch children when the cover of the hot-tub is removed. A stylish place such as this comes with its fair share of breakables so it isn't suitable for excitable smaller ones plus there are quite steep stairs going up to the guest room
Distances:
- Ferry port: 1 hour
- Airport: 20 minutes
- Doctor: 12 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Normandy Hideaway is in the countryside, just outside the small town of Bonnebosq and 30 minutes south of the Normady coast. From southern England, we found that it is barely any quicker to fly, and much more carbon-intensive than rail or ferry.
By Air:
Deauville-St Gatien (30 minutes' drive away) has a few flights; or try Paris (Charles de Gaulle is about 2.5 hours drive) for a wider choice. There is also a service from London City Airport to Deauville thrice-weekly. If you need to hire a car, see our car rental tips.
By Ferry:
Le Havre (1 hour's drive away) has sailings from the British Isles (normally Portsmouth and Rosslare); otherwise try Dieppe or Cherbourg (both 2 hours), or Saint Malo (2.5 hours).
By Train:
Both Lisieux (10 mins' drive away) and Deauville (20 mins) connect directly to Paris in about 1.5 hrs.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Deauville-St Gatien 20.0 km DOL
- Paris Charles de Gaulle 225.0 km CDG
Other:
- Beach 15.0 km
- Shops 2.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape