Accommodation: The gites

Relax in style

Relax and unwind in the splendid surroundings of the Haras du Gazon, a 300-acre estate of lush Normandy pastureland, enclosed by high hedges and quiet, tree lined lanes.

This architect’s conversion of an original imposing coach house has created large, light living spaces from the centuries-old traditional building. A fantastic mix of farmhouse style and modern living.

The substantial Caen stone former coach house overlooks the whole length of the formal French garden parterre in front of the cream coloured 18th century Maison de maître style mansion.

This east wing of the front courtyard has been transformed into two splendid modern gites. Beautiful interior open-plan living spaces have been created while still retaining and featuring the original Caen limestone masonry and soaring oak beams.

Make yourself at home

Once welcomed and settled into the Haras – your French home for the holiday – you can then spend whole days just roaming around the grounds and hayfields, playing tennis, kick back and go fishing for carp in the private lake or just enjoying some relaxation in the shady mature garden setting of the outdoor 20 metre pool.

The sounds of the French countryside provide the backdrop to all this – cheerful birdsong, the rustling of the poplars in a gentle breeze, the clip clop of the horses hooves as the Haras’s sleek show jumpers are taken out for exercise and then, at the end of the morning, the distant church bells tolling out for midday.

Or take the morning to shop for delicious famous Normandy cheeses and organic vegetables in the local markets and for cider at farm gates of local producers, pick up an armful of fresh bread from the ‘dépôt de pain’ at Bazoches au Houlme (4.5km, 2.8 miles) or even better bread and pastries from one of our two boulangeries at nearby pretty riverside Putanges (9.5km, 6 miles). Then return to dine alfresco in the garden – remember that nowhere in France is the habit of taking two hours for lunch more firmly rooted than in Normandy!

Come with a party of friends or family group and take over the whole place, or it’s also ideal for several families to share.

Grounds and garden