The Normandy Hideaway

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 Yellow room opens onto the garden, while the Blue room, where we stayed, has a vintage artwork 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 twin beds, lovely exposed beams, oil portraits on the wall, bright Union Flag cushions, and 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, 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
• Central heating
• Coffee / tea making
• Cots available
• DVD player
• Hairdryer
• Iron
• Radio
• Toiletries
• Tumble dryer
• TV
• 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). 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 twin guest room upstairs which is only for kids or teens 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

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.