Domaine Du Pont - Farmhouse

This luxury farmhouse sits within the grounds of the magnificent 17th century Chateau du Pont. It is set in stunning landscaped gardens and makes the perfect base to explore the Bayeux Tapestry, Monet's Garden, and the landing beaches. It is only ten minutes from Honfleur and twenty minutes from Deauville.

The farmhouse can sleep up to 10 people – or for larger groups, there is the neighbouring Chateau du Pont within the grounds that can sleep an additional 16.

The outside of the Chateau du Pont has been untouched since it was originally built in the 16th century and enlarged in around 1720. It has had a fascinating history, from being used as a safe house for aristocrats being smuggled out of France during the revolution, to being used by the Resistance during the Second World War. Since the war the chateau has had a much more refined and tranquil existence, but has also played host to guests such as the Aga Khan and the Dalai Lama.

The farmhouse was renovated to the highest standard in 2005. There is a short gated path that joins the farmhouse to the chateau, which makes it easy for the same party to hire both properties - in such cases the gates can be opened and access from one property to the other is very easy. It comprises of three double bedrooms and two twin bedrooms, sleeping 10 in total. The double bedrooms all have en-suite bath or shower rooms whilst the two twin bedrooms share a shower room.

The farmhouse is situated in a large hedged garden, surrounded by fields that are planted with apple trees (for cider and calvados) and grazed by cows. The Chateau can be seen from the garden, and there are views over a very pretty valley.

*Please note, locations shown on the maps are approximations only

The nearest port to the chateau is Le Havre 25km away and the nearest town is Beuzeville 3km away. About three minutes drive from the chateau there is a small market town which has 2 supermarkets, a great market on Tuesdays, and several good restaurants. If you want to try slightly further a field (just another 10 minutes!) you will find two 1 star Michelin restaurants, and another one at Deauville.

Normandy has a huge amount to offer – and most of which is within a reasonable drive of the chateau. It has something for everyone from old cities, Monet's garden, the landing beaches and historic sites such as the Bayeux tapestry to beaches, holiday resorts and casinos.

The area is well supplied in terms of sports facilities - for both participants and spectators. In particular, it is well known as a hub for equine pursuits - there are numerous studs, including the Aga Khan's, and in the summer there are horse auctions and Horse Racing and Polo at Deauville.  There is also Horse Riding available locally. There are many golf courses within 30 minutes of the chateau (including Etratat situated on top of the cliffs overlooking the channel).

Other day trips include the Landing Beaches, the Bayeux Tapestry and Monet's Garden. Honfleur is a fishing and sailing port located in the Seine estuary about 10 minutes from the chateau. Deauville is great for smart shops and cafes, and people watching. This cosmopolitan sea-side resort has a large and beautiful beach, a marina, and a casino.

Normandy is rightly famous for its food the world over - especially the cheeses such as Livarot Camembert, and Pont l'Eveque, and Calvados - the apple brandy. The French love of good food means that the all ingredients also have to be of the highest quality.  Seafood is fantastic and local producers are famous in the area for quality, taste, and price. 

Local markets are fantastic and are often the major source of food for the locals. The nearest market is in Beuzeville on Mondays; however there are also excellent ones in Honfleur on Saturday, Trouville on Sunday, and Pont Audemer on Monday. There are many restaurants in nearby villages.

Catering can be provided by 2 professional catering companies in the area who will be happy to offer their services to guests at an additional cost.

The caretaker provides daily maid service (1 hour per day is included in the rental price).  Any additional cleaning can be arranged on request. Babysitting is also available.

- Security deposit: £500. This is paid direct to the owner prior to arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection.
- Linen & towels: All linen and bath towels are included in the rental price.
- Energy costs: Heating is charged to expenditure if needed. Firewood is provided free of charge.
- End of stay cleaning: Included. Please leave the property in the state that you found it. 1 hour per day maid service is included in the rental price.
- Arrival time: 4pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Pets: No pets allowed.
- Smoking: No smoking in the property.
- It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property.

My group of twelve spent a glorious week at the Domaine Du Pont. The main house is very beautiful and the gardens are extraordinary. We also had the farmhouse, a charming thatch-roofed cottage down a path through an orchard. The staff was friendly and attentive. Easy excursions included the invasion beaches and the American cemetery at Colleville sur Mer, the resort town of Honfleur, Monet’s house and garden at Giverny, Rouen, Bayeux, and Mont-Saint-Michel, which was the longest drive, but still less than two hours away. An unforgettable week in Normandy.

MDeB. USA