Chateau La Monte Epinge

In the delightful Normandy countryside sits the enchanting Chateau la Monte Epinge. This 18th century chateau is a lived in and loved family home that offers grand but comfortable accommodation for great value.

The Chateau la Monte Epinge is 30 minutes from the dramatic Normandy sandy beaches overlooking Jersey. The chateau had an interesting part to play in the Second World War. It was commandeered by the German army and became one of their HQs for communications.

Chateau la Monte Epinge can sleep 27 guests. Also on site there is a Carriage House (sleeps 12), and the Mews (sleeps 5) that can be booked along with the chateau making the maximum capacity for the estate 44 guests. Being so close to the UK this is a superb long weekend chateau retreat. The chateau is rented on a self catering basis but catering is possible on request.

The chateau can sleep up to 27 guests and comprises 3 reception rooms, a large fully equipped kitchen, a hall and a boot room. There are 11 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms and a downstairs WC.

The chateau is centrally heated, and comes with wooden floors, French windows, and giant beams. The grounds incorporate woodlands, an orchard, a large barn, playing fields and a BBQ area.

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

There is a phenomenal amount to do in Normandy. Cherbourg port is 15km away, and the charming town of Brix is 3km away.

Surfing is possible of course and it is well worth visiting the Second World War landing beaches and museums.

For the nocturnal there is always the Cherbourg casino and night club.

If assistance is needed with catering the owners can organize breakfasts. An English chef, James, is available for hire for any special occasions. Please enquire.

- Capacity: The property comfortably sleeps 22 adults and 5 children or teenagers.
- Security deposit: €750 euros in cash on arrival from which breakages & bills, are deducted with the remainder reimbursed before departure.
- Linen & towels: All linen and bath towels are charged at £10 per person - only possible out of school holidays. You are welcome to bring your own towels and bed sheets if you wish.
- Energy costs: Bills to expenditure.
- End of stay cleaning: Please leave the properties as found or a cleaner can be arranged for you at additional expense.
- Arrival time: 4pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Pets: Pets allowed.
- Smoking: No smoking in the property.
- Regrettably, the owner cannot accept bookings for stag parties or all male groups. The owner will refuse entry to the property to these groups.
- 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.

I rented the Chateau la Monte Epinge last weekend for a birthday party with 28 guests. The chateau was absolutely perfect for what we wanted. It was just like being at home (albeit a very large version of home) and so comfortable and 'lived in' that we did not have to worry about the children or dogs and everyone was able to enjoy themselves. The rooms were large enough to get everyone together around the open fire in one room when we wanted but with 4 living rooms there was space for us to spread out between a dance area and a number of quieter rooms in the evenings. The surrounding forest was perfect for walking and we collected pockets full of... ...chestnuts to roast over the fire. Despite appearing to be really isolated, the chateau was actually within just a few minutes' drive of a major road, so it was easy to get to and from the ports and the Normandy beaches and other places of interest. Fiona and Marc were very helpful with information about things to do locally and in their recommendation of James and his team, who organised a dinner party for us on one of the nights we were at the chateau. All in all it was a great venue and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to rent a large house in France.

Melissa Mercer