Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great Stay.

Guest: Chris (Germany/from USA)
Date of Stay: 12/17/11 Review Submitted: 12/22/11

Anyone looking for a quiet place to stay that is centrally located in the Normandy invasion area with great hospitality then Keith and Penny's B&B is the place for you. From the time we arrived until the minute we left, they welcomed us into their home as more than guests. Breakfast was always more than filling with a nice variety of foods. Each night they invited us to join them for drinks to chat, discuss the sites we visited, and recommend sites for the next day. The books and maps Keith provided were great and enabled us to see more than just the normal Normandy sites. The maps allowed us to venture on the road less traveled but very important to the Normandy invasion. The family greatly enjoyed the nightly chats with our English host and their lively English language where you may hear things like “Cheeky Monkey”! Keith and Penny’s is great for all ages—we had my parents (60s), us (30s), and my kids who are 5 and 7.

Recommended for:Sightseeing

Delightful

Guest: Pat and Frank (Kansas City, MO USA)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11 Review Submitted: 10/13/11

What a perfect location - our stay in Normandy was the highlight of our trip. Keith and Penny are fabulous hosts - from dinner suggestions, yummy breakfasts, fascinating tour, and enjoyable conversations, not to mention our nightly glass of wine - they made our stay truly DELIGHTFUL. Can't thank you enough - We shall return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

Great hosts, disappointing accomodations (please see disclaimer in review below)

Guest: traveladdict911 (Silverton, OR)
Date of Stay: 09/12/11 Review Submitted: 01/05/12

Our hosts were great, the breakfast was great, and the cocktail hour was awesome. So why did I mark this location as average? Because of our room. It was not as advertised in the photos on line. Now, I wish to add a disclaimer. We were traveling with two other couples and one single companion. I didn't actually book this place and was not privy to the conversations or emails at the time of booking. I looked at all the photos on line and thought the place looked sweet and couldn't wait to arrive. Apparently, White Cross Manor was not equipped to handle the 7 people in our reservation, but did so anyway. They were in the process of remodeling a third floor attic space. At the time of our arrival, the space was primarily plywood and concrete and insulation. Thick fabric was hung over plumbing and the closet area. You could hear the loud swish of water whenever the bathroom was used. Fabric covered some of the bathroom walls.The furnishings in our room were Goodwill at best (and that is being generous). The rest of the house was decorated fine. From what I understand, the two main rooms in the house looked like the pictures on VRBO. Those rooms went to our traveling companions. We shared a bathroom with one other person. The bathroom had exposed stud walls in some places. The flooring did not appear to be permanently installed. I took pictures because I knew no one back home would believe the condition.So how could this have been resolved? Well, I should have been proactive and had a hand in the reservation. Or if we'd known in advance (like received an email stating that we were staying in unfinished areas) we would have been aware of the situation. Or had the cost of the unfinished room been reduced for the inconvenience of staying in unattractive surroundings, my review would be different. We'd never stayed in this part of France before. The grounds were lovely. Again, the hosts were friendly and informative. We spent one day on a tour with Keith who was quite knowledgeable about the area. The tour was extra, but reasonably priced. I'm very careful when I pick out my traveling b&b's. I spend hours making sure it is a place I want to stay. The attic would not have been my first choice if I'd known it was unfinished. I thought I was staying in something that looked like the pictures. Once the attic is finished, it will likely be warm and welcoming like the rest of the house. Until then, be sure and ask which room you will be assigned.

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

Late summer visit

Guest: Tom (Spokane, Washington)
Date of Stay: 09/12/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

The property is as advertised and the hosts were superb. Breakfast was great and the wine and beer, in the late afternoon was an added treat. The hosts handled reservations and provided information about side trips. We paid for guided Normandy tour and Keith was an excellent guide and source of information. The free telephone calls to the states was a bonus.

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

Just what we needed!

Guest: Jonathan Inch (Durham, UK)
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 08/08/11

Three lads on a D-Day tour, we stayed with Keith and Penny for three nights in the adjoining gite. Despite turning up near midnight, Keith had very kindly left some cold beer in the fridge which was a lifesaver. Our next few days were full of good breakfasts, invaluable tour advice, heartfelt welcome and numerous glasses of white / red / rose supplied by the hosts! Keith and Penny are genuinely lovely and interesting people who bent over backwards to help us, whether it was booking a local restaurant or supplying a routemarked map for our D-Day exploration. The gite was ideal for the three of us and very good value. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend White Cross Manor.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Home Away From Home (Seattle, Washington )

Guest: Dave and Marilyn (Seattle, Washington)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/18/11

We are so happy we chose this place to stay. Thee were six of us that drove from the ferry at Calais. We were late arrivals, yet Keith greeted us with kindness and understanding. He even popped out a bottle of wine to celebrate our arrival. The rooms are decorated with old world charm and color that only Penny can give them. The house is a treasure. She is an excellent hostess and chef. Best ever soft boiled eggs. We had limited time to be in Normandy and if it was not for Keith we would have never seen all that we did. He had our time and places mapped out every morning. Listen to what he says, he is an expert. If you follow his directions you will stay on course and see everything you chose to see. Don't miss the cocktail hour in the afternoon. Both Penny and Keith are a wealth of information. We will never forget our stay with them. We hope to return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lovely B&B - Lovely Owners

Guest: Tim and Mary (Orange, California - USA)
Date of Stay: 07/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/17/11

There were six adults in our group so we used the two lovely bedrooms and the gite. We loved staying with the Estlin's. Both Penny and Keith were so helpful in providing information for our time in Normandy. The breakfast was delicious and we became hooked on the soft boiled eggs (even bought egg cups to take home)! Since we did not have a GPS we did have a little trouble finding the manor. So our only advice would be to have a GPS, then enjoy your stay with Penny and Keith!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

Truly a Home Away From Home

Guest: Happy Traveler (Washington State)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

Mu husband and I stayed with Keith and Penny very recently on our own tour de France and could not have been more happy with our choice of lodging. We had reserved the blue room and upon arrival were asked if we would prefer the gite since there had been a cancelation. We loved the blue room it looks like it should be in Versailles it was so wonderfully decorated but the lure of a kitchen to cook our own dinners should we want to was very enticing so we decided on the guest house which was absolutely wonderful. Keith and Penny were the most gracious and fun hosts you could ever hope to find. We very much looked forward to cocktail hour each day to chat with them about where we had been that day and where we intended to go the next. They had so many helpful suggestions about various WWII monuments that the guidebooks leave out, our favorite and highlight of our trip is the memorial to Easy Company that Keith's never fail map led us directly to. Breakfast every morning was fantastic with eggs fresh from Gertie, salmon, bread and so much more. You will not find a better breakfast at a hotel especially with great company over coffee like you will at White Cross Manor. You will enjoy your stay immensely and wish that you had more time. Thank you Keith and Penny for making Normandie an unforgettable experience for us.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Experience

Guest: Diane (New Orleans, Louisiana, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/12/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

We had a wonderful time in Normandy, in large part because of Penny and Keith. What gracious hosts they are! White Cross Manor offers spacious, comfortable and private accommodation (we were a party of six). Penny's breakfasts were a hit with everyone, especially the fresh eggs from her hens. Keith's knowledge of all the battlefields made our day trip with him one to remember. I can't imagine a more enjoyable way to spend a few days in Normandy.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway.

Cute and Charming b & b

Guest: Justin C. (Heidelberg Germany)
Date of Stay: 05/30/11 Review Submitted: 06/04/11

Keith and Penny are wonderful hosts, very accommadating and always willing to book you an reservation in a resturant down the road (8 - 10 min, as there are none in the small quite town) or help you plan your next days activites and suggest locations over a glass wine, beer or beverage of choice, a wonderful time to just sit and talk and remanice on the days events.. The breakfasts were wonderful and quite the spread you would never find in any hotel or larger establishment. They are located in the countryside, approximately 20 - 40 min from all the major attractions, with easy access to larger cities (Carantan) and the highway. We stayed in there Gitte, a very nice apartment attached to the main house. With a nice living area to relax or cook dinner downstairs and sleeping quarters upstairs. Your country alarm clock is the sound of the Turtle Doves cooing, and some mornings even the rooster. The is also a nice patio out front with a BBQ to use if you decide to stay in for the evening. The sun room and / or garden patio is also a nice area to sit and relax the evening away if you are staying in the main house. Our 7 year old son loved all the land and space to run and play. Between the fish pond, the football (soccer) playing dog, and other animals he was quite content and happy at the end of each day. The White Cross manor is an excellent place to stay for all of your Normandy adventures. To consider and add up all that Keith and Penny offer and provide far exceeds the pennies you pay staying with them.. We Highly reccommend this to any large or small families, wanting a quite, quant, unique experience during your next holiday or vacation to the Normandy region of France. Once again.. Thank You Penny and Keith for an wonderful Holiday!!..

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Super!

Guest: Betsy (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/23/11 Review Submitted: 06/04/11

We stayed at White Cross Manor for four nights. The owners, Penny and Keith, are delightful hosts, doing everything possible to accommodate the six of us who stayed there. Their daily breakfasts were sumptuous! Keith took us on a half-day tour of WWII sites, including places that would probably be unavailable on another tour. The manor is beautiful inside and out. Highly recommend it!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

It's as if I'd left home to come here- only to find that I'd never left.

Guest: Travelling Canuck (Minesing)
Date of Stay: 05/09/11 Review Submitted: 05/16/11

One word, fabulous. Was it the fresh jams made by Keith? The comfortable bed and welcoming meadows? maybe. White Cross is a step back in time, situated at the cross roads of central Normandy. It has charm, delicious breakfasts, resident small creatures that delight and privacy if you prefer. Bring your camera and don't be bashful to ask if you need timely and useful information on the areas attractions. As much as the Manor is close to all Operation Overlord sites you'll quickly discover Norman beaches and the welcoming small towns of the western shores. Enjoy.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Like Home in Normandy

Guest: Family of Four (Bermuda)
Date of Stay: 04/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/16/11

Our family of four stayed with Penny and Keith two weeks ago and had a wonderful time. Their warm welcome and gracious hospitality immediately made us feel right at home. The rooms were large, clean and comfortable. The breakfast was incredible, with a wide variety of cereals, fruits, pastries, meats and beverages. This was definitely not your standard hotel breakfast! We engaged Keith for a day long tour of the Normandy area and D-Day sites. He was happy to tailor the tour to our specific interests, allowing us to see things we never would have found on our own. They are in a great central location in a quiet little village, perfect for any Normandy area visits. All in all, one of the highlights of our trip to France.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Barb & Bruce Waukesha WI USA

Guest: BARB BRUCE (Waukesha WI USA)
Date of Stay: 10/09/10 Review Submitted: 12/21/10

Four of us stayed with Penny and Keith in Oct. 2010. What a wonderful treat! They were wonderful hosts. It was more than we expected-from the company to the food to the tour of Normandy! They were very accomodating to make sure our visit was exceptional. Keith was a wonderful tour guide of the sites of Normandy.. I wanted to see the 507 monument in honor of a friend of mine who was a member of the 507. Keith took us right there. We felt like we visiting friends and wished we could have stayed longer. We would definitely stay there again. Thanks Penny and Keith for a wonderful experience!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

WONDERFUL PLACE TO STAY

Guest: Linda McCabe (Jenkintown, PA (Philadelphia suburb))
Date of Stay: 09/30/10 Review Submitted: 10/17/10

I brought my parents here to see Normandy in early October. We had a fabulous time. Keith and Penny are the most gracious hosts, and took such good care of us. My parents were tired at the end of the day after touring, and Penny graciously cooked dinner for us so they would not have to go out again. The "happy hours" were enjoyable and Keith and Penny made us feel right at home. Their restaurant recommendations were super. Keith gave us a wonderful tour of the Normandy beaches and surrounding landmarks in the countryside. He was so informative and took us places we never would have found on our own. I can't say enough about their wonderful hospitality! I hope to return again and bring my husband with me this time!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our stay with the Estlins in Normandy

Guest: DaveD (Boulder CO USA)
Date of Stay: 09/24/10 Review Submitted: 10/11/10

Six of us stayed with Keith and Penny Estlin in September at the White Manor in St Jores near Carentan and can fully recommend it. We had a wonderful three nights and four days including a battlefield tour with Keith that was exellent. The breakfast was enough to keep us going through dinner and the evening "drinks at 6.30" were quite an event all on their own. The Manor House was very interesting and the hosts Keith and Penny were very helpful and delightful. The location is perfect if you are touring Normandy or the D Day beaches. All in all we recommend it whether you are a small group or a couple--a perfect few days.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A stroke of luck.

Guest: Kathy Doll1 (Champaign, Il)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10 Review Submitted: 09/22/10

We are two couples in our sixties and seventies who wanted to see the beaches of Normandy as well as the other World War II sights in the area. We stumbled across Keith and Penny as we were looking for English speaking hosts. What a huge stroke of luck this was for us! Keith and Penny are gracious, hospitable, knowledgeable, and professional as well as good cooks and FUN! We were very fortunate to go on Keith's day tour of the Utah Beach area. During the tour we remarked that we were probably the four luckiest Americans in the world that day as Keith walked us through the pages of history and made them come alive for us. Thank you Keith and Penny for opening your home and hearts to us and God Bless you both in your studies and your lives. John, Kathy, Donna, and Norm

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Feels Like Home!

Guest: toddb (Rome, Italy)
Date of Stay: 08/19/10 Review Submitted: 08/29/10

Keith and Penny are the perfect hosts for a trip to Normandy with a beautiful place to stay. Very close to all the WWII sites, but away from the bustle of the tourist chaos. The breakfasts (and coffee!) are wonderful, and the highlight of each day was having a glass of wine in the early evening to go along with the great conversation. The tours Keith provides are fascinating and he takes you to sites you'll never see while on a tour bus, and Penny packed picnic sandwiches for us so we wouldn't go hungry. We lost track of the kids one day and began to get concerned because things were eerily quiet, but we found them with Penny in the kitchen making pies and cookies. She had put all 3 to work. The house is gorgeous and comfortable, and the hosts are very gracious and hospitable. They even stayed up, concerned when we did not arrive until past midnight. Kind of nice to know someone was looking out for us! We'll be back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

Wonderful place and a great stay!

Guest: Doug and Bonnie (California, US)
Date of Stay: 07/13/10 Review Submitted: 09/29/10

Keith and Penny are knowledgeable, hospitable, helpful, and just all-around wonderful people. We were searching for something that was convenient to all the sights around Normandy, including but not limited to the WWII high points, and couldn't have found a better location. It was especially nice not to have a language barrier, and fun to get to know the other couple who was staying there, too. The wine and conversation was great, and everything was delicious and efficiently handled. Thanks for your part in such a wonderful vacation. We wish you the best in all your endeavors!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

Great Stay in Normandy

Guest: Mike and Denise (Fremont, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/15/10 Review Submitted: 07/02/10

Eight family members came from all over the United States to meet for a mini family reunion in Normandy at Keith and Penny's Manor House. We took over the entire B&B and spent four wonderful, enjoyable days here. Keith and Penny could not have been more welcoming and accommodating to make our stay most enjoyable. The happy hour+ each evening was a great way to get together, discuss our day with our hosts, and to get terrific recommendations for dinner and the following day's itinerary. The breakfast was delicious and plentiful. We availed ourselves of Keith's guided tour of the Normandy invasion area which was extremely informative and detailed. Penny and Keith were always available to answer any questions, make suggestions and to pour another glass of wine at happy hour. We are a boisterous group and Keith and Penny were able to join in the festivities and keep us laughing with their own stories. We highly recommend a stay here. You will not be disappointed.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

A Wonderful Vacation

Guest: larc (Lake Havasu City, AZ USA)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10 Review Submitted: 06/11/10

A wonderful stay with Keith and Penny. So very hospitable and kind. We felt right at home and would lover to return someday! Thank you for everything! John, Yvonne and Dana

Owner response:You were all great. We will remember you with much affection. Penny and Keith

Recommended for:Sightseeing

Guest: Arlene Block (Kamuela Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 10/16/09 Review Submitted: 10/15/09

October 16,2009 We stayed 5 nights, the hospitality was over the top. Wine and beer every evening and great breakfast, much more than continental with fresh brown eggs from their hens. Their two Yorkshire terriers are just charming, I'm a cat person! They gave us ideas for places to tour and places to eat. Highly recommend Keith's personalized tour of WWII landing site, cost 80 euros for 3 hours, but he took us to sites we wouldn't have been able to find ourselves. A must stay place if you want to tour the Normandy beaches. Internet is available in all the rooms.

Owner response:You were a great couple. We enjoyed your stay. Penny & Keith

Recommended for:

Guest: The Browns5 (Dunwoody, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 08/05/09 Review Submitted: 08/05/09

We stayed at White Cross Manor from July 3 - 7, 2009 with our two teenage sons. Penny and Keith were perfect hosts, the breakfast each morning was wonderful and the accomodations could not have been better. The location is close to St Mere Eglise and the American beaches plus an easy drive to St Mont Michel as well as other small towns in the area.

Owner response:It was great taking you to our village liberation day and showing you how much the US are wlcome here. Penny & Keith

Recommended for:

Guest: Carole Ann Hoppenstein (Dallas, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/08/09

We had a wonderful time staying in your home. Loved the cocktail hour and your helpful comments on how best to tour the Normandy area. Breakfasts were great.

Owner response:Many thanks for all your help. Penny & Keith

Recommended for:

Guest: Jo Ann and Jay Fouts (-)
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

Our stay with Penny and Keith was delightful. The property is lovely and welcoming. We have never been treated so grandly. And, it is convenient to all the Normandy sites.

Owner response:We loved having you all and hope to meet again. Penny & Keith

Recommended for: