|
La Vieille Grange was purchased in 1989 - a 200 year old dirt floor barn standing at the edge of two and a half acres of farmland, part of a cluster of farm houses. We renovated it originally into a one room cottage with a loft bedroom, bathroom and laundry room. The fireplace, with its antique Louis IV style mantel, was installed a couple of years later.
One and a half years ago an addition was added, including a spacious entrance hall, a first floor bedroom and a second bathroom on the ground floor, with an attic type third bedroom and separate space for a private hideaway or children's play area. We were careful to retain the original character of the "cottage" and its romantic charm. The house is furnished with antique furniture, but the kitchen and bathrooms are modern.
In this area, known to the French as one of the most beautiful parts of France, the "le Perche" region, straddles the Eastern border of Normandy and the countryside west of the great cathedral city of Chartres, our "La Vieille Grange" sits to one side of several renovated farmhouses that are now owned by young couples with children.
From the livingroom, one can look across the fields and watch the sun rise above the forest that appears like a wall on the horizon. The large flagstone patio, seen through the french doors, looks out at a row of apple trees and at the right season, blackberry bushes, walnut and pear trees. A large ring of Poplar and Birch trees around the property bring privacy, birds, and an occasional deer or pheasant into view. We allow our neighbors to graze their two Percheron horses and a donkey on our back paddock and they add to the serenity and beauty of the property.
Shopping is available in the town of La Loupe, just three and a half Kms away for all of your household needs... the train station is there also. Don't miss the Tuesday traveling market with it's fresh produce, fish, meat, fabrics, clothes etc.
Sightseeing: Chartres Cathedral - world renown for its stained glass windows - 30 minute drive; Le Mans - has a fine Cathedral surrounded by a medieval section and the famous auto racing; Paris and the great Versailles Palace - only one and a half hours by train to Gare Montparnasse or the same by car to the peripherique... close enough to spend the day, have dinner, and come "home"; The Normandy Coast and WWII landing beaches and museum - two and a half hours drive - you might like to stay overnight and visit Mont St. Michel and the ancient fishing port of Hon Fleur; The Loire Valley Chateaux - you can visit several - only one or two hours drive... Monet's home and Gardens in Giverney - one and a half hours drive; Rouen, City of Joan of Arc on a bend in the River Seine with it's beautiful cathedral and magnificent surrounding countryside one and a half hours drive, Medieval Villages and other places of interest can be found scattered throughout the region, in spite of the damage suffered during the invasion.
Locally - In Nearby Fountaine Simon - (15 minutes away) there is a large indoor swimming pool with a water slide and outdoor swimming and paddle boats in the river - also a playground and picnic area.
The Le Perche Region museum in Cyr-la-Rosiere, has an exhibit of old fashioned farm implements used in growing and harvesting wheat and making apple brandy (Calvados).
We have a manager - our neighbor who speaks English quite well and she is there to help you with any issues or questions that may come up during your stay. |
