We had an OUTSTANDINGLY brilliant time here - we stayed for 2 weeks during the summer (just 2 of us) . The coachouse is kitted out perfectly with several comfy sofas, great open plan kitchen and huge bed in the master bedroom which has a beuatiful vaulted ceiling, 3 other bedrooms all well furnished. 2 shower rooms, very handy! The garden is enclosed and is a good size. We ate outside a lot and used the BBQ to cook up various meats we found in the local markets. The garden has lots of roses and lavender which look pretty. The owners also put a big jug of hydrangeas (and a bottle of wine - THANKS!) in the property just before we arrived, which stayed in bloom throughout our stay. Property is very clean and tidy and everything is in good order. The coachouse comes with a parking space just outside the door, which is a bonus and very convenient.
St Aubin is small and quiet, which is exactly what we were looking for. The donkey and the pony in the field next to the garden provided an ample source of amusement for us, and we were often persuaded into handing over 'just one more carrot' !! Other than that the only other passing amusment is the odd local villager wandering past. There is only a very small TV in the coachouse, and it only plays DVDs, you can't get any TV signal. This didn't bother us ONE BIT, as we came loaded with books to read and plenty of conversation to catch up on which we somehow fail to do enough of when we're back home - but thought it should probably be mentioned in case it's a disappointment for anyone else.
The local town of Orbec was more than we could have hoped for. it's JUST the right size to provide everything you want on this kind of holiday - 2 supermarkets, a local farmers market weekly and several REALLY good local restaurants, plus an lovely Italian restaurant and several local bars which also serve food. In addition to this, there are several villages within 10 minutes drive which also have excellent restaurants. WE ATE WELL on this holiday - and we're foodies, so finding good restaurants is one of our priorities on a holiday - we weren't diappointed!
We visited Monet's house at Giverny (2 hours drive) which I can recommend as one of the most beautiful, peaceful and inspiring places I have ever visited. We also visited Versailles (just over 2 hours drive) which was also impressive in a very different way. LOTS of lovely local towns and villages to explore.
Owners live next door + are very friendly and helpful