Farmhouse in Calvados, France

Double Bedroom details

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The Farmhouse

Salon

Vire golf course, within 10 mins of property

Lac Dathee, within 10 mins from property

The local St. Sever Forest

The garden

Home description

We would like to extend an invitation to join us at La Selinière, our completely restored 200 year old farmhouse, in Calvados, at the very heart of ancient Normandy. Come, however briefly, and share not only our home but also our way of life.  Whatever your reason for visiting this beautiful part of France we are sure that we can help to make your stay a truly memorable experience.

La Selinière is situated midway between St. Sever forest, famous for its wild life, and Lake Dathée, equally well known for golf, carp fishing and water sports. The house is surrounded by green lawns, colourful flowerbeds, and sunny terraces. The orchards and paddocks are home to our family of sheep, pigs, chickens and other animals, including Dillon the Donkey and Pepi the Pony. Hugo our 3 year old yellow Labrador loves everyone especially children when they take the time to play with him. Otherwise he is often seen to be playing with our cats Susie and Dora. There is also a kitchen garden where we produce most of our own vegetables.

In the garden are lots of outside areas for playing games, eating or just relaxing in the sunshine, a barbecue and tables and chairs for those guests who want to try their own culinary skills, and sun beds for those who just wish to relax. For those more energetically inclined there are garden games available for children and adults alike.

We really do believe that we can provide everything that anyone could possibly need for the perfect break – even a child minding service, either throughout the day or for the evening – that is, of course, if our guests feel that they really must visit the outside world.

Guests Comments

“Great company, great food and great wine! The number one spot in Normandy! Thank you and see you soon”.
Ian & Joanne Barlow, Stockport, Cheshire.

“Thank you so much for your generous hospitality, you made us feel very welcome. Extra big thanks for helping with the children – that was very kind and much appreciated. Will keep in touch”.
Richard & Tracy Etherington-Baker, Old Basingstoke, Hampshire.

“Awesome is the latest word - It applies here, thank you! “
Edwin & Anne Stead, Canterbury, Kent.

“We have had a wonderful 5 days and are sad to leave. Thanks for your hospitality and kindness”.
James & Rachael, Croydon, Surrey.

Accommodation detail

Double bedroom

The farmhouse offers:

• Two double bedrooms - large and tastefully decorated, over looking the gardens. If required both rooms can comfortably accommodate an additional single bed and travel cot (sleeps 6 plus cot).
• Separate toilet/bathroom - facilities for each bedroom.
• All bedrooms have tea and coffee making facilities.
• Laundry room - fully equipped is available for the use of our guests.

Guests are welcome to join us at any time in the main salon (with satellite television) or alternatively to enjoy the peace and quiet of a separate reading room reserved exclusively for guest use.

All meals can be taken either in the dining room or on the sun terrace.

A guest fridge/freezer is available should any guests wish to purchase some of the wide range of local food and drink for which Normandy is justifiably famous.

If the idea of sitting on the terrace in the evening sun, sampling the local wine, while the barbecue sizzles quietly does not appeal we can, on request, provide evening meals. Our menus are a mixture of local Normandy specialities and traditional English fare, using, whenever possible, our home grown organic produce. Naturally all wine is included!

About the location

Close at hand are many small villages, most of which have a boulangerie, a bar tabac, and/or a petite épicerie – do not be misled by the low prices for the menu of the day 'Plat de jour' - the food is generally excellent. Our local village, Champ du boult (3 min. drive/20 min. walk) has a busy bar/tabac/ épicerie run by Patricia and Claude, who will be delighted to provide either luncheon or an evening meal.

The nearby town of Vire, (11kms) offers a wide variety of modern amenities including a swimming pool, good restaurants, theatre, supermarkets and boutiques, even a racecourse! There is also a railway station (Paris – less than 3 hrs - Disneyland only a little longer).

There are countless places to visit as you travel through the beautiful towns and villages, en route for instance to the coastal resort of Granville, which specialises in local seafood. From there you can take the ferry for a day trip to Jersey (only 50 mins.) The world famous Island Cathedral of Le Mont St. Michel, the beautiful Brittany coast, the Bayeux tapestry and the medieval town of Fougères are all less that one hours drive away and  well worth a visit.

The D-day landing beaches with their museums are also within easy reach. For children there are two zoos a sea life centre and go-karting close at hand and not for the faint hearted, even an opportunity for bungee jumping at the Souleuvre viaduct.

This area of Normandy claims to be the gourmet capital of France and you will find a wide variety of places to both eat and drink ranging from 5 star restaurants to simple routier cafes. Remember that many are closed on Mondays, and for this reason, amongst others, you may wish us to provide a picnic, which we can make to you specific requirements.

There is so much to do that we could fill an entire brochure with 'things that a tourist must do’' and we are, of course, only too pleased to help you with any further information, bookings and directions etc., but please do not forget our promise to show you how we live. Wander through the timeless villages – and during the summer months you are certain to be invited to enjoy the wide variety of local fetes, rallies and race meetings. 

At Christmas tour the same villages and be amazed by the wonderful light decorations, as each community tries to outdo their neighbours.  You will find it so easy to become part of the local way of life that we know you will want to return again and again.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Bird Watching, Boating, Boules, Canoeing, Cycling, Diving, Fishing, Go karting, Golf, Gourmet dining, Hiking, Horse riding, Rambling, Sailing, Sea excursions, Shopping, Sightseeing, Spa, Swimming, Tennis, Theme parks, Walking, Water sports, Wind Surfing, Wine tasting

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

Calais/Boulogne - 4 hours

From port follow the sign Boulogne/Abbeville A19 past Abbeville then change onto the E402/A29 to Le Havre. Stay on A29 to Caen joining the A13 to Caen and follow directions to Rennes A84 take junction 42 the D577 to Vire.

Le Havre - 2 hours

From the port follow signs for Caen/Paris, A29 take a right towards Caen A29 over the new bridge [superb view] and proceed to the A13 Caen and follow directions to Rennes A84 take junction 42 the D577 to Vire.

Ouistreham - 1½ hours
From the ferry terminal take the D514 to Caen and when you pass under the second yellow foot bridge take a right onto the ring road following signs for A84 Rennes/Le Mont St Michel when you are on the A84 take junction 42 the D577 to Vire.

Cherbourg - 2 hours
From port take the N13 Bayeux/Caen until you go under the canal tunnel just beyond Carentan take a right towards St Lo N174. Just beyond St Jean de Daye a new by pass has been built go onto that and just stay on it all the way round St Lo and the road returns to the N174 south of St Lo heading to Vire.

Complete directions will be issued on application.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.