Grand Manoir (PER.29)

Grand Manoir is a 6-bedroomed cottage, sleeping 14 (+baby), in the countryside, just 1km from the village of Esquibien, 2km from the beach, 3km W of Audierne, 40km W of Quimper (Michelin map: 512). VFB is delighted to feature this property for the first time in 2010. Saturday arrival.

The restoration of this old manor house in this remote and beautiful corner of Brittany has been a real labour of love. Such was the dilapidated state of this property when it was bought by the owner's grandfather 50 years ago that it was sold to him for the price of the stone alone. Three generations have worked on the restoration of the house (which dates back to the 13th century), none more so than the current owner, who lives in an independent studio in the manoir. He has created four properties of high quality and modern facilities, in particular the Grand and Petit Manoir, where many original features are retained and great attention has been paid to detail, including - as the owner is proud to tell - many of the doors and wooden surfaces made of wood felled on his own land.

The Grand Manoir dominates the courtyard with a large door opening onto a granite hallway. A striking atmosphere is immediately created by the small stained glass windows and the lighting in the shape of torches up the stone staircase. The spacious living area has a large open fireplace at the far end surrounded by leather sofas, while at the opposite end is a charming piece of carved Breton furniture with bench, drawers and religious icon, traditionally used to divide large spaces into smaller rooms. The living room opens into the dining room, which has french windows and picture windows running the length of the room, giving views onto as well as access to the large garden, private to occupants of the Grand Manoir. Just off the dining area is the practical kitchen, which also opens onto the garden, with teak garden furniture and a barbecue. The bedrooms are a mix of the recently refurbished, with a distinctly modern feel, and rooms that have a more traditional atmosphere which would not be out of place in a château. All the bedrooms have their own en-suite bathrooms. The two refurbished bedrooms (a double and a twin) form a suite split between two levels of the tower; a second, larger suite with traditional decoration is made up of a single bedroom, which leads into one of the triple bedrooms.

Each property has shared use of a delightful walled garden with a small chapel in the corner, the cobbled courtyard complete with well (now ornamental only) and the wooded grounds. The properties can be rented individually or by taking one or more, even all four together. There is a discrete (and heavy wooden door) connecting the Grand and Petit Manoirs internally, allowing a party of up to 21 to occupy the main part of the property together."

Accommodation: Ground floor: kitchen, living room, dining room, 2 wcs. First and second floors: 1 single, 1 twin and 2 double-bedded rooms, 2 triple-bedded rooms (each with 1 double and 1 single bed), all with en-suite bathrooms or shower rooms with wc (or separate wc). One of the triple rooms leads off the single bedroom. This property is particularly suited to indoor and out-of-season living, due to a higher than average level of comfort.

Activities: Nearest beach 2km, indoor swimming pool at Esquibien (1km), bike hire in Pont-Croix (5km), horse riding at Plogoff (5km)

Services: Supermarkets on edge of Esquibien (800m), full range of shops, restaurants and services in Audierne (3km), market day Saturday and Wednesday.

Location
In the countryside, just 1km from the village of Esquibien, 1600 inhabitants - 2km from the beach, 3km W of Audierne, 40km W of Quimper. Michelin map: 512.
 
Activities
Nearest beach 2km, indoor swimming pool at Esquibien (1km), bike hire in Pont-Croix (5km), horse riding at Plogoff (5km)
 
Services
Supermarkets on edge of Esquibien (800m), full range of shops, restaurants and services in Audierne (3km), market day Saturday and Wednesday.
 
Description
The restoration of this old manor house in this remote and beautiful corner of Brittany has been a real labour of love. Such was the dilapidated state of this property when it was bought by the owner's grandfather 50 years ago that it was sold to him for the price of the stone alone. Three generations have worked on the restoration of the house (which dates back to the 13th century), none more so than the current owner, who lives in an independent studio in the manoir. He has created four properties of high quality and modern facilities, in particular the Grand and Petit Manoir, where many original features are retained and great attention has been paid to detail, including - as the owner is proud to tell - many of the doors and wooden surfaces made of wood felled on his own land.

The Grand Manoir dominates the courtyard with a large door opening onto a granite hallway. A striking atmosphere is immediately created by the small stained glass windows and the lighting in the shape of torches up the stone staircase. The spacious living area has a large open fireplace at the far end surrounded by leather sofas, while at the opposite end is a charming piece of carved Breton furniture with bench, drawers and religious icon, traditionally used to divide large spaces into smaller rooms. The living room opens into the dining room, which has french windows and picture windows running the length of the room, giving views onto as well as access to the large garden, private to occupants of the Grand Manoir. Just off the dining area is the practical kitchen, which also opens onto the garden, with teak garden furniture and a barbecue. The bedrooms are a mix of the recently refurbished, with a distinctly modern feel, and rooms that have a more traditional atmosphere which would not be out of place in a château. All the bedrooms have their own en-suite bathrooms. The two refurbished bedrooms (a double and a twin) form a suite split between two levels of the tower; a second, larger suite with traditional decoration is made up of a single bedroom, which leads into one of the triple bedrooms.

Each property has shared use of a delightful walled garden with a small chapel in the corner, the cobbled courtyard complete with well (now ornamental only) and the wooded grounds. The properties can be rented individually or by taking one or more, even all four together. There is a discrete (and heavy wooden door) connecting the Grand and Petit Manoirs internally, allowing a party of up to 21 to occupy the main part of the property together. Featured by VFB for the first time in 2010.
 
Accommodation
Ground floor access from courtyard to hall:

·     Living room with open fire, door leading to
·     Dining room with french windows down steps to garden.

3 steps down from dining room to

·     Kitchen with cooker (gas hob, electric oven), microwave, dishwasher, 2 fridges, 2 freezers, washing machine, dryer
·     2 separate wcs
 
Half-landing:

·     Bedroom 1 with 1 double (1m40) and 1 single bed (0m90). En-suite bathroom with bath with shower attachment, separate wc.
 
First floor:

·     Bedroom 2 with 1 double (1m40) and 1 single bed (0m90). En-suite bathroom with bath with shower attachment, separate wc.
 
Door to suite with 8 steps down to:

·     Bedroom 3 with double bed (1m40) and en-suite shower room, separate wc

4 stairs up to:

·     Bedroom 4 with 2 single beds (0m90) and en-suite shower room with wc.
 
Second half-landing suite with:

·     Bedroom 5 with single bed (0m90) and en-suite shower room, separate wc, leading to
·     Bedroom 6 with double bed (1m40) with en-suite bathroom with bath with shower attachment and wc.

Note: Old lavoir (spring-fed washing area) with shallow water in garden
 
Heating: oil - Gas for cooking, electricity and oil included - Bed and household linen included.
            
Breakage deposit:  400€ Sleeps: 14 + baby MAXIMUM. Cot available.

Description updated February 2010