Norman 1880 vintage cottage, charm and nature

Comfortable, cosy, extremely quiet and charming two-bedrooms, sleeps 6, 125 sq. m. - completely refurbished in 2014 - traditional Norman ancient “longère” cottage, no direct neighbors, 1 ha of private garden and access to 10 ha of ecological reserve, nested in flowers and green meadows. Disabled access, chimney, kids and dogs friendly. The space Comfortable, cosy, very quiet and extremely charming two-bedrooms, sleeps 6 •125 sq. m. - completely refurbished in 2014 - traditional Norman ancient “longère” cottage •In the heart of wooded and green countryside, on the lands that once belonged to the Comtesse de Ségur, author of The Misfortunes of Sophy •Located in, yet completely independent from, a wildlife ecological (no pesticides) preserved 10 Ha private estate. •Framed in honeysuckle, climbing roses, hydrangeas and lavender flowers, facing South, sunny all day long, a 5000 square meters private garden is at your disposal *Disabled access: note that the entire house is entirely on ground floor, with no steps, hence easily accessible with a wheelchair, a baby stroller or for people who might have difficulties walking or climbing stairs. Note also that one of the toilets and the shower are handicapped friendly (the shower has two wall-set handles, a stool can be added, and the toilet are set on a raised step). YOUR SURROUNDINGS: In front of the house, a 3 meters large pink and grey flint gravel terrace goes along the whole house length, with a finely crafted vintage iron table and 6 matching chairs, to enjoy meals or drinks outside. Large beach-type umbrella and 4 wooden lawn chairs (with cushions) are provided too. Beyond the terrace lays a 3000 square meters large wild flowered lawn, full of snowdrops in the spring, daisies and in season delicious dandelions, an apple and cherry trees orchard, hazel tree on the right corner and tall white ash in the hedges, a trimmed bower closing the garden. One can glance in the back at the tall trees of the main estate and the nearby organic vegetable garden (visits on request). Facing the back of the house (on the kitchen side), there is a very ancient barn, used only for tool storage, no direct neighbours, and a long and large wild lawn (approx. 3000 sq meters) that runs up to the closing hedges of the estate. Here you will find our ping-pong table, a swing a a children's cable ride, and more than enough space to enjoy our badminton or croquet set. The whole estate is a private ecological wildlife preserve for more than 40 years now and welcomes all kinds of local birds, herons, goldfinch, pine siskin, robin redbreast, woodpeckers or blue chickadees are but one example of many showing around here: morning chirping to be expected! And of course many small wild animals live on our ground too. If you are lucky enough at nightfall you could spot our large eagle-owl, see some fox running by or hear the rampage of the shy hedgehogs and the secret badger. The garden is perfect for all outdoor games, we will be happy to lend you some children’s outdoor toys, and a baby "swimming pool" (100 cm large / 40 cm deep round shaped bassin). Our football goal and our ping-pong table are already on the lawn, and you will find in the house our croquet, pétanque and badminton set. CLOSE AMENITIES: Aube walking/ biking distance (3 km), a village offering some convenient services and basic shops: post office, school, pharmacy, doctor, pub, small supermarket, pastry shop, tennis courts, sports and kids playground. L’Aigle 10’ drive away (8km), a small country town with all amenities: huge weekly farmer’s market (every Tuesdays), several pubs and restaurants, hairdressers, newspaper shops, organic grocery, pizzeria, swimming pool, bowling, movie theatre, supermarkets, schools and kids playground, sports and cycling shops, hospital, doctors, veterinarian etc… Guest access IN-HOUSE FULL DESCRIPTION & AMENITIES: Two separated toilets, one between the master bedroom and the bathroom, one behind the kitchen and the living room. Electric in-house heating in every room, including the toilets. Electric heating towel rack in the bathroom and in the kitchen. Hot water tank of 300 litres. Functioning fireplace (logs provided). The whole house is tiled with vintage local “tomettes”, red terra-cotta clay tiles. Every door and window can be closed from the inside with thick wooden shutters. Entirely refurbished in 2014. The whole house is floored with antique red tiles, typical from this area, it has very thick and ancient walls, hence its thermal insulation is surprisingly efficient: it stays fresh during the hot season, and warm and comfy during the winter. Every door and window can be shut from the inside with thick wooden shutters. TOTAL SLEEPING FACILITIES: 6 adults + 1 infant/baby 1- Master bedroom, queen-size bed, South facing window, bathroom en-suite and independent toilets 2- Second bedroom on the opposite end of the house, queen size bed and large window facing south too, desk and chair. 3- One extra sofa bed in the living room, easy to manipulate, comfortable, fits two. 4- a crib or an infant bed can be added on demand LARGE DOUBLE LOUNGE / DINING ROOM AREA Ceiling with exposed vintage beams, an antique wood-framed (functional) fire place. Large double French window-door (that can be opened completely), facing South. Huge antique wood framed mirror reflecting the garden Two comfortable sofas (each sit 3, one is a sofa-bed). Television and DVD player (BRAND NEW SET CHANGED IN MARCH 2015) Dining room area, between the kitchen and the living room, large window and glassed door facing South, folding wooden table that once fully opened can sit up to 8 people LARGE FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN faces North and the back of the garden, overlooking the ancient barn. It is fully furnished with a long counter facing the two windows, plenty of storage room, a brand new four-ring gas stove and oven, a dishwasher, a refrigerator, and all basic cooking tools (crockery, dishes, cutlery, pots, pans, robots, toaster, kettle, coffee maker etc..) and commodities: salt, pepper, sugar, tea, coffee, some homemade organic jams, and more on demand. BATHROOM The bathroom has a window of its own, overlooking also the back of the garden, with a curtain and a wooden shutter. It is furnished with an amazing huge and very deep vintage bathtub (180cm length, 45 cm deep, fits 2 adults or 3 kids easily) with mixing valve and hand shower, sitting on stunning antique sculpted and painted cast-iron feet. Has also a separate tiled shower open cubicle, with wall-set handles, and a sink with mixing valve. All the plumbing fixtures are vintage style porcelain, cast iron and stainless steal. Other things to note ****D-Day and the Battle of Normandy**** : Please note that we are located only 10 kms and 8’away from l'Aigle, one of the major sites of the Battle - where you can also find a Memorial Museum - in the heart of the Remembrance Itinerary of "L'Encerclement" (the surrounding), following the footsteps of Gal Leclerc’s 2DB. ****World Equestrian Games****: Horse lovers will be delighted to find out that the prestigious World Equestrian Games come to the region from 23rd August to 7th September. One of the most interesting site, and where many events will take place, the famous and spectacular Haras du Pin, is only 30 kms and 25' away from us.