Quite simply because we were born in the Orne department in Normandy. We are very attached to the region, with its great diversity of landscapes and architecture, and we chose to settle down here and enjoy the Orne department's unspoilt lifestyle. Rounding a bend in the road, we fell in love with La Lande farm in the heart of the countryside just outside Alençon. Concerned about preserving the rural heritage, both in terms of buildings and countryside, and long-standing members of Maisons Paysannes de France (French Country Houses), we decided to embark on an adventure to breathe new life into this old farmhouse, which was in an advanced state of disrepair. It was a rather crazy gamble, but a dream come true when it came together after nine years of work by ourselves!
Built in the early 18th century, the property was extensively remodelled in the early 19th century to become an imposing "shared" rural dwelling, with rooms for the farmer on the ground floor, a bread oven and a cider cellar, and rooms for the owner on the first floor, which could be accessed through a dedicated entrance. Various outbuildings used for farming purposes line the L-shaped courtyard. The buildings are built out of granite rubble and Cuissai limestone and are all covered with lime-sand rendering. The corner and intermediate quoins, cornices and surrounds of all the openings are made of carefully cut granite stone with rebates for the shutters. The house's steeply-pitched roof is made up of four hipped half-timberings with double ridges and cross ties. The other part of the roof, which is also steeply pitched, is made up of traditional oak and chestnut trusses with upturned joists. Inside, all the features dating back to the building's earliest days have been preserved and repaired after long and painstaking restoration: joists, fireplaces, terracotta floors, parquet flooring, wood panelling and staircases. Most of the wood panelling in the upstairs rooms dates back to the 18th century, and some from the Directoire period.
The rural buildings at La Lande are shown on the plot plan of the Napoleonic cadastre for the municipality of Cuissai, dated 1812, which shows that it was a farm consisting of L-shaped, non-adjoining buildings with an open courtyard. A deed dated 1 May 1789 notes the sale of the land and tenant farm of La Lande by Pierre Launay du Parc, a merchant, to Philippe Duchemin des Fontaines, director of the Régie Générale d'Alençon. The large dwelling was probably built in the late 17th or early 18th century. The outbuildings feature a door lintel dated 1817 and decorated with the owner's interlaced initials. In 2010, due to the negligence of the owner who had occupied the property for over 50 years, the property was in a very poor state of repair, with leaking, ivy-covered roofs on the house and the partial collapse of some of the farm buildings. In addition, many of the walls, which had suffered due to the faulty roofing and gutters, were warped and about to collapse. It was surrounded by a huge bramble patch and was completely inaccessible, and there were stumps left there from trees felled over the years. The many granite stone boundary walls had almost all collapsed. A long and patient renovation of the premises, respecting the local architecture and know-how, enabled us to create La Maison de La Lande, a practical, light-filled house, which opens out onto the natural surroundings all around.
La Maison de La Lande is tranquil place in the heart of a 20-hectare estate made up of land, orchards and woods, with a beautiful view of the nearby Écouves forest. Designed for get-togethers between families and friends, but also ideal for film shoots, it is a large, comfortable property perfect for those looking to stay for a weekend or more, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where they can get away from it all and enjoy their time in remarkable surroundings, less than 10 minutes from the town of Alençon. The beautiful old building, its interior design, living areas, peace and quiet, the total absence of any noise and its view over the surrounding forest and fields, make the Maison de La Lande the perfect location for a stay. The interiors have been designed to highlight the uniqueness and beauty of the house, giving each and every object and keepsake its own special place. Simple, contemporary and warm, the interior design is a blend of contemporary and antique furniture, terracotta tiles and old woodwork. A wide range of bikes of all sizes are available to go on fantastic rides on the nearby paths of the Véloscénie, the exceptional cycling route linking Paris to the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Carts are also available for children, who always have a great time on them. Our pastry chef/caterer can prepare meals and breakfast for our guests upon request.
Good restaurants: "Au Petit Vatel" and "La Suite" in Alençon and "La Maison du Gasseau" in Saint-Léonard-des-Bois. Alençon, a remarkable heritage site, with its Museum of Fine Arts and Lace, which is listed by UNESCO as a unique example of the world's intangible cultural heritage. The Forêt d'Écouves for nature and mushroom lovers and a must for history buffs with the Croix de Médavy and its Leclerc Division tank from the 2nd armoured division, which made Alençon the first town to be liberated by the French army on 12 August 1944. The village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Take a diversion to the art gallery belonging to Amélie, a very colourful painter. The Alpes Mancelles and Saint-Léonard-des-Bois: a picturesque, undulating region; a superb area for hiking, tree-climbing and swimming in the summer. Carrouges Castle, one of the finest castles in Normandy, which looks like a 14th-century brick fortress. The National Stud at Le Pin, the largest in France, set in over 1 000 hectares of greenery. Our favourite places in Alençon: La Pâtisserie Pedro has excellent cakes as well as ice creams, chocolates, bouchon d'Alençon and crottins... La Maison Luchier, a bakery and patisserie, and much more! Ludovic traiteur can concoct your favourite dishes and even make you breakfast. "Au Roy Fromage" and "Les Caves de la Rotonde" will remind you that Normandy is the land of apples and famous drinks. "Librairie, Brocante et Collections", a small shop full of treasures if you like antiques!
The entire house, its outbuildings and grounds can be rented out for film and photo shoots.
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