As we are originally from Normandy and spent a long time working in Paris, it is only natural that we wanted to return to our roots. And so, near the Côte Fleurie and the Honfleur Basin in the heart of the Pays d'Auge studded with mansions, stud farms and chateaus in the charming village of Tordouet, renowned for its 11th century chestnut steeple, we found an old house from the 18th and 19th centuries. The place was authentic, well preserved and full of charm. We fell head over heels for it.
The estate, located on the heights of the village, has a breathtaking view of the valley which is completely untouched and lined with woods. The property consists of a brick mansion dating back to 1853 and half-timbered structures including an authentic cider press, a former stable and a 17th century bouillerie. These former outbuildings have now been transformed into guest houses.
It was once a seigniorial enclosure located near the village of Orbec-en-Auge. Built in the hollow of the fertile Orbiquet valley (tributary of the Touques) it was a viscounty and bailiwick, the largest and most populated in all of Normandy in the 16th century. Several architectural features remain from its past: the timber frame, the cut stone and the 19th brick fixtures from which the name "Prés des Colombiers" is taken. The seigniory then became a farm and cider was distilled in the bouillerie, a former barn, to make calvados. We bought this property in 2009 and have continued making history here.
We offer guest houses with a discreet charm, warm houses with a mix of authenticity, calm, and wide open spaces. The perfect blend of old architecture and modern comfort. Guests will sense a change of scene as soon as they step through the door. Suitcases and stress are left at the door, time stops and allows you to relax and enjoy the wellness spa, steam room, treatments and massages that are available. During our guests' stay, we put all our energy into our hospitality and the French savoir-vivre to illustrate our motto: "Happiness is a way of life". We regularly invite our guests to join us at the large table in the park under the apple trees or by the fireside to share our experiences over a drink.
Our favourite spots and tips kept under wraps until Didier shares them with guests over drink on the day they arrive. We recommend, however, that you visit the 11th century church of St-Michel in Tardouet along with the Romanesque tower, chapel and wash houses in the town and in Fontaine Vas.
There are four guest houses, three of which are in the heart of the six-hectare estate with an apple orchard; the fourth is a village house located in Orbec-en-Auge. The Gîte de la Bouillerie, for two to four people, is composed of a living room equipped with a sofa bed for two people, a double room, a single mezzanine room, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor living room and a tree-lined garden. The Stable can accommodate six to eight people and offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two toilets, a living room, a kitchen and a dining room with a large fireplace. The Lodge, for three guests, consists of a living room/bedroom for two people, a single mezzanine room, a bathroom with a shower, a fully equipped kitchen and a garden with large trees. In Orbec en Auge is the cottage/village house that can accommodate six to eight people. It is composed of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two toilets, a kitchen and a small flowery courtyard.
ref 459639
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