Chateau Les Douves
ID: S114840
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42 reviews
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No pets
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6 Bathrooms
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WiFi
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Open fire
Guests say
Chateau Les Douves receives high praise for its historical charm, well-maintained gardens, and a plethora of on-site activities including tennis, swimming, and cycling. Guests appreciate the attentive owner, the availability of a cook, and the property's proximity to local attractions. The authentic experience of staying in a grand family home is consistently celebrated.
Cleanliness
Reviews consistently mention the well-kept state of both the house and gardens, with a caretaker and family living adjacent to the house ensuring the property remains pristine. The pool and other amenities are described as clean and accessible.
Location
The property's location is highly regarded due to its proximity to historical sites, including D-Day landing beaches, museums, and charming villages. The nearby beach and local markets add to the appeal, making it an ideal base for exploring Normandy.
Comfort
Guests report an extremely comfortable stay, with the property providing a relaxing and tranquil environment. The presence of a housekeeper/cook and the owner's attentiveness contribute to the overall comfort. However, one review mentioned the property's quirks, suggesting some aspects may not meet modern luxury standards.
Facilities
The chateau is equipped with a variety of facilities including a swimming pool, tennis court, and bikes. The kitchen and bathrooms are noted to be of high quality. Some reviews, however, hint at idiosyncrasies and the historic nature of the property, which may affect the perception of maintenance.
Thoughtfulness
Unfortunately we’ve been unable assess this category comprehensively enough based on the reviews we’ve received from guests about this property.
About this property
With style reminiscent of a miniature Versailles, this striking chateau in Normandy conjures the grandeur of the 17th and 18th centuries from the moment you approach it through the tree-lined driveway. The chateau effortlessly combines classic touches (from the stonework in the garden to the Aubusson carpets and even an original c17th backgammon set), with the modern amenities you expect, such as jetted tubs, Nespresso machine, widescreen TV (with Netflix and DVD) and the heated pool, to name just a few.
This is no dark and dreary castle - large windows on both sides of the chateau let light stream in throughout the day. Sportsmen and women can compete on the private tennis court, do some laps in the pool, fish in the moat, and bicycles are also available for anyone wanting to leave the extensive grounds. The beach at Fontenay-Sur-Mer for example is within easy biking distance.
Through the gardens, 100m away from the main chateau, is a separate cottage that’s perfect for a small family who prefers more privacy.
Here, your family chateau holiday includes the best of both worlds: peaceful French countryside, with access to historic sites. Only 15 minutes away WWII history comes to life in the town of Sainte-Mère-Église and Utah Beach, the site of the D-Day landing. Cherbourg & Caen are the nearest port and airport, but it is also convenient to drive from Paris, just 3 hours away.
Please note this property is available for groups of up to 14 guests when renting the chateau and the cottage. For smaller parties of up to 10 guests, the chateau on its own can be rented at a reduced price.
Chateau Les Douves lies in the heart of the wild and beautiful Cotentin Peninsula area in Normandy, in Fontenay-sur-Mer, 300km west of Paris. The closest train station is Valognes (12 km).
You can discover and enjoy the local area by walking or biking through the beautiful and peaceful countryside. There are many bikes available at the chateau (free of charge) so we recommend exploring the local area this way as the roads are so quiet.
During your stay you should visit the historic town of Valognes, particularly the Hotel de Beaumont and the famous Cider Museum. Here you will find everything you need during your stay (supermarket, shops, restaurants etc) and it is only ten minutes drive away from the chateau.
The chateau is 3 miles from the beach and an 18 hole golf course created 30 years ago by the father of the current owner of the chateau!
There are also several riding clubs around where lessons or private hire can be organised.
Distances
- 5 mins to sandy beaches
- 15 mins to the D-DAY beaches (Utah Beach)
- 15 min to world renowned village Sainte-Mere-Eglise
- 1.5 hours to the Mont St Michel
- 45 mins to The Bayeux Tapestry.
- 2 hours to Honfleur.
- 2 hours to Gardens at Giverny (Monet).
- 2 hours to Rouen.
- 3 hours to Paris by car or train.
Accommodation
14-person rate: Chateau and Cottage, 8 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms
10-person rate: Chateau only, 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
Please note that the maximum capacity permitted includes infants.
Ground Floor
- A large kitchen (50 m²) equipped with two electrical ovens, 3 electric halogens hot plates, an electric plancha, full height refrigerator with freezer compartment, dishwasher and lots of cooking equipment. Sufficient crockery, silverware and glassware for the rental capacity; kitchen table for up to 10 and a bar counter for up to 5.
- A pantry with sink, kitchen table, Nespresso machine & washing machine
- A Boiler room
- A Mud Room with hangers and bench
- A large TV/Playroom (65 m²) with satellite TV, DVD-player, Hi-Fi, bookshelves, Wi-Fi, two Chesterfield sofas, armchairs, games table (some DVDs & English books are available).
First Floor
- A large Louis xiii dining room (50m²) with a maximum capacity of 14/18. Kitchenware is furnished for to cater for the maximum capacity.
- A small dining/breakfast room for up to 8 is equipped with dishwasher, 2 hot plates, sink, microwave, refrigerator,toaster, coffee and Nespresso machine and crockery.
- A large Regency bedroom (30 m²) with a double bed (140x190), shower, toilet and a small hand basin.
- A cloakroom with phone, Wi-Fi printer, umbrellas and cupboard with numerous regional guides.
- A large guest WC with double sinks, cupboard with numerous vases.
- A large blue Louis XV Drawing Room (50 m²) with meridienne, armchairs, game table and Piano forte (not tuned!). A great spot for a gin and tonic pre-dinner!
- A Louis xiii library/drawing room (45 m²) with sofa, armchairs, desk, tapestry, bar, Hi-FI.
Second Floor
- A large double en-suite bedroom (30 m²) with a double bed (140x200) with bathroom with double sinks, separate shower, Jacuzzi bathtub and WC.
- A single bedroom with a 100 x 190cm bed, bidet and hand basin.
- A double bedroom with a shower and hand basin.
- A laundry room with washing machine, dryer, ironing table.
- A large double en-suite bedroom (35m²) with a 140x200 electrical bed and bathroom with bathtub, separate shower, WC, and en-suite dressing room, mini TV (only local channels).
- A twin bedroom (25 m²), with two single beds 90x200 which may be joined on request.
- A child bedroom/den with a small bed 80x150 (not accounted for in the sleeping capacity). This connects with the twin bedrooms so works well for small children.
- A hall bathroom which connects to the twin room but can also be accessed from the corridor, with sink & bathtub.
- A separate WC.
Cottage (100m from chateau)
Ground Floor
- Kitchen/dining room fully equipped with an oven, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, hot plates
- Living room
First Floor
- Bedroom with double bed (140cm x 200cm, can be split into 2 single beds)
- Bedroom with twin beds (90cm x 190cm)
- Bathroom with bathtub and WC
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (27-29 degrees) with key operated cover
- Outside shower
- Private tennis court
- Moat for carp fishing (2m deep) and one near pool
- Mountain bikes (basic style)
- Vegetable garden with swings
- Table tennis games room
- Croquet
- Gas barbecue (on request)
- Tennis racquets
- Basic fishing rod (carp are available in the lake)
- Various animals live on the premises - two ponies, a dog, cat and two swans
This is the Trustpilot review score of Last Minute Cottages and not the review score of the property.
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