About this property
Experience the beauty of Le Perche as you stay in this chocolate-box cottage in Normandy on the edge of a vast forest, around 12km from the market town of Mortagne-au-Perche.
Maison Sabotiere dates back to the 19th century and was once a clog maker’s workshop. After a loving transformation, this pretty cottage and newer wing now sleep 2-6 guests yet it retains much of its original character as can be seen in the lounge with its exposed chestnut beams and original fireplace now with a cast iron wood stove. Upstairs there is a romantic double bedroom and en suite bathroom whilst on the ground floor a quad bedroom with two sets of blue bunk-beds, alongside a second bathroom, awaits.
The owners have taken great care in decorating the cottage with attractive pieces of furniture from local brocantes giving Maison Sabotiere a rustic yet highly comfortable ambience. Outside, the south-facing garden is a pleasant spot for a spot of al-fresco dining by the barbecue or just relaxing in the sunshine with a coffee or glass of calvados.
On the edge of a tiny village just off the road leading to Tourouvre, close to the village church, you are near the edge of a vast forest ideal for long walks, hiking, biking or just appreciating its natural beauty and wildlife. Tourouvre is less than 5km away with its restaurant, shops, café-bars and Friday morning market whilst historic Mortagne-au-Perche is just over a 10-minute drive away, an attractive town known for its boudin noir which you can try at its Saturday morning market.
As well as soaking up the magnificence of this vast region, the Natural Regional Park du Perche, spend time visiting impressive towns such as Bellême, Sées and Alençon, or venture a little further to some of the highlights of Normandy from Honfleur and Deauville by the coast to Falaise, Caen, Bayeux and the D-Day Landing beaches.
Enjoy a day out in Le Mans or you could even spend time in the great city of Paris. That said, you may simply prefer to explore Le Perche’s glorious landscapes of old villages, hedgerows, orchards and ancient forest during your time in this captivating part of Normandy.
Part of a little village/hamlet, opposite the village church, Maison Sabotiere is set within its own garden in a beautiful part of Normandy, just off the main road connecting Tourouvre and Soligny-la-Trappe. You are perfectly located for the incredible scenery of Le Perche, in the Orne department of France around 150km west of Paris.
Tourouvre (5.5km) is the nearest village with amenities where there is a fantastic boulangerie, a supermarket, pharmacy, épicerie, organic food shop, cafes, bars and a restaurant as well as mini-golf and a weekly food market on a Friday morning. Food-lovers should also spend time in Mortagne-au-Perche (12km), an attractive town with many historic buildings and a Saturday morning market where you can no doubt sample some of the town’s speciality, boudin noir (a type of black pudding).
The Natural Regional Park du Perche is one of France’s best kept secrets and a paradise for walkers, hikers, cyclists and mountain bike enthusiasts. Here you are right on the edge of a national forest and the nature walks are endless whilst L’Abbaye Notre-Dame de la Trappe is only 6km away. There is fishing as well as plenty of bird-watching opportunities. Locals also love to hunt for mushrooms. The forest just north of Bellême (30km) is equally beautiful whilst horse lovers should note there is a choice of equestrian centres across Le Perche.
A little further afield, spend the day in the handsome town of Alençon (45km), known for its heritage in lace-making, home to the impressive Musée des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle, two excellent chocolatiers as well as a twice-weekly market. Other significant towns worthy of a visit include Nogent-le-Rotrou (45km) and La Ferté-Bernard (55km).
You could even venture as far south as Le Mans (95km), under a 90-minute drive away, with its remarkable old quarter perched above the city and the incredible Cathédrale Saint Julien, also home to Le Mans’ 24-hour car race. Alternatively, drive north towards the Belle Époque resorts of Deauville (110km) and Honfleur (121km), both within two hours, and even the famous D-Day Landing beaches of Normandy.
Not forgetting Monet’s captivating garden at Giverny (115km), also just under a two-hour drive away, and of course the great city of Paris (150km). Have a look at train departures from L'Aigle (21km), which usually take around 90 minutes to Paris Montparnasse.
Accommodation
Maison Interiors
Ground Floor
- Lounge
- Open-plan kitchen and dining area, well-equipped
- Bedroom with two sets of bunk-beds
- Bathroom with shower
- Boot room/foyer
First Floor
- Master bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom
Outside Grounds
- Al-fresco dining and relaxation area
- Barbecue
- Courtyard
- South-facing garden
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Wood stove
- Smart TV
- Board games and books