Walnut Cottage

We've recently been to France on holiday and Walnut Cottage was the first place we stayed.

It's in Normandy, but to the east of our previous location, however it is just as pretty and tranquil as we have experienced in the past.

The cottage is set in the grounds of the former mayor's house and has been excellently restored by the two owners, Paul & Chris. They also run a B&B in the main building, but both parts of the business are separated, including each having it's own driveway.

The grounds are extensive, and a walk around the edge would take around 10/15 minutes. In that time you can find numerous types of nuts and berries in the surrounding bushes. On one walk we found hazelnuts, elderberries, blackberries and a couple of others that we didn't know. Right outside the cottage is the Walnut tree that gives the cottage it's name.

Inside, the cottage has been very well restored and it perfectly suitable for up to four people to stay. There is also a sofa bed sleeping another two, but personally I don't like this arrangement.

The two bedrooms are at either end of the building, with the main one being a double with an en-suite shower room. At the other end of the building is the second bedroom with two single beds that can be pushed together to make a double. This end of the building also has the family bathroom, containing a bath with shower above.

In the middle of the cottage is the living area. A small, well laid-out kitchen leads to a sitting room. The kitchen has all the main requirements apart from a washing machine. However there are laundrettes in the local town for any immediate requirements, or alternatively the sink and some washing powder.

In the sitting room there is space for 4 to sit down and watch the television, however with the grounds, patio and lovely area, this isn't something I would imagine is used very often.

Lots of leaflets on the local area and attractions are provided, as well as an excellent dossier that Paul and Chris have supplied.

One of the best things I found at this cottage was being able to get a cup of coffee in the morning and taking it outside to enjoy the early morning sunshine, and the sound of the birds chattering in the trees.

All in all, I would say this cottage is excellent for families or for a couple wanting to get away from it all.