Dating from the 12th century, Le Calipel is a character-filled retreat in Normandy's beautiful countryside. This historic gem offers an open plan living room with Art Deco pieces and a vintage Belgian wood burner, as well as a tranquil bedroom with an antique French double-ended bath and private garden perfect for sunset-watching.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn.
Dating from the 12th century and reputedly owned by Eleanor of Brittany, granddaughter of Eleanor d'Aquitaine, Le Calipel offers you the opportunity to relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside yet is within easy reach of all the well known attractions. A building full of character that has been sympathetically restored yet retaining original and historic features whilst providing modern day comforts. Furnished with a mixture of quality antique and modern furniture, Le Calipel offers you a comfortable base to explore whatever the time of year.
The open plan living room has been recently redecorated and is furnished with beautiful Art Deco pieces offering you comfort and vintage style. Surrounding the vintage Belgian wood burner is an amazing granite fireplace decorated with carvings made in ancient times. There is android television and a DVD player, along with board games and jigsaws to amuse you when you just want to stay at home and relax. Wifi is available via our fibre optic link so you can keep in touch or find new places to visit on line.
The kitchen is well equipped but if you wish to borrow anything extra - a hand blender, perhaps, just ask! The owner has most kitchen gadgets and tools invented. There are oyster plates and an oyster knife to make it easier for you to enjoy these delicacies. If you need ice for your champagne bucket, we can provide you with plenty! Dishwasher tablets and washing up liquid along with sponges and cloths are provided so you don't have to think about packing these things. Cling film and baking paper is available too...
Dine in style at the beautiful table, lovingly waxed before each arrival, the wood gleams.
The tranquil bedroom is furnished with a king size French bed ready for you to fall into if you have had a long journey. You will have a wonderful sleep at le Calipel! The lovely Art Deco armoire offers loads of storage space for your clothes and there are plenty of hangers.
After a busy day, whatever the time of year, have a long soak in the antique French double ended bath, perhaps à deux? Bubble bath is provided as is a special hand made soap. A refreshing shower will wake you up in the morning after a good night's sleep in your king size antique bed ready to explore some more!
Relax in your private, secluded garden and if you fancy a barbecue, it is there, along with some charcoal. Enjoy eating at the stunning granite garden table or flop in traditional teak steamer chairs under the parasol and enjoy the sounds of nature. Your garden gets the last sun of the day, so enjoy the sunset and watch the stars appear in the darkening sky while the bats swoop overhead hunting for their supper!
There are no hidden extras - bed linen and towels are provided, as are all the utilities. Although we ask that Le Calipel is left neat and tidy, with your rubbish removed, we do the cleaning, so unlike with other rentals, there isn't a cleaning charge. Included in the price is a comprehensive Welcome Pack which includes a light supper for your first night so you can just relax and breakfast with homemade preserves.
The architecture of the barn is that of a medieval building, with the humans living on the first floor while the animals are underneath, on the ground floor. This means that the door to the gite is part of the way up the wall and is approached by a path which is gravelled. This, combined with the rise of the land might make it difficult for less able bodied people.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Video library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Terrace
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Designated smoking areas
Note from host: Please smoke outside & clear away your stubs.
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Things to do
Golf
Kayak
Tennis
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Swimming nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Please keep pets leashed in the garden.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: A cot or single bed can be put in the bedroom.
Events
Events allowed
We are happy for you to invite a few guests.
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Please smoke outside & clear away your stubs.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: We are happy for you to invite a few guests.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 905070579
We should mention
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Saint-Vigor-des-Monts, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Green Beach and La Grande Cascade, while Poeslerie Museum and House of the Lacemaker and Cornille Havard Bell Foundry are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Normandie Luge and Souterroscope des Ardoisieres. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby. Visit our Saint-Vigor-des-Monts travel guide
Is Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn. pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn.?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn. located?
Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is 10.6 mi (17 km) from Poeslerie Museum and House of the Lacemaker and 10.9 mi (17.5 km) from Cornille Havard Bell Foundry. Normandie Luge and Vire Museum are also within 16 miles (25 km).
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Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn. Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The gite was very secluded. Very old with beams etc. Kitchen was very well equipped & bathroom a great size with huge bath and fantastic shower. We slept well, bed was really comfortable. All & all a great stay with a welcoming host.
The host was most welcoming, very approachable and friendly. The gite was has described. We enjoyed the solitude and peace and privacy
That the location offered. We will definitely be going again next year. Tres bien
We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful cottage , we had a warm welcome, with delicious home made soup, bread & preserves, the bed was like sleeping on a cloud & as yet on our trip through France has not been beaten , the view from the kitchen window was lovely & the area was perfect to walk with our little dog, we would be very happy to return
Donna made us feel very welcome as did her welcome pack. The gite was spacious and comfortable.
Only slight word of advice access was a little difficult for the less well abled. Rough uneven path and access stairs in our opinion not safe. Hand rail required.
This marvellously tasteful gite met all our expectations and more. Donna was the best host and thought about our every need. The welcome gifts of wine, homemade jams, bread and a meal prepared by Donna was not expected but much appreciated. The gite itself was in a quiet rural location but close enough to pretty villages that could be reached by car. Our little dog was very happy exploring the grounds as were we. We were very comfortable throughout our stay and if you want to get away from the stresses of life then this is the gite for you. Thank you Donna.
A very peaceful, rural retreat. Great for relaxing and taking things slower. Very comfortable and great service from Donna who provided us with many extras e.g milk, butter, jams, homemade tart etc. We were on our honeymoon and it was perfect for us to unwind after a busy build up to our wedding.
Situated in a delightfully quiet spot in the Normandy countryside, this is a beautifully appointed property. In addition to the on site goose and eight chickens, we were entertained throughout our stay by three very young kittens and their mother.
Quiet, calm country gite. Ancient barn well converted.
We enjoyed the stay as we were used to similar ancient French farm conversions. The spec was excellent. A small problem with the fosse was sorted.
The welcome dairy products, wine and salad was a thoughtful touch.
The bed was comfortable and the shower worked well.
The owner was attentive when necessary but not intrusive.
We'd visit again.
David P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Iain F.
21 Oct 2016
Perfect!
This a lovely rustic Gite renovated to a high standard whilst maintaining the original features which include an amazing fireplace. The Gite is very comfortable and warm but there is a lovely wood burner which adds a lovely ambience. The bathroom has a wonderful old roll top bath in addition to a modern shower. The bed is soooo comfortable too. Donna and Ed are perfect hosts and nothing is overlooked for your comfort. A lovely welcome pack included wine and local produce even a supper and treats for the dog. The area is so quiet and peaceful but within easy reach of lots of places . We had a perfect stay and will be back. Highly recommended .
Logement chaleureux et accueillant. Les denrées de base pour le petit déjeuner sont très appréciables, ainsi que le chauffage en soirée et matin en cette saison intermédiaire.
Wir waren 2 1/2 Wochen in dieser wunderbaren und für uns außergewöhnlichen Gîte und haben uns unglaublich wohl gefühlt und sehr gut erholt. Das Ferienhäuschen ist mit viel Liebe eingerichtet und besitzt alles, was wir benötigten. Donna und Ed leben nebenan, sind aber diskret. Beide sind unglaublich lieb und stehen immer für Fragen zur Verfügung.
Das Haus liegt sehr ruhig auf dem Land. Für uns Stadtmenschen war es genau das Richtige zum Seele baumeln lassen, im Garten lesen und entspannen, Kopf ausschalten. Wir konnten alle für uns interessanten Sehenswürdigkeiten gut mit dem Auto erfahren und haben uns abends auf einen ruhigen Tagesausklang gefreut.
Wir empfehlen die Gîte uneingeschränkt und wünschen Donna und Ed nur das Beste!
Die Gite ist einfach bezaubernd - ländlich gelegen, sehr ruhig aber sehr erholsam. Die Lage ist hervorragend, um das Cotentin und die Gegend Manche zu erkunden.
Wir haben den Aufenthalt sehr genossen und können diese Gite nur weiterempfehlen.
Susanne und Dietmar Steinberg
Donna ist die beste Gastgeberin die man sich vorstellen kann. Noch nie sind wir so herzlich willkommen geheißen worden wie von Donna. Das Ferienhaus wirkt von außen wie das gesamte Grundstück sehr rustikal. Aber im Inneren wird man vom Gegenteil überrascht. Die Wohnung ist sehr geschmackvoll eingerichtet, großzügig in ihren Maßen und sauber. Ein Baguett, die Croissants, eine Flasche Wein und die Käsesouffles im Kühlschrank unterstrichen den sehr guten Eindruck. Leider hat uns die Tierliebe Donnas für die auf dem Grundstück lebenden Vierbeiner zur sofortigen Abreise nach unserer Ankunft veranlasst. Eigentlich schade.
Ja, so war es: einfach nur toll!!
Donna - ruhig, sehr nett, zuvorkommend und zurückhaltend
Empfang - herzlich, mit leckerer Grundversorgung
Haus - gemütlich, sehr sauber, gut ausgestattet, sehr individuell, geräumig
Garten - weitläufig, tolle Liegen, tolle Hühner!!
Ruhe - absolut
Umgebung - ein wenig wie bei "Der Doktor und das liebe Vieh" ("All Creatures Great and Small") klasse!
Wandern im Tal der Vire - super auch in Etappen möglich
Alles in allem:
ein bisschen Südengland mitten in einer der schönsten Landschaften Frankreichs!, ein bisschen National Trust, ein bisschen "zu Hause" draußen, viel "zu Hause" drinnen
11 Nächte mit Hund im August waren sehr sehr entspannend - Vielen Dank!
Nous avons passé des jours très agréables dans la maison de vacances merveilleusement restaurée sur notre chemin vers la Bretagne. Très bien, très bien !
My stay at Le Calipel was lovely. Donna takes good care of her guests without being intrusive. There are thoughtful touches such as the light supper (and homemade treats for the dogs!). Thank you for a lovely stay!
Logement très propre et parfait pour un séjour au vert. Donna est très accueillante et réactive à toute demande. Vieille bâtisse joliment rénovée avec tout le confort moderne. Un jardin pour des soirées barbecue après une bonne journée de de balade.
C’était parfait! Merci Donna