Manoir de Laize is a 17th century farmhouse situated in its own tranquil and unspoilt valley, surrounded by meadows, orchards and woodland running down to a small river. The quiet country lanes and tracks, bright with wild flowers in the spring, are perfect for walking or cycling. We are ideally located. Falaise, birthplace of William the Conqueror, with its castle and weekly market, and Bayeux, famous for its tapestry and cathedral, are both close by. The lively city of Caen has a great deal to offer and its regular trains to Paris enable an easy day trip to the capital. The coast to the north, well known for the D-Day landings has fine and sandy beaches, small resorts and superb restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. There are many interesting museums and a wealth or historical and moving landmarks reflecting the World War II invasions. To the west is the undulating and picturesque Suisse Normandie, perfect for pottering as well as more active pursuits such as rock-climbing, canoeing, hang-gliding and riding. Our house was originally the home of the Monseigneur of the neighbouring Commanderie, founded by the Templars in the 12th century.We understand there is a secret tunnel connecting the two properties, which we have yet to find! Holidays at Manoir de Laize offer peace and relaxation or, for the more energetic, we have plenty to occupy you here at the house or in the surrounding countryside. Our two cottages, Le Pressoir and La Grange, are set away from the main house in a stone building which originally housed the press and apple stores for cider making. Our cottages are a wonderful choice for a family summer holiday, where you can dip into our heated swimming pool, paint under the cool of a tree, or gather your teams for a badminton or boulles tournament. Children will have great fun building a dam or spotting the fish in the River Laize, which bounds our land. Efficient central heating in Le Pressoir makes it ideal as an autumn and winter retreat, with frosty woodland walks and stunning countryside on the doorstep. |