Here's a wonderful place to stay, just two minutes from our house. Le Clos de Mondetour belongs to our friends Aude and Gregoire Jeanson. Aude and I ride together, our girls are friends and our boys play rugby on the same team, so the route between our front doors is well trod!
Although they have lived in the property for longer, it wasn't until five years ago that they started renovating the main part of the building, and by the same occasion created their guest rooms.
The house was originally built in the 16th century, and over the centuries it has evolved. When taxes were raised on windows, all the large windows were even bricked up. At the beginning of the 20th century it became a farm and stayed that way until Aude and Gregoire arrived.
Aude has a great sense of colour, and that combined with the antique pieces of furniture that have come from her family, and the many bits and pieces she finds in brocantes and local auction rooms, she has created a comfortable and elegant interior.
Her guests enjoy a breakfast and sitting room, with doors leading onto the garden. On the first floor there are two ensuite bedrooms, I can never decide which I prefer; this is the red room with the toile de jouy on one wall. The large windows make the room bright. I love the way Aude has picked out the red of the toile de Jouy in the antique floor rug, and books.
The view from the side window is totally peaceful, you're likely to see horses, either Aude's or those of her neighbours.
Across the landing is the green room, one wall covered in a beautiful green chinoiserie paper, and such pretty light coming in through the bathroom window.
I love the bed heads, the antique bed linen, and most of all , I love the interior shutters.
Now, here's a little bonus that you only get to see because it's me taking you here. I've been given permission to show you some of their family rooms too! Their huge living room, with more curtain length than I've ever had to hang!
and a very happy, colourful kitchen, which leads onto the family dining room on one side and the guest breakfast room on the other.
So don't ever say that you have no good reason to visit Normandy. Don't forget, Le Clos de Mondetour is only 20 minutes drive from Giverny, and just an hour from Paris or from Deauville. Even better, both Aude and Gregoire speak excellent English,. Like Mary Poppins it's "practically perfect in every way!"
PS I seems that there are problems in leaving comments here today, I'm so sorry, I don't know what this is about. If you would like to comment but can't manage please send me a mail and I'll post your comment later. Thank you.
PS I seems that there are problems in leaving comments here today, I'm so sorry, I don't know what this is about. If you would like to comment but can't manage please send me a mail and I'll post your comment later. Thank you.
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