Watermill Gîte

Moulin de la Houssaye is an 18th century  Watermill situated in the quiet Durance river valley in the heart of rural Calvados.

The Watermill holiday home borders a region of Calvados known as the Suisse Normande, so named because of its similarities to alpine terrain.

Originally a corn-grinding mill and bake house, the watermill was later used by the occupying forces in WWII as a base to service tanks. The country house has since been renovated throughout, but still retains much of its original character. The waterwheels are still in operation today and generate electrical power.

The Mill is situated  in  beautiful area of rivers, valleys, woodland , spotted Normandy Cows & cider orchards, offering a large range of activities for the outdoors including walking, cycling, fishing, canoeing. There are of course many other attractions to suite all tastes, from local markets to castles and gardens, not forgetting the famous Bayeux Tapestry or the Normandy landing beaches. Information books, maps and leaflets are kept in the apartment to aid you in planning your visits in the local area and beyond.

Holiday Apartment at a Glance

The mill has a ground floor holiday apartment which comfortably sleeps up to four people. The apartment has Two Double Bedrooms, a combined Lounge/Kitchen/Diner with an adjoining Shower/WC/Laundry room. The property sits in ten acres of grounds for guests to explore which include: planted poplar trees, hill woodlands and grass meadows. The lawn garden is bordered by a river and hedgerow.

Looking for Holiday Inspiration? A Springboard for Sightseeing, Fun and Adventure

The location is perfect holiday for the outdoor enthusiast. The Suisse Normande is an area of wild natural beauty and a regional centre for rock-climbing, canoeing, hiking, mountain-biking and hang-gliding. Fishing, golf and horse-riding centres are all within easy reach.

One step outside the front door and you’re in the countryside – a sanctuary for walkers and nature lovers.

With it’s easy access to major routes, the mill is the perfect base from which to head out and explore the rest of the region of Normandy. Touring around by car, motorcycle or bicycle you’ll find the roads generally uncongested and easy to navigate. For the motorcyclist the roads throughout the region are exceptional. 

Looking for Perfect Holiday Retreat in France?

After a full day out and about you’ll probably need to rest up and recharge the batteries. The mill provides a peaceful environment in which to relax making it the perfect holiday, take it easy and plan for the next day’s outing.

The house is well stocked with local maps, tourist guides, pamphlets and current information on all what’s going on in the local area.

These include information on local amenities, bars, restaurants, excursions and all the must see attractions.

 

All prices advertised are per week from Saturday to Saturday arriving at 4 p.m. departing at 10 a.m.

Self Catering ...... 

For motorcyclists, as a little extra service to make your journey easier. If you send a shopping list beforehand, I can get the items you need before you arrive for the week, so it’s in the apartment ready when you arrive. As I know, your motorcycle saddle bags and top boxes will be already full of stuff when setting off on your holiday from home.

I will provide the shopping receipt for settlement after upon arrival at Moulin de la Houssaye watermill.

Garage facilities include lockers, shelves and hangers to put helmets, leathers and wet gear.

Work shop facilities with tools , compressor, chain oil et, chain cleaner, oil, fuses bulbs etc

The local village of Pontecoulant is a 3 minute drive , the Chateau, a 5 minute walk is open during the holiday season.

Great little Boulangerie at St Pierre le Vielle again a 4 min drive up the hill , worth it though, fab pure butter croissants.

Condé sur Noireau, less than 10 minute drive has a bustling 'foodie' market on Thursday mornings and offers plenty of places to eat and drink, as well as a good Supermarkets, small shops, Boulangeries, Café Bar Tabac etc.

Mont Cerisy Belle Etoile has a ruined Chateau, with a newly restored tower to climb able to see 3 counties from the top! Bombed in the Second World War left in preserved ruins to wander around in its grounds of beautiful rhododendron walks and great assault course for children and adults too if you are feeling sporty.

Flers, a twenty-minute drive south, is a bustling town with good shopping facilities.

Bayeux, a forty-minute drive away, with its tapestry, beautiful church and medieval buildings.

Mont Saint Michel,a 1hr & 40 minute drive to visit the heritage Abbey site.Also Alligator bay housing 800 reptiles 5 min drive from the mount

The Normandy landing beaches, at around 1-hour drive, provide a thought provoking look into a turbulent time in history.

The 360º cinema at Arromanches is an experience not to be forgotten, & take a look at the Mulberry harbours.

Take time to visit the other memorable battle sites, of which Point d’Hoc is especially worth visiting, along with the emotive war graves.

Museums,battle sites & tours all worth a visit from Omaha beach to the Falaise gap, Utah beach to Pegasus bridge

Falaise, the birthplace of William the Conqueror with its castle, church, shops, bars and restaurants is at 25-minute drive.

Caen is at 50-minute drive William the Conquerers other des res at the castle along with shops etc

Champrepus  great Zoo & wildlife park , no bars or cages in site here, well worth a visit, great little restaurant too.

The Beach good clean beaches around the Landing areas all along the Caen coast , Cherbourg peninsular or west across to the fishing port at Granville

LOCAL AMENITIES

Nearest bakery: St Pierre Le Vielle 2 Kms Excellent Bread & Croissants

Nearest supermarket: Conde Sur Noireau 6 Kms

Nearest market: Conde Sur Noireau 6kms Every Thursday

Nearest pharmacy: Conde Sur Noireau 6kms There Are 3 In The Town

Nearest bar: Conde Sur Noireau 6kms 6 In The Town

Tourist information: Conde Sur Noireau 6kms