A tranquil seventeenth century rural manor house
The house was built in 1676, and is part of an ancient 'corps de ferme',
surrounded by the original barns. The owner Jean Yvelin was seigneur of
an illustrious family that extended to the English side of the Channel.
He was cousin to the writer John Evelyn, and was also the French Queen's
physician. The house is just outside the village of Savigny, down a country
lane. While offering privacy it is part of a small hamlet and is therefore
not isolated. The nearest shops are a short drive away in Belval Gare,
or slightly further on in Cerisy-La-Salle, a charming cross country run
first thing in the morning if you are in search of croissants.
The rooms in the house are spacious, with original wooden-beamed ceilings
and casement windows. It is furnished simply with local antiques and period
furniture, but is also practical and extremely comfortable. The kitchen
is large and well-equipped, and over the years we have had many cookery
photo shoots there. The eight foot high fire place makes this room a great
draw throughout the year, and most guests choose to light it in the evening,
even during the summer. There is also a grill for cooking indoors over
the fire.
There is a large modern utility room with an additional fridge, two washing
machines and a dryer, and a butler's sink that comes into its own when
you arrive back from the beach laden with treasure and muddy boots.
Upstairs the beds all have proper feather duvets and pillows. There is
a large bathroom with a claw-footed bath for relaxing, in addition to
the downstairs shower-room.
Downstairs
Country kitchen with open fire and dining area.
Sitting room with wood-burning stove.
Children's playroom/fifth bedroom with video/dvd player
Shower room/WC.
Ulility room with two washing machines/tumble dryer/second fridge.
Upstairs
Large main bedroom with 6 ft double bed and occasional bed.
Large second bedroom with 6 ft double bed and occasional bed.
Small bunk bedroom, attached to second bedroom.
Single room with bateau lit.
Bathroom/WC.
WC.
France 
There is a herb garden in the upper part, and children's play area. The
upper garden also has a walnut tree,
that provides pleasant shade during hot weather to dine under.