Part of an impressive domaine on the Cotentin peninsula, this elegant holiday home is perfectly located for experiencing the vast beaches, authentic gastronomy and important WWII history of this part of Normandy, around a 40-minute drive from Cherbourg’s ferry port.
The story behind La Marine is fascinating. The historic estate, only a short distance from the sea, dates back to the 17th century and was abandoned for many years. When it came to restoring the estate’s buildings back to their former glory, only the façade of La Marine remained and despite researching the archives, no information could be found about the role of this once-beautiful abode. By chance, a postcard was later found which showed a little more detail about how La Marine once looked, so specialist architects were able to reconstitute and sensitively redesign this stunning home.
La Marine now welcomes up to 8 guests across two self-contained apartments, each one with two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. The first apartment is on the ground floor and is traditional in style with a cosy lounge, wood-beamed ceilings and an intricate fireplace alongside gorgeous bedrooms and a well-equipped kitchen. By contrast, the second apartment, on the first floor, enjoys more of a contemporary maritime theme with lofty ceilings, many shades of blue and open-plan living.
Each apartment comfortably sleeps up to 4 guests – this set-up could suit two families wishing to holiday together with a little independence or perhaps a multi-generational stay. The back of the house overlooks the architectural brilliance of Manoir Cotentin and the old pigeonnier, Le Cormoran. The old stables connected the manoir, neighbouring Hippocampe, have also been restored – all four dwellings share access to the wonderful grounds.
Sit back and relax in the gardens, admire the summer roses, lavender and ruins of the old château and you may even spot the occasional otter playing in the pond. Enjoy al-fresco meals on your terrace area in front of the house, accompanied by the traditional sound of the church bells next door. This really is a very special place for your holiday in Normandy.
Make the most of the estate’s bikes and cycle to the beach, only 3.5km away with its vast sandy shores and colourful beach houses facing the sea. Heading south, the famous D-Day Landing beach, Utah Beach, and its museum are only 10km away. Also within a short drive, play golf in stunning surroundings, partake in sand-yachting and ride horses along the beach in the height of the summer.
Dine out in one of the lovely restaurants specialising in seafood in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, take the amphibious boat across to Tatihou Island, try seasonal moules-frites in the charming town of Barfleur and spend the day in the maritime city of Cherbourg. Not to mention a wealth of WWII memorials, bunkers and other important historic sites waiting to be explored across this area.
Further afield, visit Bayeux and other iconic D-Day Landing beaches, soak up the summer ambience of Blainville-sur-Mer or Granville and venture as far as Mont Saint-Michel, one of France’s most popular tourist destinations only a 90-minute drive from your beautiful home.
