Stay in a historic bolthole in Normandy, part of a beautiful estate just a short cycle ride from the vast sandy coastline between Utah Beach and Quinéville.
This unique and wonderful hexagonal tower was once a pigeonnier – it’s incredible that over 2000 nesting holes have been cleaned, preserved and restored, to be admired from the top-floor master bedroom with its king-size double bed and copper round bath.
Le Cormoran dates back to the early 17th century and has undergone a remarkable restoration in recent years. Every care was taken to preserve as much original character as possible with exposed stone walls, intricate brickwork and traditional wood beams.
As you approach Le Cormoran, appreciate its aesthetic beauty within the estate – it has its own terrace area with table and chairs overlooking the vast gardens. Stairs lead up to the main entrance – step through the heavy wooden doors to an inviting living space with a large fireplace, dining area and open-plan side kitchen. Cleverly designed stairs curve up to the tower’s master bedroom on the very top floor with its distinctive charm and round bath tub standing to the side of the room.
Listen to the bells ring from the neighbouring church as you enjoy breakfast which can be delivered to your door. Relax on your table and chairs outside and soak up the beauty of the estate, also home to three separate rental homes (Manoir Cotentin, La Marine and Hippocampe). All four dwellings share the vast grounds with gardens, herbs, summer roses, stone ruins of an old château and a pond.
Make the most of the estate’s bikes and cycle to the beach for paddling in the English channel, swimming in the waves at high tide and admiring the colourful beach houses facing the sea. There’s also a restaurant serving good French food (look out for the kiosk often set up selling freshly harvested oysters too).
This coastline played an important role in WWII with memorials, bunkers and museums, especially around Utah Beach and Quinéville, both within a 10-minute drive. Sainte-Mère-Église is also nearby – as well as learning about its wartime role, pick up some delicious treats from the biscuit shop and enjoy the Thursday morning market.
Savour oysters or mussels in Barfleur, visit the Vauban Towers of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Tatihou Island or venture further afield for days out at Mont Saint-Michel, Bayeux or even Deauville.
Return to your Normandy abode for an al-fresco feast of regional delicacies, accompanied by good local cider or calvados, as you embrace the rich heritage of this wonderful estate on the Cotentin peninsula.
Photography by Pascal Othlinghaus & Eric Sanders
