Maison Des Coquillages

Close to the sophisticated seaside town of Deauville, this beautiful Normandy abode is exceptional in every way, not just for its wonderful sea vistas and direct access to a vast sandy beach below.

Maison Des Coquillages sleeps up to 30 guests across its two houses, which both date back to the 19th century and have been completely renovated in recent years. The large domaine offers ample opportunities to gaze out towards the English channel whilst the garden leads all the way down to a glorious beach just west of Deauville.

Starting off with the villa, known as the ‘Abbey’, here you can truly embrace the character and beauty of Normandy. Every room has been tastefully decorated, many with views of the sea. Sit back in the elegant lounge, watch TV in the comfort of the cosy library and dine together in the conservatory-style veranda directly overlooking the sea. The kitchen is every cook’s dream or you may prefer to hire a chef for part of your stay. You can sleep restfully in one of the nine bedrooms, eight of which feature king-size beds, most with en suite bathrooms.

There is an extra bedroom in a little beach chalet set within the villa’s grounds. Another appealing feature is the fitness and relaxation centre with gym equipment, a massage room, sauna and a jacuzzi overlooking the sea. Guests can also access a shared tennis court next door.

Next we come to the characterful ‘Cloister’ house with its charming exterior and gorgeous garden. As well as a pretty lounge and modern kitchen-diner facing the sea, there are five bedrooms on the garden and first floor, each one with its own bathroom and most with an adjoining single room with a desk. Outside, children will love the little play area set amongst the terraced grounds whilst everyone will adore the outdoor dining terrace and bar with yet more magnificent views towards the sea. To top it all off, climb the steps to the indoor heated swimming pool alongside the jacuzzi where you can slide open the window and appreciate the sea breeze as you relax.  

Wander down the garden to the beach below for long walks, swimming and playing in the sand and dine out at the seasonal beachside restaurant just 500m away. In the other direction, following the road that connects Deauville to Villers-sur-Mer, come across a pretty Normandy seaside village with attractive shops and restaurants just over 1km away.

Deauville is only 2.5km by car - the energetic can of course walk, passing elegant villas, vibrant restaurants and the new cultural centre, Les Franciscaines, en route (or simply stroll along the beach of course!). The 19th century seaside resort has gained quite a reputation for its gastronomy with its high-end restaurants and atmospheric market which takes place beneath the half-timbered halles – no wonder Parisians flock here at the weekend! It’s also known for horse-racing, polo, film festivals and its fantastic sandy beach with colourful sun umbrellas and deckchairs backed by an iconic boardwalk.

Cross over the estuary to Trouville-sur-Mer, another upmarket resort with impressive architectural and a superb fish market, or drive a little further afield to discover the maritime history of charming Honfleur by the River Seine.

Elsewhere, the D-Day Normandy Landing beaches of Arromanches-les-Bains and Omaha Beach can be reached in less than ninety minutes, perhaps combined with a visit to Bayeux or Caen. Closer to home, potter around local seaside resorts such as romantic Cabourg and picturesque Houlgate, both part of the captivating Côte Fleurie that has inspired writers and artists over the years from Proust to Claude Monet.