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Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn.

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Exterior
A quirky building arranged in the medieval style.
Exterior detail
Living area
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Saint-Vigor-Des-Monts, Normandie
  • Souleuvre Viaduct
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Mont-Saint-Michel
    ‪55 min drive‬
  • Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
    ‪62 min drive‬
  • Granville (GFR-Granville - Mont Saint-Michel)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn.

Dating from the 12th century and reputedly owned by Eleanor of Brittany, granddaughter of Eleanor d'Aquitaine, Le Calipel offers you the opportunity to relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside yet is within easy reach of all the well known attractions. A building full of character that has been sympathetically restored yet retaining original and historic features whilst providing modern day comforts. Furnished with a mixture of quality antique and modern furniture, Le Calipel offers you a comfortable base to explore whatever the time of year.

The open plan living room has been recently redecorated and is furnished with beautiful Art Deco pieces offering you comfort and vintage style. Surrounding the vintage Belgian wood burner is an amazing granite fireplace decorated with carvings made in ancient times. There is android television and a DVD player, along with board games and jigsaws to amuse you when you just want to stay at home and relax. Wifi is available via our fibre optic link so you can keep in touch or find new places to visit on line.

The kitchen is well equipped but if you wish to borrow anything extra - a hand blender, perhaps, just ask! The owner has most kitchen gadgets and tools invented. There are oyster plates and an oyster knife to make it easier for you to enjoy these delicacies. If you need ice for your champagne bucket, we can provide you with plenty! Dishwasher tablets and washing up liquid along with sponges and cloths are provided so you don't have to think about packing these things. Cling film and baking paper is available too...

Dine in style at the beautiful table, lovingly waxed before each arrival, the wood gleams.

The tranquil bedroom is furnished with a king size French bed ready for you to fall into if you have had a long journey. You will have a wonderful sleep at le Calipel! The lovely Art Deco armoire offers loads of storage space for your clothes and there are plenty of hangers.

After a busy day, whatever the time of year, have a long soak in the antique French double ended bath, perhaps à deux? Bubble bath is provided as is a special hand made soap. A refreshing shower will wake you up in the morning after a good night's sleep in your king size antique bed ready to explore some more!

Relax in your private, secluded garden and if you fancy a barbecue, it is there, along with some charcoal. Enjoy eating at the stunning granite garden table or flop in traditional teak steamer chairs under the parasol and enjoy the sounds of nature. Your garden gets the last sun of the day, so enjoy the sunset and watch the stars appear in the darkening sky while the bats swoop overhead hunting for their supper!

There are no hidden extras - bed linen and towels are provided, as are all the utilities. Although we ask that Le Calipel is left neat and tidy, with your rubbish removed, we do the cleaning, so unlike with other rentals, there isn't a cleaning charge. Included in the price is a comprehensive Welcome Pack which includes a light supper for your first night so you can just relax and breakfast with homemade preserves.

The architecture of the barn is that of a medieval building, with the humans living on the first floor while the animals are underneath, on the ground floor. This means that the door to the gite is part of the way up the wall and is approached by a path which is gravelled. This, combined with the rise of the land might make it difficult for less able bodied people.

Property manager

Donna Howard
Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
A cot or single bed can be put in the bedroom.
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Events

Events allowed
We are happy for you to invite a few guests.
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Pets

Pets allowed
Please keep pets leashed in the garden.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Please smoke outside & clear away your stubs.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: We are happy for you to invite a few guests.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 905070579

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Saint-Vigor-des-Monts

Located in Saint-Vigor-des-Monts, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Green Beach and La Grande Cascade, while Poeslerie Museum and House of the Lacemaker and Vire Museum are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Souterroscope des Ardoisieres and Le Village Enchante. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
Saint-Vigor-Des-Monts, Normandie

What's nearby

  • Cornille-Havard Foundry - 17 min drive - 17.6 km
  • Champrepus Zoo - 23 min drive - 32.0 km
  • Souleuvre Viaduct - 25 min drive - 25.1 km
  • Mont-Saint-Michel - 55 min drive - 74.6 km
  • Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey - 62 min drive - 74.7 km

Getting around

  • Vire Station - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Le Mondial - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Cafe du Haras - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Hippocampe - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Le Beslonais - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Restaurant de la Gare - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Relax in the beautiful Normandy countryside in an ancient converted barn. located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is 10.6 mi (17 km) from Poeslerie Museum and House of the Lacemaker and 10.9 mi (17.5 km) from Cornille-Havard Foundry. Vire Museum and Hambye Abbey are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 32 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden cozy getaway !

The gite was very secluded. Very old with beams etc. Kitchen was very well equipped & bathroom a great size with huge bath and fantastic shower. We slept well, bed was really comfortable. All & all a great stay with a welcoming host.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Le calipel

The host was most welcoming, very approachable and friendly. The gite was has described. We enjoyed the solitude and peace and privacy That the location offered. We will definitely be going again next year. Tres bien
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

valerie o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay, amazing gite

This marvellously tasteful gite met all our expectations and more. Donna was the best host and thought about our every need. The welcome gifts of wine, homemade jams, bread and a meal prepared by Donna was not expected but much appreciated. The gite itself was in a quiet rural location but close enough to pretty villages that could be reached by car. Our little dog was very happy exploring the grounds as were we. We were very comfortable throughout our stay and if you want to get away from the stresses of life then this is the gite for you. Thank you Donna.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

David P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet, calm country gite. Ancient barn well converted.

We enjoyed the stay as we were used to similar ancient French farm conversions. The spec was excellent. A small problem with the fosse was sorted. The welcome dairy products, wine and salad was a thoughtful touch. The bed was comfortable and the shower worked well. The owner was attentive when necessary but not intrusive. We'd visit again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Elspeth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very obliging host

Donna made us feel very welcome as did her welcome pack. The gite was spacious and comfortable. Only slight word of advice access was a little difficult for the less well abled. Rough uneven path and access stairs in our opinion not safe. Hand rail required.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elise K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Confort assuré

Logement chaleureux et accueillant. Les denrées de base pour le petit déjeuner sont très appréciables, ainsi que le chauffage en soirée et matin en cette saison intermédiaire.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cornelia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wunderbarer Urlaub

Wir waren 2 1/2 Wochen in dieser wunderbaren und für uns außergewöhnlichen Gîte und haben uns unglaublich wohl gefühlt und sehr gut erholt. Das Ferienhäuschen ist mit viel Liebe eingerichtet und besitzt alles, was wir benötigten. Donna und Ed leben nebenan, sind aber diskret. Beide sind unglaublich lieb und stehen immer für Fragen zur Verfügung. Das Haus liegt sehr ruhig auf dem Land. Für uns Stadtmenschen war es genau das Richtige zum Seele baumeln lassen, im Garten lesen und entspannen, Kopf ausschalten. Wir konnten alle für uns interessanten Sehenswürdigkeiten gut mit dem Auto erfahren und haben uns abends auf einen ruhigen Tagesausklang gefreut. Wir empfehlen die Gîte uneingeschränkt und wünschen Donna und Ed nur das Beste!
Stayed 18 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Olga H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

christine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susanne S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wohlfühloase

Die Gite ist einfach bezaubernd - ländlich gelegen, sehr ruhig aber sehr erholsam. Die Lage ist hervorragend, um das Cotentin und die Gegend Manche zu erkunden. Wir haben den Aufenthalt sehr genossen und können diese Gite nur weiterempfehlen. Susanne und Dietmar Steinberg
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

jean-luc R., harol

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Le Calipel

Gîte très bien situé. Intérieur spacieux et confortable. Attention à la végétation trop envahissante.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Gregor W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super entspannter Urlaub

Die Begrüßung und der Umgang waren sehr freundschaftlich. Das Objekt war sauber und sehr gemütlich. Wir können es nur empfehlen
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

2/10 Terrible

Paul M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super Gastgeberin mit einem Pferdefuß

Donna ist die beste Gastgeberin die man sich vorstellen kann. Noch nie sind wir so herzlich willkommen geheißen worden wie von Donna. Das Ferienhaus wirkt von außen wie das gesamte Grundstück sehr rustikal. Aber im Inneren wird man vom Gegenteil überrascht. Die Wohnung ist sehr geschmackvoll eingerichtet, großzügig in ihren Maßen und sauber. Ein Baguett, die Croissants, eine Flasche Wein und die Käsesouffles im Kühlschrank unterstrichen den sehr guten Eindruck. Leider hat uns die Tierliebe Donnas für die auf dem Grundstück lebenden Vierbeiner zur sofortigen Abreise nach unserer Ankunft veranlasst. Eigentlich schade.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jens B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ferienhaus

Super, alles wie beschrieben und um einiges besser. Würden und werden wir wieder buchen.Für uns waren es unvergessliche Tage der Erholung
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christian O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Einfach nur toll!!

Ja, so war es: einfach nur toll!! Donna - ruhig, sehr nett, zuvorkommend und zurückhaltend Empfang - herzlich, mit leckerer Grundversorgung Haus - gemütlich, sehr sauber, gut ausgestattet, sehr individuell, geräumig Garten - weitläufig, tolle Liegen, tolle Hühner!! Ruhe - absolut Umgebung - ein wenig wie bei "Der Doktor und das liebe Vieh" ("All Creatures Great and Small") klasse! Wandern im Tal der Vire - super auch in Etappen möglich Alles in allem: ein bisschen Südengland mitten in einer der schönsten Landschaften Frankreichs!, ein bisschen National Trust, ein bisschen "zu Hause" draußen, viel "zu Hause" drinnen 11 Nächte mit Hund im August waren sehr sehr entspannend - Vielen Dank!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Le temp retrouvé.

hygiène sanitaire 10/10 Une ambiance, rurale chaleureuse, avec de l'authenticité. 10/10
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joachim F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Belle maison de vacances

Nous avons passé des jours très agréables dans la maison de vacances merveilleusement restaurée sur notre chemin vers la Bretagne. Très bien, très bien !
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sabine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sehr schöne ruhige Lage .Schön auch, Kühe, Gänse, Hühner.

War sauber, schön, gute, nette,diskrete Gastgeber
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kortney N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Restful stay in the French countryside

My stay at Le Calipel was lovely. Donna takes good care of her guests without being intrusive. There are thoughtful touches such as the light supper (and homemade treats for the dogs!). Thank you for a lovely stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Julie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Parfait

Logement très propre et parfait pour un séjour au vert. Donna est très accueillante et réactive à toute demande. Vieille bâtisse joliment rénovée avec tout le confort moderne. Un jardin pour des soirées barbecue après une bonne journée de de balade. C’était parfait! Merci Donna
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

rose m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Séjour au calme :)

Grange pleine de charme et spacieuse pour un séjour au calme loin de la ville / Très agréable séjour au coin du feu.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Gerard R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Top

Prachtig appartement vol mooie verrassingen. En Donna, de gastvrouw, voegt daar nog meer verrassingen aan toe. Een topverblijf.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ingrid V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super authentiek, maar netjes genoeg

Vlot

10/10 Excellent

Job V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastische vakantie!

De locatie en ontvangst is super! We voelden ons meteen op ons gemak. En hebben heerlijk kunnen relaxen.

8/10 Good

Kathy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Baby owl just outside our window- such a treat

Enjoyed our stay here in this very rural part of Normandy- however we were never too far from all the Normandy places of interests. The gite is charming and Donna made us feel very welcome. We were very glad of the delicious supper which was waiting on our arrival as well as a bottle of cold rose wine! However the highlight of our stay was having a beautiful long eared owl spending most of the day on a tree just outside our kitchen window - what a treat!!! We also loved the friendly hens and the very handsome goose who loved being fed cucumber and tomatoes (feeding advise from Donna) 😎
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

About the host

Hosted by Donna Howard

Host profile image
I moved to France in 2006 to join my lover who had moved here in 2002 and decided to convert part of the barn into a gite for me to run. My background was in healthcare which isn't too far from hospitality and my love of history and traditional décor and furnishings has helped me develop this popular gite. Changes in furniture and decorations are often made as we see something we like more on our travels throughout the region.

We live next door so aren't too far away if you need us but we are discrete so if you want to be alone, you will be. We are happy for you to text or e-mail if you have a question so you can really relax and enjoy your holiday.

Why they chose this property

The property was chosen partly for its position, at the end of a no through road yet close to the excellent road links which France has to offer and also for what it had to offer. Our house, whilst in the same grounds as the gite, is separate; whilst the enormous barn offered plenty of space for the storage of our vintage and antique furniture and for the gite.

What makes this property unique

Being at the end of a no through road, the property offers peace and quiet with just the noises of nature in the background. The only traffic that might pass us is the odd tractor as the farmers arrive to check on their cows. There are fields just outside of the gates which give you plenty of space to let your dog run free and experience new smells and textures. As we are residents, we are able to offer unique advice and ideas of things to do and places to see.

Languages:

English, French

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests