Reviews of Property: Traditional gite in charming rural location, many WW2 sites, pets welcome.
Description
Cottage, 120 m²,
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4, 1 Bathroom
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4, 1 Bathroom
Facilities
rural, village,
garden,
terrace,
pets considered,
internet access
Rates
per property
Set rates in Euros
Set rates in Euros
€56 -
€70/night
€325 - €415/week
€325 - €415/week
GBP Conversion - Estimated
£50 -
£63/night £293 - £374/week
George & Dorothy Longstaff
+33 (0)2-33 36 52 81
Speaks: English, French
21 Reviews of Property 91699 in Orne, France
La Cour Bonnet - Look nowhere else!
Review Submitted: July 6, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
Over the years we have stayed in many properties sourced through Holiday Rentals across Europe. Without doubt, La Cour Bonnet is the best property we have stayed in by far. From the initial welcome, George and Dorothy’s genuine concern that you get the best from your stay and George’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the surrounding area, you will not find a better place to unwind.
The property is as you would hope, well equipped, spacious and delightful, both internally and outside in the garden. George and Dorothy have made La Cour Bonnet a home from home, even down to providing a wide selection of games for both inside and outside use, including the obligatory boules and a five-a-side goal and footballs.
George’s attention to detail shows in the provision of three full A4 binders of local attractions, activities and tours. We have never, in all our years of renting had such a comprehensive set of information. It doesn’t stop there either. From email exchanges prior to our visit, George had selected and put out ready for us a sub-set of information specifically tailored to our interests.
Highlights (and recommendations) from our stay include the museum at Mont-Ormel, the Bayeux tapestry, the D-Day museum in Bayeux followed by a visit to the Commonwealth cemetery and William the Conqueror’s castle at Falaise. You must also have lunch at La Tournesal in Trun, unbelievable food, atmosphere and quality you would never find in the UK.
We loved La Cour Bonnet and are already planning to return next year. If you book this property, you will not be disappointed.
The property is as you would hope, well equipped, spacious and delightful, both internally and outside in the garden. George and Dorothy have made La Cour Bonnet a home from home, even down to providing a wide selection of games for both inside and outside use, including the obligatory boules and a five-a-side goal and footballs.
George’s attention to detail shows in the provision of three full A4 binders of local attractions, activities and tours. We have never, in all our years of renting had such a comprehensive set of information. It doesn’t stop there either. From email exchanges prior to our visit, George had selected and put out ready for us a sub-set of information specifically tailored to our interests.
Highlights (and recommendations) from our stay include the museum at Mont-Ormel, the Bayeux tapestry, the D-Day museum in Bayeux followed by a visit to the Commonwealth cemetery and William the Conqueror’s castle at Falaise. You must also have lunch at La Tournesal in Trun, unbelievable food, atmosphere and quality you would never find in the UK.
We loved La Cour Bonnet and are already planning to return next year. If you book this property, you will not be disappointed.
Owner's Response: Needless to say we are extremely pleased to have been given such a glowing review and yet again it was our pleasure to have such a lovely family as our guests. We know from personal experience that you can easily waste half the time of your holiday trying to find out just what there is to see and do and even then go back home having missed some of the best attractions. This is why we put so much effort into finding out our guests particular interests before their arrival and then, once they are here advise them, in so much as they request/require this, as to what might suit them best and the best routes to take (Satnav doesn't always give you the prettiest and/or most interesting!).
Before we started renting out our cottage last year we had it as a holiday home ourselves for over three years and during this time, and since living here permanently, we have been able to build up our local knowledge from first hand experience and it is this we are able to share with our guests to help them get the very best of their time with us as is evidenced here. It is is especially pleasing when we see those efforts being recognised so kindly as here.
There is so much to see and do in the immediate area and slightly further afield as many of our guests have commented on for both children and grown ups. Bayeux is always a big attraction and the Memorial/Museum at Montormel is nearly always singled out for the highest of praise. Our local bar/restaurant, Le Tournesol, always get good reviews and, as is said here, provides really good food and exceptional value in a lovely atmosphere. Don't take our word for it come and try it! You will be most welcome.
Before we started renting out our cottage last year we had it as a holiday home ourselves for over three years and during this time, and since living here permanently, we have been able to build up our local knowledge from first hand experience and it is this we are able to share with our guests to help them get the very best of their time with us as is evidenced here. It is is especially pleasing when we see those efforts being recognised so kindly as here.
There is so much to see and do in the immediate area and slightly further afield as many of our guests have commented on for both children and grown ups. Bayeux is always a big attraction and the Memorial/Museum at Montormel is nearly always singled out for the highest of praise. Our local bar/restaurant, Le Tournesol, always get good reviews and, as is said here, provides really good food and exceptional value in a lovely atmosphere. Don't take our word for it come and try it! You will be most welcome.
Fantastic cottage
Review Submitted: October 7, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
We stayed in this gorgeous cottage in August this year. The cottage is well equipped and spotless in an idyllic location surrounded by farmland. George and Dorothy were great hosts full of useful advice for our stay. It was our first venture abroad with our two young sons 3&5 and we couldn't have chosen a more relaxed venue. Our youngest wasn't happy having a shower but Dorothy provided a baby bath for him which was great. The kitchen was stocked on our arrival with wine, beer, bread,milk, local cheese and butter which was very welcome after a long journey.
A fantastic cottage which we would definately reccomend.
A fantastic cottage which we would definately reccomend.
dog's dangly bits!
Review Submitted: August 18, 2009
Date of Stay: July 2009
This sets the standard for all gite holidays! Loads of info (verbal and written) - from the moment you make contact, everything is so easy. George sends directions, advice on what to see - where to go, places of interest etc. Never obtrusive or interfering, just reassuringly dependable and both he and Dorothy very charming and approachable. Henri is adorable (the dog that is!). The place is beautiful, restful, clean and quiet. The gardens manicured and great for those with a dog in tow! It easily equals any gite we have been to and betters most. We are now compiling a "gites we can trust" list and this is up there at the top. We will definitely be back! Oh by the way, the welcome pack is the best! Many thanks for everything.
Jim, Jackie and Bailey.
Jim, Jackie and Bailey.
Owner's Response: Again we are delighted to have been given such a positive review. Taking the time out to find out what people are interested in (it varies greatly) and then doing a bit of preparation appears to be paying dividends from this and other reviews. However we do try to be careful and pitch the level of advice and engagement appropriate to how much or indeed how little different guests want which again can vary considerably. We take great pride in having both the house and the gardens looking spot on and it is pleasing when we get such kind comments. It was a real pleasure to have Jim and Jackie (and Bailey) stay - Jim has a great and very entertaining sense of humour and we would love to see them back.
Une semaine super!
Review Submitted: August 14, 2009
Date of Stay: July 2009
The house was furnished very comfortably, on the right beside us a few horses and on the left were beside us Dorothy and George lived.
They were incredibly nice and affectionate, for all questions openly, and very obliging.
Before we had never had such nice hosts!
When we came, they had printed out to us the weather report for the next days and even prospectuses in German and English for us rausgesucht.
In the house there are two toilets and two showers and if necessary, one can also wash a few things.
At night it was very quiet, one could sleep really, the land feeling was very pleasant!
Many thanks for her large-scale sweet hospitality Dorothy and George!
Ralf, Heike & Antonia : )
They were incredibly nice and affectionate, for all questions openly, and very obliging.
Before we had never had such nice hosts!
When we came, they had printed out to us the weather report for the next days and even prospectuses in German and English for us rausgesucht.
In the house there are two toilets and two showers and if necessary, one can also wash a few things.
At night it was very quiet, one could sleep really, the land feeling was very pleasant!
Many thanks for her large-scale sweet hospitality Dorothy and George!
Ralf, Heike & Antonia : )
Owner's Response: We are very pleased to receive such a positive review and it was a real pleasure to meet such a lovely family. We try to make the effort to find out what our guests are interested in seeing and/or doing and then to do a little preparation for their arrival to try and help them get the most out of their time with us. From this and other reviews this seems to be working. If you want a relaxing, stress relieving break in beautiful countryside then come here!
Wir sind sehr erfreut, solch einen positiven Bericht zu empfangen und es war ein reales Vergnügen, solch eine reizende Familie zu treffen. Wir versuchen, die Anstrengung zu unternehmen, herauszufinden, was unsere Gäste interessiert sind, an zu sehen und/oder tuend und eine kleine Vorbereitung dann tun, damit ihre Ankunft sie versucht und hilft, die die meisten aus ihrer Zeit mit uns heraus zu erhalten. Von diesem und von anderem wiederholt dieses scheint zu arbeiten. Wenn Sie eine Entspannung wünschen, kommen Druckentlastungbruch in der schönen Landschaft dann her!
Wir sind sehr erfreut, solch einen positiven Bericht zu empfangen und es war ein reales Vergnügen, solch eine reizende Familie zu treffen. Wir versuchen, die Anstrengung zu unternehmen, herauszufinden, was unsere Gäste interessiert sind, an zu sehen und/oder tuend und eine kleine Vorbereitung dann tun, damit ihre Ankunft sie versucht und hilft, die die meisten aus ihrer Zeit mit uns heraus zu erhalten. Von diesem und von anderem wiederholt dieses scheint zu arbeiten. Wenn Sie eine Entspannung wünschen, kommen Druckentlastungbruch in der schönen Landschaft dann her!
Lovely cottage, great location, experts on hand!
Review Submitted: July 14, 2009
Date of Stay: July 2009
We had such a lovely week staying in George and Dorothy's gite. The cottage was well equipped, clean, comfortable and spacious, with a lovely view across the garden and of the horses in the next field. The owners were very friendly and helpful, yet were never intrusive. Dorothy provided an appropriately named 'Welcome' package, with wine, cheese, bread, milk and other necessities, which eased us into French life. And George was a mine of information on the local area and further afield. If you're ever stuck for ideas, he's the man to visit. Although to be honest, there was so much to do a week just wasn't long enough. In the immediate area, the so-called 'Falaise Pocket' is expertly described at Montormel, while the numerous hamlets and towns that surround it are testimont to the events that happened there. Further afield, the D-Day beaches are definitely worth visiting, as are the various cemeteries (we went to the American, British and German ones). The Bayeux Tapestry, of course, is a must, as is a walk round the town and the cathedral. Domfront is an excellent place to visit, as is Fougeres - the chateau there is fantastic. There are plenty of places to eat throughout Normandy and the locals are very friendly. And driving around France is a pleasure - so easy and relaxed, especially compared to the UK. With any luck, we'll be back again soon!
Owner's Response: Yet again we are extremely pleased to get such a positive review. We work on the premise that "you only get one chance to create a first impression" so we put a lot of effort into ensuring that both the cotage and gardens are immaculate for our guests' arrival so it's pleasing to see these efforts recognised here. There is so much to see and do and that's why we try and give our guests the benefit of our local knowledge to help them get the most out of their time with us. We try to be attentive but not obtrusive so it is pleasing to see the comments above. We try to get a feel even before guests arrive as to how much or little help and information will be appropriate to them and pitch it accordingly. From these comments and others previous it looks as though we are probably getting this right. The friendliness of the locals is something we would endorse. Over the years we have visited many parts of France and always had a good reception but none more so than in Normandy where the local population is especially grateful for the sacrifices made by the Allies for their freedom in 1944.
Fantastic week in La Cour Bonnet
Review Submitted: July 5, 2009
Date of Stay: May 2009
We had the most fantastic week in La Cour Bonnet. Form the moment we arrived to the time that we left Dorothy and George were perfect hosts, helping us when we asked, enquiring as to our holiday but without intruding and providing fantastic advice on the sights for us to see with our 5 year old.
The house is even better than it looks in the photos, was spotlessly clean and the lawn, all 100 yards of it (!) was immaculate.
We had a very generous welcome pack in the fridge and kitchen, which was much appreciated after our journey from Paris.
As I have mentioned George didn't impose us gave good advice for places to see. Montormel is a must, a very moving tribute to the soldiers on all sides.
Our son was made really welcome, George filled up the paddling pool and gave him encouragement to use his newly-learned French.
The whole area is lovely, Trun has everything required and we had a lovely lunch at Le Tournesol where we had a fun time with Serge. Our French was basic, but when we made an effort, the locals made it easy to communicate so that everyone was happy.
Well done George and Dorothy and all your hard work, we were only sorry that the week went by far too quickly.
The house is even better than it looks in the photos, was spotlessly clean and the lawn, all 100 yards of it (!) was immaculate.
We had a very generous welcome pack in the fridge and kitchen, which was much appreciated after our journey from Paris.
As I have mentioned George didn't impose us gave good advice for places to see. Montormel is a must, a very moving tribute to the soldiers on all sides.
Our son was made really welcome, George filled up the paddling pool and gave him encouragement to use his newly-learned French.
The whole area is lovely, Trun has everything required and we had a lovely lunch at Le Tournesol where we had a fun time with Serge. Our French was basic, but when we made an effort, the locals made it easy to communicate so that everyone was happy.
Well done George and Dorothy and all your hard work, we were only sorry that the week went by far too quickly.
Owner's Response: Yet again it was our pleasure to welcome such a lovely family. We realise that particularly when guests are staying for just a week that we want to help them get the very best out of their time with us especially as there is so much to see and do. We make the effort to try and find out before their arrival what they are interested in and/or would like to see/do so that we can already have some ideas for them. It is therefore really pleasing when we get such kind comments as these and to see that the efforts we make are appreciated. As is said here our local small town, Trun (5 mins away), is extremely friendly and welcoming with Serge the proprietor of the Bar Tournesol in particular. We would agree that the Memorial at Montormel (commemorating the last decisive days of the Normandy Campaign and the closing of the "Falaise Pocket") is a must. The many guests who have visted it have all been most impressed with it's beauty but also it's sadness.
Best Week Ever in Normandy
Review Submitted: April 22, 2009
Date of Stay: March 2009
My husband and I went to Normandy on a short tour from Paris in 2008. We fell in love with it and returned in 2009 for a whole week in Normandy. Many people think that Normandy is just WWII; however, there is so much more--the Middle Ages and William the Conquerer. We saw and enjoyed everything that we could put into two weeks because of our wonderful advisor--George. He and Dorothy are beautiful people with a wonderful, affordable place. They are helpful without being intrusive. I wanted to go to Italy on our next vacation, but my husband is not "addicted" to France because of this wonderful experience.
This quiet little abode is located in the rural country just outside Trun. There is a supermarket a short distance from the house. There is a grill, garden, chairs, and a terrace for outdoor relaxing. Inside, you find cable TV, two bathrooms, and a washer and dryer.
We were able to economize by eating breakfast daily at home, eating a late lunch, and coming home to a quiet night in our own living room to watch a little TV and enjoy a glass of wine.
When we arrived, we had the basics: juice, wine, butter, mild, bread, and the famous cheese (made in the area) awaiting us. George helped us make hotel reservations near the airport in Paris when we were ready to turn in our rental car and return to Texas.
We have rented through several vacation rental sites and never been disappointed. However, George and Dorothy and our Normandy experience were THE BEST BY FAR. If comfortable, clean, quiet, and hospitable are important to you, I highly recommend that this be your priority for your Normandy vacation. The place and the owners are WONDERFUL.
Grateful Texas Tourists
This quiet little abode is located in the rural country just outside Trun. There is a supermarket a short distance from the house. There is a grill, garden, chairs, and a terrace for outdoor relaxing. Inside, you find cable TV, two bathrooms, and a washer and dryer.
We were able to economize by eating breakfast daily at home, eating a late lunch, and coming home to a quiet night in our own living room to watch a little TV and enjoy a glass of wine.
When we arrived, we had the basics: juice, wine, butter, mild, bread, and the famous cheese (made in the area) awaiting us. George helped us make hotel reservations near the airport in Paris when we were ready to turn in our rental car and return to Texas.
We have rented through several vacation rental sites and never been disappointed. However, George and Dorothy and our Normandy experience were THE BEST BY FAR. If comfortable, clean, quiet, and hospitable are important to you, I highly recommend that this be your priority for your Normandy vacation. The place and the owners are WONDERFUL.
Grateful Texas Tourists
Owner's Response: Dorothy and I were delighted to meet our lovely Texas visitors. We were especially pleased that they had such a great time as they had travelled so far and we tried to help them get the most out of their stay by offering the benefit of our local knowledge in terms of places to see and visit, the extensive history much of which is in our immediate vicinity, and the best/most picturesque routes to take (SatNav doesn't always give you this!). As always we try to tailor the amount of attention we give to each individual visitor and the comment of us being "helpful but not obtrusive" is very much appreciated. The weather in Normandy can be a little unpredictable in March but our visitors were blessed with beautiful weather, clear blue skies and temperatures into the low 20s celcius. It is so pleasing not only to see people enjoy themselves so much but to know that our efforts have been so well appreciated and we are extremely grateful for the extremely kind comments that our "Grateful Texas Tourists" have made.
P.S. We think that the comment that "..my husband is not addicted to France" probably should read "...my husband is now addicted to France".
P.S. We think that the comment that "..my husband is not addicted to France" probably should read "...my husband is now addicted to France".
Excellent property, great location
Review Submitted: November 17, 2008
Date of Stay: October 2008
We have stayed in many gites over the last 20 years and this was one of the best.
Right from the first contact George was very helpful, we found the road directions from Calais especially helpful. We mentioned about having an overnight stop in the Somme area and George informed us about museums and exhibitions in the area and also other points of interest on route that we might like to look at.
It was great having George and Dorothy next door, although we were sorry not to have had the benefit of George's knowledge first hand as he was having a minor op. Dorothy is a lovely woman and she couldn't have been a better host being on hand for any eventuality.
This is a great area with lots to see and do.
We have certainly recommended the gite to all our friends and hope to return ourselves one day.
Thanks again for making our holiday a perfect holiday.
David and Janet
Right from the first contact George was very helpful, we found the road directions from Calais especially helpful. We mentioned about having an overnight stop in the Somme area and George informed us about museums and exhibitions in the area and also other points of interest on route that we might like to look at.
It was great having George and Dorothy next door, although we were sorry not to have had the benefit of George's knowledge first hand as he was having a minor op. Dorothy is a lovely woman and she couldn't have been a better host being on hand for any eventuality.
This is a great area with lots to see and do.
We have certainly recommended the gite to all our friends and hope to return ourselves one day.
Thanks again for making our holiday a perfect holiday.
David and Janet
Owner's Response: We're delighted to have another very positive review and, in paricular, to the rating of our cottage. Also as many other reviews have commented that there is so much to see and do in the immediate area and slightly further afield. We try to find out before our guests' visits what things are of interest so we can select from the library of information we have that which is the most relevant to them personally. In this case David and Janet expressed an interest in visting the Somme battefields. They visited them on their way here, virtually en route if you're travelling from either Calais or Boulogne , but equally they are less than an easy two hour drive from us. George was disappointed he did not get the chance to meet this lovely couple but pleased that Dorothy did such a good job "tout seul". We were also delighted that the weather David and Janet had was so outstanding, and which carried on well into the rest of October.
Charming stay at La Cour Bonnet
Review Submitted: October 7, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
When we discovered this property on the internet, naturally we read the reviews of those who had stayed before us. Every one was glowing and ( now we too have been ) rightly so.
George and Dorothy go out of their way to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. Never intrusive but always on hand.
George is indeed a mine of information - you will not catch him out with regard to local knowledge or the area's broad history! Take his advice if you want a rounded day out. Don't be too ambitious, either, and enjoy the riches of this part of Normandy.
The property itself is clean, well-equipped and has buckets of character. Our kids enjoyed the garden and all the play equipment on offer and the cows grazing in the field next door was a real treat. Our only regret (apart from not bringing back enough Pommeau) is we didn't spend more time at the cottage because these were the best moments.
Thank-you George and Dorothy. We wish you every success with your business because you deserve it. We have already recommended you and we hope to see you again one day soon.
Guy, Kathy, William (7) and Emma (4)
George and Dorothy go out of their way to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. Never intrusive but always on hand.
George is indeed a mine of information - you will not catch him out with regard to local knowledge or the area's broad history! Take his advice if you want a rounded day out. Don't be too ambitious, either, and enjoy the riches of this part of Normandy.
The property itself is clean, well-equipped and has buckets of character. Our kids enjoyed the garden and all the play equipment on offer and the cows grazing in the field next door was a real treat. Our only regret (apart from not bringing back enough Pommeau) is we didn't spend more time at the cottage because these were the best moments.
Thank-you George and Dorothy. We wish you every success with your business because you deserve it. We have already recommended you and we hope to see you again one day soon.
Guy, Kathy, William (7) and Emma (4)
Owner's Response: We have been so lucky in this our first year of having the privilege to have so many lovely families, like this one, stay with us. We do try very hard to strike the right balance with all our guests and the comment that we are "never intrusive but always on hand" is especially pleasing. Some of our guests go farther afield than others. Whether you choose to venture to Paris, Monet's Garden, the Landing Beaches, Mont St. Michel, the Loire Valley or choose to stay more locally as this family did there is so much to see and do and we hope that our knowledge of the area (very kindly commented on here) helps our guests to get the most out of their time with us. Alternatively you can just relax and enjoy the cottage, the garden, and the tranquility as is suggested here.
Great holiday
Review Submitted: October 7, 2008
Date of Stay: September 2008
What can we say? we just want to be selfish and tell no one because at this rate your property will be fully booked next year! - a superb cottage. George and Dorothy, ‘thank you’. It was one of the best cottages we have stayed in over the years. As we had heavy rain,it was good to come back to such a comfortable cottage. We did have some sunny days and a trip to the castle at Falaise is well worth a visit , as is the chateau and garden at Vendeuvre (watch out for the secret water features!). Hopefully we will be back as soon as possible. T&R
Owner's Response: Our thanks to T & R for another positive review. This summer has been good weather wise. More recently we've had a bit of an "Indian Summer" during September and early October. Unfortunately T & R had the one mixed week in this period. Nevertheless as can be seen they thoroughy enjoyed their stay and found plenty to see and do and we will be delighted to see them back at some time in the future.
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