The house and its history:
Within the grounds of La Poterie lies the traditional Normandy colombage longhouse that the Hubert family originally lived in. This was their home from the 18th century onwards prior to making their fortune producing Camembert cheese. The original Fromagerie, where the cheeses were allowed to air, still stands in the grounds and is of regional importance. By the 1850s, when the cheese making business had sufficiently developed the family were able to build the two story Maison Maitre called ‘La Poterie’ within the grounds of their garden. This became home to several generations of the Hubert family until it was found to be too small. With profits up from the Camembert business, the family was able to remove the original roof and add an additional story to the house in the 1930’s to form the grand Maison Maitre that stands today!
In keeping with this history a range of local products, many organic, are available for purchase from La Poterie, including cider, poire, honey and pate.
The local area:
St Evroult Notre Dame du Bois is a charming village on the edge of a forest in the heart of the Orne, Normandy. It has a large boating lake, tennis courts, ancient Abbey ruins, campsite with mini-golf, as well as an excellent restaurant and one further café, offering lake views and good value food. The shop in the village sells most things and features a traditional boulangerie. Nearby Ferte Fresnel has a range of shops, a bank, chemist, garage and excellent restaurant.
In 1998 Luc Besson shot scenes for Joan of Arc in the village using the atmospheric abbey ruins as its backdrop. Besson is said to have fallen in love with the area whilst filming and subsequently purchased a chateau in the nearby village of Trinitie des Laitiers. Other famous neighbours include Louis Vuitton!
The lake in the village has a beach, fishing, pedalos and swimming in the summer, whilst the Foret de St Evroult has plenty of lovely walks and opportunities for horse riding and mountain biking.
Things to do:
Throughout the year a range of events take place including food festivals, local fetes, night markets and music festivals. In L’Aigle the 3rd largest market in France takes place every Tuesday morning with clothes, gifts and a wide range of local produce is available. The French National Stud at Haras du Pin is worth a visit for its grand architecture, history and a chance to see the free horse processions and promenades, which take place on Thursdays. The village of Camembert and its museum are nearby. It’s also easy to visit the wonderful beach at Deauville and local fetes, Zoos, and chateau for the day. For great nightlife, shopping, restaurants and architecture visit Rouen or Paris both about an hour away.
Tailor-made murder mystery experiences are available to make your stay at La Poterie even more memorable. We can also provide a wide range of gourmet french meals, delivered to the house for you to enjoy. Please contact us for further details.
Other Activities:
Mini-golf, pedalos.
marks the location of the property in Normandy
