Reviews of Property: Beautifully restored farm cottage in delightful countryside setting
Description
Cottage, 85 m²,
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5, 2 Bathrooms
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5, 2 Bathrooms
Amenities
rural,
garden,
terrace,
internet access,
satellite or cable
Rates
per property
Must pay in British Pounds
Must pay in British Pounds
£70 -
£80/night
£300 - £450/week
£300 - £450/week
USD Conversion - Estimated
$117 -
$134/night $501 - $751/week
Paul Pontone and Chris Moss
Speaks: English, French, Italian
6 Reviews of Property 417632 in Orne, France
Go to page (Page 1 of 1)
1
Walnut Cottage Home from Home
Review Submitted: July 9, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
With over 20yrs experience of staying in french gites, our first stay at Walnut Cottage 2008 was one of our best. The high standard of the accommodation, its cleanliness, comfort and the very high level of equipment, especially the Sky TV and Wifi, together with the welcome and help given by Paul and Chris made it the perfect holiday.
We returned again in 2009 and were not disappointed. Going back was like visiting old friends. Nothing is too much trouble for Paul and Chris but neither are they intrusive. The area itself is full of interest with lots to see especially the Normandy Beaches and Bayeaux which should not be missed and a visit to Honfleur is well worth the trip. However, I wouldn't rush to visit Camembert! For more relaxing days you can enjoy the very private garden, perfect for sitting in the sun or reading or just enjoy one of many nearby walks to observe some of the local wildlife (foxes, deer, hare). There is no lack of good local restaurants and bistros and Paul is only too happy to recommend or book a table if needed.
We have already decided to return again in 2010 because the Cottage and the area offer us everything we look for in a holiday. An added bonus is that although we live in York we can do the journey easily in the day (via the Tunnel).
We have no hesitation in recommending Walnut Cottage to anyone who particularly enjoys a high standard of accommodation and is looking for a mixture of visiting places of interest together with peace and tranquility.
We returned again in 2009 and were not disappointed. Going back was like visiting old friends. Nothing is too much trouble for Paul and Chris but neither are they intrusive. The area itself is full of interest with lots to see especially the Normandy Beaches and Bayeaux which should not be missed and a visit to Honfleur is well worth the trip. However, I wouldn't rush to visit Camembert! For more relaxing days you can enjoy the very private garden, perfect for sitting in the sun or reading or just enjoy one of many nearby walks to observe some of the local wildlife (foxes, deer, hare). There is no lack of good local restaurants and bistros and Paul is only too happy to recommend or book a table if needed.
We have already decided to return again in 2010 because the Cottage and the area offer us everything we look for in a holiday. An added bonus is that although we live in York we can do the journey easily in the day (via the Tunnel).
We have no hesitation in recommending Walnut Cottage to anyone who particularly enjoys a high standard of accommodation and is looking for a mixture of visiting places of interest together with peace and tranquility.
Owner's Response: Thank you Liz and George. It's always a pleasure to see you and we look forward to your next visit in 2010. We agree about Camembert, although it's perhaps worth having your picture taken by the village sign just to prove you've been there! For cheese tastings, one of the local farms or the excellent museum in Livarot are perhaps more rewarding. But then most guests prefer the cider tastings and we can't imagine why!
We love recommending good places to visit and eat as it means we have to savour them first. Hopefully, as an ex-reviewer for the Which? Travel publications and Holiday Which? magazine, my judgement is pretty sound!
It is very rewarding to receive such positive comments about the standard and cleanliness of Walnut Cottage; Chris has the aim to present the cottage to guests as though they are the first guests to stay here. It appears from Liz and George's comments that we are still achieving this aim.
We love recommending good places to visit and eat as it means we have to savour them first. Hopefully, as an ex-reviewer for the Which? Travel publications and Holiday Which? magazine, my judgement is pretty sound!
It is very rewarding to receive such positive comments about the standard and cleanliness of Walnut Cottage; Chris has the aim to present the cottage to guests as though they are the first guests to stay here. It appears from Liz and George's comments that we are still achieving this aim.
Highly recommended
Review Submitted: September 16, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
You don’t often return home after a week away and feel like you’ve been gone a fortnight! But our recent stay at Walnut Cottage was such a relaxing and enjoyable experience that we returned home feeling utterly chilled.
The cottage is set deep in the countryside and away from busy roads, which makes it peaceful in the extreme. The only sounds we heard were from horses several fields away. Ahh lovely!
The cottage is very cosy and has all the mod-cons you would ever need. You can park right outside too which makes loading and unloading a doddle.
The welcome pack left by our hosts Paul and Chris was very generous and typifies their attention to detail, which sets Walnut Cottage apart from other holiday homes we’ve visited.
Nothing was too much trouble for them and they went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed to make our stay a memorable one. But they also gave us advice on the best places to visit, the best restaurants (and those best avoided!) This is invaluable advice when you’re only away a week and haven’t got time to make mistakes.
The only mistake we made was not discovering Walnut Cottage until now. But we won’t be making that mistake again and have already booked up for next year.
See you soon guys!
The cottage is set deep in the countryside and away from busy roads, which makes it peaceful in the extreme. The only sounds we heard were from horses several fields away. Ahh lovely!
The cottage is very cosy and has all the mod-cons you would ever need. You can park right outside too which makes loading and unloading a doddle.
The welcome pack left by our hosts Paul and Chris was very generous and typifies their attention to detail, which sets Walnut Cottage apart from other holiday homes we’ve visited.
Nothing was too much trouble for them and they went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed to make our stay a memorable one. But they also gave us advice on the best places to visit, the best restaurants (and those best avoided!) This is invaluable advice when you’re only away a week and haven’t got time to make mistakes.
The only mistake we made was not discovering Walnut Cottage until now. But we won’t be making that mistake again and have already booked up for next year.
See you soon guys!
Owner's Response: And we're so glad you found us! Thanks Gill & co for your wonderful review and we look forward to seeing you again in August 2010!
Walnut Cottage, La Pognandiere - excellent!
Review Submitted: August 26, 2009
Date of Stay: April 2009
We arrived to an extremely warm welcome from our hosts Paul & Chris. Even their dog Lucy seemed pleased to see us! From the moment we arrived nothing was too much trouble. We walked into the most immaculate accommodation we have ever experienced throughout our many years holidaying in France. It was modern, clean, airy, well-equipped and beautifully furnished.
Walnut Cottage is a holiday cottage far superior to any we have experienced. The attention to detail was superb and Paul & Chris, with their tourism backgrounds, are experts in the customer service field and know exactly what people are looking for on their holiday and they certainly go that extra mile to make themselves stand out from their competitors.
I would recommend this property without hesitation, however I am slightly cautious that once word gets out and people get to experience it themselves, it will never again have availability!
We explored the landing beaches but also enjoyed the closer, more quaint villages and towns. It is a peaceful and quiet area and the perfect place to relax and unwind from the normal pressures of everyday life.
The children were made to feel very welcome and enjoyed the wonderful space around the cottage to burn off energy. They were very sad to leave although I know, without question, we will return within the next 12 months.
You won't regret booking Walnut Cottage at La Pognandiere and, if you get a chance, ask to see their beautiful B&B too!
Walnut Cottage is a holiday cottage far superior to any we have experienced. The attention to detail was superb and Paul & Chris, with their tourism backgrounds, are experts in the customer service field and know exactly what people are looking for on their holiday and they certainly go that extra mile to make themselves stand out from their competitors.
I would recommend this property without hesitation, however I am slightly cautious that once word gets out and people get to experience it themselves, it will never again have availability!
We explored the landing beaches but also enjoyed the closer, more quaint villages and towns. It is a peaceful and quiet area and the perfect place to relax and unwind from the normal pressures of everyday life.
The children were made to feel very welcome and enjoyed the wonderful space around the cottage to burn off energy. They were very sad to leave although I know, without question, we will return within the next 12 months.
You won't regret booking Walnut Cottage at La Pognandiere and, if you get a chance, ask to see their beautiful B&B too!
Our Holiday 2009!
Review Submitted: August 16, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
Although the photographs and description of the cottage were good, We dont think they did this property justice! It is a magnificent cottage, maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness with every item you could desire for your stay included - everything was thought of.
The cottage is very tastefully decorated to a high standard and comfortable.
Excellent customer service appears to be the norm for these owners - nothing was too much trouble. Very approachable, helpful and knowledgeable about the local area and amenities.
We would recommend this property whole-heartedly to anyone wanting a quiet retreat in Normandy - a real home from home! We travelled with 2 children who loved the area and the cottage. The gardens are fantastic and a haven for local wildlife - watch out for the woodpeckers! We will definately be back!
Yvonne, Dale, Amy & John (AKA Robin Hood)
The cottage is very tastefully decorated to a high standard and comfortable.
Excellent customer service appears to be the norm for these owners - nothing was too much trouble. Very approachable, helpful and knowledgeable about the local area and amenities.
We would recommend this property whole-heartedly to anyone wanting a quiet retreat in Normandy - a real home from home! We travelled with 2 children who loved the area and the cottage. The gardens are fantastic and a haven for local wildlife - watch out for the woodpeckers! We will definately be back!
Yvonne, Dale, Amy & John (AKA Robin Hood)
Owner's Response: Thank you very much for this positive feedback. It is heartening to learn that having seen our website and photographs before your visit your expectations were high, but that even these were exceeded and the cottage proved to be more beautiful in reality. It is true that Walnut Cottage is a delightful gite in a lovely setting and photographs cannot really do this justice.
As for the wildlife, we have been fortunate to see pine martens, wild boar, dormice, red squirrels, deer and foxes in the garden, in addition to the wonderful bird life. Of course we also have a host of aquatic life around the ponds, including frogs, newts and fish, though these are slightly depleted since the arrival of a majestic but predatory heron lats week. Now we know why the heron is called the shark of the skies!
We look forward to seeing you again next year!
As for the wildlife, we have been fortunate to see pine martens, wild boar, dormice, red squirrels, deer and foxes in the garden, in addition to the wonderful bird life. Of course we also have a host of aquatic life around the ponds, including frogs, newts and fish, though these are slightly depleted since the arrival of a majestic but predatory heron lats week. Now we know why the heron is called the shark of the skies!
We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Perfect gite for a relaxing holiday
Review Submitted: July 21, 2009
Date of Stay: May 2009
The gite is extremely clean and well equipped, and Paul and Chris are the best hosts - very welcoming and deservedly proud of their home.The little extras make such a difference, and the effort that Paul and Chris go to to ensure that your holiday is enjoyable is appreciated.
We went on the Tunnel, and it is about a 4 hour drive to get there, but it is a lovely journey.
This is rural France, where little English is spoken, and you get a taste of the 'real' France!
The area has lots to offer, and we still have many more places to visit. We shall be returning in 2010.
We went on the Tunnel, and it is about a 4 hour drive to get there, but it is a lovely journey.
This is rural France, where little English is spoken, and you get a taste of the 'real' France!
The area has lots to offer, and we still have many more places to visit. We shall be returning in 2010.
Owner's Response: Thanks for this lovely feedback and we look forward to seeing you again in 2010.
Helen, Steve and Rachel are fish enthusiasts and witnessed the release of three koi into the old 'lavoir' during their stay. Unfortunately, one has since escaped and another was killed by our cat, Zara, but we plan to get a few more to replace them. We've also just added a pond-side deck where guests can relax and unwind, and watch the antics of the goldfish, newts, frogs and our latest addition, six grass carp. Hopefully they'll be nice and big by the time Helen, Steve and Rachel return in 2010!
Helen, Steve and Rachel are fish enthusiasts and witnessed the release of three koi into the old 'lavoir' during their stay. Unfortunately, one has since escaped and another was killed by our cat, Zara, but we plan to get a few more to replace them. We've also just added a pond-side deck where guests can relax and unwind, and watch the antics of the goldfish, newts, frogs and our latest addition, six grass carp. Hopefully they'll be nice and big by the time Helen, Steve and Rachel return in 2010!
Delightful Cottage
Review Submitted: July 16, 2009
Date of Stay: May 2009
We stayed in Walnut Cottage in May, the weather was a little cool but the cottage was very warm and cosy. The accommodation is kept immaculately clean and delightfully decorated in keeping with its style.
We found the cottage to be very comfortable and well equipped. A wonderful starter pack was in the kitchen with everything you need, very welcome if you arrive after a long journey and too late to go to the supermarket. Satelite TV with all the English channels made us feel at home. Peaceful surroundings, comfy beds and sitting room - no need to venture out! But there are many places of interest, nearby is the Camembert museum and World War Two museum, both very interesting. A little further afield Honfleur, a very pretty fishing village with many interesting shops and restaraunts, and Bayeux with its famouis tapestry and Gothic Cathedral. Many other interesting places in the area, the cottage has information and leaflets on them all.
There are several excellent restaurants a short drive away if you do not want to cook. The menus are usually in French but Chris and Paul will help you with understanding the different dishes. Infact nothing is too much trouble and you will find them both extremely helpful and friendly.
I would thoroughly recommend this holiday cottage to anyone.
We found the cottage to be very comfortable and well equipped. A wonderful starter pack was in the kitchen with everything you need, very welcome if you arrive after a long journey and too late to go to the supermarket. Satelite TV with all the English channels made us feel at home. Peaceful surroundings, comfy beds and sitting room - no need to venture out! But there are many places of interest, nearby is the Camembert museum and World War Two museum, both very interesting. A little further afield Honfleur, a very pretty fishing village with many interesting shops and restaraunts, and Bayeux with its famouis tapestry and Gothic Cathedral. Many other interesting places in the area, the cottage has information and leaflets on them all.
There are several excellent restaurants a short drive away if you do not want to cook. The menus are usually in French but Chris and Paul will help you with understanding the different dishes. Infact nothing is too much trouble and you will find them both extremely helpful and friendly.
I would thoroughly recommend this holiday cottage to anyone.
Owner's Response: Thanks for your feedback Steph & Bob and it was lovely to welcome you here.
It was a shame that the weather was a little cool that week but the wood-burner certainly makes the cottage lovely and toasty on chilly evenings (we know because we stayed in the gite in January while we were doing some work in the B&B), so it's ideal for a relaxing break outside of the summer months.
There is a great deal to see and do in the area and Walnut Cottage makes for a good base from which to explore Normandy's excellent range of attractions. We often have guests who are surprised by the range of activities and find it difficult to fit everything in; our guests this week have already decided that they want to return in October!
Thanks again Steph and Bob and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
It was a shame that the weather was a little cool that week but the wood-burner certainly makes the cottage lovely and toasty on chilly evenings (we know because we stayed in the gite in January while we were doing some work in the B&B), so it's ideal for a relaxing break outside of the summer months.
There is a great deal to see and do in the area and Walnut Cottage makes for a good base from which to explore Normandy's excellent range of attractions. We often have guests who are surprised by the range of activities and find it difficult to fit everything in; our guests this week have already decided that they want to return in October!
Thanks again Steph and Bob and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
You have already voted for this review. Thanks for voting!
Thank you for your response.
Helpful votes:
Go to page (Page 1 of 1)
1
