Spacious, elegant farmhouse Le Perche, S.Normandy

Large, elegant 19th century farmhouse, known as `La Basse Passiere', is set in a fabulous imposing courtyard surrounded by typical `percheron' farm outbuildings. There is a large garden ( with trampoline and inflatable 12' pool- on request). There is a large outside dining table with chairs. This is a much loved second home, `shabby chic' in style, comfortable and well -equipped. Very spacious and light rooms, with large shuttered windows; full central heating ( mainly cast iron radiators), open fires, wood stove. Furnished and equipped as a home. The 4 bedrooms are all large and sleep 9 - 10; the two bathrooms are well equipped; carpeted upstairs; traditional tiled floors downstairs. The kitchen is immense with its own walled courtyard with outside table and chairs; huge kitchen table and efficient wood stove; an adjoining sitting/ dining room with open fire; a large and light drawing room with wood stove. At the back of the house is a scullery and cloakroom area with laundry. There is no shortage of storage space. Despite its size, this house is very well heated, with central heating on continuously during winter stays. There is stabling and grazing available for your own horses (by special arrangement). The house is completely private with no overlooking properties, yet easy walking distance to the village, through a charming conservation park with a fishing lake, for your morning bread and croissants. The house is situated at the end of a no -through lane; outside the entrance gates you can set off along a pathway on foot, bicycle or horse to explore the surrounding countryside. The village has a boulangerie with grocery and restaurant where many musical events are held. Nearby there is the ancient presbytery and `eco-museum' of St Gauburge, which hosts community rural events throughout the year. The beautiful `Manoir de la Lubinere' is our nearest neighbour and can be seen from the garden. Le Perche Region is a unique conservation area, with its ancient cider apple orchards and pastures, Percheron heavy horses, meandering rivers and numerous fortified manoirs and chateaux. Rural markets, wonderful restaurants, fabulous walking, cycling and riding. The property is near to dynamic and beautiful towns, offering many holiday activities; canoeing, lakeside swimming with a man made beach, outdoor swimming pools; excellent restaurants. There are many local events and sites of interest in this rural but dymanic region. Le Jardin Francois- a beautifully laid out and peaceful garden retreat of international repute is 4 km away. Haras du Pin, famous stud farm with spectacular horse shows, 50 minute drive; Nogent le Retrou, at 8 km; is the nearest large town with a fabulous saturday market, and indoor and outdoor swimming pool and leisure centre. 20 minutes to a man made beach with swimming lake.1 hour to Le Mans with its famous car race; medieval town and - for children and adolescents- a fantastic high ropes park.Paris is a 1 1/2 hour train journey away, from Nogent le Retrou( a 10 minute drive).