Chez Caroline - charming rural cottage close to beach

Chez Caroline is a two bedroom, sleeping 5, colombage style cottage with many quirky features which add to its charm. The cottage has a secluded private garden to the rear and the front aspect offers stunning views of the French countryside which is accessible via a stile for you to explore. There is a smaller 1 bedroom detached cottage sleeping 2 people 60 metres away, please see Chez Edward for further details. Each property has its own private outside space. It is located in the tiny hamlet of Heuland, 5 minutes drive from the market town of Dozule and 20mins from Caen. Chez Caroline offers an ideal base for those wanting a quiet, peaceful retreat whilst being close to many of Normandy’s tourist attractions including the D Day beaches. Chez Caroline is one of two properties, which together sleep 7, making the location ideal for a larger group. The properties are situated far enough apart to give privacy as you can see in the photos. The other property on the site is ‘Chez Edward’. From the front door you enter the dining area with a large fireplace for those cooler winter evenings. The lounge is through a door on your left and it has English TV (free sat) and a music system. There is access to free wifi throughout the cottage. To the right of the dining room there is a well equipped modern kitchen which has been cleverly designed to retain the lovely wooden beams whilst allowing an open plan feel with the dining area. There is a washing machine located in a separate outbuilding which you are welcome to use. Towards the back of the dining area, on the right, is a hidden sliding door that leads to the downstairs toilet and shower room. On the left of the dining area you will find the cottage style staircase winding round the corner and leading into the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The bedroom is furnished with a King Size bed, wardrobe and drawers. Bed linen and towels are provided. Across the narrow landing from the master bedroom is the family bedroom which is also furnished with a king size bed as well as a single bed, wardrobe and drawers. Please note there is a very steep step over from the landing into the second bedroom which makes it unsuitable for people with limited mobility. This is part of the quirkiness of the property. The property is not suitable for guests with impaired mobility or wheelchair users. At the front of the property there is a large terrace with table and chairs and to the rear of the property, accessible down the side, there is a private garden. This is ideal for “alfresco dining” or just relaxing and enjoying the views. A barbecue is provided for your use. A variety of outdoor games are provided and are stored in an outbuilding. We are able to offer you a 20% discount for travel with Brittany Ferries, potentially giving you a substantial saving on your travel costs. Brittany Ferries operates into Le Havre (1 Hour drive) and Ouistreham (30 minutes drive). Pets may be allowed. Please enquire. Pet Fee and Rules apply. Local Area Dozule is a thriving market town catering for all your shopping needs including a boulangerie for those freshly baked morning croissants! Here you will also find a bank, supermarket and chemist. Market day is on a Tuesday. Out and About Chez Caroline is well located for a number of Normandy’s tourist attractions: For those that like the outdoors there are the beautiful sandy beaches of Villers sur Mer (15 mins drive), and an equestrian centre (5 mins drive). Slightly further afield in the lovely old town of Clecy in the Suisse Normande area of Normandy, where there is the opportunity for water sports such as canoeing on the river and even abseiling and paragliding for the more adventurous! The area is also ideal for those who enjoy rambling. Normandy is renowned for its traditional markets and local markets can be found in Caen, Ouistreham (daily fish market) and Villers sur Mer (Tuesday) as well as many other villages and towns in the area. Mont St Michel, UNESCO world heritage site is a 2 hour drive from the property and is well worth a visit. There are a number of historical attractions within a reasonable travel distance; Falaise Castle (40 minutes) and Bayeux (tapestry) both having historical connections with William the Conqueror. For those interested in World War 2 there are many museums and famous beaches giving a fascinating insight into the D Day campaign. Arromanches, the home of the Mulberry harbours (50 minutes) and Courselles sur Mer home to the Canadian Museum and landing beaches (40 minutes) also Pegasus Bridge (30 minutes) are just a few within easy reach. Honfleur (35 minutes drive) is a beautiful harbour town steeped in history that provided inspiration for a number of famous artists including Monet. This picturesque town has a much photographed harbour surrounded by restaurants serving mussels, oysters and other culinary delights! Owner Recommendations: Our favourite beach is at Houlgate which is just 20 minutes from the property and we recommend L’Eden (fine dining) and L’Arbre a Pin (pizza restaurant) here. Other eating places well worth a visit are La Haie Tondue at Beaumont en Auge and L’Auberge de la Touques at Pont L’eveque. The medieval market in Dives sur Mer (20 mins) is also excellent and this takes place on Saturday and also Tuesday in the Summer.