The Summer House

Sea, Sand and Salt Marshes

Set in a coastal village on the Cotentin Peninsula, The Summer House is a four bedroom gite with a farmhouse feel. Footpaths lead through the Marais du Cotentin Regional Nature Park to the large sandy beaches on the coast, and walks here can be coupled with a relaxing stroll around the charming unspoiled village.

Four bedroom gite in a Natural Park on the Cotentin Peninsula

The Summer House, near Saint-Germain-Sur-Ay is a four bedroom gite, equipped to sleep 8, on the western coast of the Cherbourg Peninsula. It is set in a quaint coastal village bordered by the Parc Naturel Regional des Marais du Cotentin, a natural area of coastal views, salt marshes and sandy beaches.

Your base for a leisurely family holiday

Inside The Summer House, there’s a farmhouse feel with various antique wooden features and a wood burning stove located in the centre of the comfortable sitting room. On the first floor, there are two double rooms and on the second floor two twin rooms, making this house particularly well suited for multi-generational holidays or for two families to share. With an abundance of games, drawing materials and jigsaws, Freesat TV with English channels, Wi-Fi, iPod docking station, bicycles and a large garden, there’s plenty to do without even leaving the property. As a previous guest has written in the visitor’s book, ‘The house is just amazing’.

Venturing outside from the house, a leisurely stroll around the unspoiled village, feeding the various animals en route will take you just 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can enjoy a short walk across the salt marshes to the small chapel on a rock, picking seasonal fruits on the way. Otherwise, for a longer amble there are many other beautiful walking and cycle routes close by, winding through the National Park. So, you are well placed for a perfectly relaxing yet refreshing getaway.

Just 100 metres from the property, is a small village shop where you can purchase a few supplies for the cupboards. But, there’s also a village bar, which Geoff Bevans, the owner of the property, says you should consider visiting for lunch during your stay. It serves a taste of real France, and with 3 courses plus wine for around €11 it’s a bargain too!

Day trips and holiday activities

For guests that enjoy more adventurous family holidays, there are plenty to choose from in the nearby area. A particular recommendation from Geoff, is sand-yachting. This exciting sport takes place on the large sandy beach and is memorable and thrilling to try. Also nearby is horse-riding, canoeing and golf, and with the coastal location, a variety of water sports too.

For day trips slightly further afield, Champrepus zoo in Granville is a personal favourite of the owners, and makes for a great day out. Just over an hour away, Bayeux, with its famous tapestry, also makes a memorable visit.

A holiday home to use as your own

Having bought the Summer House in a condition that had not been lived in for ten years, the Bevans have invested a large amount of time and effort to transform it into the holiday home you’ll find today. As Geoff says, “We like to emphasise that this is our holiday home, and we welcome others to use it as theirs. It’s not just a house that we let to others for holidays!”

A week-long stay at the Summer House starts from £525 pw.

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