06 December 2016 by Laura Habgood
La Rougerie, Saint-Fromond, Manche
This month’s featured property is La Rougerie, a small farm set in a beautiful protected national park in Saint-Fromond in the Manche department of Normandy and comprised of a self-catering farmhouse and gite together with a Mongolian yurt.
From Gatwick to gites and guiding
The properties are owned by Fiona and Adrian Ridley-Jones who left their home in Gatwick in search of open spaces and a more relaxed pace of life which is exactly what they found when they purchased La Rougerie back in 2013.
Since then, they have done extensive renovation work on the properties and now have their very own smallholding including 2 chocolate Labradors called Sherlock and Watson, several goats, chickens, geese and the newest additions of 3 rescued donkeys to name but a few!
Fiona teaches English and Adrian is a Battlefield Guide who will happily show you around the local area and the sites of the World Wars during your stay.
Try glamping in a Mongolian Yurt!
A particular highlight of La Rougerie is the fabulous Mongolian yurt set in its own private field and comfortably sleeping a family of 4 with a king size bed and 2 convertible sofas.
If you’re travelling as couple, the yurt is the perfect romantic escape with no light pollution apart from the stars! Another great feature of the yurt is the woodburner, meaning it is also suitable accommodation for out of season breaks.
Fiona and Adrian will deliver a continental breakfast to your door during your stay, but there is also a campsite kitchen available should you want to do your own cooking. The yurt has its own private bathroom complete with electricity, a hot shower and flushing toilet providing you with a true glamping experience.
Farmhouse Gite and Cottage accommodation
La Rougerie also offers a lovely farmhouse with 4 en suite bedrooms and large kitchen with wood burning Rayburn for cooking.
And there is an attractive cottage available that sleeps 4 situated in its own private field, providing total peace and an escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life.
Farm activities & nearby historical attractions
There is lots to see and do nearby including a visit to the world famous Mont St Michel which has been voted a UNESCO World Heritage Site or alternatively a trip to nearby Bayeux which is filled with history and home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
If you want to stay closer to home, guests are welcome to help out with farm duties such as taking care of the animals and egg collecting and 5 minutes down the road from the farm is Chateau de la Riviere. Built by William the Conqueror and destroyed by bombing during World War 2, the chateau is now home to over 30 pairs of nesting storks. Storks are rare in Normandy, and it is a great experience to take the short cycle ride from La Rougerie and watch these rare birds nesting.