Robert & Deborah visited this lovely old French farmhouse set in glorious countryside about twenty miles west of Alencon. It’s about two hours south of the Caen ferryport. It’s a lovely farmhouse set in eight acres of grounds and could be described as a very upmarket bed and breakfast. If you love countryside, peace and quiet and beautiful surroundings you’ll love this place. It is run by Isabelle who is a charming hostess. See details on the Sawday website here:
La Louviere
Le Manoir is an absolute favourite of
Robert & Deborah’s to which they frequently return. Helmut and Jennifer are experienced hoteliers who bring together the perfect blend of a fabulous house and a truly warm welcome. In fact being at Le Manoir is not like staying in a hotel/guesthouse at all but more like visiting great friends who are fortunate to live in a stunningly beautiful house.
Le Manoir is situated a short drive from the tunnel at Calais and is close to the town of Montreuil which, by happy coincidence, is where The Wine Society has its France warehouse! If you feel so inclined it is an easy drive to visit the battlefields of The Somme; you won’t have a happy day doing this visit but Robert suggests that everybody should visit the Somme at least once in their life; he says “it focuses the mind”.
See Le Manoir website
here: Le Manoir and the Sawday’s guide link here: Le Manoir in
Sawday's guide
Stourhead Gardens - For me it has everything a stately home should have by way of gardens. At this time of year will be stunning with the leaves beginning to change colour. A National Trust property that is open all year and has the benefit of the Spread Eagle Inn on site for lunch in case you cannot "do" the whole garden in a morning. Perfect for a weekend tromp in the country. A famous 18th century landscaped garden, parkland, woods. Fantastic follies to view the landscape. Pantheon as seen in Pride and Prejudice film. - Deborah
Annamaria & her partner have spent a relaxing few days in Hévíz, Hungary:
see hereThe lake is a perfect destination in both summer and winter, as the naturally hot medicinal water allows for a pleasant stay. It is also a firm favourite with Water Lilies, so if you have always wanted to see one from real close, it is your chance. Just don’t forget your waterproof camera! Hotels around the lake and town offer half-board packages with massages, facials thrown in but if you prefer exploring the area there is plenty to see and do.
Hévíz is only a 15-20 min drive from lake Balaton, which is the largest freshwater lake in Europe. Along the north shore, one can find rolling hills ideal for a walk, caves, pretty villages and towns. The water here is deeper, so you don’t have to walk for long before you can start swimming. Balatonfured, which hosts the annual wine festival in August and Tihany, with its Benedictine Abbey and splendid views are the main towns and they well worth a visit. The south shore is more flat and the water is shallower so it is ideal for families with small children. The centre here is Siofok, where you’ll find plenty of night life and concerts during the summer.
