Coutances, La Basse Normandie 50200

A rural estate from the 19th century, renovated and converted into guesthouses, near Pointe d'Agon and a number of beaches on the Cotentin peninsula. The property is accessible via a country road, lined by historical homes, fields and verdant hedges. The dwellings are scattered around the property and, according to the local tradition, connected via a network of branched alleyways and no-through roads. Accessible via a gate, the southern entrance is preceded by a long, finely-crafted fence that encloses a portion of the buildings and a tree-filled courtyard, while, continuing on from here, a dry stone wall encircles the rest of the property. On one side, a small raised path leads to another grassy entrance, and provides views of the entire estate. Forming a long, flared quadrilateral, the plot is divided in two by a massive rectilinear building, which creates a horizontal boundary. Topped with six chimneys and connected to two other oblong dwellings at a right angle, the main dwelling is accessible via a gravel courtyard, which is carpeted by a vast expanse of lawn at its centre. To the north, another more recent construction provides a sense of symmetry to the estate, and is connected to the other buildings via a wide swath of lawn. Tall walls that extend up to the central building enclose this portion of the property, while, beyond, three other large lawns bordered by trees define the property's edges. Built using the foundations of a former farmyard and reconverted into guesthouses, the three main dwellings, with slate gable roofs punctuated by skylights, create a feeling of homogeneity. Their ground floors are all located below street level as well as a portion of the grounds, where once a barnyard or moats must have existed. Walkways connect the different levels of the buildings with the courtyards, open or enclosed by low walls, while thick solid or semi-circular stone walls create boundaries between the property's different subdivided sections. In addition, the dwellings all have Pvc double-glazed windows and doors with ashlar stone surrounds, lintels and jambs. In addition, a small building with a tile gable roof meant for the property's machinery is located along the secondary courtyard.