Livarot, La Basse Normandie 14140

A 15th-century manor house listed as a regional Historical Monument and renovated according to standard practices on 18 hectares of rolling grounds, near Livarot in the middle of the Norman Pays d'Auge region. Along a small country road, the property is sheltered behind massive and well-maintained hedgerows, so typical of the Pays d'Auge countryside. An electric gate marks the entrance to the property, near which an orchard provides glimpses of the manor house, while its half-timbered barn, set almost at a right angle to the dwelling, has been reconverted in large part. Further on, the property also includes a second timber-framed dwelling, a dovecote and a machine room, creating an architectural unity with features characteristic of the 15th-18th centuries. In all likelihood built in the second half of the 15th century, the rectangular-shaped manor house stretches from north to south and, according to several architectural studies, seems to have been built over an older edifice, while its interior and exterior were built using the same materials - stone, terracotta and wood - in the traditional architectural style so ubiquitous to the region. In addition, this manor house particularly stands out thanks to the rather astounding rediscovery and preservation of its original Renaissance-era dcor, which was resurrected behind its wood panelling in the 18th century.As for the various buildings on the property, they are elegantly scattered along a gentle slope and connected to one another via tree-lined paths, while, further on, a second entrance to the property provides access, in particular, to the second dwelling.Up on higher ground, the immense property also includes a variety of interconnected gardens, which create wide verdant spaces with tantalising essences and fragrances, as well as a stream and a pond. As for the forest cover, it is mainly composed of mature trees and encircles the back of the property. In addition, woodlands and pastures, stretching as far as the eye can see, blanket the nearby hills, while the Touques River valley is located below as well as a stud farm further on.