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A set of two manor houses overlooks the Bay of Morlaix
in Carantec on the north coast of Finistère

Our opinion

As you follow the road running alongside the river and breathe in the iodine and kelp scents that perfume the air you already feel as if you are being carried away to another world. But discovering the Bay of Morlaix afterwards is something else entirely. Here, everything changes all the time - the colour of the sky, the strength of the wind, the flight of the sea birds, the dance of the sailing boats, the movement of the sea as it retreats towards the Château du Taureau. Le Frout offers a captivating show from its high position. Behind the somewhat austere granite facades of its two buildings, the château has taken on a completely different look, with contemporary creations and artists' furniture alongside works of tribal art. It seems like a continuity of the past, given that the Bay of Morlaix has long been a place that welcomes travellers and artists. Everyone, not only artists will find plenty of inspiration here.

Property owners’ take the floor

Why did you settle in this region, in this place and not elsewhere ?

Because a château at the tip of Brittany, or almost at the tip of Brittany, opposite the sea, was something I'd always dreamed of! Having two of them, small and inseparable because they are so close together, seemed doubly attractive to me. The place is, as the people say, "magical". The two manor houses look out over the vast Bay of Morlaix. It is a strong region, between Trégor and Léon, where schist castles stand next to granite churches, churchyards next to wayside shrines, where you can take in the seascapes of the estuaries or the coasts and the magnificent landscapes of the Monts d'Arrée. The air is healthy, pure and iodised, the colour of the sea is magnificent, emerald or opalescent depending on the tide.

What specific architectural features does your building have ?

The property consists of an imposing château known as the "Nouveau Frout" or "Pellan" and, a few dozen metres to the left of the castle as you turn your back to the sea, stands what was, in the 18th century, the first Frout château and the former "Uhellan" Frout farm. In 1895, a large right-angled wing with high pitched roofs was added to the original farm building. A tower similar to that of the "Nouveau Frout" completes the ensemble. The name "Frout" comes from the Breton "froud", meaning "stream of water". Behind the château, the small chapel with its arched door dedicated to Notre-Dame de Bonne Nouvelle dates back to 1860. The decorator Jean Oddes brought the two manor houses back to life, while retaining the original layout of the rooms. He teamed up with Philipp Beesley, winner of the Prix de Rome, an architect and lighting artist who represented Canada at the Venice Biennale, and who installed a huge "Ar Froud Reef" light canopy in the main room. Louis Benech modernised the garden. Furniture made by major artists and early Indonesian art have been collected during our travels. They are often precious and fragile and we ask that they be accepted and respected.

What is its history ?

In the 16th century, the Gourio family, the first occupants of the "Old Frout", were married into the Crémeur and Quelen families. Between 1678 and 1692, the land and manor became the property of the Leserec de Treder family, then, from 1692 to 1707, of the Allain de la Brosse family, before being inherited by the Launay family and, in 1734, by the Bernard de Basseville family. Pierre Bernard de Basseville, who married Jacquette de la Chapelle and with whom he had 13 children, died in 1743 after making his fortune as a privateer captain, merchant and then shipowner. His granddaughter Cécile, who didn't marry, bequeathed the château to her nephew Jean-Baptiste Drillet de Lannigou, whose descendant, Paule de Parscau, married Joseph de Kersauson-Vieux Châtel (1852-1913), the general councillor for the canton of Taulé and the person responsible for building the bridge over the Penzé. Other members of this family included Louis de Kersauson, born in Morlaix in 1850, who was a member of parliament for Finistère from 1885 to 1889 and then a general councillor. He retired from political life when he was not re-elected and died in Paris in 1928.

What can you offer people staying with you ?

The manor’s location right on the water is its greatest asset! From here you can enjoy the seaside: swimming on the beautiful beaches of Calotte, Dossen and Penalan; fishing, boating, kayaking, rowing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, land sailing, diving, golf, tennis, horse-riding and cycling. Everything is possible and easily accessible! If you like to take life easy you can sit on the terrace facing the sea, dreaming, watching the countless sea birds, meditating or reading on a bench facing the sea. Life in the manor is punctuated by the show given by the tides! It is less than three kilometres from the village of Carantec. Larger groups can also rent an additional seven rooms at the neighboring château Nouveau Frout. Both houses, if rented at the same time, are only available to people who wish to live together.

Places you would personally recommend

“Les Bains Douches" in Morlaix serves delicious family-style cuisine in a fun setting. "Le Dourduff" in the village of the same name is the friendliest seaside restaurant you will find. A walk along the customs path is a must in Carantec is a must. Set off from the pointe de Pen-al-Lann, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Bay of Morlaix. From here, you will find an incomparable panoramic view over Ile Louët and the Château du Taureau, an impressive fortress built between 1542 and 1552 and well worth a visit. For a tasty break in Carantec by the sea, "Les Huîtres de Pen Al Lann" oyster-farmers for four generations have a tasting area on the slipway. One of the most beautiful spots for swimming is just beyond Saint-Pol-de-Léon at the stunning beaches of Perharidy. If you like fishing, ask Michel Keguiz to take you to some hidden spots.

The property

500 M²

3500 M²

The entire properties comprising two manor houses can be accessed. There are fourteen bedrooms on site - seven in each building. There is additional accommodation nearby if required.

ref 572341