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A listed villa from the early 19th century
in Villers-sur-Mer, Calvados

Our opinion

There is no half-timbering here, just stone, brick and a mansard roof topped with flat tiles. "Irène" seems to stand out from the many other villas built during the Belle Époque and right up until after the First World War. It was a time of crinolines, parasols and tail coats, of bathing in “bathing gowns”, of governesses and perambulators, of elegant evening soirées for city dwellers, artists and businessmen who came here to breathe in the sea air. While the original shape surrounded by the garden has been perfectly preserved, the interior has benefited from a more contemporary renovation and colourful decoration in keeping with today's tastes. All of which is sure to inspire happy holidays not far from Deauville, Cabourg, Honfleur or Trouville-sur-Mer.

Property owners’ take the floor

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

It is a story of family and love. For more than 30 years, our grandmother used to stay at the Grand Hôtel d'Houlgate, a landmark in the birth of Normandy seaside resorts. This region has become the scene of many memories, a place full of emotions which we always love to return to. We were dreaming of having a real family place to put down roots, a place to meet up, be together and welcome others. When we discovered this listed villa it was an obvious choice for us. It has everything we were looking for – authentic charm, lots of history, and an exceptional location, just a stone's throw from the sea, in the heart of unspoilt natural surroundings.

What specific architectural features does your building have ?

Built in 1925 by Julien Turbiau, a doctor, artist and sculptor who had lived in Villers since 1900, Maison Irène is one of 163 listed villas in the commune. We have carried out renovations that respect the original architecture, while incorporating carefully chosen contemporary furnishings. This dialogue between heritage features and modern design gives the house an atmosphere that is both elegant and warm.

What is its history ?

Julien Turbiau built the house we know today as Irène in 1925. The property makes up part of the rich history of Villers-sur-Mer, a seaside resort founded in 1856, even before Deauville or Cabourg. Already popular with artists in the 1840s, it is the result of the vision of Félix Pigeory and Pitre-Chevalier, key figures in 19th-century Parisian culture. Villers-sur-Mer boasts a number of architectural follies, including two remarkable buildings inherited from the 1931 International Colonial Exhibition in Paris, which were carefully dismantled, transported and then rebuilt here stone by stone.

What can you offer people staying with you ?

La Maison is an invitation to experience Normandy differently, set between the sea and the countryside. Just a few minutes from Deauville, it is ideally located for exploring the region while enjoying a peaceful setting. The 800 m² landscaped garden, planted with fruit trees (apple, pear, plum, apricot, fig and mirabelle plum) is a veritable cocoon of greenery. At the far end of the garden there is a wellness area with a sauna. A leisure annex has table tennis, darts and a punching bag. The rooms have panoramic views over the rooftops of Villers, the sea and the countryside. Bicycles are available for exploring the coastal paths and discovering the new maritime cycle route.

Places you would personally recommend

There are plenty of ways to discover the picturesque villages of the Normandy countryside, such as Beuvron-en-Auge or Beaumont-en-Auge, which is particularly dear to our hearts. We love meeting up in the square, playing boules or enjoying lunch at the Café des Arts, while strolling through the quiet streets and little shops. We also love walking in Gulbenkian Park, a haven of peace and absolute tranquillity amongst majestic trees. For a shopping break, Trouville and Deauville are less than 15 minutes away, with their lively restaurants, fish markets and shops.