Discovered almost by chance in 1987, the Perche region immediately struck me as an obvious choice. Yet nothing had ever suggested I would end up there. My father is from the Drôme region and my mother is from Tours. And then a lunch, a chance encounter, a view – and everything changed. Here, the gentle rolling hills, the deep forests and the understated elegance of the stone buildings come together to create a rare harmony. Very quickly, the idea of making a life here began to take hold. The manor house was the stuff of childhood dreams. When I saw it, tired but still standing, its imperfections appealed to me even more. I wandered about without a care, searched without conviction; but as I stepped into the courtyard, everything became crystal clear. It would be mine. It was an instinctive choice dictated solely by the heart.
The manor house, whose origins date back to the 16th century, bears traces of an even more distant past: a tower said to date from the 12th century, though this cannot be confirmed with absolute certainty. Rather than a true manor house, it is more like a stately farm: a large rural estates embellished with ceremonial features. This is evidenced by a mullioned window and fireplaces dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The complex showcases local architecture in which timber framing and cob create a harmonious balance, shaped by local resources and traditional craftsmanship.
The manor house is thought to have been an outbuilding of The Chateau de Courcelles, which once stood on the neighbouring hill and was probably demolished during the Revolution. All that remains of this vanished complex is the farmstead, whose reused ashlar stone—discovered during the building work—are its silent remnants. The site is also steeped in the folklore of the Perche region, with the legend of La Bourbonnaise: a lord who fell in love with a lady from the Bourbonnais, only to be separated from her by the call of the Crusades. Added to this history is that of a region dedicated to breeding the powerful Percheron horses, traces of which can be seen in the high doors and raised feeding troughs. More recently, an American owner revived the venue’s tradition of sound-and-light shows; a festive spirit that now lives on through receptions, concerts and large dinner parties.
The manor house exudes authenticity, with every detail contributing to a subtle sense of harmony: brass fittings in the kitchen, weathered pewter, and Oriental rugs. Guests will feel right at home here, in a house that feels lived-in rather than merely decorated. The floors tell a story of the passage of time: old terracotta tiles laid four centuries ago, simply laid side by side, without any embellishment. There are no concessions to modernity; even the barbecue, crafted by a metalworker, reflects this commitment. We promote a heritage that is respected and shared. Restoration here is a matter of responsibility: to pass on without betraying, to bring to life without altering.
Set amongst rolling hills, wooded countryside and forests, the Perche Regional Nature Park offers a true escape into the countryside. In Nogent-le-Rotrou, the café and grocery shop "De Peps" combines simple cuisine, local produce and a lively terrace on the market square. The Andreline grocery stores in Coudray-au-Perche showcase local specialities. The local farmers’ market brings Arcisses to life every Friday. Nestled in the heart of the Perche golf course, "Le Green" offers a gourmet break in lush, green surroundings. The Borde Leisure Centre and its 21-hectare lake can be explored on foot, by bike, on horseback or by canoe. Finally, every year Percheval celebrates the Percheron horse over the Ascension weekend.
The holiday cottage comprises a large living room and a fully equipped kitchen on the ground floor. A stone staircase leads to the first floor, which comprises four bedrooms: three double bedrooms, each with its own bathroom or shower room, and one bedroom with three single beds, which shares a shower room with one of the double bedrooms.
ref 108122
This property has been added to My favourites
This property has been deleted from My favourites
A link to enter a new password has been sent to you by email.
back
