As a Parisian seeking a breath of fresh air during a heatwave, I discovered an unexpected getaway in 2006: Conches-en-Ouche. Just a short train ride from Saint-Lazare, the contrast is striking. You leave the crowds behind, descending on a platform lined with trees and silence. All around, there are deep forests that reminded me of my days at the officer training school at Évreux airbase. Rather than the distant, overcrowded coastal Normandy, we chose this inhabited countryside with its lively, well-organised village, with shops and a local spirit. The proximity to the station is a rare luxury: that of a retreat that is accessible without a car. Here, time unfolds differently, amidst nature, simplicity and understated elegance.
During the property’s restoration, I chose to reveal rather than conceal. This house, the former workshop of a carpenter, Mr Duval, still bore the memory of his craftsmanship. He had also worked on the Chateau du Champ de Bataille. Beneath the layers of plaster accumulated since the war, a whole language of materials lay buried. I set about bringing it back to life: stripping, uncovering, revealing. The doors, cupboards and woodwork now tell the story of the craftsman’s work, right down to the pencil marks left. Brick, stone, brass – nothing has been concealed. I have combined this rustic authenticity with a contemporary interior design, conceived for a Parisian clientele seeking comfort and aesthetic appeal. The space thus strikes a subtle balance between tradition and modernity, between working-class heritage and contemporary elegance.
The house was originally a coaching inn, bustling on Conches-en-Ouche market days. Market gardeners would leave their horses and carts here before sleeping on the premises. The grand carriage entrance, the high ceilings – everything was built to make it the ideal stop-over point. Later becoming a family home, it stood the test of time until it fell into a state of serious disrepair due to a lack of funds. Its fate took a turn with the neighbouring property: slated for demolition to make way for a soulless block of flats, it threatened the balance of the area. Refusing to accept this disruption, we decided to take action. Together with a passionate contractor and his wife, an unexpected project was born: to restore the entire property and create a small hotel. Having worked here during the years of renovation, they would become its custodians. Thus, through a combination of circumstances and a desire for preservation, a piece of rural heritage has regained its meaning and future.
I wanted to bring the high standards of hospitality I’d learned in Paris here, offering uncompromising comfort: carefully selected bedding, fine linens, and consistent quality in every detail. This place, designed as a sanctuary, is a labour of love above all. The caretaker looks after the building and his wife takes care of the upkeep, with discreet yet essential attention. Behind the gate, the garden unfolds into another world: a green haven where birds reign supreme, secluded from the village yet close by. Here, life is car-free, nestled between nature and immediate amenities. It prioritises freedom: coffee, tea and a kitchen are available, whilst guests can fetch their own bread from the nearby bakery. A deliberate simplicity, conducive to conversation, which lends the stay an almost homely warmth.
The sights to discover in the surrounding area embody a way of life that blends nature and heritage. The Chateau du Champ-de-Bataille stands out as a magnificent visit, with its spectacular gardens and walks along the water’s edge. Further afield, Verneuil-sur-Avre charms with its preserved authenticity and architectural heritage. In Mesnils-sur-Iton, the Manufacture Cluizel showcases exceptional chocolate-making expertise. As for Conches-en-Ouche, the village is packed with attractions: a renowned equestrian centre, the Conches Glass Museum and an arboretum perfect for a leisurely stroll. When it comes to dining, “Le Donjon”, “La Grand Mare” and “Casa Altillo” each offer hearty, authentic cuisine, blending tradition with generous portions.
The property comprises three holiday cottages. The Zen cottage has a kitchen and toilet on the ground floor, a living room and a bedroom on the first floor, and a second bedroom and bathroom on the second floor. The Briques cottage has a bathroom and a bedroom on the ground floor, and a bedroom and a living room on the first floor. Both cottages open onto a private garden. The Bauge house comprises a kitchen on the ground floor, a living room on the first floor and a bedroom with en-suite bathroom on the second floor.
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The property comprises four separate houses. The Bourgeoise house features five guest rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, located on the first and second floors. On the ground floor, a shared kitchen is available for guests’ use.
ref 720691
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