Maison De Prairie | 2-Bedroom Cottage with Hot Tub in Manerbe

The Route du Cidre winds through some of France’s most evocative countryside, and Maison De Prairie sits at its heart—a meticulously restored 18th-century cottage that began life as working stables, now surrounded by rolling meadows and the pastoral silence that makes Calvados irresistible. You’re walking distance from a characterful village, yet only 20km from Deauville’s celebrated seafront and the gastronomic markets of Pont-l’Évêque. This is where Normandy reveals itself most authentically.

The cottage accommodates 4 guests across 2 double bedrooms, each with its own slate-tiled shower room, plus a ground-floor layout that means no stairs between bed and breakfast. The bones are 18th-century half-timber; the comforts are decidedly 21st. Wood smoke curls from the working fireplace on cool evenings. A Sonos speaker carries your music to the terrace. The kitchen, open to the dining space, functions equally well as a home office with seamless Wi-Fi—the kind of practical dual-purpose design that makes extended stays feel effortless rather than makeshift.

Inside Maison De Prairie

Maison De Prairie sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the ground floor, with a third twin bedroom beneath the eaves upstairs (available by request for additional guests).

The ground floor unfolds in a semi-open-plan arrangement. The lounge features a working wood stove—the kind that radiates real heat and genuine ambiance—with doors opening directly onto the garden and terrace. From here, the dining and kitchen area flows seamlessly, neither cramped nor cavernous. The kitchen itself is fully equipped: dishwasher, microwave, oven, coffee machine, kettle, electric mixer. A substantial wooden dining table seats 4–6 and doubles as office space, with reliable Wi-Fi extending throughout. A second terrace door leads directly to the outdoor dining area.

The first guest bedroom on this floor holds a double bed with views across the meadow and its own private shower room, complete with slate tiling, bathrobes, slippers and quality toiletries. The second bedroom, also with a double bed, overlooks the manicured gardens and similarly enjoys an ensuite shower room with the same thoughtful amenities. Both rooms feature high-end bedding and individually styled décor that balances period character with contemporary comfort.

A separate ground-floor WC provides additional convenience for guests moving between spaces. Upstairs, a twin bedroom beneath the pitched eaves (occasionally low-slung, hence the “eaves” description) offers supplementary sleeping for visitors or younger family members when booked as an addition; this room includes a WC and sink. All rooms benefit from reliable heating throughout the property, essential during Normandy’s cooler months.

Practical touches abound: a washing machine and dryer handle laundry without leaving the cottage, whilst a 4K Smart TV with Netflix and Prime Video access, plus the Sonos speaker system, ensure entertainment options for quieter evenings. Pre-stocked fridges can be arranged on request, eliminating the post-arrival supermarket scramble.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The garden is the beating heart of summer stays here. Step outside and you’re surrounded by immaculate lawns, white roses in bloom, and precisely clipped box hedges—the formal bones of a traditional French country garden, maintained with obvious care. The property overlooks open meadow beyond its boundaries, so the sense of space never feels compromised by proximity to neighbours.

Two distinct terrace zones serve different purposes. The first, accessed directly from the lounge, holds the hot tub—a proper soaking experience where you sink below water level while gazing across the meadow toward the distant tree line. Two deck chairs flank the tub for pre- or post-soak relaxation. The second terrace, adjacent to the kitchen, functions as the outdoor living and dining hub: a table with chairs for al-fresco meals, lounge seating for afternoon reading, and a gas barbecue for those who prefer grilled fish or vegetable to oven cooking. An electric gate and parking area provide secure entry and vehicle storage.

Location: Maison De Prairie and the Surrounding Area

The cottage’s postal address sits in the Pays d’Auge, Calvados, within the network of villages strung along the Route du Cidre. The nearest settlement is just 1.5km away—close enough to walk if you don’t mind quiet country lanes—offering a modest but genuine village amenities: a small grocery, boulangerie, butcher, pharmacy, tabac, and a handful of restaurants. An electric vehicle charging station here serves the growing number of visitors arriving in hybrid or electric cars.

This village is one of several standout stops on the signed Route du Cidre circuit. Beuvron-en-Auge (15km east) holds official designation as one of France’s “Plus Beaux Villages”—a title justified by its intact 17th-century half-timbered buildings, flower-filled squares, and two annual festivals (May’s flower festival, October’s cider festival). Cambremer (10km) and Beaufour-Duval (8km) complete the trilogy of essential cider-country villages, each producing AOC Pays d’Auge calvados, cider and Pommeau that you can sample directly at artisanal producers scattered across the region.

Pont-l’Évêque (14.5km southeast) demands a dedicated visit for food enthusiasts. This town is synonymous with cheese—specifically the pungent, creamy Pont-l’Évêque itself—but its Monday morning market sprawls across the central square with exceptional produce: seafood, crème fraîche, Camembert, Livarot, seasonal vegetables and fruits. The market runs year-round and captures the rhythm of rural Normandy better than any guidebook. Just outside the town, Lac Terre d’Auge offers a seasonal Base de Loisirs (leisure centre) with a lakeside beach, watersports equipment rental, mini-golf and fishing facilities—ideal for families seeking structured activity.

The Côte Fleurie—the coast’s flower-blessed name—lies within easy reach. Honfleur (30km), with its picturesque harbour lined by tall merchant houses and artist studios, functions as the coast’s cultural anchor. Deauville (20km) represents the opposite extreme: a Belle Époque seaside resort of boardwalks, manicured beach and high-end restaurants, the kind of place Parisians drive to for weekends. Trouville-sur-Mer (21km) bridges both worlds—a working fishing port with an equally famous fish market and restaurants built on the harbour’s authenticity. Cabourg (25km) offers family-friendly beaches and typical Norman seaside charm.

For historical perspective, the D-Day Landing sites sit within reasonable day-trip range. Arromanches-les-Bains (80km) and Omaha Beach (94km) lie approximately 75–90 minutes by car, accessible via the D-Day beaches circuit. Caen (approximately 50km northwest) houses the Normandy Museum and the medieval castle of William the Conqueror, providing broader historical context to the region’s pivotal 20th-century significance.

Cycling through the Pays d’Auge landscape—past apple orchards, half-timbered farmhouses, and villages that seem untouched by modern development—represents one of the region’s defining experiences. Country lanes suitable for road bikes and gravel tracks for mountain bikes crisscross the area.

Explore our villas in Calvados for additional options across this remarkable département, or browse our luxury villas in France for inspiration beyond Normandy. Our Normandy travel guide offers deeper context for planning a multi-region visit, whilst our full collection in Manerbe and surrounding areas reveals neighbouring properties.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Maison De Prairie works exceptionally well for couples seeking a rural retreat within weekend reach of Paris—the four-hour drive from CDG airport means Friday evening arrival is realistic. Two bedrooms accommodate either a couple plus visiting parents, or two couples who value privacy within shared space. Families with young children appreciate the ground-floor layout (no stairs between bedrooms and communal areas), the pre-stocked fridge option, the provision of high chairs and cots, and the enclosed garden. The hot tub appeals to adults seeking spa-style relaxation in a private setting; the proximity to the lake, markets and gentle cycling routes suits families wanting structure without requiring a sprawling villa complex.

Small work parties, creative retreats or sabbatical-takers thrive here. The Wi-Fi is reliable, the dining table converts to workspace, and the cottage’s quiet setting minimises distraction. Single-generation groups (whether friends or family) who want to cook together benefit from the well-equipped kitchen.

It suits guests seeking authentic rural Normandy over resort experiences—people drawn by cideries, markets, half-timbered villages and gastronomic exploration rather than beach clubs.

Practical Information

Capacity & Layout: Maison De Prairie accommodates 4 guests in 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the ground floor. A third twin bedroom upstairs (WC and sink) is available by request. Heating operates throughout winter months.

Nearest Airports: Paris CDG (approximately 140km, 2–2.5 hours by car), Paris Orly (approximately 130km, 2–2.5 hours), Paris Beauvais (approximately 110km, 1.5–2 hours), or Rennes Airport (approximately 120km, 2 hours). Ferry ports: Caen-Ouistreham (42km) or Le Havre (63km). Train option: Pont-l’Évêque station receives services from Paris Saint-Lazare (approximately 2-hour journey).

Nearest Supermarket: A small grocery operates in the adjacent village (1.5km). Larger supermarkets and hypermarkets are found in Pont-l’Évêque (14.5km).

Included in Rental: Wi-Fi internet throughout, heating, wood stove fuel, 4K Smart TV (Netflix and Prime Video access), Sonos speaker, bathrobes, slippers and premium toiletries, washing machine/dryer access, garden and terrace use, hot tub, gas barbecue. Linen and towels included. Pre-stocked fridge available on request. Pets accommodated on request (additional fees may apply).

Check-in Flexibility: Contact Excellence Luxury Villas for specific arrival and departure timings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maison De Prairie

How many guests does Maison De Prairie sleep?

Maison De Prairie sleeps 4 guests across 2 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the ground floor. A third twin bedroom beneath the eaves is available upon request, allowing accommodation for up to 6 guests on an optional basis. This room includes a WC and sink but is offered as supplementary sleeping rather than a primary bedroom.

What is the nearest airport to Maison De Prairie in Calvados?

Paris CDG (Roissy) is the closest major international airport at approximately 140km, with a driving time of 2–2.5 hours. Paris Orly lies roughly 130km away with similar transfer duration. Paris Beauvais, a smaller airport serving budget carriers, measures approximately 110km (1.5–2 hours drive). For ferry travel, Caen-Ouistreham port (42km, 45 minutes) or Le Havre (63km, 1 hour) offer crossing points to Portsmouth and other UK destinations. Pont-l’Évêque railway station (14.5km) connects Paris Saint-Lazare on a 2-hour journey.

What is the best time of year to rent Maison De Prairie?

May through September represents the prime season for Maison De Prairie. May brings blooming gardens (particularly impactful at nearby Beuvron-en-Auge’s flower festival), warm days and the cottage’s landscape at peak visual appeal. June and July offer extended daylight and reliable warmth for hot-tub use and outdoor dining. August remains warm but attracts higher tourist density across coastal resorts. September delivers autumn’s clarity—crisp mornings, warm afternoons, golden light—plus smaller crowds. October suits those attending Beuvron-en-Auge’s cider festival or seeking the Pays d’Auge at harvest time. April and November are transitional months: cooler but dramatic, with working fireplaces earning their keep. Winter (December–March) brings fog, occasional frost and quieter village life; the wood stove becomes essential; heating throughout the property remains functional. Avoid early January through mid-February for unpredictable weather and reduced local services.

Is Maison De Prairie suitable for families with children?

Yes, Maison De Prairie works well for families with young children. The ground-floor layout means bedrooms and bathrooms are accessible without navigating stairs—significant for parents managing infants and toddlers. The property provides high chairs and travel cots (cribs) upon request. The enclosed gardens offer safe outdoor play space with lawns and roses, visible from the lounge. The hot tub requires supervision but operates safely with appropriate precautions. Nearby amenities include the Lac Terre d’Auge leisure centre (just outside Pont-l’Évêque, 14.5km away) with mini-golf, beach and watersports—structured activities for older children. Beaches at Cabourg (25km) and Deauville (20km) provide classic seaside experiences. The village shops and weekly Pont-l’Évêque market offer child-friendly exploration. Restaurants in the nearby village cater to families, though dining at the cottage itself simplifies schedules.

What is included in the rental price at Maison De Prairie?

The rental includes Wi-Fi broadband internet, central heating throughout, hot tub access and maintenance, garden and terrace usage, gas barbecue, wood for the working fireplace, 4K Smart TV with Netflix and Prime Video access, Sonos speaker system, bathrobes, slippers and premium toiletries, washing machine and tumble dryer, linen and towels. A pre-stocked fridge can be arranged in advance at additional cost. Pets are accommodated by request; applicable fees apply. Utilities (electricity, water, gas for heating) are included. Garden maintenance is the property owner’s responsibility. Check the specific booking terms for cancellation policies, damage deposits and any seasonal supplements.

What restaurants and shops are near Maison De Prairie?

The adjacent village (1.5km on foot) operates a small grocery, boulangerie (for fresh bread and pastries), butcher, pharmacy and tabac. Several informal restaurants serve local cuisine in this village. Pont-l’Évêque (14.5km) is the regional gastronomic hub: the Monday morning market sprawls across the central square with exceptional cheese (Pont-l’Évêque, Camembert, Livarot), seafood, crème fraîche and seasonal produce. Established restaurants throughout Pont-l’Évêque specialise in Norman cuisine—cider-brined pork, apple-based desserts, seafood. Honfleur (30km) aligns the harbour with galleries and seafood restaurants of notable quality. Deauville (20km) concentrates high-end dining and Michelin-starred options. Trouville-sur-Mer (21km) offers informal fish restaurants adjacent to its working port and celebrated fish market. For self-catering, a full hypermarket is located in Pont-l’Évêque (14.5km). Specialty cider and calvados can be purchased directly from producers dotted across the Route du Cidre circuit.