Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate | 14-Bedroom Chateau in St Maclou Foulb

Fourteen guests arrive on a summer afternoon at Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate in St Maclou, Normandy, and the first thing they notice is silence—the kind that only 50 hectares of private grounds can provide. This isn’t a villa; it’s a seventeenth-century chateau with the architectural bones of a fortress, the cultivation of a stately home, and the soul of a place that has sheltered everyone from fleeing aristocrats to world leaders. You’re standing in one of Normandy’s most significant privately-held estates, where the landscape itself seems to exhale.

Inside Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate

Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate sleeps 28 guests across 14 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, distributed between the main chateau and its connected farmhouse. The sleeping capacity and spatial arrangement make this property function as an entire private compound rather than a traditional rental villa.

The Main Chateau contains nine bedrooms across three distinct floors, each with its own character. The ground floor master suite features a double bed, private sitting room, and en suite bathroom—positioned to catch morning light from the formal gardens. On the first floor, two additional double bedrooms come with en suite bathrooms, and a separate library (closed to guests) anchors that level. The second floor holds four double bedrooms and two twin-bedded rooms, served by three dedicated shower rooms.

Ground floor entertaining spaces define the chateau’s daily rhythm. The main hallway sets the tone with period detail; the drawing room and morning room provide separate conversation areas, while the library with sofa invites quiet afternoons. A study remains closed off. Two guest toilets serve visitors efficiently. The kitchen and pantry occupy the garden level—fully equipped with modern appliances yet maintaining traditional proportions—opening onto a split-level entertaining space. Here, a sitting room with fireplace and large-screen television creates an informal gathering point, while a dining room with two circular tables seats eighteen guests for formal meals. Doors from this space open directly to the gardens, collapsing the boundary between interior and exterior living. A separate guest WC on this level serves the entertaining areas. A terrace overlooking the formal gardens and fountain adds another dining layer, with seating for up to eighteen outdoors.

The Farmhouse Annexe, connected via a gated pathway through orchards, accommodates an additional ten guests across five bedrooms and four bathrooms. This traditional building—originally part of the estate’s working agricultural heritage—contains a ground-floor bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room, plus a living area and kitchen-dining space. Four additional bedrooms occupy the first floor: two doubles with en suite bathrooms (one accessed by separate exterior stairs), one twin, and one further double, served by a shower room and separate WC. The farmhouse operates as a semi-independent dwelling, ideal for extended family groups or friends seeking mild separation while remaining within the compound.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The 50-hectare grounds transform daily life at Domaine Du Pont. The heated swimming pool measures 12 by 6 metres, operating from June through the end of September—a substantial body of water warmed to comfort during cooler Normandy evenings. The adjoining pool house contains two changing and shower rooms, a modern kitchen, and a function room with gallery seating for 28 guests, effectively creating an indoor-outdoor entertaining hub. This dual space means you can host substantial gatherings without the chateau feeling compromised.

The formal gardens unfold in eighteenth-century precision, centered on a grand fountain that operates on request during summer months. A walled Italian garden provides intimate seclusion, while an apple, pear, fig, mulberry, and walnut orchard produces seasonal fruit throughout the year. Woodland areas create natural screening and walking routes across the property. Parking spaces accommodate multiple vehicles discreetly. Al-fresco dining terraces offer two distinct configurations: the garden-facing terrace seats eighteen comfortably, while the pool house gallery accommodates the full party of 28.

Location: St Maclou and the Surrounding Area

St Maclou sits in Eure, one of Normandy’s most culturally rich departments, positioned 5 kilometres from Beuzeville and 35 kilometres from Le Havre’s international port. The microclimate here—gentle, maritime-influenced, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 22°C—defines the rhythm of outdoor living.

Within three minutes’ drive, a small village provides essential services: a butcher, baker, and pizza takeaway cover daily emergencies, while a well-regarded French restaurant accommodates more deliberate dining. Honfleur, 17 kilometres away, is a working fishing port with Impressionist heritage—Monet, Boudin, and Jongkind all painted here extensively. The harbor’s north bank curves with pastel-fronted buildings and seafood restaurants; Saturday mornings bring Honfleur’s market alive with Normandy’s finest produce. Deauville, 30 kilometres to the northwest, operates as Normandy’s international resort: pristine sandy beach, casino, marina, and restaurants ranging from casual brasseries to Michelin-starred establishments.

Explore our luxury villas across Eure for additional options in this exceptional region. For those planning a broader Normandy experience, browse our European villa collection and consult our detailed Normandy travel guide for seasonal planning and heritage site prioritization. Our full French property portfolio includes additional estates throughout the region.

Cultural landmarks cluster within 45 kilometres: the Bayeux Tapestry (50 kilometres), the D-Day landing beaches at Omaha and Utah (40 kilometres), and Monet’s gardens at Giverny (65 kilometres) form Normandy’s heritage triangle. Trouville (20 kilometres) offers Sunday markets and a family beach; Pont-Audemer (18 kilometres) maintains traditional architecture and Monday markets. Étretat, 57 kilometres distant, crowns limestone cliffs with golf links overlooking the Channel—a dramatic sporting venue.

Food culture defines the region authentically. Livarot, Camembert, and Pont-l’Évêque cheeses originate here; Calvados (apple brandy) production remains the economic backbone of rural Eure. Local seafood—sea bass, sole, langoustine—appears on restaurant menus within hours of landing. Tuesday mornings, Beuzeville market transforms the town center; Saturday mornings, Honfleur’s harbor-side market sells directly from producers. The Michelin Guide remains your most reliable restaurant compass; local recommendations consistently point to establishments emphasizing seasonal, local ingredients rather than contemporary technique.

Sports enthusiasts find Normandy exceptional: the region functions as France’s equestrian capital. Deauville hosts summer polo matches and thoroughbred auctions; the Aga Khan’s stud operates near the chateau as a regional landmark. Numerous golf courses operate within 30 kilometres; Étretat’s clifftop course offers unparalleled Channel views. Horse riding stables proliferate throughout Eure; cycling routes follow river valleys and Norman apple orchards. Boat hire operates from Honfleur’s marina for Seine estuary exploration.

Seasonal variation matters materially here. June through September offer reliable warmth, manageable crowds, and the heated pool’s full utility. July and August peak tourist season means beach congestion but consistent weather. September extends summer conditions while reducing crowds—restaurants operate comfortably, markets remain vibrant, but accommodations require less advance booking. Winter brings rain and 5–8°C temperatures, transforming the chateau into a fireplace-and-library retreat; spring (April-May) produces wildflowers and moderate temperatures ideal for walking but uncertain for pool use.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate functions optimally for specific guest profiles. Extended families spanning three generations—grandparents, adult children with partners, grandchildren—find the dual sleeping arrangements (chateau and farmhouse) create independence without isolation. The 28-guest capacity and farm-kitchen facilities make group catering and babysitting services genuinely valuable rather than luxury extras.

Corporate retreats and creative collectives benefit from the property’s scale: the function room holds formal meetings while the drawing room and library provide breakout spaces. The farmhouse creates an executive guest wing spatially separated from team areas.

Couples seeking heritage immersion without isolation appreciate the chateau’s aesthetic and location while avoiding the loneliness of small villa rentals. The market access, restaurant density, and cultural sites within 45 kilometres support independent exploration.

Families with children find genuine advantages: the heated pool operates safely enclosed; Deauville and Trouville beaches sit 30 minutes away; babysitting availability allows evening dining in Honfleur. The 50 hectares provide safe wandering space and tree-climbing opportunities.

Practical Information

Capacity: 28 guests total. The main chateau sleeps 16–18 guests; the farmhouse accommodates an additional 10. Fourteen bedrooms and ten bathrooms ensure reasonable privacy even at full occupancy.

Nearest Airport: Le Havre (Octeville Airport), 35 kilometres away, receives flights from UK regional airports and Paris connections via bus shuttle. Transfer time by car runs approximately 45 minutes. Paris-Charles de Gaulle, 130 kilometres distant, offers broader flight options with a 2-hour transfer via motorway.

Nearest Supermarket: Beuzeville (5 kilometres) contains a full-service supermarket. Honfleur (17 kilometres) offers larger retail options and multiple specialty shops.

Included: Wi-Fi throughout both buildings, pool heating (seasonal operation June-September), and linen provision. Maid service, babysitting, and catering services operate on request at additional cost. Pets are accommodated on application. Check-in flexibility varies seasonally; discuss specific arrival timing during booking confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate

How many guests does Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate sleep?

Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate accommodates 28 guests across 14 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The main chateau contains 9 bedrooms (one master suite with sitting room, two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, four further double bedrooms, and two twin-bedded rooms), while the connected farmhouse provides 5 additional bedrooms (one ground-floor double with shower room, two first-floor doubles with bathrooms, one twin, and one additional double). This configuration suits groups seeking multiple sleeping zones while maintaining central gathering spaces.

What is the nearest airport to Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate in St Maclou?

Le Havre (Octeville Airport) lies 35 kilometres away, requiring approximately 45 minutes’ transfer by car. This regional airport receives direct flights from UK cities including London, Bristol, and Manchester. Paris-Charles de Gaulle, 130 kilometres south, offers broader flight availability with a 2-hour drive; shuttle buses connect the airport to Le Havre for regional onward transfer. Rouen Airport, 60 kilometres southeast, provides a moderate alternative for some European routes.

What is the best time of year to rent Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate?

June through September offer optimal conditions: the heated pool operates throughout this window, air temperatures average 18–22°C, and daylight extends until 22:00. August brings peak tourist density and higher accommodation costs; June and September provide equivalent weather with smaller crowds and more restaurant availability. July suits families with school holidays. April and May produce wildflowers and mild temperatures (12–16°C) ideal for walking but unpredictable for pool use. October begins autumn rains; November through March requires fireplace comfort and indoor entertainment priorities, though crowds disappear and properties operate at reduced rates.

Is Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate suitable for families with children?

Yes, with specific considerations. The heated pool (operational June-September) is enclosed within the pool house complex with dedicated changing facilities and shallow-end access; external supervision remains advisable. Deauville and Trouville beaches sit 30 kilometres away—professional family beaches with lifeguards and seasonal supervision. Babysitting services operate on request, enabling evening adult dining in Honfleur or Deauville. The 50-hectare grounds provide safe outdoor space; woodland areas support tree exploration while orchards offer seasonal fruit access. On-property activities (pool, gardens, farmyard exploration) sustain 5–12 year-old engagement; teenagers benefit from Deauville’s commercial activity and Honfleur’s harbor exploration. The dual building arrangement allows younger children’s earlier bedtimes without disrupting adult evening gatherings in the chateau.

What is included in the rental price at Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate?

The rental rate includes Wi-Fi internet throughout both buildings, linen and towels for all beds and bathrooms, and pool heating during the operational season (June through September). Utilities (electricity, gas heating, water) are covered. Maid service, babysitting, and professional catering operate separately at additional cost—discuss requirements during booking. Pets are accommodated on application with potential supplementary charges. Check-in typically occurs at 16:00; early arrival and late checkout require prior arrangement and incur additional fees.

What restaurants and shops are near Domaine Du Pont: Entire Estate?

Within three minutes’ drive, a village provides emergency supplies (butcher, baker, pizza takeaway) and a respectable French restaurant. Honfleur (17 kilometres, 20 minutes’ drive) contains numerous seafood restaurants, brasseries, and casual cafés along the harbor; Saturday mornings, the market supplies fresh produce. Deauville (30 kilometres) hosts Michelin-starred establishments, smart brasseries, and international dining. Pont-Audemer (18 kilometres) maintains Monday markets and traditional restaurants. Trouville (20 kilometres) offers family-friendly seaside dining and Sunday markets. Beuzeville (5 kilometres) supplies a full supermarket for self-catering; specialty food producers (cheese makers, cider producers, calvados distilleries) operate throughout Eure on a farm-visit basis—tourist information in Honfleur provides current contact details and seasonal visiting hours.