Normandy is not a region that we go to for our holidays although I have lovely memories of long weekends with friends when I was younger and living in Paris (for which I have 5 stylish and affordable recommendations by the way). So I was out of my confort zone when Sofia submitted me her holiday challenge.

She is looking for a large rental house for this summer to accommodate 8 adults with 3 children who need their own bed and two babies of one year old. She set a budget of £2500 per week (about 3000 euros per week as per current exchange rates) and asked to be close to a beach and/or have a pool.

So I have found a couple of options, from a traditional family house to a modern villa, from separate flats near the beach to a beautiful château in the countryside.  I hope Sofia likes my choices !

A family house near Cabourg with swings for the children

Bedrooms: 7

Price: 2200 euros for the last week in July

Website

© Abritel

There is a true feeling of warmth in this house. You sense that it’s a happy family home and that you’ll quickly feel like it’s your own. Reviews on the Abritel site (all in French) give the same feedback. The space is amazing and the kids will surely like sharing the dormitory or play in the garden where there is a swing. Nearest beach is only 1 km away.

A big family house 400 metres from the beach

Bedrooms: 6

Price: 1650 euros for the last week of July

Website

© Abritel

This house has been in the owner’s family for two generations.  The decoration is quite simple but there are some nice architecture and antique features and you can’t beat the space: 6 bedrooms which can accommodate 15 people. A big garden, a playroom and a dining room that can fit a whole school !  The closest ferry port is Ouistreham (9km)

A modern villa in the countryside near Deauville

Bedrooms: 5

Price : £2726 for the last week of July

Website

© Airbnb

The price is higher than the brief but the sense of space and the quality of the furnishing explains it. The kitchen is 70 square meters, there are 5 bedrooms (where you can group the beds if you want to make double beds) a large terrace and garden and you are only a 20 minutes drive from the beach. There is also a renowned equestrian center nearby.

A combination of stylish apartments

Bedrooms: 2 to 3 per house/flat

Price: from 950 euros per week to 1850 euros per week

Websites: http://www.unbateausousmontransat.com/ and http://www.lamerestbelle.com/ and http://www.lacabanedespecheurs.com/

This one requires a bit more of a mathematical mind. Basically you have a series of various flats or houses all located in Port en Bessin in the Calvados with sea views. Prices may add up but all the flats/houses belong to the same owner so you could possibly bargain if you take two or three together.  The price also includes the laundry rental (bed sheets, towels, etc…) and the end of the week cleaning.  I like the idea that you get privacy for each family while being near each other and oh well, they were just too pretty not to consider !

A French château with a heated pool

Bedrooms: 8 for 12 to 14 people

Price: 2820 euros per week

Website

© Abritel

Ok, at that price, with that space and the heated pool, it is not right bang by the beach but this would definitely be my first choice. With a heated pool, 8 bedrooms, tons of space, beautiful high ceilings, a park big enough to organise a football match,  it will just be the perfect relaxing place. You can stay there all day and when you want to see the sea, just plan a day trip (nearest beach is a 1h30 drive). There is also a lake nearby with a beach area, an equestrian center, a karting circuit, a tennis center…. And imagine coming back to England and saying “my summer holidays ? oh we just spent them in our château in France…” 🙂

A “dream gîte” in Normandy with an above ground heated pool

Bedrooms: 5

Price: £2600 for the last week in July

Website

© Mon Souvenir

According to the site, this house can sleeps 10 + 2 babies. We are short of one bed but with ingeniosity or an extra mattress on the floor, you could probably come to an arrangement. The gîte is geared towards families with a playroom with a table football, table tennis  and a good selection of toys, books, board games and DVDs as well as baby equipment (high chairs, changing mats, cutlery…).  It is located on the western Normandy peninsular with Cherbourg the nearest big known town.