Normandy, 2010

Clos Masure Hôtel de Campagne

Entry driveway to Clos Masure Hotel de Campagne

In Normandy, not far from Dieppe there are more interesting gardens to see than can be covered in a day. We were fortunate in traveling from Bruges to Honfleur to schedule a stopover at a sweet place off the beaten path near the tiny town of Belmesnil. We found it, by chance, on the Internet--with no other referral (not even Rick Steves!). It was so perfect in every way that I wanted to share it with anyone who might be interested. It is called Clos Masure Hôtel de Campagne® and may be found at 8 Toute De La Plaine, 76590 Belmesnil, France; www.closmasure.com It is owned and operated by Jean François Leven and Patrick Langois. Jean François speaks English fairly well and is extremely helpful in guiding to nearby points of interests as well as restaurants in the area (if you don't make a reservation at La Table du Clos). Patrick speaks less English but is just as sweet. As nearly as we could tell (from our not very good French), Jean François bought this 17th century "enclosed farm" and has spent something like 7 to 10 years rehabbing the place.

The first building that Jean François renovated was a barn that he converted to a garage with an apartment upstairs. He lived here while he worked on the main farmhouse building.

Farmhouse

The farmhouse was an enormous task from all appearances. Today it is the owners' home with some rental rooms, as well as a parlor and dining room, open to guests during posted times...

Parlor

Dining Room

and a boutique where they sell their monogramed towels and robes as well as candles, cds, soaps and other unique gifts--

like the rubber trugs they use around the grounds for planters.

Clos Masure is quiet and peaceful with old and new buildings carefully sited over the large enclosed farm and connected with meandering paths and expanses of lawn.

We stayed in one of the newer buildings, with a spacious room (yes, I said spacious!) that included a large bath fully appointed with spa amenities, a kitchenette + TV and WiFi access. The "new" buildings are designed to blend with the vernacular Normandy half timber farmhouse and are built mainly with brick, slate roofs and details that echo the main building.

Our upstairs room overlooked the spa and swimming pool.

The pool is heated (solar, of course) and the spa includes a fitness center. Treatments are available as well, so one could just linger here indefintely.

Jean François and Patrick have taken great care with landscaping to screen parking and utilitarian areas on the site and to both preserve and enhance views. Their selection of materials is simple, minimal and elegant, with just enough surfacing to accommodate circulation and a minimum of furnishings. Annuals and perennials from the garden are cut for beautiful displays in the main farmhouse building.

When he is not cleaning the pool or tending the myriad of duties at the spa, Jean François will happily guide your day's adventures. I had only to mention my interest in gardens and he produced a map of the region and highlighted the very best to see--which included: the potager du Château Miromesnil, Jardin Agapanthe and Bois des Moutiers for a day. Also near are Jardin Bellevue, jardin Plume, Jardin du Bosmelet and Collection Shamrock.

Adding to the pastoral scene are adjacent equestrian ranches where one can go horseback riding--the horses will come up to the fence here for a carrot or nuzzle. And there's also a nearby golf course, cycling and walking paths, as well as beaches--this is only about 15 minutes from Dieppe.

There are only 13 suites and rooms at Clos Masure, but there are still buildings that may one day be renovated. With the current capacity though, it is tranquil and relaxing.

DO make dinner reservations and do not skip the breakfast--you will be waited on graciously by Jean François and Patrick and served local pastries, homemade preserves and delicious seasonal, regional cuisine made by these delightful men.