Beauchene, Orne, France

This pretty 2-bedroom detached cottage comes with just under an acre of land and a large outbuilding. The property was fully renovated in 2006, including a new roof, full insulation, velux windows, septic tank and electrics. There’s underfloor heating as well as a wood-burner. The popular market towns of Flers and Tinchebray are both within easy reach, as is the ferry port at Caen.

The accommodation is set out over 3 floors and there’s around 75m2 of habitable space.

Ground floor:
Kitchen/Diner
Living room (with wood-burner

First floor:
Master bedroom
Bathroom (bath and WC)
Shower room

Second floor: 
Bedroom 2, with x 2 Velux windows and study area at one end. 

Outside:
The total plot size measures 0.76 acres but the owners are in the process of buying a small neighbouring plot which includes a wood store. This would increase the total plot size to 0.89 acres. One of the plots belonging to the property can be built on. There’s a large barn on the plot, which is divided into two and makes the perfect workshop but could also be developed into further accommodation. 

Location:
The property is located on the outskirts of the village of Beauchêne, within easy reach of the market towns of Tinchebray and Flers. Both towns have excellent weekly markets and a wide selection of shops, restaurants and supermarkets.

Although Beauchêne no longer has a small shop, it has a cafe bar. All the surrounding villages just a few minutes drive away have small supermarkets or village shops and most have bakeries. The nearest boulangeries are at Ger and Lonlay l’Abbaye.

There is also a biscuit factory, well known across Normandy,  with an excellent factory shop, as is the small artisan brewery and the delicious ice cream made on a Lonlay farm and open for public visits.

There is a larger Carrefour supermarket at Tinchebray (10 minutes drive) and the nearest bigger commercial centres are at Flers, or Domfront each about 20 minutes away.

Beauchêne is a delightful friendly village, the small cafe bar which has regular music nights. For at least the last 25 years, at Christmas, Beauchêne has become well known among the communes for its illuminations and activities such as brioche making in the ancient bakery. It is an event unique to this part of Normandy and many visitors come in the few weeks around Christmas to view the displays. 

There are many clearly indicated walks through the countryside, or cycle rides through the quiet country lanes or on the long distance cycle-track (the Voie Verte)  which runs from Mt St Michel via Domfront and Flers.

The railway station on the main Paris line to Granville is at Flers, about 20 minutes drive away. Journey time to Paris is approx 2.5 hours.  The beautiful sandy beaches at Granville or the channel coast are just over an hour away.

The owners say that there is a strong sense of community and that there are plenty of ways to get involved in village life. There is always something happening such as concerts in local churches, guided walks or visits. Alternatively the countryside is quiet and tranquil, the wildlife especially the birdlife is exceptional and it is a wonderful place to relax.

The D25 road runs to the front but the property is set back from the road (with another house in between). The current owners say there is traffic noise occasionally but the road is rarely busy and the speed is limited to 40mph. 

At a glance:
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Receptions: 1
Habitable space: 75m2 (approx) 
Plot size: 0.79 acres
DPE rating: E
Taxe fonciere: TBC
Broadband: Yes
Heating: Electric and wood-burner
Distance to shops: 6mins
Distance to coast: 50mins
Distance to ferry port: 1h15mins 

Please note: Agency fees are included in the advertised price and are payable by the purchaser. All locations and sizes are approximate. La Résidence has made every effort to ensure that the details and photographs of this property are accurate and in no way misleading.  However, this information does not form part of a contract and no warranties are either given or implied.

Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Géorisks website: http