Normandy, Calvados, Vire-Normandie, France

A46358AA14 - Amber Ashby and Leggett International Real Estate are proud to present this beautifully hidden country home, peacefully nestled at the end of a long private tree-lined driveway in the heart of the Normandy countryside. Combining the timeless charm of an authentic stone cottage with the space and practicality of a thoughtfully designed family home, this is a property that offers not just a house, but an exceptional French lifestyle.

As you make your way along the sweeping driveway, the mature trees gradually reveal beautifully maintained wrap-around gardens before this delightful stone home comes into view. Surrounded by open countryside where neighbouring fields are home to grazing sheep and their lambs, the setting immediately evokes a sense of peace, privacy and rural tranquillity, yet you are just a few minutes from the vibrant market town of Vire.

Stepping inside, the welcoming entrance porch provides the perfect boot room after a day spent exploring Normandy's beautiful countryside, forests and walking trails. From here, you enter what is undoubtedly the heart of the home: a wonderfully spacious farmhouse-style kitchen and dining room.

Fitted with an attractive range of solid oak units, a range cooker with electric extractor hood and generous work surfaces, this inviting room has been designed for everyday family life as well as entertaining. There is ample space for a large dining table together with a comfortable seating area, creating a warm and sociable hub where family and friends can gather throughout the seasons.

Adjoining the kitchen is a practical utility room and a ground floor WC, thoughtfully positioned to keep day-to-day living organised and convenient.

Passing through an opening in what was once the original exterior wall of the cottage, almost a metre thick, you move seamlessly between old and new. This wonderful architectural feature perfectly showcases the property's history before opening into the impressive living room, created as part of a sympathetic extension.

Despite its generous proportions, the room retains a wonderfully cosy atmosphere thanks to the magnificent inglenook-style fireplace housing a traditional wood-burning stove with back boiler, providing central heating throughout the house. Exposed beams, natural light and views across the gardens make this a room equally suited to relaxing winter evenings or bright summer afternoons.

Beyond the sitting room, the conservatory provides a versatile additional reception space overlooking the gardens. Whether used as a formal dining room, reading room, garden room or second family lounge, it offers a lovely connection between the house and its beautiful surroundings.

The first floor continues to impress with beautifully presented accommodation throughout.

The principal bedroom is an elegant retreat featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and a wonderful sense of space. Complemented by its own dressing room and modern en-suite shower room, it offers all the comforts expected of a contemporary family home while retaining the property's original character.

Two further bedrooms provide flexible accommodation for family, guests or those wishing to work from home. One generous double bedroom benefits from fitted wardrobes, while the third bedroom would equally make an ideal child's room, guest bedroom or home office.

The family bathroom is spacious and well-appointed with a full-sized bath, ideal for relaxing after a day exploring the surrounding countryside.

From the landing, a further staircase leads to the attic. Already offering impressive head height with attractive exposed oak beams and vaulted ceilings, this substantial space presents exciting potential for conversion into additional bedrooms, a games room, artist's studio or home office, subject to obtaining any necessary permissions.

Outside is where this property truly excels.

The house sits comfortably within beautifully maintained wrap-around gardens that provide colour, privacy and space throughout the year. Predominantly enclosed, the gardens are ideal for children and pets while the surrounding fields create a wonderful sense of openness without sacrificing privacy.

For buyers dreaming of keeping chickens, a pony, small livestock or simply enjoying an idyllic rural lifestyle, the grounds provide endless possibilities.

The substantial outbuildings make this property particularly appealing.

The first large outbuilding incorporates a dedicated log store before opening into an impressive double-height workshop complete with mezzanine level, offering exceptional storage or workspace for mechanics, woodworkers, artists or anyone requiring substantial hobby space.

A second extensive garage currently accommodates several vehicles with ease but could equally serve as additional workshop space, secure storage, classic car accommodation, home business premises or even recreational space, subject to any necessary permissions.

Whether your dream is to create a smallholding, run a craft business, restore classic vehicles, work from home or simply enjoy the abundance of storage rarely found with modern homes, these outbuildings offer remarkable versatility.

Despite its peaceful rural setting, the property enjoys exceptional accessibility.

Located on the edge of the village of Saint-Germain-de-Tallevende, everyday conveniences are within easy reach, while the thriving market town of Vire is approximately five minutes away by car. Vire offers an excellent range of supermarkets, independent shops, cafés, restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities, sporting amenities and a hospital, making it an ideal base for permanent living.

One of the area's greatest advantages is its direct railway station, providing regular services to Paris in around three hours, making weekend city breaks or international travel remarkably convenient.

The surrounding area perfectly captures everything buyers seek when searching for a home in Normandy. Rolling bocage countryside, quiet lanes ideal for walking and cycling, traditional weekly markets, charming villages and historic towns all combine to create an enviable quality of life.

Within easy driving distance are the picturesque spa town of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, the dramatic waterfalls and viewpoints around Mortain, the medieval town of Domfront, and the stunning beaches of the Normandy coast. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont-Saint-Michel, one of France's most iconic landmarks, is also easily accessible for unforgettable day trips.

Travel connections are excellent, with the ferry ports of Caen-Ouistreham, Cherbourg and Saint-Malo all within comfortable driving distance, making the property particularly attractive for buyers travelling from the UK. Airports including Caen-Carpiquet, Rennes and Dinard further enhance accessibility for international owners and visitors.

Whether you are searching for a permanent family home, a lifestyle change, a second home in France or a peaceful countryside retreat with excellent accessibility, this exceptional property offers a rare combination of character, space, privacy and practicality.

Beautifully presented, thoughtfully extended and surrounded by glorious Normandy countryside, it is ready for its next owners to embrace everything that makes life in France so special.