Chateau Martinelli

Normandy - Putanges-Pont-Ecrepin

NO 21

Set in over two acres of walled grounds shaded by many beautiful trees, which are home to numerous birds and a family of red squirrels, this lovely Mansard style manor house sits above the picturesque small town of Putanges-Pont-Ecrepin in the Orne departement of Normandy. Built at the turn of the 19th to 20th century for a coffee merchant's family, it survived the ravages of 2 World Wars, when amongst other things, it was used as a military hospital.  Subsequently it was home to an Italian stone mason, Monsieur Martinelli, who was involved in the rebuilding of the town after it was devasted during the World War II.

At any time for the year, Putanges-Pont-Ecrepin is an attractive town through which the river Orne flows.  The Thursday market has been held here since the 1500's. Close-by is a lake (made by damming the river) where there are a couple of bars/restuarants and plenty of places for a picnic. There are water sports on the lake and also a boat which not only offers trips around it but also the opportunity of taking either lunch or dinner aboard.

Putanges is situated on the edge of the Suisse Normande, which offers a range of outdoor activities and gorgeous scenery.  In addition it is only 40 miles from the coast and the D Day landing beaches and associated memorials and museums. There are also many interesting chateaux, gardens and places of interest nearby and Mont St Michel and Bayeux are also within easy driving distance.

Guest Accommodation:

There are five guest accommodations on the first and second floors:

On the first floor:
"Le Sorbe" (Rowan), with views over the garden, has a double bed and a large shower in the en-suite bathroom
"Le Saule" (Willow), with views over the countryside to the rear and side, has twin beds and a bath with shower over
"Le Tileul" (Linden), with views down over the town, king size bed and a large bath (long enough to share)


On the second floor there are two more accommodations in the Mansard roof space:
"La Frene" (Ash) is a family suite with two interconnecting bedrooms (one with with a kingsize double bed and the other with twin beds) - these share a bathroom with bath and separate shower, accessed either through the twin room or from the landing.
"Le Tremble" (Aspen) is a smaller room but still with king bed and good size shower

All the rooms are individually decorated and have tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryers.

Your hosts want you to feel at home so there is a lounge where you can relax and enjoy a drink, read a book or talk over the day and for those who cannot feel completely cut off from the outside world internet access is available. As well as the house, you are welcome to enjoy the grounds where you can play petanque, have a picnic or use the barbeque should you wish.

Other Details:

   Breakfast a continental affair, offering tea, coffee or hot chocolate, French bread, croissants and pains au chocolate, butter and jams, fresh fruit and juices, is included in our basic tariff and served in the groun floor dining room: dinner (at additional cost) includes aperitif , wine and digestif is served in house by prior arrangement (please give 24 hours notice) and other meals can be found at a small hotel restaurant or the brasserie in the town, which offer good value meals and are just a short stroll away. There are also two boulangeries, a charcuterie and a small supermarket within walking distance so shopping for a picnic is easy to do.

Open all year - sorry, no smoking allowed.