About this property
In a small rural village in Normandy discover the stunningly beautiful Villa Mathis with its own private spa and indoor heated swimming pool set in a large estate of century-old trees.
This refined 18th century abode offers so much more than luxurious comfort and high-end facilities. It’s passionate owners fell in love with this charming stone house and dedicated the following years to creating an exclusive retreat which respects the maison’s local heritage and allows guests to experience the French ‘art de vivre’, always with sustainability and service at the forefront of their vision.
Having been exquisitely restored by skilled local craft workers, the result is remarkable. 8-10 guests can stay here across four elegant en suite double bedrooms, two of them sumptuous suites. The attention to detail is second to none with bamboo-thread bathrobes, slippers, organic welcome toiletries, aromatherapy oils and the highest quality bedding and towels. It’s evident that the owners have a strong background in luxury travel.
Sustainability is also key to Villa Mathis’s concept. Not only has the house been equipped with state-of-the-art technology to encourage green energy, including geothermally produced heating and hot water, the owners have also planted nearly 500 trees and hedgerow and carefully sourced eco-responsible products and equipment across the home.
The house’s environmental credentials are especially impressive in its private spa which is entirely run on clean energy. Walk through the antique door and soak up the tranquil ambience of this exclusive facility, only available to guests at Villa Mathis. As well as the welcoming lounge, gym and steam room, the heated indoor swimming pool is wonderful and there is a spa with a Himalayan salt wall. The restored stone walls and wood beams of the treatment room add character to this relaxing space and a range of spa treatments and massages can be arranged, including a ritual for younger guests.
Concierge is always on hand to organise other experiences and services for you, allowing you to truly embrace traditional life in Normandy. A breakfast of delicious local delights can be laid out for you, a private chef can prepare meals based on fresh seasonal produce, organic ciders can be sourced locally and shopping can be delivered, all tailored to your needs at an extra cost.
Tours and excursions can also be planned so you can make the most of this captivating region. After all, there is so much to discover from the historic charm and glorious beaches of Granville, home to the Christian Dior Museum, to the incredible beauty of Mont Saint-Michel. Tour historic market towns, explore the Chausey Islands by boat and venture towards Bayeux and the Normandy Landing Beaches.
Back to Villa Mathis, admire your verdant surroundings as you relax with a glass of local calvados on the patio accompanied by the sound of trickling water looking out at the 340-year old lime tree. Then take a stroll through the ancient trees as well as chestnut, fig, hazel and cherry trees at this unique and enchanting home.
Villa Mathis is set in a 1.5 hectare wooded estate in a small village in the Manche department of Normandy, around a 90-minute drive from Cherbourg and Caen Ouistreham ferry terminals and only three hours from Paris.
There is a small supermarket specialising in local products in the village whilst further amenities can be found in Coutances (10km), home of the impressive Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Saint-Lô (30km) is also easily reached whilst the nearest beaches are around Hauteville-sur-Mer, about a 15-minute drive away, where you will find vast sandy beaches at low tide and a wealth of leisure activities in the height of the summer (sailing, horse-riding, beach volleyball, tennis and a Sunday morning market).
Also nearby is the wonderful seaside resort of Granville (32km), home of the Christian Dior Museum (the fashion designer was born in Granville) as well as a characterful seafront, picturesque Parc du Val ès Fleurs and lovely beach. From Granville you can take a boat out to the serene Chausey Islands, Europe’s largest archipelago with 365 islands at low tide. On the main island you can follow a beautiful coastal walking trail with the most glorious views.
Mont Saint-Michel (72km) is around an hour away by car, a must visit and one of France’s most popular destinations. Concierge can arrange guided walking tours or even flight trips over this stunning site or you can venture off by yourself, keeping a close eye on the tides as you walk across the wooden walkway to the granite island, now a unesco World Heritage site.
Trips can also be arranged to the D-Day Landing beaches – Utah and Omaha Beaches are both around an hour away by car, perhaps also stopping off in Bayeux (62km) to visit its famous tapestry and the Commonwealth War Cemetery.
Elsewhere in Normandy, the concierge can suggest various activities and excursions so you can truly embrace the way of life in this captivating region of France. The beauty of the Cotentin peninsula can be found to the north and even Guernsey and Jersey can be visited in a day. There are various golf courses across the Manche as well as cycling, horse-riding, sea-fishing, paragliding, hiking and a wealth of foodie experiences from cider tasting to historic market tours.
Accommodation
Maison Interiors (300m2)
- Lounge
- Kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher, fridge, induction hob, steam cooker, combi microwave-oven, raclette machine, coffee bean machine, blender
First Floor
- Suite (40-50m2) with king-size double bed (200x200cm), sofa-bed (90x190cm) and private bathroom with walk-in shower, freestanding bath, two sinks and separate WC
- Bedroom (19-24m2) with queen-size double bed (160x200cm) and private bathroom with walk-in shower and separate WC
- Bedroom (19-24m2) with queen-size double bed (160x200cm) and private bathroom with walk-in shower and separate WC
Second Floor
- Suite (40-50m2) with king-size double bed (200x200cm), sofa-bed (90x190cm) and private bathroom with walk-in shower, freestanding bath, two sinks and separate WC
Spa
- Welcome lounge
- Indoor heated swimming pool (9x5m, depth: 1.4m) with secured access for safety. Open all year round, heated to approximately 30C
- Finnish sauna with Himalayan salt wall
- Hammam
- Fitness area
- Spa room
- Changing room
- Shower and WC
- Mini-bar, bathrobes and slippers
- Outdoor terrace
- Spa shop
Outside Grounds
- Patio with heater
- Outdoor lounge and terrace
- Giant chess
- Pétanque
- Water feature and restored stone well
- Wooded parkland (1.5 hectares)
- Parking
- Electric vehicle charging station
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Geothermic heating
- Wood fire
- Satellite TV
- Sound system (inside and outside)
- Spa with hammam, sauna and indoor heated swimming pool
- Fitness area
- Library and children’s books
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Hairdryers
- Safes
- USB plugs
- Board games
- Outdoor games
- Washing machine