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A wonderful vacation home from home - and a great garden for all the family

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Exterior
Les Gîtes Champêtres
Outdoor dining
Room
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Bounce into fun
    One of the few properties with an on-site trampoline.
4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Terre-Et-Marais, Normandie
  • Place, D-Day Paratrooper Historical Center
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Centre Manche Golf
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Sainte-Mere-Eglise Church
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A wonderful vacation home from home - and a great garden for all the family

Normandy, a little piece of heaven for those who look forward to escaping from the hustle and bustle of busy town life to spend their holidays in the delightful ambience of rural France,. Long golden beaches, wonderful uncrowded countryside, and pretty historic market towns full of traditional patisseries and cafes.

Oak Cottage is one of three stone-built cottages in traditional Normandy style. It has two double and two twin-bed rooms, a family bathroom with bath, washbasin and wc, and a shower room with a multi-jet shower, washbasin and WC ( adjacent to the ground floor bedroom, making it particularly suitable for elderly guests/grandparents). The cottage has a spacious lounge with comfortable sofa and easy chairs, satellite tv to receive English freeview channels, French TV, channels, a DVD/CD player, and a fully equipped kitchen with oven/vitro ceramic hob, washing machine and dishwasher, microwave and fridge/freezer, and a dining room with seating for up to eight people. Internet access is provided, as of course is all bed linen and towels, though we do ask our guests to provide their own beach towels. No smoking in the accommodation please, and sorry, but no pets.

In each gite there is also a hairdryer, iron and ironing board and clothes airer. There is also a good selection of books and DVD's and a large selection of literature regarding places of interest and leisure facilities in the area, and there are also a selection of board games and children’s toys .

To complement the exceedingly high standard of internal accommodation, the cottage has its own patio area complete with bbq, dining table and chairs for eight people, two sun beds, and a large sun awning, and which opens out into an extensive fully enclosed garden. For our younger guests this features swings, a slide, climbing rope ladder and trampoline, and the delights of Aladdin's Cave, and for all generations we have an outdoor table tennis table, boules, badminton etc. The property is approached by a separate driveway, has ample enclosed parking, and is just as ideal for families with young children as it is for couples who want a little more space to enjoy this delightful area of Normandy.
For your security a surveillance camera is in place which covers the gite driveway.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 6889464
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Sainteny

Located in Terre-et-Marais, this cottage is in a rural area and near theme parks. D-Day Paratrooper Historical Center and Château de Franquetot D-Day Collins Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Lessay Raceway and Aerodrome and Coutances Botanical Garden. Surfing/body boarding and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and horse riding nearby.
View more Cottages in SaintenyOpens in a new window
Map
Terre-Et-Marais, Normandie

What's nearby

  • D-Day Paratrooper Historical Center - 12 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Centre Manche Golf - 17 min drive - 14.2 km
  • Angoville-au-Plain Church - 17 min drive - 19.5 km
  • Lessay Raceway and Aerodrome - 21 min drive - 21.9 km
  • Sainte-Mere-Eglise Church - 22 min drive - 26.4 km

Getting around

  • Carentan Station - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪pizzeria des arcades - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Café de la Gare - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Le Vintage - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Le Contoir Des Marais - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪L'auberge Normande - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A wonderful vacation home from home - and a great garden for all the family pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Family cottage with enclosed garden?

As of 16 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Family cottage with enclosed garden on 3 October 2026 start from NZ$1,525, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at A wonderful vacation home from home - and a great garden for all the family?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at A wonderful vacation home from home - and a great garden for all the family?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A wonderful vacation home from home - and a great garden for all the family?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A wonderful vacation home from home - and a great garden for all the family located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly cottage is within 12 mi (20 km) of D-Day Paratrooper Historical Center, Lessay Raceway and Aerodrome and Angoville-au-Plain Church. Utah Beach and Mont Castre are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 9 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

8.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Children didn’t want to leave

A very comfortable base from which to explore the region. Host were most welcoming and we appreciated all of the extras that made this the perfect place to bring children, the toy shed and trampoline we’re especially enjoyed by our four!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 August 2024
Hi Andrew Many thanks for your review. We are, Terry and myself, delighted that you enjoyed our Gîtes and especially for the children the garden, Aladdin’s cave and even more the trampoline. Thank you for leaving the gîte so clean. All the best wishes for the family. Liliane
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Anthony & Aileen K.

Fantastic, look no further!

Four of us spent Christmas 2014 in Oak Cottage. What a wonderful experience made even more memorable by the reception we received from Terry and Liliane. The Gite was warm and very comfortable and had every modern convenience you could wish for. You could even watch English language TV (if you can't do without it, even on holiday!). Sainteny is a charming village, with very friendly locals. Our booking was one of the first that Terry and Liliane had since they bought the property a few months previously. This was their first venture into the "Leisure Industry" and, by reading the reviews from others who have followed us, they have taken their new roles like ducks to water. We have already returned again before this visit and are looking forward to our next opportunity to return to No.3 Rue des Chatelets to renew our acquaintanceship with the Nathans and explore more of the countryside. There is plenty to do and see in the area, especially if you are interested in the D Day landings and WW2 memorabilia. If that is not your bag, a visit to one of the nearby towns is very worthwhile (the ladies will particularly enjoy the shops in Bayeux). If you are driving there with the aid of a Satnav, you will be amused but the canned lady's attempt to pronounce the French place names. In spite of that, it is very easy to find. We thoroughly recommend putting Les Gites Champetres on your list of places to stay in France
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Dear Tony and Aileen, you visited us here in Normandy as guests, you left us as friends; that was on your first visit, since when you came one more time and you are coming again in a couple of weeks. If ever we needed confirmation that we made a good move coming to live in Normandy, you've proved it. Love you both, thank you for this review, it helps us more than you can know. Terry and Liliane
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jaap v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Uitstekend verblijf in een mooi en ruim cottage

We zochten voor de zomervakantie van 2025 een mooi verblijf in Normandië om D-day stranden/musea te bezoeken, Bayeux, Le Mont St Michel, natuur, kust en te zwemmen in zee. Dat is allemaal uitstekend gelukt vanuit het cottage in Sainteny. De uitvalsbasis was heel fijn en lag overal prima tussenin. Het was alleen wel veel rijden telkens: een uur heen en een uur terug. Maar door het rijden hebben we wel veel van de omgeving en het landschap gezien. Oftewel: een aanrader!
Port Racine
American Cemetery
Pointe D'Agon
Canadian museum
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sehr kinderfreundlich und zuvorkommend

Ein sehr schönes Objekt. An und Abreise waren sehr angenehm. Sehr suber und kinderfreundlich. Jederzeit wieder.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 November 2022
vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung. es war uns eine große Freude, Sie in unserem Haus begrüßen zu dürfen. Vielen Dank auch, dass Sie das Cottage so makellos hinterlassen haben. habe eine sichere Rückreise Terry une Liliane
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maren M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Für Familienurlaub!

Das Anwesen liegt in einem ruhigen Ort,hat einen großen abgeschlossenen Garten,im Haus ist alles vorhanden,was man braucht.Die Vermieter sind sehr freundlich und immer für Fragen da.Wir haben die Zeit genossen!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 August 2022
Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung. Es war eine Freude, Sie alle in unseren Gites zu haben. Wir hoffen, Sie bald zu sehen. Alles Gute. Liliane und Terry.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

maryline g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super maison pour réunion de famille

Nous avons apprécié les grandes pièces de la maison, à 8 personnes c'est très confortable. Jardin et jouets pour les enfants pour des moments exemptionnels.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 August 2021
Terry et moi-même vous remercions de votre revue. C’est avec plaisir que nous vous avons accueillis chez nous. Bonne chance à Votre petit dernier pour sa première expérience d’école.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

eric b.

Merci pour ce bon moment

Très agréable endroit, calme et fonctionnel décoré avec goût. Les équipements sont neufs et on dispose d'un espace extérieur avec table et BBQ. Nous avons malheureusement pas pu l'utiliser mais au mois de décembre c'est normal. Il y a aussi un grand jardin clôt où les enfants peuvent jouer en toute sécurité. Un grand merci à la propriétaire pour toutes ses petites attentions, sa gentillesse qui font que notre séjour a été plus que parfait. Je vous conseille vivement ce lieu que vous soyez avec ou sans enfants.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
C'est avec grand plaisir que nous vous avons accueillis dans notre maison, et surtout nous sommes ravis que le Père Noël ait trouvé vos enfants. Terry et moi-même vous remercions d'avoir pris le temps de laisser vos chaleureux commentaires. Suite à notre discussion, nous avons immédiatement ajouté une grande marmite à celles déjà existantes, comme cela 8 personnes n'auront aucune difficulté à cuire leurs pâtes.... Tous nos bons voeux vous accompagnent, surtout pour vos parents durant cette nouvelle année 2016. Nous nous rejouissons par avance de pouvoir vous accueillir chez nous à une date ultérieure.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Helen R.

Amazing property

This is a wonderful property. It is beautifully furbished, and extremely comfortable. It has been thoughtfully equipped and the wonderful welcome basket, filled with local produce, is a lovely touch. It is well located for the D Day landing beaches and in an attractive countryside location. The nearest family friendly beach is a short fifteen minute drive away. There are various supermarkets, restaurants and local markets within a short drive of the property. The cottage is lovingly cared for by the very friendly owners who are on hand to offer advice and recommendations . The cottage is perfect for families with young children, as the owners have thoughtfully provided a range of very high quality toys and equipment. There is a large outdoor space which young children will love. Having said that, our teenagers felt equally at home thanks to the table tennis and outdoor games. The fast, reliable internet connection was an added bonus.The property is perfect in every way and this is, without any doubt the nicest cottage we have ever stayed in. We could not recommend the property or the owners more highly.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
Speaking as the owners of Oak Cottage where Helen, John, Matthew and Hannah stayed earlier this year, so much depends on the guests themselves - this has been our first year running Les Gites Champetres in Normandy and we have been overwhelmed by the kindnesses and thoughtfulness displayed by so many of our guests. It is much easier to be seen as kind and welcoming when the guests appreciate what you do for them, and that is certainly true in this case. Thank you so much family for the wonderful review, and for the family update - Liliane and I wish you all the successes you so richly deserve. Terry
Archival

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Home away from home . . .

It had long been our ambition to make our own ‘pilgrimage’ to the Normandy D-Day Beaches, and a combination of retirement and a chance meeting with fellow veterans in a restaurant in our home town of Seattle in Washington State gave us the enthusiasm and information to make the trip possible. We are ardent enthusiasts of Trip Advisor, and a search of their listings for Normandy presented us with many possible places to stay, but it quickly became clear that one cottage (or gite as they are known in France) stood out head and shoulders above the rest. Les Gites Champetres comprises three cottages, appropriately names Oak, Chestnut and Walnut. Oak Cottage was our chosen home from home; the booking process was simple and efficient, the welcoming from hosts Terry and Liliane was warm and friendly, and the cottage itself was immaculately clean, comfortably furnished, equipped with all the modern appliances we needed for our seven day stay, and the patio with its garden furniture and bbq gave us great service. The cottages are located in the little village of Sainteny, the scene of fierce fighting between American soldiers of the 83rd Infantry, and Germans of the 4th and 6th Parachute Regiments and the SS, which cost the lives of 1,400 GIs just on the first day of the assault in July 1944. We were privileged to be invited to visit the town hall (mairie) where flags of all the American states which had contributed soldiers to the defence of the village had originated, and where evidence of the close bonds of friendship which still exist between the residents of the village and the 83rd are there to be seen. Modern day Sainteny boasts an out-of-this-world boulangerie, a value for money Routier restaurant, and a butchery and general store meeting our every day needs, all within a ten minute walk of our holiday cottage, while the towns of Carentan and Periers, each a fifteen minute drive away, meet even the most ardent shoppers needs, as well as intriguing street markets. Terry and Liliane turned out to be the perfect hosts; warmly welcoming, always available for even the most trivial requests, and full of useful suggestions and recommendations whether that was for places to visit or local restaurants. We honestly felt we arrived as guests and left as friends. John and Judy Maguire, Bellevue, Washington State October 2015.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 March 2020
John and Judy left here to fly back to Seattle with their hearts forever locked into the sacrifices paid by all those GIs who gave their lives so far away from their own homes in the USA. They arrived here as guests, they left here as friends. We are very grateful for the review they have posted - it means we are doing our job properly. Terry and Liliane

About the host

Hosted by Terry Nathan

Host profile image
We were asked by one of our neighbours to explain why, coming from Switzerland and England respectively as we do, and with the whole of Europe on our doorstep, we chose to come to live in Normandy. Liliane's response was immediate - the ambience - and since French is her first language she was able to amplify that one word and make them understand, whereas with my limited French I would probably have responded with 'la boulangerie' and left it at that! The house is classic French, the grounds are substantial, the property is situated on the edge of the village which is large enough to have all the requirements of day to day living, but small enough to know you belong here, and the neighbours, French and just a few English, are all friendly and helpful.

Why they chose this property

For our guests, not only will they enjoy the benefits of staying in fully self-contained accommodation which is large enough to accommodate family and/or friends, it opens out into its own patio area, ideal for the almost obligatory early evening aperitif before settling down in the comfortable lounge to watch TV or one of the selection of DVDs provided.

What makes this property unique

The original English owners built the gites in 2007 and over the following seven years created a wonderfully tranquil holiday environment for their many hundreds of guests. Liliane and I bought the property in 2014 and have continued the wonderful work done by Helen and Ian and their parents, and done our best even to surpass the exceedingly high standards they insisted upon, as the five star reviews we have earned will show. We have long enjoyed the rural delights of Normandy, and after many years of travelling the globe, finally wanted to settle down and enjoy the relaxed life-style this region offers its residents and visitors alike, and where more obvious for us than here, centrally situated between Liliane's birthplace in Geneva, Switzerland and mine in Lincoln, UK. Within days of our arriving here, the mayor called to make us feel welcome, the owner of the local bar likewise, the couple running the routier restaurant couldn't have been more friendly - actions always did speak louder than words - and the baguette, fresh from the oven in the patisserie each morning, is enough reason on its own for us to enjoy our new life here. Much of my early working life was spent in the Army, three years of that with the NATO headquarters near Paris as it was in those days, and that was when I first 'discovered' Normandy for myself; of course I felt a kinship for its more recent military history, but the more time I spent visiting the wonderful towns and villages, the closer I came to appreciating all that this province has to offer, never dreaming that one day I would be fortunate enough to belong here.

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English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
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