NORMANDY Take a 5 minute walk from the photogenic harbour and turn down a pretty side street. Stop to admire a little courtyard, shaded by a chestnut tree, and speculate who lives in the fine-looking 18th century maison de maître behind the gates. Then realise that you have stumbled upon one of those private houses that have successfully turned themselves into a small hotel without losing any of their original charm and character.
Step inside and it’s hard to resist: panelled walls, an old fireplace, parquet floors and a liberal sprinkling of antiques plus the ubiquitous Farrow and Ball paint. Upstairs, guests adore the Moroccan tiled bathrooms even though the bedrooms are small and a few of the towels may have seen better days.
With so few bedrooms and such an intimate ambience, some may find it all a tad too personal; if you are the type that starts whispering in the breakfast room in case the three other guests overhear, then the Maison de Lucie is probably not for you.
Otherwise you will love its refined gentility and appreciate the owners’ advice on the wealth of nearby restaurants. Get them to tell you, too, about the spa that they have built in the basement. It’s decked out as an amazing grotto and, if it tickles your fancy, you can hire it for your own private use!