Just got back from the 70th anniversary of D Day celebrations in Normandy. We didn't stay near the beaches, but chose instead to stay inland in the village of Autheuil-Authouillet, which is probably one of the most relaxing and easy going places you'll ever visit. I've been going there for over 30 years - and usually stay with friends. But this year, we stayed in the most amazing Maison d'Hotes, or Guest House, the wonderful La Ferme des Isles. Over the years, I've walked and bicycled past the site when it was previously a dairy farm. Happily it was bought a couple of years ago by Sophie & Francois Breban, who have completely refurbished it into a luxury five room mini-hotel. All the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and are decorated beautifully - with each one having its own unique theme. The underlying construction is Norman - meaning they use wooden beams held together with wooden pegs to construct the frame of the building. Thus the rooms feature decorous natural wooden beams throughout. We arrived very late, and our bed was very comfortable. We dropped off into a relaxing sleep immediately. In the morning, we opened the windows to be greeted by the most beautiful country scene, a vista looking out over the surrounding fields and the banks of the river Eure, which meanders along the side of the extensive property. It was a serene moment, listening to the cuckoo’s in the trees and watching the wildlife foraging around the grounds. Our large bathroom had a modern suite, with double sinks and a large modern bath. There are robes and hairdryers provided. Fast, free WiFi was available throughout the buildings, so checking emails and updating Facebook was simple. (I loathe hotels who charge for Internet Access these days). Naturally, there is a satellite TV with about 40 free-to-air channels. Each room has a kettle and free tea, coffee, milk and buscuits, in case you need a snack in the middle of the night. It was then time for breakfast - so we headed out across the pretty courtyard to main house where Sophie had prepared the most wonderful continental breakfast of fresh croissants, baguettes, brioches, homemade jams, ham, cereals and freshly made tea & coffee. Where possible, she sources items locally. I can tell you the seven different types of jams she'd laid on the table were all amazing! You could taste the difference! If you'd prefer a cooked breakfast, the fresh eggs come from the hens she keeps on the property. Should you require any other catering, just ask Sophie and she'll endeavour to accommodate you. I’m considering taking my elderly mother on our next visit – so I checked out the disabled facilities in the ground floor room. They were all new and perfect for an elderly or disabled client. This relaxing location would definitely suit anyone seeking peace & quiet - alongside modern comforts. In the village – roughly a 10 minute walk away - there is a small supermarket, a wonderful bakery and an excellent butcher’s who sells both cooked and uncooked meat, along with a delicious range of homemade country pates. The hotel is the ideal place to base yourself if you’re planning to visit Giverny, the home of Claude Monet, which is located about 15Km/8miles away. The exhibitions of his work are just stunning. This was our first visit to La Ferme des Isles. It's fantastic value and I can’t wait to go back.

My place to stay in Normandy. I am originally from there and I discovered this place by digging online and in newspapers. I was never disappointed. Sophie is an amazing, friendly host and Francois is one of the best cook I know. Prices are reasonable considering the quality of the room and service to get. I usually get there when I am coming back to my country I highly recommend it to anybody visiting the country.

Idyllic, cosy, stylish and friendly! We had a great 2 nights' stay here and would return in a heartbeat. Thank you!

Beautiful quiet place near Eure river, very close to Monet's Giverny and only one hour from Paris.

Fantastic rooms and great host

Very pleasant weekend in a magnificent place ! I recommend it

Wonderful.

Super week-end de 3 jours en famille ! Les chambres sont parfaitement propres et décorées avec beaucoup de goût. La literie est très confortable. Le grand gite est parfaitement équipé. Jeux de lumière, chaîne hifi et rétroprojecteur nous ont permis de danser jusqu'au bout de la nuit. Tout est parfaitement adapté aux enfants, jeux extérieurs, de nombreux animaux et la magnifique piscine a conquis les petits comme les grands ! Un vrai dépaysement à 2 pas de chez nous ! Gros coup de cœur pour Sophie qui nous a accueilli avec beaucoup de gentillesse et de bienveillance. Nous reviendrons sans aucun doute. 😊

Une pépite a 1 h de Paris !! En immersion avec la nature ! Reçus comme des rois tout en ayant notre indépendance !! Juste ce qu’il nous fallait pour prolonger le temps d’un week-end les vacances d’été avec une grande piscine !! Les chambres sont grandes et super bien entretenues ! Nous recommandons et reviendrons !!

We stayed here last Christmas as a large extended family and it couldn't have worked better for us. Enough space for everyone to be and eat together and also find some quiet space for themselves. We loved the farm setting and the animals close by. The log burner and bar area made for a great atmosphere and the commercial kitchen helped no end with Christmas Day cooking. Sophie had provided a Christmas tree and lovely welcome package. Together with the farm dog Rosti we were made to feel very welcome and would highly recommend this charming and quirky place for a large family stay.