Farmhouse 6 minutes from the sea 2* Classified

Comfortable home for up to 8 – in beautiful countryside near beaches and historic small towns.

Half an hour's easy drive from the channel port of Cherbourg, in the lush green countryside of the Saire valley, Anneville en Saire is a quiet, pleasant village with a small river running through it.

Nestling in its own private courtyard, no.12 Hameau de la Ville is an early 19th-century farmhouse that can accommodate up to eight people.

The house has two double bedrooms and one twin. Upstairs there is a bathroom and separate WC. Downstairs there is a shower-room with WC. The sitting room can be used as a separate bedroom, as it has a sofa which folds out to form a double bed.

The kitchen is fully equipped with a cooker, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge-freezer and ample cooking and eating utensils for a party of eight. The owners are keen cooks so the kitchen equipment is of high quality.

Heating is by independent electric radiators in every room. There is also a powerful wood burning stove in the kitchen/living room and an open fireplace in the sitting room. Firewood is available on site.

There is a fully enclosed field behind the house which is perfect for lazing on sunny days - or for a game of football or cricket for the more energetic. There is plenty of garden furniture and a barbecue.

In the centre of the village - just a couple of minutes' stroll from the house - you will find a fine butcher's shop (which doubles as a very small grocer's and a 'depôt de pain' where you can pre-order bread of your choice or take pot luck). A short walk in the other direction will bring you to a friendly bar with another little grocery store. Slightly further afield you will find supermarkets and larger shops. There are many street markets nearby - there is one within 15 minutes of the house nearly every day of the week.

Nearby are the seaside towns of Barfleur and St Vaast, and it will only take you five minutes to reach safe, pleasant, uncrowded beaches. Slightly further afield there are UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums and galleries, the D-Day Landing Beaches, the tapestry at Bayeux, the marvellous architectural wonders of Caen, the fun seaside spirit of Granville. All these places are easily accessible for a day trip.

Food is one of the great pleasures of the area. It is famous for its oysters and other seafood; for its sea fish; for its cheese, cream and dairy products; for its plentiful vegetables; and for its beef and lamb. Delicious cider and Calvados (apple brandy) are made locally. Each local bakery (there are at least a dozen within 10 minutes' drive) has its own speciality bread and cakes. In Barfleur, St Vaast la Hougue and other nearby towns you will find a range of restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes and pockets.

Guests have the house to themselves as well as full use of the field behind and courtyard in front. The courtyard has ample space for parking several cars.