The Chateau & Estate

Dear visitor,

One clear and sunny day in 2005, I became the newest châtelaine in Normandy. I signed the papers “chez le notaire” and walked away the owner of Chateau de Courtomer. We are only the third family to own this 11th century château. The Counts and Marquis of Courtomer lived here from 1049 until 1905, when it was purchased by the Comtesse Ruinart de Pelet, herself the daughter of a local Norman family. I began my life and renovations at Courtomer knowing little of French history and even less of design, antiques and construction. The chateau has taught me much. Most important, the lives of our family and my own life have been enriched by the experience of living in France, by the beauty of the French countryside, and by the unfolding stories of the Chateau. I hope that you, too, will find much to inspire, comfort and delight at Chateau de Courtomer.

Welcome to our site…

First, a little history.

The Chateau de Courtomer that you will enjoy was built on the site of the family’s 11th century medieval château. The present grand design was under construction by 1789. It was inspired by Louis the Sun King’s Palace of Versailles. And work came to a halt on the eve of the French revolution…before being completed a few years afterwards.

Descendants of the first “seigneurs,” or noble lords, were born and married, lived and died at Courtomer until 1905. The property was then sold to distant relatives, connections of the famous Champagne house, Ruinart. 

The current 18th century Château and those parts of the stud farm that were embellished in the 19th century are the newest elements of the estate. But many features of the ancient construction still remain. The foundation of the Chateau re-uses the vaults and arches of the medieval castle. Moats still surround the Chateau on three sides. The 17th century Protestant temple is a rare witness to early religious tolerance before the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. There is an egg-shaped 18th century ice-house. An Orangerie for wintering over precious lemon trees and tropical plants. The “lavoire,” where laundry was washed by hand, still holds clear spring water under its slate roof. And the many outbuildings of the farm and “basse-cour,” the farmyard, have survived and evolved since time immemorial.

The estate covers 360 acres of park, woodland and farmland. Though still extensive, it is much reduced from its former 1,000 acre expanse of 1789. But, as far as the eye can see, fields and forests protect the seclusion and privacy of the estate.

The work of restoration and renovation begun in 2005 continues today.

Each winter, we concentrate on the park. New trees replace fallen specimens, fill out original allées, and provide groupings for interest during the changing seasons. In the farmyard, a new orchard provides heritage apples of Normandy for cider and the table. Renewed borders blossom at the foot of the old espaliered pears in the walled garden. We’ve replaced the roses along the moat, and have planted waterlilies – inspired by Monet, of course! - in the canal.

The renovation of the four-bedroom Farmhouse is now complete. It brings contemporary style and comfort, including a Smeg professional range for your cooking pleasure, to this mellow old building. The renovation of the “petite maison du haras,” the little house in the stables, is underway. It will be a get-away for two.

Our herd of pedigree Limousine cows graze the pastures that surround the Chateau and its farm. Wheat, barley, oats and rapeseed grow in the fields.

Heather and Béatrice, the bilingual duo that helps me manage the Chateau, can answer almost any questions related to your stay. It will be their pleasure to provide suggestions and, if you wish to avail yourself of our Concierge Service, to arrange transportation, house-keeping, groceries, a chef, restaurants, things to see and do around the area, guides and private cars, or any other help you need. 

Chateau de Courtomer will be, we hope, your choice of venue for a family party or holiday, business event, photo-shoot or wedding. 

Please contact us if you require any further information or assistance in arranging your stay.

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to this peaceful area of Normandy…where nature and the seasons, as well as old stones and a historic family home, mark the passage of time. 

À bientôt

Elisabeth

P.S. If you would enjoy following my story from Chateau de Courtomer, Letters from Elisabeth, please sign up or check in on Facebook or Instagram.

Now a bird’s eye view.

While staying with us, you and your guests will be able to enjoy the following amenities:

For more information and prices download our brochure.

The Farmhouse

A five minute stroll through Courtomer’s park, brings you to our newly renovated Farmhouse. A warm and welcoming home, beautifully furnished with antique flourishes, it provides the perfect setting for a more relaxed and casual experience with all the comforts of the Chateau.

It accommodates nine guests in four bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom. Available to book with the Chateau or separately.

The Farmhouse offers comfortable accommodation and facilities as follows…central heating and open log fire, High Speed Wifi, one double bedroom on the ground floor, two twin rooms and a triple on the second floor, a fully-equipped kitchen, barbecue and patio furniture and a laundry room.

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The Orangerie

A short walk from the Chateau and Farmhouse, the Orangerie looks out onto a walled garden. French doors open onto the gravel terrace and the lawn beyond. The Orangerie is an ideal space for hosting dinners, cocktails, dancing and seminars.

The Orangerie offers the following facilities… Formal dining space for 64 guests, open log fire, projector, screen and podium, Hi Speed Wifi, Work tables and chairs are available for conferences.

The entertaining areas inside the Chateau, the Orangerie and the extensive grounds offer endless possibilities. Contact us to discuss your holiday or event at Chateau de Courtomer. More detailed pricing and policies can be viewed here.