Welcome to The Watermill guest house in the heart of Normandy
Moulin de la Houssaye is an 18th century watermill situated in the quiet Durance river valley in the heart of rural Calvados.
The Watermill holiday home borders a region of Calvados known as the Suisse Normande, so named because of its similarities to alpine terrain.
Originally a corn-grinding mill and bake house, the watermill was later used by the occupying forces in WWII as a base to service tanks. The country house has since been renovated throughout, but still retains much of its original character. The waterwheels are still in operation today and generate electrical power.
Introduction from the Holiday in Normandy host
After moving from the Loire valley to Normandy 18 years ago, Nicola moved permanently to France 25 years ago, where she and her partner renovated an old Longere ‘from scratch’ carrying out most works themselves after the Longere was sold, they moved to a Farm with 30 acres for another renovation project. They sold and moved to Calvados in 2004, taking on the old Watermill, which had been abandoned since the 1950s.
I became interested in Bikes through going to work every day at 16 years old to a Dairy farm in North Norfolk ‘only mode of transport’ as a teenager and then over the years rode, took part in Bike rallies up & down the UK, France, Holland and Belgium, rode across Europe to Turkey on a BMW R65 before selling my R65 and Honda 350 Four to raise funds for a new venture in France in 1997. My Dad was a Cafe Racer in the 60s riding his much loved Triumph Tiger 110 and my Brother a National Chopper Club rider member, engineering bespoke Bikes & Trikes for customers which featured regularly in the Bike magazine ‘Back street Heroes’.
No longer a rider as other commitments have taken over my life… Day to day running of a Construction Co, upkeep of the Mill and a small flock of Suffolk sheep. My passion for 1970s bikes is still close to my heart. It inspired me to advertise the Watermill four years ago, albeit advertising the guest house accommodation for couples since 2006, as I found few places welcomed Bikers & felt that I could.
Holiday Apartment at a Glance
The mill has a ground floor self catering apartment which comfortably sleeps up to four people. The apartment has Two Double Bedrooms, a combined Lounge/Kitchen/Diner with an adjoining Shower/WC/Laundry room. The property sits in ten acres of grounds for guests to explore which include: planted poplar trees, hill woodlands and grass meadows. The lawn garden is bordered by a river and hedgerow.
The location is perfect holiday for the outdoor enthusiast. The Suisse Normande is an area of wild natural beauty and a regional centre for rock-climbing, canoeing, hiking, mountain-biking and hang-gliding. Fishing, golf and horse-riding centres are all within easy reach.
Please look at our Tourism page, providing inspiration ideas for various activities and tourist spots in and around the area, making your Holiday in Normandy stay more enjoyable.
As the 80th anniversary of D-Day beacons, keep up to date with latest news, tours and events.
Looking for Holiday Inspiration? A Springboard for Sightseeing, Fun and Adventure
One step outside the front door and you’re in the countryside – a sanctuary for walkers and nature lovers
With it’s easy access to major routes, the mill is the perfect base from which to head out and explore the rest of the region of Normandy. Touring around by car, motorcycle or bicycle you’ll find the roads generally uncongested and easy to navigate. For the motorcyclist the roads throughout the region are exceptional.
After a full day out and about, you’ll probably need to rest up and recharge the batteries. The mill provides a peaceful environment in which to relax, making it the perfect holiday, take it easy and plan for the next day’s outing.
The house is well stocked with local maps, tourist guides, pamphlets and current information on all what’s going on in the local area.
These include information on local amenities, bars, restaurants, excursions and all the must see attractions.
Looking for A Perfect Holiday Retreat in France?
Looking for a biker friendly place to stay in Normandy, France?
We are Biker friendly the property providing garage facilities and we’ll do our best you updated on any local meets.
Over the years, many motorcyclists that we have visited have been recommended by fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, and we are passionate about our biker friendly accommodation and facilities to the motorcycling community as well as having a popular motorcycle touring route D908 : Domfront – Sées nearby.
For the motorcyclists, as a little extra service to make your journey easier. If you send a shopping list beforehand, I can get the items you need before you arrive for the week, so it’s in the apartment ready when you arrive. As I know, your motorcycle saddle bags and top boxes will be already full of stuff when setting off on your holiday from home.
I will provide the shopping receipt for settlement after upon arrival at Moulin de la Houssaye watermill.
The mill holiday home has a fully equipped self catering kitchen, plus we have outdoor BBQ and dining facilities.
The sitting room has a wood burning stove. TV/Satellite/DVD player/Audio, library and WiFi broadband connection are also provided.
For full list of items please consult our inventory list and accommodation options on the accommodation page.
We try to make every effort to ensure that, all interests are catered for so please do not hesitate to contact us with any enquiries you have or requests for information to help you prepare for your holiday in Normandy. French and English is spoken and we’ll do our very best to meet your needs.
Our self catering Accommodation Facilities
Guest Reviews
Ready to make a booking?
To make a booking please email me using the contact form. Long stay and short breaks available…
