Manoir de Bodion - holiday cottage in Brittany - Grounds

Individual cottages do not have a delineated garden space and, with the exception of the kennel, guests are invited to explore and enjoy any part of the grounds. In practice the disposition of access to each cottage, bar-b-ques and washing lines means that some spaces fall naturally into use by adjacent cottages with privacy ensured by the extent and nature of the lawns and screening trees. Fences are only placed for child- security in the pool area or to restrict access by Marions curious wolfhounds.

For convenience the estate can be divided into six areas separated by fences or talud:

The Cherry Wood, The Pool Garden, The Badminton Lawn, The North Paddock, The Linden Lawn, The Kennel.

The Cherry Wood
The wood lies to the rear of Bishop’s Well and Chained Heart Cottages. It consists of wild-seeded cherry trees (the old matriarch still stands), oaks, ancient chestnuts, hazel, holly and yew trees flanked by sunny lawns. Bishop Well’s bar-b-que sits in one corner and childrens swings and wendy house in another. This area is ideal for small children and shady picnics.

The Pool Garden
The Pool Garden is fenced off from the Cherry Wood and North Paddock and is overlooked by the Coach House deck. It is laid to lawn and flower beds and bordered by a tree-lined talud from the Badminton Lawn. The bar-b-que for the coach house lies to the side of the deck overlooking the Linden Lawn. Pool loungers for lazing in the sun are provided for everyone and there is ample space for lawn games.

The pool measures 6mx12m and tapers from 2m at the deep end to 1m at the shallow end where the steps are located. Although unguarded the pool is equipped with an electronic alarm which complies with current European and French regulations. When armed (not necessary with all adult/swimmer parties) a siren is triggered should any object weighing more than 5 kilos falls into tranquil water. For obvious reasons glassware is not allowed within the immediate vicinity of the pool.

The North Paddock
The North Paddock is a large open area of rougher grass and trees. It is completely enclosed by hedges or tree-lined talud and forms an ideal place for more boisterous ball games. In one corner sits an ancient bread oven. It should be noted that dogs are exercised here in the early morning and evening. They present no danger but may bark at a strange face and of course leave other evidence of their presence.

The Linden Lawn (400sq.m)
This small lawn lies to the front of Chained Heart Cottage and the Coach House. It is bordered to one side by a jasmine and honeysuckle-covered pergola with bar-be-que which serves Chained Heart. Stone walls complete the other sides with a majestic Linden tree standing in one corner. Because of its sheltered, enclosed locality, easily watched from the cottages, the Linden Lawn is an ideal spot for young children to play. It is unsuitable for ball games which are discouraged.

The Kennel
The Kennel occupies a small walled area in front of the house and opens onto the house patio which is screened from the drive by a trellis and arched gate. Guests should not enter this area unaccompanied. Up to four wolfhounds, sometimes with puppies, are in attendance. Although gentle by nature, they are of great size and power and their bark is frightening, especially to young children. Ring the bell on the gate for attention.

Parking
Ample secure parking is provided in the drive and the parking area behind the stone wall to the right of the entrance gate. However, when all three cottages are occupied parking in the drive, except for loading and unloading, is discouraged as this area quickly becomes congested.