La Chatouillette (La-shaa-twee-et) is owned and run by Allan and Josephine Francis-Munn. Their lifestyle is focused on both nature and nurture. Together, over 11 years, they have visualized and created award-winning gardens.
Allan was born in Africa and was a publisher and environmentalist. He is a published author and poet. His creative verve is enhanced by the beauty and tranquility of rural Normandy.
Josephine’s interests are centered on Lifestyle and Wellness. She teaches pottery, English and arts and crafts in the local village school. She is a keen forager and enjoys creating recipes comprising natural ingredients.
The first dwelling on this land was circa 1860 when La Chatouillette was a productive estate named La Lande Du Bois.
La Chatouillette is situated in a proclaimed area of Natural Beauty and is nestled between the villages of Saint Georges De Rouelley, Ger and Barenton. This is a central location that provides uncomplicated travel to the Normandy beaches, Mont Saint Michel and many market towns and places of historical interest.
Because of its close association with the legendary apple brandy, in the late 1940’s, La Lande du Bois was re-christened La Chatouillette.
Literally translated, ‘La Chatouillette’ means, ‘the little tickle at the back of your throat’, after sipping Calvados. This apt and tantalising description precisely describes the exhilarating, warm experience of a fine Calvados.
To this day, La Chatouillette has proudly maintained that cherished name.
In present times, the historic mines, coaches and bombs are long gone. They are now replaced by the bountiful and picturesque carp lake, established in the 1980’s.
The original Coach House Gite at La Chatouillette was bombed to the ground during the war. It was a popular Bistro at that time. It was re-built as a Gite in 1997.
During the Second World War and the German occupation of France, German bombers destroyed all the original buildings on the estate. After the German surrender, a new residence and trendy Bistro were created on the property. The gastronomic Bistro served as a popular venue for nearby miners, farmers and tourists and soon became a recognised centre for the local, legendry delicacy, Calvados.
Calvados (French pronunciation [kal.va.dos]) is an apple brandy from the French regions of Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy).Calvados apple orchards and brewers are mentioned as far back as the 8th century by Charlemagne. “Lord” De Gouberville. He carried out the rst known Norman distillation in 1554. The guild for cider distillation was created about 50 years later in 1606. In the 17th century the traditional cider farms expanded but taxation and prohibition of cider brandies were enforced in France, except for Brittany, Maine and Normandy regions.
Local families also began producing their own brews, some proudly passed down through the generations. On special occasions we have relished and celebrated with vintages of over fty years in the making!
During the Second World War and the German occupation of France, German bombers destroyed all the original buildings on the estate. After the German surrender, a new residence and trendy Bistro were created on the property. The gastronomic Bistro served as a popular venue for nearby miners, farmers and tourists and soon became a recognised centre for the local, legendry delicacy, Calvados.
Calvados (French pronunciation [kal.va.dos]) is an apple brandy from the French regions of Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy).
Calvados apple orchards and brewers are mentioned as far back as the 8th century by Charlemagne. “Lord” De Gouberville. He carried out the first known Norman distillation in 1554. The guild for cider distillation was created about 50 years later in 1606. In the 17th century the traditional cider farms expanded but taxation and prohibition of cider brandies were enforced in France, except for Brittany, Maine and Normandy regions.
Local families also began producing their own brews, some proudly passed down through the generations. On special occasions we have relished and celebrated with vintages of over fifty years in the making!
