Welcome to the land of apples...

By GWENOLA VIEILLARD

IN THE LAND OF APPLE TREES
A ‘Gîte de France’

After returning from several years of ‘ex-pat’ existence in Africa, my husband and I decided to settle in Normandy. We chose the village of Biéville-Quétiéville in Calvados where the empty second home of my parents-in-law awaited us.

A magical location, comprising an old farm, a baker's oven, a distillery (to make the apple-brandy calvados), a dairy, a barn, stables and a splendid 16th century apple press (to make cider); we had several ideas just how we would go about giving this extraordinary place a new lease of life.

Quétiéville, resembles the word quietude ; no doubt there is a link! The silence of this tiny hamlet is only occasionally broken by the sound of a local farmer on his tractor and the postman, or the whinnying of a horse or the bleating of the sheep in the orchard. If you’re alert and patient, you can spot the roe deer and, from time to time, some wild boar.

The simple pleasures of rural life prompted the desire to share our experience with those who, trapped within urban steel and concrete, lack the good fortune of knowing such a lifestyle.The sound of silence alone is awe-inspiring.

The idea of restoring part of the farm to house a rural gîte was the obvious next step, the best way we could imagine to have the pleasure of promoting our beautiful area, as rich in history as Isigny fresh cream is in fat!

The Ruyer Farm gîte is next to our own dwelling, and this facilitates contact with those who come to stay.We’re on hand should you need any advice, directions to the nearest château or local bakery, or maybe a teabag! Informal get-togethers frequently ‘just happen’ in the garden, an opportunity for each of us to meet and discover a little of the life of our neighbours!

Time to fetch the keys and give people a guided tour of the old buildings… My husband is always very happy to be able to discuss the property.

The guests are then astonished to discover that the gîte once was merely the storeroom.The place where the cider and calvados was kept in the old days! Also surprised to learn that the materials employed for the restoration are hemp-based, a method used for several centuries! Modern facilities must not however be neglected.We all know that menial tasks have to be carried out, even on holiday, so we have equipped the property with a dishwasher and washing machine.As we have three girls ourselves, we are fully aware of the needs of our guests’ children.Swing, table-tennis table, bicycles of all sizes, and French bowls are all available.And well, admittedly Normandy isn’t the Côte d’Azur, so we have added satellite tv for the rare rainy evenings when it isn’t possible to have your aperitif outside.

Gîtes de France repaid our efforts this year, awarding us with the "Lodgings of Character" designation, a very closed circle.This label is attributed to properties restored in a genuinely period style, and with a welcoming atmosphere. And such a joy to read the comments left in the visitors’ book, sad goodbyes, grateful thanks! Truly satisfying, to know that people have appreciated their stay.

GWENOLA VIEILLARD
LA FERME DU RUYER
14270 BIÉVILLE-QUÉTIÉVILLE
Tel.: +33 (0)2 31 20 20 93
leruyer@libertysurf.fr

Photographs by Gwenola Vieillard