Do not, for a single moment, conclude that your hosts' attitude
is only full of seriousness. This is one place where you are
guaranteed big laughs and lots of fun, absorbing conversation
and good company at the dinner table. This is the perfect place
for a short break or an extended holiday any time of the year.
You can enjoy your holiday with the Lee family, who moved from South
Africa and Zimbabwe to the rural tranquillity of France. They can
give guided tours to the various war sites, Champagne vineyards and
Chateau houses. Organised Golf days are available at 2 courses, one
water and one land course, with lunch at the golf club. Trout fishing in the Authie River can be arranged with permits and the beach is only 30 minutes by car.
|
 |
Set
in the Somme valley in beautiful natural grounds,
manicured lawns and formal gardens, the Manoir de Gourlay was built
in the 16th and 17th centuries with evident characteristics of
both periods: in the more recent past it was occupied by the British
and
the Germans in both World War 1 and World War 2 (the original engraved
graffiti can be seen on the walls). To stay here is to encounter
French life on a rather gracious level in a way that is almost
unchanged since
the turn of the 20th century; such is Karen and David's uncanny
ability to preserve this lovely old house and its history.
Breakfast is served on the
terrace in the summer; dinner in the classic formal dinning room is
a five-course affair with wine from the Manoir's own cellar. Lunch
may be arranged as a buffet or picnic. Barbeques, arranged during the
summer, provide a grand garden-party ambience. Meals can also be served
in your rooms for any private affair on request. The Authie River is
a three-minute walk and there are canoes and bicycles, which can be hired.
Guests can park their car in the courtyard. Open all year round.
|
