Rural Normandy farm with an urban, eclectic interior
Maison Ceronne / Sainte-Céronne-lès-Mortagne / France
This is one of those hotels where the photos just don’t do it justice. Maison Ceronne, is a contemporary, urban design hotel created by people with exquisite taste, but it isn’t located in Paris as one might think when looking at the photos. No, this hotel is set in a rural setting among the rolling hills of Normandy, 2 h from Paris.
It is crazy to think that this used to be a vacation home. Owners (and couple) Vincent-Louis and Clement created this amazing country retreat for themselves and their friends soon realized that it was almost rude not to open it up to the public and give more people the opportunity to enjoy this place.
When approaching the hotel it is easy to assume that the interior will be all rustic, sturdy and traditional but it is the opposite. The design is modern, bold and almost provocative bringing in elements from the 50:s, 60:s, and the 70:s where statement lamps plays centre stage.
There are only 8 rooms here so this is a true boutique hotel and on top of this there is an indoor- and outdoor pool, saunas, bar, restaurant, cinema, a night club (!!!), outdoor hot tub, gym… And not to forget, 2 Shetlands, 1 donkey and 1 pony.
And some intel we got directly from Vincent-Louis is that they recently acquired another nearby farm and will soon open their second place, Maison Ceronne Praire. I can’t wait to see what they will create next. I know it will be awesome!
This is Maison Ceronne. Two old farmhouses turned design destination.
Our room was in the second house. I love these old stone houses, especially when the inside is as surprising as it is here.
Our cosy, modern room was on the top floor, with tilted ceilings and exposed wooden beams.
Different statement lamps are to be found throughout the hotel. Like this cool little number on our beside table.
The design is created by owners Vincent-Louise and Clement. Talk about having fingerspitsgefühl. There is design to be found in every single detail.
One of the many common areas. Perfect for lounging away the afternoon.
The bar with a clever honesty set up where you just enter everything you drink in an iPad.
Just look at this! Such attention to detail!
The indoor pool made of black stone which is such a dramatic contrast against the concrete ceiling, the bricks and the large industrial windows flooding the room with light.
The outdoor pool is made of the same black stone as the indoor pool. Like swimming in a dark pond.
The small and retro-looking gym is hidden in what looks like an old garage. A perfect place to burn some calories and create some space for the dinner.
The logo of Maison Ceronne on the facade of the main building.
The common room (what used to be the living room when this was a private residence). In the background you can see the massive concrete fire place.
Me waiting for dinner, surrounded by candles. Love how the massive table is made of the same stone as the two pools. A great way to connect the design.
The sun is setting on the Normandy country side and Maison Ceronne. Bonne nuit!
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are a design buff and you always want an urban flair, even when staying at a country retreat. If you are looking for a place well beyond the beaten path to kick back and relax, this is your place.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the personal style. The design is like nothing I have seen before. An eclectic mix of beautiful pieces combined with an intense attention to detail.
The quality booster…
…was the amazing scented candle that Vincent-Louis gave to us. I had read that they had created their own signature candle together with renowned candle producer ”Cire Trudon”, produced in a village nearby. When I asked if they had one to buy, he went a looked to see if they still had any left and he ended up giving it to us for free.
Selected by RG Coffee Index…
…is 5 of 5. France is known for many things but coffee is always a bit of a gamble. But not here. The morning cappuccino was perfect. And they just kept coming.
What not to miss when staying here is…
…to explore the surroundings. There are bikes to borrow at the hotel and I can highly recommend to take one for a spin. The Perche natural reserve is a beautiful, lush area of rolling hills with open meadows and dense forests. Or you can just stay by the pool with a book.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Masseria Moroseta, Ostuni, Italy
Furillen, Gotland, Sweden
Dexamenes, Peloponnese, Greece
