Blanchelande

The ancient abbey of Blanchelande lies in a tranquil wooded valley in the heart of the Cotentin peninsular in lower Normandy. Facing a beautiful lake and surrounded by high walls and a moat, for hundreds of years the abbey was an important centre of religious and secular life in north western France. It still retains much of the original 12^th and 13^th century monastic buildings, including a dramatic vaulted refectory and the medieval gatehouse, courtroom and dungeon, and also boasts an elegant 18^th century chateau with sumptuous carved panelling and ornate reception rooms.

Known as the “Lourdes of the North” due to its healing springs, Blanchelande will offer a range of holistic treatments and will be focused on well-being, relaxation, rejuvenation, good cuisine and the arts. It will also offer spiritual rejuvenation and intellectual stimulation through workshops and weekends hosted by leading writers, holistic practitioners, artists and thinkers.

Blanchelande will feature unique state of the art bathrooms with hydromassage and colour changing chromotherapy baths and showers, and the option of health and beauty treatments being carried out in the comfort of the guests own rooms.

When the full scheme is completed Blanchelande will offer accommodation in a up to 23 comfortable rooms, and a range of other facilities including an al fresco café bar, a panelled dining room and carved salon, conference rooms with full IT facilities, a large functions room, a spa and pool. Care is being taken to use natural non allergic materials such as wood, stone, wool, cotton and lime washes throughout the house. The interior will contain a mixture of contemporary and antique furnishings, with the accent on comfort, simplicity and style. The existing finishes will be retained where possible, maintaining the original patina. The existing limestone and oak theme will be maintained throughout the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Each bedroom will feature state of the art bathrooms with the latest therapeutic technology, and will be equipped with DVD players, plasma TV’s or projectors, and games consoles. The rooms will be individually furnished with a mixture of antique and contemporary furniture and the beds will be large and comfortable and feature hypoallergenic latex mattresses.

Unlike a conventional hotel, Blanchelande will be available as a single unit to individuals and business's for conferences, courses, seminars, weddings and private parties. Virtually impregnable behind its moat, high walls and lake, it will offer a high level of security and complete privacy.