Voyage of discovery in Normandy

Dann Yager shares his joyful 12-year journey that begins & ends in Brighton, as he plans to sell his Normandy home

My story is a sentimental yarn of a passionate sailor, sailing off to new horizons, an amazing house, which in time became a formidable teacher. Epic adventures have taught me to find peace within. Who says houses are not sentimental?

It all began here in Brighton, in the winter of 2001, on the stormy seas of the south east coast. I had taken it upon myself to have an adventure, I had bought a sailing boat with £1,000 and zero sailing experience. I decided to brave the stormy November seas of the English Channel, not knowing where it would lead to, setting off in the rough direction of The Mediterranean.

“The house is the centrepiece of this picturesque valley and directly overlooks the most attractive ancient church”

I remember the look of fear on loved ones faces, I still recall one or two wondering if they would ever see me again. I was not sure myself, I just knew I wanted to go south. After a scary few days in the English Channel I was most relieved to find the enchanting French port of Honfleur, jewel of the Normandy coast, and I immediately fell in love with this rustic charming part of the world. Onward south I set my course, up along the magical river banks of the Seine, delighted to embrace Paris. Little did I know that I was on my way to becoming ‘The Painting Pirate’ and even more fantastically, a father, not to mention master to ‘The Lodge’, an amazing six-bedroom country house, which would become host to a retreat centre for art and yoga, eventually bringing me an inner peace that my wild, reckless heart could only have dreamt of at that time.

My career is now taking me overseas once more, as my path calls. My voyage of discovery begins its second part. Meanwhile, The Lodge requires a new master – custodian to helm and skipper this amazing house onwards to its next adventure.

The house is ready, ready for you and ready to find ‘The One’. To the intrepid individual with a dream: do you see yourself running a retreat centre, art courses, dance studio, or simply running a B&B? Or, do you simply want to have a spacious dream home for your family? Whatever the adventure that would fulfill your heart,
The Lodge comes with a Licence for Commerce.

This house has always been the heart of Beaunay village. Many marvellous things have happened here. My beautiful neighbours have been married for over 70 years. They are nearly 100 and are still going strong. They told me that before the war The Lodge was a ballroom venue with a huge enclosed pergola in the garden. This classified Grade A listed heritage village is protected from any development. The house is the centrepiece of this picturesque valley and directly overlooks the most attractive ancient church. With approximately just 20 houses, the village incredibly has its own school and town hall, which both operate wonderfully. Directly opposite there is the Barons Family Chateaux, just visible through the woods, part of the incredible family estate we are allowed to walk around. Their estate boasts the largest working thatched barn in Europe. Also, 2km away is the oldest oak tree in France. When I saw this extraordinary estate and saw this truly amazing place I knew straight away that I had to have this house.

The environment is rural, with many animals and farms. It has an innocence, and is very peaceful, with unspoilt views in all directions. Despite its idyllic location, nestled into the valley, the house is very accessible with the ferry port of Dieppe only 15 miles away (from £30 ferry to the UK). Locally, there is a choice of four charming villages, all with amenities including banks, post offices, boulangerie epicerie, patisserie and even supermarkets. The beach is only 20 minutes away, with an amazing surf spot and empty beaches. Further afield is the famed Cathedral city of Rouen only half an hour with rail links five minutes from the house. Day trips can also be easily planned to Paris, which is less than two hours away.

This truly has been anamazing homestead for my adventure in France. I have hosted many friends and had wonderful family holidays over the last 12 years. That time is over. Is this now your time? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy this property for £250,000. I would also consider swapping homes of equal value, providing the paperwork can be worked out smoothly. A temporary swap with anyone who has a cozy place with a great view will also be considered. The house has its own Blogspot which you can visit at Theoldgalleryblogspot,
With many film clips and photos, it is easy to visit The Lodge and experience the neighbours and environment for yourself before you travel.
01273 422907/07775 475 855
dannyager@hotmail.co.uk