Guest Blog: New Dad at Haute Mancelière..
April 13, 2011
First-time Dad and former BBC Masterchef Professionals finalist, Ludo Dieumegard, tops off a trip back to his Brittany home-town with a relaxing break at Haute Manceliere…
Once a year, ‘family duty’ calls with a visit the French wing of the clan. It is always whistle-stop tour, cramming in as much quality time as possible with a long list of relatives, but this year the schedule was more packed that ever with a stream of uncles, aunties and cousins anxious to meet our ‘not so new’ baby, Ella who arrived shortly after our last visit.
After a fortnight of crashing with various relations, we decided to treat ourselves to our first ‘family holiday’ and booked in to Haute Manceliere for a few nights.
Our stay at this pretty cluster of gites loomed like an oasis in the desert over our time in France and when we finally arrived, took in the lovely setting and opened the door, we felt instantly relaxed and at home. The interiors were a welcoming and comfortable mix of original Breton longhouse features with practical family furnishings that meant we weren’t constantly anxious about grubby little hands on the sofas!
On further inspection, we barely needed to unload anything for Ella from the car as there was a cot (including a sleeping bag), stairgate, high chair, toys etc. all supplied. We discovered a ‘kick and play’ gym for Ella to use along with three friendly rubber ducks for bath time.
Once we’d settled, Susan the owner popped over to see us. She was warm, friendly and brimming with useful tips and information about where to go. We’d more or less written off a day trip to Le Mont St Michel as highly unpractical with a buggy, but no sooner had we mentioned it than Susan rustled up a baby ‘ruck sack’ seat for Ella. So, we were able to spend a lovely half day wondering around Mont St Michel, climbing all the steps, wondering the tiny little cobbled streets and taking in the scenery without having to worry about lugging a buggy up steps.
We had a lovely time and although our timing (January) meant we couldn’t take full advantage of the extensive grounds and lovely looking swimming pool , we are now planning a return visit in warmer temperatures…. we just have to work out a way to get some time off from running a gastropub!
Ludo Dieumegard
Dad of Ella (born 2010) and owner of Blaenwenllan Cottages & Ludo’s at the Cooper’s
Read more about Haute Manceliere on BFB
