LOCATION
to the 11th century dominates the centre, and its cobblestone entry and magnificent gardens complete the stunning surroundings. The commune is home to all you need for daily life with banks, a bakery, butcher’s, pharmacy and a superette all in the centre. But visitors don’t just
come here to take photos of the abbey and marvel at its splendour. They also come for one of Orne’s finest exports… the Lonlay sablé. This crunchy biscuit has been made here in Lonlay for over one hundred years, and due to an ever- increasing demand, the biscuit factory was opened just outside the town centre in 1964. Still a family business, using regional ingredients to produce all the
and amenities. “Domfront has a good choice of shops, with everything from large supermarkets to small, artisanal gift shops,” she says. “House prices are still reasonable in this area and many British families have chosen to settle here for the good schools and safe neighbourhoods.” If you’re looking for a
The 11th-century abbey dominates the centre of Lonlay-l’Abbaye
demand from both locals and second-home purchasers. This means that many buyers look at the surrounding villages for houses to renovate. This is a good option for DIY lovers as prices can start as low as €30,000 for a house of 100m2 with land (1,000m2
and more)
with a full renovation required. A renovated, four-bedroom, home in the centre of
180m2 Sablés bearing the abbey symbol
sablés locally in Normandy, this delicious biscuit bearing an imprint of the Lonlay abbey, is now recognised and enjoyed worldwide. The Biscuiterie de l’Abbaye
is open to the public; tourists flock here to take a tour of the factory and sample the renowned sablés. It’s often said that once you’ve visited this tiny corner of Orne, you won’t want to leave, and Suzanne Jenkins-Pearce of Suzanne in France Estate Agency testifies to the high demand for properties in this area. “It is popular with international buyers,” she says. “There is a good selection of terraced houses in the centre and a nice village atmosphere. On the outskirts there are more substantial detached houses, many with a good-sized garden or large plots of land.” She explains that property
prices have reduced here over the last year, but are currently stable. However, Lonlay- l’Abbaye is a small commune with a limited number of houses for sale and a high
Lonlay-l’Abbaye is priced at €300,000. Large family homes like this can be very hard to find in this commune, so many buyers look to the nearest town, Domfront-en-Poiraie, instead. Just a 7km drive away, it has long been sought after by both locals and those looking to buy second homes. This medieval town is a
beautiful mix of winding, cobbled streets which lead you up to the ruins of a château dominating the hilly landscape and modern commercial zones full of supermarkets and big chain stores. There is more choice of property here and the prices are very affordable. For €120,000 you can expect to find a traditional stone house of 120m2
with four bedrooms On the market
and a small garden on the outskirts of the town centre. For the same budget, you could choose instead to live in the town centre and purchase a small bungalow (approximately 85m2
) with three bedrooms.
If you’re looking for a large country house ith space and land, you’ll need a budget of €250,000-€300,000 for a four- bedroom house, over 160m2
,
with two or three hectares of land. Laure Lefeuvre explains
that many people choose this town for its affordability
tranquil corner of a rural department in Normandy, then this sector is worth serious consideration. Here, you’ll find small towns and villages full of amenities, yet close to nature and with a rich, gastronomical history. Properties range from apartments overlooking glimmering lakes to traditional stone farmhouses in the hamlets scattered throughout the Forêt des Andaines. Whatever your budget and
whatever your project, you’ll feel right at home in this cosy corner of Normandy… with enough walking trails and cycle paths through the forest to help you burn off any excess of sugary treats! ■
Domfront-en-Poiraie is a popular medieval town near Lonlay-l’Abbaye FIND MORE PROPERTIES ON
FRENCHENTREE.COM
€76,000 Lonlay-l’Abbaye Renovation project in a quiet hamlet; some work has been started in the main house; comes with attached barns and large garden (Suzanne in France)
50 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: May/June 2024
€340,000 Domfront Magnificent, fully renovated four- bedroom mill which would make a fantastic B&B or large family home, full of original features (Suzanne in France)
€225,000 Lonlay-l’Abbaye Four-bedroom, three-bathroom farmhouse with spacious kitchen and charming lounge with fireplace; garden with stone and several barns (Leggett Immobilier)
©SHUUTERSTOCK & BISCUITERIE DE L’ABBAYE
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