We bought our house in Magneville in 2008 from Alex's mother, who wished to sell the property. She had owned the cottage since the late 1980s and had only partially restored it at the point of our purchase.

When we took the house, the upstairs was still a large, open attic area, with iron supporting rods running across the entire length of the building to support the gables. We subsequently lowered these to the floor level and built the upstairs bedrooms, WC and bathroom as well as a new staircase (2009). We also built a terrace to the rear (2009) and the kitchen was moved to the central room on the ground floor and a new kitchen fitted (2010).

What we love about the house is the ability to completely escape our busy lives in London and enjoy our own space and beautiful natural setting. There is a great deal of space here and we enjoying nothing more than spending time together as a family in this setting.

We have taken many a cycle ride to Bricquebec and Saint-Sauveur-le-Viscomte as the old disused train line, which runs between the two towns was turned into a long tree-lined cycle-route by an EU project.

We also love the huge unspoilt beaches, beaches so vast, they could never get busy! Our favourite spots are around Portbail and Carteret.

There are countless excellent restaurants both locally and on the coast. We will share our favourites with you if you choose to say at the house.