Would you like to know about the house we are renting in France? It’s a house with a name instead of an address — which makes me smile every time I think of it. I’ve never lived in a house with a name! It’s called La Cressonnière and it means “watercress”. (Incidentally, to honor the name of the house, I have been looking up watercress recipes — if you have a good one, please let me know.)
The house is in the Normandy region, about 1/2 hour from Caen. (In Caen, you can catch a ferry to the UK.) It’s big enough to fit our family, it has an artist’s studio and a beautiful garden. There’s even a piano — so my kids can continue their music studies while we’re there. There’s an older part and a newer part of the house. The older part is 17th century. The newer part is 18th century. : )
Ben Blair visited the home a few weeks ago to check it out in person, see what the countryside is like and how easy it is to access Paris. He loved the house and brought us lots of video so we could get to know it too.
Everything about the house is beautiful and interesting. The home owners have excellent taste. The husband is an artist, and he’s taken great care with every detail in the house. In one room, he uses salvaged wood paneling from a 17th century church on the walls. On the doors, he scouted authentic period locks. And his wonderful artwork makes appearances in every room.
Finding this home felt like a gift. It was the right size in the right price range. It was close enough to Paris — so I could see my sister. And it’s beautiful. Moving to France is a treat, and getting to live in such a special residence is equally a treat.
Some practical notes:
1) One of the reasons we took this daydream-of-moving-abroad seriously was our difficulty finding a house we wanted to buy here in Denver. There are lots of amazing neighborhoods here, but after looking fairly intensely for almost a year, we hadn’t found the right one to purchase. So we decided to consider that circumstance a blessing, and make the most of our flexible housing situation. We still hope to return to Denver after our time abroad and find a place to call home.
2) We looked into several different countries before ultimately deciding on France. When my sister, Jordan, made plans to spend a year in Paris with her family, that definitely influenced our decision. We think it will be fun for both of us to be in France at the same time. She can play city mouse and I’ll play country mouse.
3) Another factor that assured us La Cressonniére was the right place, is that the wife is Australian. So, while we’re working on our meager French, communication is still easy — hooray!
4) We found La Cressonniére on SabbaticalHomes.com — my favorite source if you’re looking for a long-term, furnished rental. But there are other great sites as well.
If you’re considering your own adventure abroad, I hope these notes about our thinking and sources will help you.
Amanda
December 23, 2010 at 12:27 pmjealous! jealous, jealous! the house looks amazing, and perfectly French :)
Wendy
December 23, 2010 at 12:27 pmBeautiful! What a dream come true!
Emily @ Merrypad
December 23, 2010 at 12:28 pmThat’s mindblowingly gorgeous. What’s the sq. footage? Will that yard private to you? How many rooms? More pics to come?
Redmenace
December 23, 2010 at 12:31 pmIt’s gorgeous! You will have the time of your lives!
Janice Winter
December 23, 2010 at 12:32 pmHi Gabrielle, I am so jealous of your upcoming move. My daughter and her family lived in London for 4 years and in Frankfurt for 4 years so I was able to visit often and totally fall in love with Europe. It will be a lovely experience and one you will always be glad you decided to do. When I retire in another year or so I am commited to make the same move. Good luck with all your future adventures, I enjoy your posts so much and can’t wait for them to start coming from France………
Jan @ Family Bites
December 23, 2010 at 12:36 pmWow. It’s really, really gorgeous. Thanks for sharing and I can’t wait to read more about your adventures abroad.
Porsche
December 23, 2010 at 12:37 pmJust one question. Can I come and visit? Please? :)
bdaiss
December 23, 2010 at 12:38 pmGorgeous! Won’t it be fun to discover the history for yourself?
annabelvita
December 23, 2010 at 12:41 pmIt’s totally gorgeous! What an amazing find.
It’s name means “watercress bed”, which I think is perfect. Makes it sound like a big cosy nest of watercress.
Anne M.
December 23, 2010 at 12:42 pmI…LOVE…THAT…YARD/GARDEN! Absolutely beautiful!
Erin
December 23, 2010 at 12:43 pmOh, that walled garden alone… what amazing adventures your children will share!
Shakyra
December 23, 2010 at 12:49 pmBeautiful place! We are currently stationed in Italy and you have given me an excellent idea! We are already adventuring living the Italian life but how about making something even more exciting and renting a place for a whole month?!!! Mmm Florence? Venice? Somewhere in Germany? If we are going to do it we might as well do it big! Enjoy your time!
Amy
December 23, 2010 at 12:51 pmWhat a beautiful home!
I love to eat watercress sandwiches
First a little cream cheese (or some such) then some watercress, perhaps some cracked black pepper. Ta da!
Nikki
December 23, 2010 at 12:52 pmIt is beautiful! You guys will be so happy there, congrats!
Oh and Merry Christmas!
Sandy Plunkett
December 23, 2010 at 1:03 pmHello there! Just wanted you to know that I am a close personal friend of the owners – have known the wife for 25 yrs. She called me last week to say how excited she was to have such wonderful tenants for their very loved home. I first stayed in this house 12 years ago after they first bought it. The work they have done is unbelievable!! Really hope your new life in Normandy is wonderful for your family.
cheers
Sandy
cassandra
December 23, 2010 at 1:03 pmEnjoy! SO very jealous…a dream come true…something your whole family will always treasure and remember fondly :) Plus, such a beautiful house/home!! Bonne Chance!!
Kimberly
December 23, 2010 at 1:24 pmI am so happy for your happiness, Gabrielle. Here’s to making dreams come true! Happy Adventuring to you all!
Monique
December 23, 2010 at 1:32 pmThe house is beautiful! Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together. It’s so amazing that you are living out your desires. I wish you and your family all the best. Happy Holidays!
Andie
December 23, 2010 at 1:32 pmCaen, Normandy, Deauville! My happiest places on earth! Send love from me to Deauville. And enjoy your journey.
elz
December 23, 2010 at 1:37 pmGorgeous. I just WISH. But, neither of our jobs is moveable. The time I lived in Europe growing up and later studying were my favorite times.
KarinS
December 23, 2010 at 1:50 pmSimply gorgeous! What a magical way to spend a year in France. I look forward to hearing all about your adventures.
Happy Christmas from Newfoundland!
Victoria
December 23, 2010 at 1:54 pmIt looks and sounds fabulous. Wbat a great time you will all have there. Merry Christmas in Denver, next year you will be celebrating in France! Yay.
Chris
December 23, 2010 at 2:22 pmI’m so excited for you! My husband is in the Air Force and we are moving to Europe in the summer as well. We are going to Germany and I could not be more excited!! I look forward to following your adventures on your blog as we have our own.
stacey
December 23, 2010 at 3:14 pmLove the new digs! I think one of the best ways to use watercress is the simplest…fresh picked on a sandwich with bacon and some herbed mayonaisse, so simple to make yourself. My father in law and I pick it in the spring and fall here in Pennsylvania and make sandwiches for days on end! Just imagine, some good countryside bacon and crusty French bread (toasted is even better)…seems so simple and fitting for your new French lifestyle!
Kat
December 23, 2010 at 3:24 pmOooh, looks gorgeous! Hope you will be taking advantage of that ferry to the UK x
Kat
December 23, 2010 at 3:30 pmOh and my favourite watercress soup recipe on my blog: http://housewifeconfidential.co.uk/2010/10/watercress-weekend/
Kristen
December 23, 2010 at 3:35 pmSo happy for you all!
Erin
December 23, 2010 at 3:47 pmGreat opportunity and beautiful house! We’ve taken the boat/ship ride from Caen to the UK. Pretty easy 5 hours and then another 2-3 train ride to London. You will love the Noandy region, beautiful! I’m jealous of tour adventure! Enjoy!!
Robin
December 23, 2010 at 3:49 pmAwestruck
Brittany @ The Aubergine Notebook
December 23, 2010 at 4:18 pmyou’re house looks so charming! what a great experience this will be. :)
definitely take the ferry to the u.k. i’ve done the eurostar and the ferry. both are fun but there is something about being able to see the english channel rather than being under it!
katy
December 23, 2010 at 4:34 pmWow! You are certainly living the dream. Congrats on the great house!
Liz
December 23, 2010 at 4:42 pmFor those of you wanting a foreign adventure in a gorgeous home somewhere, we’ve had great luck with house swapping. Had a great Spring Break holiday in Mont Tremblant, Quebec at a ski chalet while the other owners enjoyed some city living in New York. Congrats on your new serendipitous adventure, Blairs! Looks like a magazine spread already.
Anna
December 23, 2010 at 4:44 pmI find posts like these fascinating. Can’t wait for more!
Michelle Glauser
December 23, 2010 at 5:13 pmCongratulations, that looks gorgeous. And you should definitely make it over to Germany and Switzerland, my favorites.
Adventures In Babywearing
December 23, 2010 at 6:03 pmHow fabulous! I love Normandy and Caen- you must visit the Memorial there- it’s amazing and powerful. And all the castles around that area… so magical!
Steph
Bonnie
December 23, 2010 at 6:06 pmI am green with envy! I hope that you and your family have a wonderful experience. I’m looking forward to discovering France through your blog.
Erin
December 23, 2010 at 7:17 pmI’m green with envy….I’m certain you can see this in my typing! France holds a special place in my heart for several reasons. I’m excited to re-live the excitement by reading about your adventures. Thanks for sharing.
Julie
December 23, 2010 at 8:27 pmHow incredible!! What an unforgettable experience it will be for your family…way to go Blairs! Live it up!
Collette | Hoopty Doopty
December 23, 2010 at 8:39 pmWow! Breathtaking and I’m sure you will all have a magical experience there.
It’s definitely a bonus that the wife is Australian. Yay! Australians are good peeps. I’m an American living and now calling Australia home.
The photos are fabulous and that garden is something else! Love all you are sharing.
Sheryl
December 23, 2010 at 9:25 pmWe’re thinking of moving to France, I’ll be looking forward to hearing about your adventures!
steph t.
December 23, 2010 at 9:53 pmbeautiful!! i can just see you guys there! i bet you’re getting even more excited now. :)
Yanyan
December 23, 2010 at 10:27 pmWhat a dream come true. All the best with your move, this is so exciting and wonderful! Especially for the kids! You are such an inspiration! Merry christmas and happy new year dear Gaby, Ben and your beautiful children!! Yanyan
Madison Judd
December 23, 2010 at 10:47 pmCongratulations!!!! Hope things go smoothly and you and the family ENJOY.
Megan
December 23, 2010 at 11:08 pmIncredible! Congratulations and well done!
kelly
December 23, 2010 at 11:57 pmlovely. lovely!!! couldn’t be more thrilled for you all. hope the internet speed rocks your socks off too… :)
Natalie
December 24, 2010 at 12:07 amSo excited for you!
I took the train from Caen to Paris and it was definitely do able! I think it was about 2 hours. We did a Day Trip to the D Day sites — how amazing that your kids will be able to learn about that part of history.
alyson boehr
December 24, 2010 at 12:39 amOH MY! What a beautiful garden :) How exciting for you!!!
Erica
December 24, 2010 at 6:31 amWhat a beautiful home! What an amazing adventure!
Deborah
December 24, 2010 at 6:40 amWhen I opened the page for your blog and saw the picture of this lovely house I just said “Ohhhhh!” to myself. So incredibly beautiful, and the gardens too. Thanks for sharing your experience with us so we can live vicariously! Love it!
Anneliese
December 24, 2010 at 9:04 amThis sounds like such a fabulous adventure for your family! You are so fortunate to be able to pull it off. My family lived in Germany for a few years when I was young and there are so many fun memories I retain. I think it’s a great experience for children. And how great to have your sister there too!
Sara
December 25, 2010 at 7:38 pmJust love it!! I am just so thrilled for you all!! Once again, you are inspirational in the way that you and Ben Blair use your creativity and mindfulness to achieve such fabulous goals for your family. So glad you’ll have such a beautiful setting on your adventure!
Amy Smart
December 25, 2010 at 10:40 pmGabby – This looks absolutely dreamy. I am just so excited for you and your family. And to get to read about all of your adventures. I’m proud to say I practiced French with you back in the day. Bon Chance!!
deborah@applesinwonderland
December 26, 2010 at 9:52 amstorybook. like right out of a storybook. do you feel like you’re dreaming? i’m so looking forward to reading about your family’s adventures in this new story of your lives. :)
Sarah
December 26, 2010 at 5:13 pmSlice canned brown bread with raisins (near the baked beans section at the grocery), spread the slices with goat cheese and top with watercress leaves. Sandwich two slices together and roll in crushed toasted hazelnuts.
sara
December 26, 2010 at 8:05 pmIt looks so perfectly French. I am so happy for you guys – I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures abroad and live a little vicariously through you!
Lynelle
December 27, 2010 at 11:24 amAwesome! How did you plan with the kids– such as finding schools?
Debbie D
December 27, 2010 at 7:55 pmYes. Please.
chelsea
December 27, 2010 at 10:43 pmHow fun!!
Beth
December 28, 2010 at 7:06 amThis looks amazing. On a practical note, I am curious about how you were able to obtain visas to live in France for this long?
charity
December 28, 2010 at 9:56 amCongrats! So excited/jealous to read your adventures aborad. Good Luck!
Missy W
December 29, 2010 at 9:39 pmYou continue to be an inspiration to me! These days I hardly get past work and Trader Joe’s. To dream of living somewhere magical is almost too hard to imagine. Good for you!!!!
Dina
January 1, 2011 at 9:06 amHow lovely! I am curious, how did you all decide on Normandy as your region of choice? What an enriching experience this will be for your family.
Bren
January 1, 2011 at 7:22 pmHi! Fabulous rental you found! I was referred to your blog by a newcomer to mine whom advised we should link up as I’m moving to Paris also! I’ll actually be in Paris and Normandy. Congrats to you for deciding to live abroad. I’m excited and look forward to the experience! I hope to connect with you.
Best and Happy New Year!
Bren-
B So Chic!
http://www.bsochic.blogspot.com (fashion)
Flanboyant Eats
http://www.flanboyanteats.com (culinary)
Jessica R.
January 4, 2011 at 5:26 pmoh – here it is! YAY! beautiful – enjoy =)
Alyssa
January 4, 2011 at 9:11 pmI am way behind on your posts, but I had to tell you: Normany is fantastic! In addition to all the castles, The Peace Museum in Caen is amazing. Go! http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/caen-memorial (also, as I’m sure you already know, you aren’t that far away from the D-Day beaches and memorials. Those are also amazing).
But my absolute, absolute favorite is Mont St-Michel. Might be my favorite place on earth: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Saint-Michel
julieg
January 4, 2011 at 10:00 pmI have to ask, how expensive is that? My Daughter’s school principal is having a sabbatical in France for a year in Nantes. Not as grand of a house but still a very nice modern house with a pool and I wonder how they can afford it…sorry if it’s a crass question, but since you are a stranger, I guess I can ask. My husband is Swiss but we can’t afford to ever live there, not in a house, maybe an apartment LOL
Amanda
January 11, 2011 at 1:23 pmI am hoping to capture some of this spirit of “It’s now or neverness” so that I can spritz it on our life.
So excited for you all.
Emily
January 19, 2011 at 3:51 pmMore and more I’m thinking our family needs the adventure of living abroad, even though it would probably be easier if they were younger. But you only live once, and LIVE we need to do!
Bonny
February 1, 2011 at 8:26 amI want to see pictures of every room!
sarah @ cookingpretty
February 6, 2011 at 7:12 amI just stumbled upon your page from a link at Not Martha. I have LOVED reading through your entries about relocating your family to France – thanks for all the detailed info!! We are in a similar situation…living in the Boulder area, searching for a home to buy without much luck finding something we love, etc. We have a one year old and my husband works from home as a software developer so we are seriously considering a year abroad if we don’t find a house we love by July (when our rental lease is up). I can’t wait to follow along on your adventure in France!!
Nadege Conger
February 8, 2011 at 2:36 pmHi Everyone, I am delighted that Gabrielle found La Cressonniere, it is indeed perfect for her large family. As the founder of SabbaticalHomes.com, I want to tell Sarah, that we have other beautiful homes posted at SabbaticalHomes.com. Not just in France but also in Italy, Spain, Australia and, in 48 other countries. If you have any questions, please email me. Cheers, Nadege (a mom who loves homes and travels)
milimelo
February 17, 2011 at 3:36 amHello, I found you blog by accident…. it makes me smile, because… i’m living in caen, so we are neighbourg… ;-)
milimelo
February 17, 2011 at 3:37 amSo, welcome ! hoping you enjoy your stay….
La Franglaise
February 22, 2011 at 5:20 amI lived in Deauville for five years so if you would like some insider tips about things to see or do in the region, give me a shout. I’d be happy to share! Belle journée à vous, La Franglaise xx
Anne Bourghlandy
March 25, 2011 at 11:42 amIt’s like I am seeing a glimpse of heaven. Greenery!
Shelley
May 28, 2011 at 10:38 pmBreathtaking!!! The home and its grounds are gorgeous! What an wonderful experience for your family. My family and I were in a position to move abroad to Chile for 6 months, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. I would so love to live abroad for some time. What a great gift you are giving your children!
ps: I simply adore the treehouse and its details!
Julie K
June 13, 2011 at 11:00 amI happened to flip on the tv to the hgtv channel last night and saw you guys on the International house hunters show. It was so fun to see you and your home there in video form. I’ve now spent the morning going through all your past france posts. So fun! I wondered how the house hunters show came about and when it was filmed?
Dawne
July 8, 2011 at 9:19 pmBonjour Gabrielle,
I just got finished watching the House Hunters International episode for the second time, and couldn’t wait to race to Google and find you! I have a big crush on your whole family , and of course on that incredible house! I just loved seeing you and the children making art in the atelier! I’m going to follow your blog from now on. We leave for our Normandy vacation next week, and although we won’t have time to look for property on this trip, we do so want to spend a year living there in the very near future.
Now I’m off to catch up on your blog and your Flickr!
Cheers,
Dawne
Amanda
July 9, 2011 at 12:06 amJust saw you on House Hunters!!! What an amazing experience for you and your family!!! My husband and I only traveled to Paris once before our little ones….but I am dreaming to go back! Cannot wait to follow you and your family and all of your french adventures!!!
Sarah Neilson
August 13, 2011 at 1:53 pmI saw you and your adorable family on House Hunters International! Every time I watched that show I catch the “living abroad bug” and this episode was no exception. I just died over all the houses you toured loving every minute of it (especially that converted convent!). I saved it and made my husband watch it with me later telling him that you guys were living my dream. My second thought (after complete envy) was I totally bet they’re LDS! Haha…low and behold I believe you are. One of my friends, Nicole Gerulat, writes for babble also. Reading one of her posts today I stumbled upon your blog. What a random little world we live in. Anyway, you’re family is beautiful and I can’t wait to live vicariously through you until I can have adventures of my own! Good luck in France! -Sarah
Zee
August 24, 2011 at 10:27 pmHi Gabrielle! I just saw House Hunters too and it was so nice to see you and your family! I loved the farm house you chose, beautiful! Great choice!
bw
August 25, 2011 at 11:08 amHi Gabrielle! My wife and I have seen your HHI show a couple of times, and are totally fascinated with all three of the houses you toured. We’re wondering what your feelings are about the whole House Hunters experience. How did you happen to get involved with HGTV… does HGTV pay the families that participate in those shows… do you tour numerous homes and then settle on the three to be filmed… was that experience something you’d do again or not… etc., etc.
Sabbatix.com
September 1, 2011 at 1:48 pmAnother option if you searching for a furnished rental is http://www.sabbatix.com. You’ll also find homes for exchange and house sit opportunities.
pamela
September 1, 2011 at 2:24 pmloving sabaticalhome.com!! Dreaming of the day we can move overseas!! Thank you for all your insight!
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
January 10, 2012 at 9:27 amHi Gabrielle,
I just found your blog because I watched you guys on HH. What a fantastic place! It must be dreamy living in a place with such character and soul. You can feel the passion of art in every room.
I hope you guys are being happy and feeling blessed in your home.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Ed Ritter
January 21, 2012 at 5:54 pmBonjour Gabrielle,
My wife & I are watching this episode on House Hunter’s International right now. When you mentioned you were a blogger, I looked you up. I appreciate the spolier and enjoyed your story of finding a house in France. Wonderful and enjoy your stay!!!
EFR
Carol Rea
January 29, 2012 at 12:48 amNot even sure how I stumbled onto your site, but am thrilled to be able to enjoy it! I happened to watch that episode of House Hunters International and was nearly jumping up and down to see that you chose this very, very special home. Now that I’ve learned more about you through your blog, I’m pleased at what a truly perfect match it is for you and your family. I have a little dream lurking in the back of my own mind that I, too could have an adventure in a little place in France or England… someday. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Blair Destro
March 22, 2012 at 12:06 amWhen this property was up for sale we seriously considered it, maybe it’s nearby? http://www.la-mancelliere.com/La-Mancelliere/Home.html
nancy
June 5, 2012 at 8:43 amExcellent post with beautiful pics. I wish i could own a similar house… it looks so frechish…. Any Vacation REntals for this house?
Nancy
(caribbean-villa-rentals . org )
Jennifer
January 6, 2013 at 6:11 pmHi, I am enjoying your blog. May I ask how you support yourself financially as you say you no longer do your graphic art – do you work using blogs? is it the advertising? Apologies if this question is too blunt but I ask as I am living in France too but need to find a way of bringing in an income. I am not in a part of the country I like and want to move to the countryside as well. My boyfriend is in Montpellier but I really dislike it and am very unhappy in this industrial city, you see.