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Find out more about us, the holiday cottage and our values

Julie & Clément, caretakers of an estate in the Sarthe region

Our aim

Preserving our heritage, bringing it to life, and sharing it

We are Julie and Clément. In Joué l’Abbé, in the Sarthe, we fell in love at first sight with a country estate whose spirit remains intact, nestled amongst hedgerows, ancient hedges and woodland, with a lake that reflects the light of the twilight hours. Our aim is simple yet demanding: to preserve the estate’s noble character by restoring it step by step, using materials and methods that respect the site, whilst opening the estate to travellers, business travellers and those who come to enjoy the region’s major events.

Here, history is etched into the stone: a hemp kiln — a testament to rural craftsmanship — evokes the cycles of the seasons and the patience of the artisans. The sandblasted walls, old roof tiles, almond-green shutters and the gravel courtyard create an authentic setting without ostentation. Nothing artificial: one hectare (9,503 m²) of nature and open spaces, a breath of fresh air

Our accommodation

Daily life on the estate: tranquillity and simplicity

In the morning, we walk down to the lake. The calm, mirror-like surface and the birds set the pace. Later, the light filters through the foliage and casts new shapes on the façades. We have lunch outside, and, depending on the day, we treat ourselves to a stroll amongst the trees or a nap in the shade. In the evening, the courtyard becomes an open-air lounge: we chat about our day, have a laugh and put the world to rights. The bedrooms and living areas have been designed to combine comfort, independence and a sense of community, so that families, friends and teams on assignment feel right at home.

 

For professionals: efficiency by day and proper rest by night

Many people come here to work: there’s plenty of parking, easy access by road, and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for concentrating. After a day’s work or a meeting, it’s time to unwind: a jog in the fresh air, an aperitif as the sun goes down, dinner in Le Mans or back to the cosy warmth of the kitchen. The next day, you set off feeling refreshed — with nothing but the rustling of leaves and the crunch of gravel underfoot — and that rare feeling of having truly recharged your batteries.

 

Holidays & discoveries: where nature meets heritage

All around us lies the vibrant Sarthe region: the Sarthe Valley with its charming villages, river cruises and water-based activities; further north, the Alpes Mancelles for panoramic views, hiking and canoeing; to the south, the Bercé Forest with its cathedral-like tall trees, ideal for walking and recharging your batteries. Just a few minutes away, Le Mans and its Cité Plantagenêt invite you to stroll through the cobbled streets and look up at the half-timbered houses. And when the calendar is packed with events — the 24 Hours of Le Mans, motorbike races, classic car shows — you can soak up the energy of the day and sleep peacefully at night, in the countryside.

Our recommendations

Restore and pass on

Our commitment: to restore and pass on

Renting out the estate is not an end in itself: it is a means of funding a demanding and sustainable restoration.

We are proceeding room by room, respecting traditional techniques, textures and the local colour. Our belief is that heritage only truly exists if it is lived in. By welcoming you, we breathe life into the place; by restoring it, we ensure its future. This virtuous circle — sharing, preserving, passing on — guides every decision we make.

Maison Lameries: artisanal liqueurs, coming soon to our premises

In a few months’ time, the estate will be home to our artisanal liqueur production workshop: Maison
Lameries. The idea is to distil a part of this landscape, using plants from the garden, hints of herbs, and the gentle scent of the hedgerows. We want to create liqueurs that capture the essence of the Sarthe as we experience it here: understated, generous, natural.

You’ll be able to discover these creations on site, during tastings and convivial gatherings designed as a welcome respite: one foot in history, the other in the craftsmanship of today.

Our promise

Whether you’re coming to work, hold a meeting, explore the region or enjoy an exciting event, what you’ll find here is an authentic setting (hemp kiln, courtyard, historic façades) and beautiful spaces (1 ha / 9 503 m², lake, woodland). We want you to experience ‘authentic’ moments (meals al fresco, peaceful evenings, the luxury of tranquillity). We invite you to be part of a meaningful project: renting to restore, restoring to pass on, passing on to ensure its future.

Welcome to our home. Julie & Clément — Estate located in Joué l’Abbé | Les Lameries