a little of the history

LHG in 1997..... LHG in 2014

We purchased Le Haut Genet in 1997 and this shows what it was like. The grass was 2 foot tall, it had not been lived in for over 2 years and frankly it was in a state. We have progressively improved the cottage and tried to maintain the original features and quirkiness. The property was built in the late 1800's and was used for generations as a farm, before being let to tennants for several years and ultimately being sold to us. This completed an 18 month search for the right property in the right location.

The cottage has been re-roofed, new shower and additional toilet installed, wood burners fitted, the garden tamed, many trees, shrubs and flowers planted, the stone barn extensively upgraded and transformed into the "Biker Barn", a place to chill out in. It is in a tranquil location yet only minutes from the supermarket, bank, and the all important boulangerie (bakery).

We can now offer biker friendly accommodation

Le Haut Genet (or Genest) means “the high broom”. It is an old stone built cottage with a slate roof. It is located on top of a small hill and it faces due south. The bulk of the garden (in excess of an acre) is at the front of the cottage and it is secluded being surrounded by fields with the nearest house 300m down the hill.

The cottage is in a very quiet, rural location, with undulating countryside. Excellent for enjoying a Bar-B-Q, glass of wine, and either reading a good book or having a really intense game of Trivial Pursuit, or boules…….

Outside there is a patio area with a large pergola, patio furniture, and plenty of room to play football, basketball, badminton, boules, etc.

FACTS ABOUT LANDIVY AND SURROUNDING AREA.

· After World War 2 ammunition was buried by local farmers on the edge of the road/garden at Le Haut Genest.

· During WW2 the road to Le Haut Genest was an unsurfaced muddy track as was common in this area of Mayenne.

· A German garrison was stationed in Landivy and they were generally well behaved. They were replaced by the SS some of whom were stationed in Fougerolles du Plessis. Just before the Allies arrived following the D-day invasion the SS rounded up several local men and took them to Mortain where they were lined up and shot. There were huge fears that everyone in and around Fougerolles du Plessis were to be rounded up by the SS and put into the church which would have been set alight. Only the imminent arrival of the Allies prevented a potential massacre.

· On the road from Landivy to Ernee there is a small memorial on the right hand side to some Americans who lost their lives and another who was injured and the locals took away on a wheelbarrow to tend his injuries. He never made a full recovery and died shortly after the war ended.

· On the road from Le Haut Genest to Landivy there is a small graveyard on the left hand side just before entering Landivy. This commemorates some airmen who lost their lives.

· In Avranches there is a small unkempt cemetery near Le Jardin des Plantes where various English people are buried (not WW2 related).

· There is a massive American cemetery at St James with hundreds of simple white crosses and a lovely chapel. Inside the chapel are details of the D-Day invasion and the subsequent taking of this area of France from the Germans.

· There is a WW2 museum on the south side outside Avranches

· information is available in the Mairie at Fougerolles about the activities of the French Resistance during WW2.