On the Half Shell

On the Half Shell: Brittany

You'll find this characterful farmhouse in sweet Cancale, where fresh oysters are on the menu and Mont Saint-Michel stands proud in the middle of the bay. It's a charming little village, and you'll be well-placed to soak up its authentic Breton atmosphere. Follow the path by the house and you'll end up at Port Briac beach, while the restaurants perched along the quay in town are an excellent spot to relax with a glass of wine and breathe in the salt-tinged air.

As undeniable as the location is, what makes this home a standout are the stunning traditional features in every room. We're smitten with the exposed stone walls and knotted wooden beams, and many cosy nooks invite you to kick back and unwind away from the group. Mealtimes are a grand affair in the dining room, with its sky-high ceilings and ornamental hearth. Tuck into a home-cooked feast made with locally-sourced seafood and produce, followed by a glass or two of Brittany's famous cider in the conservatory. During the summer, head out to the garden for sundowners and barbecues, then snuggle up for a good night's sleep in the comfortable bedrooms.

Home truths:
*This home is set over multiple levels, but there is a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom here for those with limited mobility
*One of the bedrooms is in a mezzanine above a sitting area – it opens directly above the lounge, so it's not the most private
*Two of the single beds are child-sized and would only be suitable for small children
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair on request
*You'll need a car here – there are several private parking spaces on-site
*At full occupancy, there's not enough space around the dining table for all guests – there's a smaller table in the kitchen that will fit the extra guests
*The nearest shops, restaurants and markets are a five-minute drive away