This was a last minute family summer break to escape builders' mess before the new term start! Good weather helped, straightforward journey from Calais ad delightful welcome, with extremely helpful conversation (in French) with the neighbour, who had the keys and showed us where everything was. Idyllic rural spot, as the villagers pointed out - only 1 person per 1.8 sq km (I think one said). Another took us to see how the "hirondelles" we had been watching lining up on the telegraph wire ate the bugs attacking his grain. (I think he really wanted to show off his gleaming red tractor.) Coming from a large Victorian house, we enjoyed the space and character of this house. The grandchildren (aged 10, 7 and 4) took to it immediately, and enjoyed the large grassed enclosed garden at the back to let off steam and kick a ball about. A perfect distraction from the Xbox, Netflix, etc at home, replaced with healthy fresh air pursuits! (Although all this was provided, we told them it wasn't working - but in reality, it wasn't - we couldn't get the TV on at all!) I suppose most people eat out, rather than cook. However, on a limited budget (thanks to the building works!), with some faddy children and Alzheimer's to cope with, home cooking was the preferred option - once we'd cleaned up the oven enough to use! There was plenty of crockery, cutlery, etc. We did get to La Belle Epoque in Hesdin for an excellent meal, beautifully presented, with a flourish as all the waiting staff converged on our table with 6 different delicious dinners. I'm not sure if the staff were entertained more by the children than the children were by the antics of the very friendly staff! The Major Domo was clearly happy, and sang us on our way to strains of "Oh Happy Day!" Overall both a relaxing and invigorating stay, with the children, on their first visit abroad, clamouring to come back.
