Château de l'Isle-Marie - Bayeux

The House Farm or Château aux Epaules

The site of Isle-Marie was already inhabited in prehistoric times and the remains of a Gallo-Roman village lie under one of the lush fields of the estate.

Strategically located in the bend of the crossing of two major rivers, the site was captured in the 10th century by the invading Vikings (the “Normans”). These settlers built a fortified tower, known as “the Holme”, first described in 996 AD.

Since the 11th century l'Isle-Marie was passed on from generation to generation in the family which still resides there today.

In the late 16th century an ancestor, Bernardin Aux Epaules, built the first “château” next to the original viking fortress, an impressive classical stone structure with an adjoining large dovecote.

As the viking fortress was later transformed into the elegant Château de L’Isle-Marie, the original château became known as “La Ferme” (the farm).

Many of it’s original features are still intact today. Photographs of this old & venerable building grace the cover - and an entire chapter - of the book Country Houses of France, by René and Barbara Stoeltie, published by Taschen.

In the summer our guests can savour our table d’hôte (supper) in the historic diningroom, lit by chandeliers with real candles and a roaring log fire.

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