At Mesnil Le Bas Bray — Hotel in Dieppe

We initially arrived after a 5 hour drive at 3.45pm to be greeted with "we are not ready for you, come back at 5pm. As we had been turned away we had no choice but to turn around and go back the mile long dirt track and find somewhere to spend the next hour. As the area is very rural and we were all very tired this was not an easy task. We did eventually find a shop/cafe in the next village. ||Upon our return we were shown where to park and where our rooms were located. The building itself is very old dating back a few centuries, lots of interesting history. The rooms are accessed by a steep wooden staircase leading to an open plan living/kitchen area. The rooms are located off the long hallway, each being individually decorated in an old fashioned rustic farmhouse style. ||Outside the garden is tranquil and relaxing with various seating around a pond and lawn area. Geese, ducks and hens wander freely around. The farm is a haven for horse riders, lovely horses with riding lessons bookable. There are also 2 large dogs and a small dog. The pale large dog only tolerates one person petting at one time. He is a rescue dog and is protective towards the person he is with at the time. ||The surrounding area really is beautiful, you are literally in the middle of no where, perfect for countryside lovers.||We booked dinner which we were advised would be ready by 8pm. We had arrived separately to our husbands whom were arriving by motorbike. We cannot recommend this B&B to other motorbike riders as the dirt track was not suitable causing a few hair raising moments accessing and leaving the property due to the uneven dirt track, pot holes, concrete and gravel base.||Concern was raised by owner that rest of our party had not arrived by 7.45 and dinner was not adjustable, it was one sitting only at 8pm.||Husbands arrived with 5 minutes to be showered and in the dining room by the stated 8pm. We were all offered an aperitif with the starter of quiche being served at 8.30pm.||Main meal was chicken leg with cooked sliced apple's and a cheese sauce. Dessert was pear tart decorated with hundreds and thousands followed by coffee. We had 2 bottles of wine between us. We were charged 90 euros per couple for the meal.||In the bedrooms the showers were wonderfully hot, beds average with pillows being virtually non existent. ||The main building where owners live is a piece of history in itself, wonderful paintings in the office. Owners very proud as they should be of their history and eager to share information about the property. Owners take cash payment only, no cards accepted. ||Overall a lovely place if you enjoy French rustic living in a beautiful setting steeped in history. Not suitable for motorbikes or sports cars (due to condition of road access) or anyone who wants town...

Au Mesnil Le Bas Bray is a picture-perfect converted French farmhouse in an idyllic rustic setting which oozes delightful charm from every orifice. Sadly, the owners fall well short when it comes to matching this with friendliness and attention to detail which lead to a slightly disappointing experience given the beauty of the accommodation. ||||The pros -||||Location, setting, charming breakfast room, charming rooms, charming farmhouse, lake, animals. you get the picture. €80 for a triple room is good value. On visual elements alone, the place is an 11/10.||||Nice breakfast in a very pleasant dining room. ||||Cons-||||Indifferent welcome, lack of friendliness from owner. ||||Kitchen despite advertised as for self catering is very small and poorly equipped. We struggled to make a modest meal for 3 people. ||||Bizarre decor - a series of dead and dying trees and plat pots occupy the communal area. The fact that Normandy boating magazines from 1993 are still out on display suggests no one has given this space a tidy up or any attention for a very long time. ||||The beds were very uncomfortable. My small double upstairs in the Norveggiene suite was saggy to the point of it being virtually impossible to sleep in. ||||The towels smelt damp...

We stayed here to break the journey before heading home. It is a wonderful, old Man Manor House and farm where one of the very large barns has been converted into five first floor bedrooms, all unique. Ours was the Chambre Bretonne which was large with a lofted ceiling. The bathroom was a bit quirky, but adequate. ||M.Bray, the owner speaks excellent English having lived and worked overseas for years. He was keen to explain the history of the house and surroundings and showed us interior wall paintings dating back to Napoleonic times.||There is a set meal for dinner, no choices, using mainly produce from the farm. We had an egg tartlet for starter, followed by coq au vin and an apple tartlet for desert. I'm not a big fan of chicken, however it was delicious.||Dinner cost €30 each, with a very nice red wine and two digestifs adding another €19. The room cost €68, which together with meal was very reasonable considering you were a captive audience. The nearest place to eat was a bit of a drive away.||If you want a rustic, quiet (apart from farmyard noises) and interesting place to stay, then this is for you. We may stay again during our next...