Cabane Bocage

Completed in spring 2023, the cabin stands on the foundations of a 1960s fisherman’s hut, reimagining the site’s heritage while incorporating techniques and designs Charly observed in Australia and the United States. For the exterior cladding, the owner used the Japanese technique of charred wood, shou sugi ban, which provides both a timeless aesthetic and durable weather resistance.

“Originally, the park was created by a fishing enthusiast who had two ponds dug and waterways redirected for breeding trout and carp. Later, the property came into my family through my father, who dedicated himself to landscaping by adding contours, paths, and a variety of trees and shrubs.”

The single-slope roof supports rainwater harvesting, a vital feature for this off-grid site, which operates without connection to water or electricity networks (note: occasional power outages may occur). Local and recycled materials are central to the design: wood, used extensively, adorns the interior walls, forms the living room floor, and harmonizes with the natural surroundings. Terracotta bricks in the interior partitions enhance thermal regulation, storing and redistributing heat from the wood stove.

The interior decor of Cabane Bocage reflects the owner’s deep love for second-hand finds and handcrafted creations. Every piece has a story: oak doors crafted from old planks gifted by a neighbor, handmade furniture like the kitchen and beds, and unique treasures discovered at local flea markets. Among the cabin’s adornments are drawings by a Norman designer from the 1970s.

The living room features an Italian modular sofa from the 1980s, perfect for cozying up by the stove on dreary days. Natural tones and raw materials enhance the seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding nature, creating a warm and soothing atmosphere.

The cabin’s grounds, shaded and crossed by a stream, seem straight out of a pastoral painting depicting the idyllic countryside. An old greenhouse shelters a vine that delights guests with its grapes in the fall. The more adventurous can explore the surrounding trails on foot or by bike. The region is also brimming with charming villages and local markets, offering a taste of the Norman culinary heritage. The beaches of the Normandy Coast are less than an hour’s drive away, perfect for a seaside getaway.

“The cabin offers a different experience with each season,” Charly shares. “In winter, we snuggle by the fire with a good book or gather around a board game. In spring, we witness life returning: ducklings and moorhens darting around the ponds, birds building their nests. Summer is all about throwing open the windows, firing up the barbecue, napping in the hammock, and enjoying the sunset with a drink in hand, comfortably seated on the terrace.” It’s clear Charly is smitten with his creation—and so are we!