Late in 1998 we saw a house for sale in Gorron. We knew the town quite well because it is the French twin town of Hayling Island and we had been there for the twinning ceremonies.
Gorron is in the northern area af the Mayenne departement, just south of Normandy. It is a beautiful area with a very special type of countryside called the 'Bocage'. There are some photos and more info here.
This is a picture of the lake near the centre of Gorron formed by the controlling of the river Colmont
in the centre is the Maison de la Retraite (Retirement Home) and at the far right is 'Hayling Squate' where the Twinning Oak is planted.
Our house was built in the first half of the 18th century and has mostly been renovated by the last owner, Roger Craven. It is a typical small French town house and the following photos were taken in May 1999 just before we moved in.
The house is in the centre with a dentist on the left and a derelict shop on the right which has now been replaced by a new modern Library. Of our house you can see the front door and window to the living room, and upstairs the main bedroom window. This facade has now been removed and the stone revealed. Pictures will be on the site soon.
The living room looking from the front door and from the kitchen.
The kitchen from different perspectives
The main bedroom
A very basic shower room and the second bedroom
Page updated 12 Aug 2005 (Updated text)