Location:Peaceful, historic hamlet of Tramcourt in surrounds of a classic 18c chateau. The cottage is a 5 minute walk from the site where in 1415 Henry V and his bedraggled army of 8,000 bowmen, on route for the then English owned Calais, were challenged by the French commander, Charles d’Albert, leading an army of 30,000 well armed troops and locals. Despite being severely outnumbered Henry (as every English schoolboy knows) emerged triumphant from the resulting bloodbath leaving 10,000 French lying dead on the muddy battlefield. A defeat so devastating for the French that even today they find it difficult to speak of.

A newly built, Visitor’s Centre in the adjacent village of Azincourt (Agincourt) offers a permanent animated exposition and audio-visual aids for walking tours of the battle. A monument marks the spot from which the battlefields can be viewed with the combating armies laid out like pieces on a chessboard. Colourful enactments of the battle performed by both English and French societies take place every July during the Medieval festival.

This is easy cycling terrain through ancient avenues of trees and the lovely surrounding countryside. The half-timbered cottage is set back from the lane by a gravelled terrace bordered by stables, barns and outbuildings.

Accommodation: Longbow is simply THE quintessential French country cottage. This very charming property, previously a farm dating from the 17^th century once belonged to the owner's grandmother. It has been lovingly restored with a great deal of care to retain its original character without loss of present day comforts. The owners who also live in the hamlet, and who own a small electrical appliance shop, have made sure of that.

The kitchen, bath and shower rooms have all been fitted with the latest equipment and the living room boasts a good-sized TV (French channels) and video recorder that plays English videos. The cottage has been well insulated and benefits from double glazing and a fuel central heating system as well as a log burning stove to ensure cosy winter lets.

Open plan living/dining room:

The entrance opens, in traditional French style, directly into the large dining room dominated by a long table and huge tiled inglenook with wood burning stove. At the back of the room, on a slightly raised level, is a comfortable living room smartly furnished with sofas, armchairs and rustic country dressers.

Bedrooms:

There are 3 generous double bedrooms on the ground floor – one ensuite. Two further bedrooms sleeping up to 8 are located in the attic rooms.

Also on the ground floor, but at the opposite end of the cottage, is another double bedroom with access to the main bathroom.
Bathroom:
This large bathroom with bath, basin & WC also houses the laundry facilities (washer & dryer). The bathroom is accessed from the living room by a separate door.

Shower Room:
To the left of the kitchen in the adjoining ground floor wing are 2 more double bedrooms
(1 with a wooden cot) both carefully furnished in local style. The two bedrooms are separated by a very spacious shower room with 2 pedestal basins and free standing stall shower. There is a separate WC in the corridor.

First floor bedrooms:

On the first floor is a family suite. The first room sleeps 4 in 2 single beds and one double and is separated by a communicating door to a second room with a double bed and charming little ‘Breton Bed’ carved out of the wall space in the eves - made to delight a child. There is space here for another single fold up bed if needed.

Kitchen:

The kitchen is absolutely charming. Bright and cheery, it is decorated in true ‘bonne femme’ French cottage style and is a classic mix of frilly, red checked curtains, tiles and rustic cupboards. Appliances include a built-in fan assisted electric oven and gas hob, microwave, dishwasher and large fridge/freezer. A tiled worktop cum breakfast bar connects the kitchen from the dining room ensures the cook(s) always stay with the party.

Garden:

Garden
A sliding glass door at the back wall of the living room looks out on a large gravelled courtyard with purpose built BBQ and the new screened Summer House and terraced garden beyond. The garden backs on to woods and farmland. There is also an enclosed gravelled front terrace with parking space for 4/5 cars.
Swimming Pool & Games Room:
New for 2008 The 4.5m splash pool now enclosed in the Summer House and a badminton set on the terrace provide hours of outdoor activities while ping pong and baby football tables in the indoor games room offer more fun and games under cover.
Cycles: 5 Adult, 1 teenager, 2 for under 10 yrs.

The owners are kind and cheerful hosts who have been in the area all their lives. Living only a few minutes away they are always at hand to help out with guidance and advise on local amenities and attractions as well as any problems should they arise.