Letters from Elisabeth

Elizabeth Bonner bought the estate in 2005 and the restoration work began on the château. Renovating the main house took several years, after which Elizabeth turned her attention to restoring the farmhouse, cottage and guardian's house. She oversaw the work herself, focusing on preserving original features while incorporating modern comforts and elegant touches. Each winter, the cycle of renovating and maintaining the buildings and park begins again.

If you are interested in life on the Courtomer estate, the French countryside or local history, subscribe below to receive 'Letters from Elizabeth' and other news from Courtomer. Otherwise, browse the archive to follow Elizabeth’s restoration journey and her passion for France and its culture. Simply click on the category that interests you the most.

A striking visit to Pays d’Auge

A striking visit to Pays d’Auge

A couple of years ago, dear friends decided to move from Paris and take on a small Manoir in Pays d’Auge. This unique little region of Normandy is just an hour and a half from the Chateau.

Sites to Visit, HistoryBonner PropertiesApril 25, 2019Comment

A Fascinating Day Trip

A Fascinating Day Trip

We took a little trip to visit friends who live near the coast of Normandy, in the Pays d'Auge. It's about an hour and a half from Chateau de Courtomer...and an entirely different experience from the "Pays Courtomerois."

Sites to VisitBonner PropertiesApril 22, 2019herds, landscapeComment

Creating the Gardens at Chateau de Courtomer - Revolution and Romance

Creating the Gardens at Chateau de Courtomer - Revolution and Romance

The gardener of Chateau de Courtomer.

Chateau Life, HistoryBonner PropertiesOctober 26, 2018gardeningComment

Franck Eté - Our Preferred Private Chef

Franck Eté - Our Preferred Private Chef

“Fruits de mer” to die for.

Traditions, Chateau LifeBonner PropertiesSeptember 28, 2018food, french cultureComment

A day at the Comice Agricole, Courtomer

A day at the Comice Agricole, Courtomer

Making music to celebrate the hunt is an ancient tradition.

History, Farm Life, TraditionsBonner PropertiesSeptember 21, 2018Courtomer current events, crops, herds, orchards, tradition

Top 10 Tips for a Destination Wedding

Top 10 Tips for a Destination Wedding

Elisabeth de Courtomer offers her expertise on how to plan the perfect destination wedding.

Chateau LifeBonner PropertiesJuly 18, 2018wedding

Old Photos of Chateau de Courtomer

Old Photos of Chateau de Courtomer

Photos from the Courtomer schoolhouse, from Gilles who grew up in Courtomer.

History, Chateau LifeBonner PropertiesJuly 18, 2018architecture