'We converted a calvados brandy barrel into a cosy camping spot'

Many readers will be familiar with the name calvados, a type of brandy cider which has been produced in the Normandy region of France for hundreds of years. The name calvados has been in use since the late 18th Century, although brandy cider has been produced in this region for hundreds of years. 

Now, fans of the drink have a chance to get closer to their favourite tipple by bedding down in the same oak barrels - some of which can be up to 13,000 litres in size - that are used to mature the liquor.

The idea came to Kari and Mark Moore when they gave up their home in the UK for a slower pace of life across the Channel - purchasing a campsite in Domfront (Orne).

“Life was stressful in the UK. I worked as a children’s music teacher and Mark was a project manager in the automotive industry. We originally thought we might move to Wales, but then found we could get a beautiful property in France for a fraction of the price. We bought a campsite with a bar and lake, to give us an income,” explains Kari. 

Surprise accommodation features

“When we took over the campsite, there were two barrels that had been clearly used as accommodation in the past, but were literally just barrels with a bed inside,” says Kari. 

“They’d fallen into disrepair. We decided to renovate. We started by sealing one of the barrels, then installed multi-foil insulation and plasterboard to ensure a more consistent temperature.”

The couple then built a double bed and created a small seating area with a table inside the diminutive space. While the barrel isn’t connected to mains electricity, the couple installed lighting and a gas heater to take away the chill on colder nights.

“Mark and a friend also built a small, decked area, using wood sourced from a local sawmill,” says Kari. “It’s an ideal space for evening barbecues or picnics, overlooking the lake and making the most of the views.”

“We also made a small shower with a chemical toilet, which is housed in a small shed,” adds Kari.

The chance to sleep in a brandy barrel has proved a real draw for guests.

“It’s tiny inside, but the space outside is beautiful,” says Kari. 

“When you close up the door to sleep, it’s incredibly cosy.”

“It’s great for those wanting a couple of nights off-grid. And for people who use Instagram, it creates a brilliant photo opportunity – we often have guests snapping pictures of themselves in the barrel!”

Mark and Kari have spent a few nights trying out their barrel.

“I’ve slept in it on occasion and I find it really quiet and peaceful. It’s warm, because of the insulation. And although it’s a little lacking in leg-room, we’ve had several tall guests stay without a problem,” says Kari. 

“Sadly, Mark doesn’t like it as much as I do, as he finds it a bit claustrophobic. But I love the fact that you feel so snug and tucked-away in there.”

The couple have now invested in a small log-burner and intend to instal a flu out of the back of the barrel.

More quirky conversions

The unique conversion has inspired them to look at other offbeat ideas for campsite guests. 

“We invested in a double-decker bus, which we’re going to convert into a place to stay, and we’ve also bought a horse lorry that we’re going to convert into accommodation,” says Kari. “We’ve got a little fishing boat too, which is moored on the lake. We’re going to create a small double room and seating area for guests there.”

Mark and Kari have also converted their other on-site barrel, and have even invested in a third, which currently sits on a local farm. 

“It’s 13,000 litres, so slightly bigger than the ones we have currently,” says Kari. 

“We paid around €1,000 for it, so once we’ve converted it, it will be a great investment. The only problem at the moment is that the wood of the barrel is so dry, it’s going to be difficult to move without damaging it. But we’ll hopefully get it up and running on site within the next year.”

For more information and to contact Marc and Kari, visit their campsite's Facebook page.