Fairbanks offers beautiful, stylish. charming, well appointed self-catering accommodation. It is newly built just since 2015 situated in a lovely quiet tranquil mature garden. As an end plot too Fairbanks offers peace and privacy. Hardecourt aux Bois was a front-line Somme village, captured by the Germans in 1914, and re-taken by French troops at the start of the Somme battle in 1916, only to be retaken by the Germans in their Spring offensive in 1918. It was finally liberated in late summer by British troops, by which time it had been totally destroyed. It was adopted by Windsor to help with its re-building and the Royal Family’s doctor, William Fairbank, gave a fruit tree to every villager – very probably the very walnut tree which now stands in the garden. Fairbanks is situated in an ideal location for those who have a keen interest in the Great War but also those who seek a peaceful corner in a beautiful Somme village. Hardecourt aux Bois has also won many awards for the flowers and has been awarded as a Village Fleuri with three flowers. We are also just a five minute drive from the softly flowing river Somme. The cities of Amiens and Arras are just a 40 minute drive.

We have lived here on the Somme some 18 years after leaving our jobs as an Accountant and a Journalist when we decided this is where we wanted to live through our love of the history of the Great War, We were so fortunate in meeting WW1 veterans over 30 years ago which took our life onto a new path. I m originally from Lancashire but lived most of my life in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and my husband is a born and bred Mansfield Woodhouse lad. As well as accommodation we also offer WW1 personalised battlefield tours if you are seeking to understand more about this special time in history and in particular if you want to follow in an ancestor's footsteps. We undertake the research and offer you a personal tour package which can cover just one day or more. We have a love of animals, walking and gardening when time permits. My husband, Vic, loves his football the Stags otherwise known as Mansfield Town FC, playing the guitar and real ale.

Hardecourt aux Bois is situated in the heart of the Somme battlefields. There are famous WW1 sites close by such as Delville Wood, Guillemont, Pozieres, Thiepval, Albert and Peronne. Amiens and Arras are just a 40 minute drive from our village. Paris by car is about one hour and a half. The beautiful unspoilt Somme coastline to places such as St Valery sur Somme are only an hour and a half drive from here. Hardecourt aux Bois is an ideal location to make a base as everything is so accessible if you wish to visit Ypres in Belgium, the Somme coastline or stay local in the beautiful region of Picardy.