Le Haut Fresnay - About Us

Welcome

About Us

La Fermette

Le Fournil

	About Us

[click to read our Visitors' Book]

Nigel & Pauline Colman welcome you to Normandy and their three delightful holiday cottages - "Le Fournil" (sleeping four), "La Fermette" and "La Fresnaie" (each sleeping six). La Fermette and La Fresnaie have central heating, and a cot and high chair can be added to any of the cottages to accommodate a baby.

Le Fournil and La Fermette are converted farm buildings and La Fresnaie is a detached house. It has been newly built in a traditional half-timbered 'colombage' style typically found in Normandy . All three properties form part of Le Haut Fresnay, which is just over half a mile away from the village of Loré. The small market town of Céaucé is about 2 miles away and the mediaeval town of Domfront is 8 miles away.

When we bought Le Haut Fresnay in 1993, we were both still working in the UK whilst waiting for the opportunity to take early retirement. This came first for Nigel in 1994, after 31 years' service in the Royal Air Force, and in 1995 for Pauline, who had spent a number of years teaching young offenders in North Yorkshire. During 1994 and 1995, we started letting La Fermette and Le Fournil – and during 1996 and 1997, we converted the remaining large barn for our own use. More recently, we have been working on the construction of a new property, La Fresnaie, which was completed in 2007.

Le Haut Fresnay was a working farm until the early 1970s. The last surviving member of the family sold it to a family from Paris who then used it as a holiday base for the next 20 years. When we found the property, it was in a rather sorry state and in need of a lot of tender loving care - which we have been providing ever since!

We now share Le Haut Fresnay with our three holiday cottages. Our private house - La Grange - is a large converted barn; Le Fournil was the farm's original bakehouse; La Fermette was the original farmhouse. Le Haut Fresnay is set in six acres of grounds with lawns, shrubberies, mature trees, meadowland and a stream which meanders gently down the valley.

La Fresnaie is a newly built house on a ¼-acre plot, adjacent to our other properties at le Haut Fresnay. The house was completed in June 2007 - and like our other two cottages, La Fresnaie is an ideal holiday retreat for all who seek the tranquillity of the Normandy countryside.

We regret that we do not accept pets at Le Haut Fresnay. However, for a small supplementary charge, we will accept guide dogs or assistant dogs in La Fresnaie. If you have such a dog, please let us know at the time of booking - please see "Our Prices" page for more details.

The two-storey house has been designed to take account of the needs of disabled people and offers excellent accessibility for wheelchair users on the ground floor, including a wet-room-style bathroom.

There are apple and pear orchards throughout the area - all growing fruit for the region's cider, poiré and calvados (apple brandy). You can buy these products directly from the local farms, having tasted them first, of course! The orchards are grazed by Normandy cows - an attractive and docile breed - which are famous for appearing to wear sunglasses...

These cows also produce vast quantities of the milk, from which delicious Normandy butter and a superb range of cheeses, including Camembert, are made. Chickens, ducks and guinea fowl can be seen in the fields and farmyards, as well as on the local restaurant menus. Poultry poached in cider enriched with calvados and covered in a creamy sauce is typical of the local cuisine.

The peace and tranquillity of the local countryside is what most people notice on arrival and one of their most enduring memories when they leave. We hope our cottages offer you just what you'll need to relax and unwind from the stresses and strains of busy working lives. By day, the peace and quiet attracts all types of wildlife to the grounds. We often see red squirrels, foxes, hares and even deer, as well as all kinds of birds, insects and butterflies. Guests have seen and listed as many as 60 species of birds during their stay with us.

At night, the absence of light pollution guarantees truly dark skies. You can sit out stargazing and watching satellites passing overhead - you might even see the occasional shooting star. You can also look for glow worms and listen to owls and "midwife" toads! Once your evening is over and you retire to bed, the peace and quiet will ensure a good night's sleep. In fact, many of our guests say that they haven't slept as well in ages.

Although our holiday cottages are in Normandy, the département of Mayenne in the Pays-de-Loire is just a few miles to the south and Brittany is just a few miles to the west. As you might imagine, we have an endless choice of exciting things to do and fascinating places to visit.

When you arrive for your holiday, we not only offer you a warm welcome - we show you round your cottage and provide you with any further information you might need. After that, we do everything that we can to make your holiday as memorable as possible.

We shall be delighted to recommend outings for rainy days and the best picnic spots for sunny ones. We can suggest places that will amuse your children, where you will find the best retail therapy and which are the best local restaurants to try - we'll even book a table for you! We can also assist with unforeseen problems, such as trips to the doctor, dentist or chemist, especially if you need a little help with the language!

Or we can leave you to enjoy the peace and quiet, safe in the knowledge that we're there should you need us. Whatever your preference, we do hope that we shall have the pleasure of welcoming you to one of our cottages for your next holiday - à bientôt!

We have an associate who will do essential shopping for you before you arrive at Le Haut Fresnay, and you can also order meals ready to "heat and eat" to be in position for your arrival too. If you wish to take advantage of these services please contact Mel Driver at: mel@mayennaise.com or visit her website: www.mayennaise.com

When you book one of our cottages, we guarantee you a fast and efficient booking service and the door will be open for you to ask us for any information, at any time, that will enable you to make the most of your holiday. Booking one of our cottages entitles you to discounted cross-channel fares. Once we have confirmed your cottage booking, we shall be pleased to advise you how to take advantage of the discounts available.

Our Visitors' Book
Here is what some of our guests have said about their stay with us. We do hope that when you return home you will add your comments, too.

Paul and Wendy
UK (Le Fournil - 5 to 12 June 2010)

Thank you. Had a wonderful time. Very relaxing. Exceptional hosts. Highly recommended. Paul and Wendy

Liz and Steve
Chichester (March/April 2010)

Recently returned home from Le Haut Fresnay. It was our 8th holiday there, which I think speaks for itself. We find it is a real escape; a totally relaxing place to stay in beautiful countryside & marvellous accommodation, with Nigel & Pauline as the perfect hosts. Plenty of places to visit & this time we enjoyed a day out in St Malo as well as the usual haunts of Domfront & Bagnoles. Would highly recommend Chez Camille for lunch in Bagnoles.

Lyn and Dave
Locks Heath Hampshire (11 July to 1 August 2009)

We really enjoyed our stay with you. Great credit to you both for the wonderful job you have done at Le Haut Fresnay. It is a beautiful, tranquil setting with a property that is truly disabled-friendly. So many are advertised as being so and fail to reach the mark, but yours definitely fulfils the criteria. It would be fair to say that we'd be hard pressed to say we've found anywhere in all our travels that is on a par with La Fresnaie as a holiday let. It was ideally suited for our needs.

Carl & Jan Swanson
Greenville, North Carolina, USA (20-27 June 2009)

Jan and I have visited France many times and rented many gites, but we have never stayed at one so nice. We have never had landlords as helpful, friendly, and hospitable as Nigel & Pauline. We had a wonderful week, and we highly recommend Le Fournil and Le Haut Fresnay to anyone seeking a great holiday in the French countryside.

Richard & Maggie
Milton Keynes (30th May to June13th)

As I said in last year's comments we have been back to La Fresnaie for another dose of R&R French style.This year, I needed some extra support with my care needs.Let me introduce Vanessa Rowe who filled that role wonderfully.She lives in nearby Domfront and can be contacted by e-mail on vanessacarolinerowe@yahoo.co.uk or phone number via Nigel or Pauline

Dennis & Stephanie Roberts
Shrewsbury (30th May - 13th June 2009)

If you are looking for a perfect antidote to this mad,stressful world we all appear to work in then look no further. This is a lovely, well equipped cottage in the beautiful, tranquil French countryside. Relax on your patio with a glass and a good book and let your cares drift away with on the breeze of birdsong. Visit the local towns and villages where you will find a very warm welcome to match the warm bread and sweet delicacies on offer. There are so many beautiful places to visit within easy driving distance. However, the real aces in the pack are Nigel and Pauline who are perfect hosts, always there if needed but never intrusive. We really cannot speak too highly of our two weeks in Le Fournil. Thank you Nigel and Pauline for making our 'French Experience' unforgettable in every respect, we really cannot think of a negative thought concerning Le Haut Fresnay. We will be back. à bientôt Dennis & Stephanie Roberts

Matt. Bekka & Evie Kell
UK (May 2009)

Following our recent stay a suggestion for those lucky enough to come across Le Haut Fresnay courtesy of Nigel & Pauline. If a beautiful setting, relaxation, wildlife, great access to surrounding markets and towns, welcoming and helpful hosts, well-equipped, functional accommodation, space, peace, tranquility, the scent of wisteria, room for children to bound around a-plenty, fantastic bakery nearby, the butter and Orage from the covered market in Ferte Mace, local Poire delivered to your door, wonderful sunsets from the corner of your own private meadow, a short transfer from the ports and general immersion in all things great about 'Normandy Vie' isn't for you then look elsewhere. Merci beaucoup Nigel & Pauline.....a bientot !

The Gilmour Family
Petersfield, Hampshire (16th - 30th August 2008)

To say that we were impressed with La Fresnaie would be a complete understatement. The well thought out adaptations incorporated into the design of this beautiful house meant that our holiday with our electric wheelchair using 21 year old son, was hassle free and easy.Without doubt this is the best 'accessible' house that we have ever stayed in. The tiled floors, wide doorways and the uncluttered rooms suited his needs perfectly and the inclusion of beds with legs (rather than divans) in the downstairs bedrooms meant that using a hoist was straightforward. A good spacious, adapted bathroom was impressive although the raised toilet meant that our Oxford toilet chair only just managed to fit over it a slightly worrying moment when we first arrived!!). Although the weather wasn't brilliant during our 2 week stay we managed to explore the local area quite extensively. As we were holidaying with our 3 children (17, 19 and 21 years old) we were a little concerned before the start of our holday that we would find enough to occupy them in this tranquil, peaceful area...but our worries were unfounded. The local markets, chateaux and (surprisingly!) donkeys proved to be a particular hit as well as slightly more distant trips to Mt St Michel, Bayeux and Le Mans. Nigel and Pauline were very attentive hosts during our stay. It can sometimes be a little daunting when you go on holiday to know that the owners live on site, but in this case, so warm was their welcome that we actually felt that we were staying with family. Nothing was too much trouble Well done Nigel and Pauline. You should be extremely proud of what you have achieved in Le Fresnaie. It is a vey rare gem in the world of accessible holiday accommodation.

Gail and Chris Baybutt
Chorley, Lancashire (14 to 21 June 2008)

Thank you to Nigel and Pauline for making our stay at La Fermette so wonderful. It was a home from home experience with a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living/dining room which is comfortably furnished, the bedrooms are light and airy with lovely views across the Normandy countryside and the modern bath/shower room provides plenty of hot water. This holiday provided "just what the doctor ordered" with peace and tranquility for a relaxing get away.Pauline and Nigel are on hand for advice or a friendly chat (not forgetting Jazz ( the dog ) who gave the warmest welcome of all) without intruding on your stay. We look forward to returning in the future and have no hesitation in recommending Le Haut Fresnay to anyone.

Andrew, Alison & Sara
Bishopbriggs, Glasgow (28th June to 12th July 2008)

Congratulations to Nigel & Pauline for providing an exceptional Gite. La Fresnaie gives delightful, comfortable holiday accommodation finished and equipped to a high standard. It is clear that a great deal of thought and attention to detail has been spent in ensuring that the accessibility needs of those with special requirements have been more than met. As a wheelchair user staying at La Fresnaie meant that I could get on with enjoying our family holiday without having to contend with accommodation worries. I would confidently recommend La Fresnaie to anyone in the knowledge that it is fully accessible. We have already booked for next year. P.S. If you are planning a trip to Paris, you need to pre-book your tickets. The best way to do this is via www.raileurope.co.uk the earlier you book the cheaper the tickets. My wife & daughter travelled from Laval to Paris on the TGV in under two hours. Your car can be safely left at Laval train station for the day.

Richard and Maggie
Milton Keynes (14th to28th June 2008)

If I tell you this place is awful, it would be only be to ensure we can book the weeks we want next year! As a wheelchair user, La Fresnaie is the best accommodation we have ever stayed in. It certainly has the WOW!!! factor. Nigel and Pauline are a delight as 'mine hosts'. Alot of thought has gone into the needs of the disabled in this gite with regards to space, equipment etc. An idyllic place for rest and relaxation. We'll be back!! If I tell you this place is awful, it would be only be to ensure we can book the weeks we want next year! As a wheelchair user, La Fresnaie is the best accommodation we have ever stayed in. It certainly has the WOW!!! factor. Nigel and Pauline are a delight as 'mine hosts'. Alot of thought has gone into the needs of the disabled in this gite with regards to space, equipment etc. An idyllic place for rest and relaxation. We'll be back!!

Rachel, Wendy & Mervyn
Colchester, Essex (7 to 13 June 2008)

We certainly struck lucky in finding Le Haut Fresney - Idyllic setting, perfect location for exploring the area & equipped with everything you need. Topped off with brilliant weather it all made for an enjoyable, relaxing break. Note: It's midwife toads doing an excellent impression of a low smoke detector battery at 1am!

Henry Yorke
Bedlington, Northumberland (17 to 31 May 2008)

The whole family spent a wonderful two weeks at La Fresnaie. There was plenty room inside for me (Henry, the wheelchair user) to get around and best of all the verandah, enabling us to get into the open air regardless of the weather. Viv thought the carport was a really useful addition to the gite. The peace and quiet that you find at La Fresnaie -- to wake up to birdsong, to share the morning with a red squirrel, and to hear the breeze playing in those wonderful ash trees -- is a three-course meal for the spirit. Pauline and Nigel were very helpful, especially when it came to some on-the-spot adjustments to the height of the bed! We would recommend this gite to anyone -- and we hope that we may be able to come again. Thank you Nigel for suggesting a different way home -- it did save us both time and money!

Moira O
London (5 to 15 May 2008)

We had a wonderful time at La Fresnaie - even the weather was good. We loved the peace and quiet of the countryside- in fact we got lazier by the day. Congratulations to Pauline and Nigel for providing a house that really IS wheelchair accessible. It was also nice to have the carport which saved us from getting wet. We also had the services of locally based personal carer Vanessa who was wonderful. We would happily recommend her to anyone. We have already booked for next year.

Peter & Mary Marriott
Milton Keynes (10 to 17 May)

We are just glad that we found this gite on the internet. We had trawled through many websites but most gites do not seem to be that comfortable to us. This one certainly is comfortable (Le Fournil). The setting is even better than we had anticipated. There is more birdsong here than anywhere else we know. We really do hope to come again and have already recommended this to two friends.

Harry and Margaret McGraw
Burghfield, Berkshire (4-17 May 2008)

We enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing and peaceful fortnight in La Fermette - the best equipped gite we have ever stayed in - and in the most wonderful tranquil setting. We admire all your achievements enormously.

Catherine & Michael Jordan
Barnsley Sth Yorkshire (October 2007)

We stayed in La Fresnaie for a wonderful week the area and the weather were both beautiful,I am a wheelchair user the facilities are second to non,our hosts Pauline and Nigel are delightful,thankyou.

Anne & John Matthews
Suffolk (October 2007)

We had a lovely holiday and can only reiterate all the previous comments. We have never stayed anywhere so beautifully quiet. Thank you Pauline and Nigel and we would recommend it to anyone.

Watson / Peacock families
Billingham (Aug / Sept 2007)

We stayed at La Fresnaie for 3 really enjoyable weeks and were made very welcome by Pauline and Nigel. The weather was very nice and the house itself (which was purpose built for use by disabled persons) certainly met our requirements and was quite suitable for the member of our group in a wheelchair. The area is lovely and there are several towns and villages to explore and do the shopping within a short driving distance. Well recommended.

Len & Julie Hart + 2 children
Sleaford,Lincolnshire (11th August to 25th August 2007)

Thank you for the lovely cottage and gardens,it was a pleasure to stay in La Fermette,we all enjoyed staying here,us for the relaxing back garden and the children enjoyed all the room to play in,and looking at all the wildlife about.It didnt put us off even though we had a wet 2nd week.There is plenty to see and do in this area.Thank you to nigel for his help and advice(it was a better drive down the road you recomended,very staight)Hope to be back again another year,Thanks again...

paul and kerry siddle
durham (aug 4th -aug 18th 2007)

an excellent holiday , made even better by the first class helpful service from nigel and pauline .in ten years going to france it was one of the best 2 weeks we've had .excellent allround .many thanks .

keith and elizabeth sleightholme
Cleasby, North Yorkshire (14 to 21 July 2007)

We stayed in Le Fournil sadly for only a week. A lovely compact and pretty cottage surrounded by beautiful grounds and abundant wildlife. Travelling around and out of the area was easy and the nearby villages were a delight to explore. Relaxing in the garden was also a must. Nigel and Pauline's help and advice was invaluable alongside wonderful generosity. We love this area and intend to return.

Angela and Neville
Seaford (14 to 21 July 2007)

This is a wonderful place to stay, just a couple of hours from the Channel ports yet in deepest France. There are so many places to visit within easy travelling distance, but if you don't want to travel every day there's absolutely no need to. The immediate surroundings are idyllic and there's a small village with a shop in easy walking distance. The accommodation is excellent and Pauline and Nigel are perfect hosts - welcoming, helpful, always around but never intrusive. We shall return!

Clare and Stu
Colchester, Essex (7th July to 14th July 2007)

We stayed at Le Fournil which was fantastic. The location was superb - all you can hear is bird song! Nigel and Pauline were the perfect hosts, they made Stu and I feel most welcome and comfortable throughout our stay. Although we didn't have great weather it didn't stop us getting out and about. Le Fournil is ideally situated so you can visit plenty of places or tourist attractions without travelling for too long such as Le Mont St. Michel, Fougeres and Le Mans. We were sad to leave at the end of our holiday. We will definitely come back; I'm not sure if I would tell many other people about it because I may never get booked in again! Nigel and Pauline have found a little piece of paradise in Lore.

Sandra and Tony ( and kids!) Forry
Scotland (1st - 8th July 2006)

Excellent, fantastic, wonderful and beautiful. (And that's just Pauline & NIgel!) Location and surrounding areas were amazing. Covered so much during our stay that we can't wait to return. Thanks and see you in 2007! x

Graham & Sandra Jones
Pontypridd S. Wales (12th - 19th August 2006)

Lovely Gite ( Le Fournil),beautiful area and wonderful hosts.Nigel & Pauline made us very welcome and are always there to give help&advice etc.The weather was variable but the wood burner was very welcome for the two chilly August evenings we had,the cottage was so cosy with it on along with the lamps which created a lovely atmosphere helped of course by a few glasses of wine,BLISS! A beautiful place to stay and we will definately go back,would recommend to anyone. As well as the places to visit previously stated by other guests we would like to add Lassay de Chateaux, a very pretty little town.

Joe and Darrelle Spenceley
Godalming Surrey (17th-1st July 2006)

Our first holiday with two small children (2yrs and 6 months)and we weren't sure what to expect but Nigel and Pauline and their lovely cottage meant that we had a fantastic time. We had lots of expeditions and particularly enjoyed the markets at Alencon and Fougeres and the great swimming pool in Laval (thanks to the tip from Pauline). The best thing though was putting the babies to bed and going out to the garden to cook our bbq and settle down with a glass of wine and a book. A very relaxing time, a big thanks to Nigel and Pauline for being so family friendly.

John and Joyce Brownsell
Ramsgate Kent (3rd-24th June 2006)

What a lovely holiday/family visit.As always a home from home to come back to after some hectic days,Our grand daughter loved spending the night and counting frogs fish and mole hills (sorry Nigel).We are looking forward to returning next year.Thank you for making us so comfortable yet again Pauline and Nigel

John and Alvina Callister
Wirral (20 - 27th May 2006)

Possibly the coldest and wettest May on record. However "La Fermette" is so comfortable, the area is so peaceful and Nigel and Pauline are such welcoming hosts, that we had a wonderful relaxing holiday. The wood-burner is most welcome on cold evenings. Many thanks John, Alvina and Marjorie.

John and Ellen Bowen
Liverpool (April 2006)

A really relaxing and homely gite in a delightful location. Nigel and Pauline are excellent hosts, always offering friendly advice and 'on-hand' if needed. We consider this gite amongst the best we have visited on our many trips to the area and look forward to planning another visit - it was excellent - Many Thanks !

Janice and Gordon Ballard
Cambridge UK (September/October 05 - 7 weeks)

Nigel and Pauline are perfect hosts - and offer equally perfect accomodation. A wonderful place to "chill-out" We enjoyed 7 superb weeks of sightseeing and relaxation. Pauline and Nigel have everything well organised and planned for a stressfree holiday. We arrived as stangers and left as friends". What more could one ask of a holiday?

Denis and Vicky Sweeney
Rainham, Kent (June 2005)

Looking forward to our third visit in three years - what more can we say! Excellent accommodation and beautiful, peaceful surroundings. Nigel and Pauline are very friendly and helpful hosts. All in all - highly recommended.

Liz & Steve Holloway
Chichester (March 2006)

Just back from another wonderful long weekend in Le Haut Fresnay.Many thanks once again to Nigel & Pauline,our marvellous hosts.This has become a yearly Bridge event with friends & we can't recommend it too highly.It's such a peaceful getaway but with plenty to do in the surrounding area as well as excellent places to eat.

Mike and Gillian
(May 2003)

All in all, it is the nicest cottage we have stayed in over numerous trips to France and stays in cottages in England!

Mike and Lesley
(March 2004)

Pleasant, very comfortable cottage, one of the best we have stayed in. En suite bathroom a luxury in France. Nigel and Pauline very welcoming.

Randall Family
(July 2003)

Extremely comfortable cottage, peaceful setting, welcoming owners, stress-free holiday, many thanks!

Anne and Ken
(September 2004)

Here is as good and friendly a gîte as we have ever visited, and we have only praise and envy for those who live here.

Estell Family
(June 2004)

The most peaceful and unspoilt place we've ever found! Perfect for relaxing. Thank you for your hospitality and helpful advice.

Paul and Barbara
(April 2004)

Ten years of wonderful holidays at le Fournil and hopefully at least ten more. The only place where we can completely relax and get back to enjoying the simple pleasures of good food, good wine and wonderful countryside. It feels like coming home. Thank you Nigel and Pauline for your wonderful hospitality and great company!

Michael and Barbara
(February 2004)

Far from the madding crowd is what we wanted and far from the madding crowd is what we got. As first time gîte users we feel fortunate to have discovered Le Fournil, and Nigel and Pauline are perfect hosts.

Vivienne and Michael
(October 2003)

A beautiful and tranquil spot. A lovely, well-equipped gîte. Pauline and Nigel have put so much effort into making a lovely holiday home. The fire in the stove was so welcoming when we arrived in the late evening.

Jackie and Peter
(September 2003)

Had a wonderful relaxing week. Our thanks to Nigel and Pauline for such a friendly welcome and excellent cottage - the best one we have stayed in on our many visits to France.

David and Gill
(April 2003)

We think this is the best equipped gîte we have ever stayed in - and we've stayed in a few. Pauline and Nigel are definitely the most helpful owners. If you can improve perfection, Gill would like a plastic apron, and I would like...

Sue and Pete
(October 2002)

What a lovely place! Peace, quiet, apples, warm & beautiful autumn days, friendly people, empty roads, delicious hot chocolate, warm and cosy, everything you could want in the house and Radio 4 – Bliss!!

Megan and Harold
(June 2001)

We have found everything about this gîte and its surroundings to be absolutely wonderful. We congratulate you on the thought, skill and hard work you have clearly put into renovating and furnishing this beautiful cottage, which we have enjoyed immensely. All this, together with your warm welcome, has made this holiday most agreeable.

George and Pat
(July 2000)

Our first impressions were what delightful surroundings to spend a restful and relaxing week's holiday and we were certainly not disappointed. Blissful peace and quiet! Keep your eyes open for all the wildlife in the garden - red squirrels, water voles, frogs, hares and numerous birds.

Jean and Linden
(October 2000)

You may just need "time off from life", If perfect peace is needed, Stoke up the fire, pour out the wine, Enjoy yourself, that's what we did!

Alison and Tony
(October 2000)

We have stayed in many French retreats in the past, but the welcome here outshines all the rest.

Alison and Andrew
(August 2004)

Thank you, Nigel and Pauline, for letting us stay in your lovely cottage, we really enjoyed it. When we pulled into the driveway, we all thought, "what a beautiful cottage" and throughout our week we felt very comfortable and relaxed. We hope you enjoyed our stay. We certainly did!

James and Sheila
(October 2004)

What a wonderful place to relax in the peace and quiet of the beautiful Normandy countryside. This has been one of the best holiday houses we have stayed in – so comfortable and warm – wonderful wood-burning stove! Nigel and Pauline are perfect hosts – so helpful but unobtrusive. Altogether a lovely week in a lovely house (and a super dog)!

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