History
In 2000 a few of us began scouring the French countryside for a holiday property. As interest grew by word of mouth, a number of people asked if they could join in. Meeting as a group led to a wish list.
Early in discussion it was established that no one had the time or energy to manage a renovation project. Hence the target was a house in excellent structural and decorative order, spacious enough to accommodate a large group with privacy.
After many exploratory trips, we located a spectacular early 19th C, 400m2 farmhouse/ converted barn with a large, mature garden and pond in northern Burgundy. It met the conditions of our list and is also damage resistant, easy to maintain, and beautiful. It has both spectacular and cosy interior spaces. The quality of the previous owner’s renovation is exceptional. The property was purchased in 2001.
The property
The Building
The property is a south-facing ‘longier’ – rooms are arranged in a line, with most windows on the south side. The building is a combination of barns and a smaller dwelling, extended in 1822 incorporating older structures. It is brick and limestone with tiled and limestone floors throughout. The tiled roof and floors are supported by substantial oak beams, mostly exposed. The former owner installed central heating to most rooms and we have extended this to the Mezzanine and Great Hall.
Facilities
The property has gas-fired central heating, an open fireplace, and a wood stove. Waste is a combined system of cesspit and mains run off. There is a phone line and a broadband Internet connection, a good quality sound system, but, by common consent, no TV.
The Site
The house sit in middle of a 1850 m2 garden and is set well back from the street. There are neighbours to both sides, but trees, walls and our substantial wood pile give the property considerable privacy. There are many lovely spots to sit. Rounding up the troops for meals can take some time!
The Garden
The previous owners (for 25 years) loved trees and have planted a wonderful mix of conifers, hardwoods and fruit trees. These include walnuts, fig, plum, cherry, pear, peach and crab apple trees that provide tasty delights in season.
There are grassy areas sufficient for games and exuberant kids and a 8 person spa with a hardwood deck. There are outdoor benches and a barbecue.
The 30m drive from the metal entrance gates leads across a fish pond to the house.
There is off-road parking for three or four cars in front of the house.
The Pond
The pond is fed from a covered spring and cistern. Water flows slowly from east to west and is full of fish.
The Great Hall
At the west end of the house is the “Great Hall” – a 7+ metre high converted brick and lime- stone barn with massive oak trusses, ancient limestone flags stones (rescued from a demolished church) with a “conversation pit”, a large and efficient wood stove, a 16 person farmhouse table and doors onto the front and back garden. View a panorama of the Great Hall
Mezzanine
A staircase from the Great Hall leads to the mezzanine floor with a pool table, dart board and antique mahogany linen cupboard. A door from the mezzanine leads to the upstairs bedrooms. These rooms are also accessible via the spiral staircase.
The kitchen
Recently remodelled and equipped with oven, hob, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, dryer, two fridges and enough large pots and pans to cater for quite a sizeable gathering.
The living room
A large and comfortable room with oak beams, antique terracotta tiles, french doors, lots of light and a wonderful open fire. It’s arranged with two sofas, armchairs, dining table and sound system.
Bedrooms
There are six double bedrooms and one single bedroom. The spacious master bedroom (View a panorama) above the living room has exposed oak beams and a double bed, an antique armoir, a flamed maple table and a phone point. There are two more double bedrooms on this floor, accessed either from the oak staircase in the Great Hall or a quaint spiral staircase next to the bread oven on the ground floor.
The wing has three large double bedrooms, one with a cot. These provide easier access for those who may prefer to stay on the ground floor. There is bedding and towels on site for all of these rooms.
Bathrooms
The house has two bathrooms and two WCs. The upstairs bathroom has a shower, bath and bidet. The wing bathroom has a shower.
The Garage/Barn
A good-sized open space with a workbench and a firewood store. There is access to the boiler room, cellar and hayloft from this space.
The Cellar
A large head-height barrel vaulted cellar running the full length of the wing with thousands of empty (pity) wine bottles.
The Hayloft
A large and tall unfinished space leading to the roof space over the wing. Currently used for storage (including bicycles). Access via ladder.