with its outbuildings and wooded grounds, fifteen minutes from Orange, in the Vaucluse department
Location
Located in the northwest of the PACA region, along the edge of the Rhône River valley and between the Vaucluse and Drôme departments, the Provencal farmhouse and its neighbouring outbuildings, accessible via a small country road, are surrounded by evergreen oaks and pines, while the Mont-Ventoux and Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Parks are both only thirty minutes away.
In addition, essential shops and services can be reached in a couple of minutes by car, whereas the ancient city of Orange, with its vibrant Provencal market and summertime cultural events, is only fifteen minutes away. As for the nearby motorway, the slip road to which is 7 kilometres away, it provides access to the Avignon high-speed rail station (in 40 minutes), Valence or the Marseille-Provence airport (in a little over an hour) as well as Lyon (in 2 hours and 15 minutes).
Description
With three floors, two of which have been converted, the unassuming dwelling is located on the western side of the L-shaped building complex and faces fully south. Covered in light-colour lime plaster, which helps absorb this area’s dazzling sunlight, the dwelling stands out thanks to the thickness and simplicity of its exteriors, highlighted by a triple genoise cornice, typical of the region. In addition, three buildings extend on from the main dwelling, from west to east and then north to south, in all likelihood successive extensions decreasing in height, while their traditional barrel tile roofs feature varying slopes and orientations, which ensure optimal sunlight and natural protection from the mistral winds.
Lastly, surrounding the dwelling and its adjacent outbuildings on all sides are swaths of lawn planted with both resinous and deciduous trees, which provide a peaceful ambiance and a bucolic setting.
The Provencal Farmhouse
The dwelling, with a living room-dining room and three bedrooms, currently features an inhabitable floor area of approximately 180 m².
The ground floor
The dwelling’s front door opens on to a small foyer, which provides access on one side to a bedroom of approximately 20 m², with narrow-plank hardwood floors, and, on the other, to a living room-dining room with terracotta floor tiles and a wood-burning stove. With a significant floor-to-ceiling height under its barrel vaulted ceiling, which structures the space, and its window facing south, this warm and inviting living area combines ancient details with modern comforts.
From the living room a door communicates with the fitted kitchen, the latter of which features a sizeable volume, a simple layout as well as Burgundy terracotta floor tiles, walnut cupboards that provide plenty of storage and a glass door that opens on to the courtyard, while this room also provides access to a laundry room-furnace room as well as a shower room.
The upstairs
Directly opposite the front door, a masonry staircase with original terracotta tile steps and wooden nosing provides access to the first floor landing, which communicates, on the left, with a bedroom, of more than 20 m² with oak hardwood floors, as well as, on the right, with a hallway that leads to a second bedroom, of nearly 26 m², with terracotta floor tiles as well as its own tiled bathroom.
With visible whitewashed ceiling beams, these two bedrooms each have a large-paned window that overlooks the courtyard’s centenarian plane tree.
The attic
Accessible via the first floor hallway, a second staircase ascends to the unconverted attic space with a floor area of approximately 65 m², while, this level, with terracotta floor tiles, will need to be insulated, but can be converted into a number of different purposes thanks to the lofty height of its visible wooden rafters.
The Loft
To the right of the dwelling, another door opens on to a second foyer, with approximately 22 m² and a terracotta tile floor, which provides access, via a wooden staircase, to a loft of nearly 100 m². As for its interior, rather rustic in appearance, it is dripping with charm thanks to its terracotta tile floor, cathedral ceiling of more than 4.5 metres and its impressive criss-crossing untreated wooden beams, which are, in turn, highlighted by white braces, joists and battens.
With one wall in lime-whitewashed pointed stone, its east-west exposure guarantees excellent luminosity throughout the day for its different interior spaces, whereas its large proportions, open and sunny, have been organised into several spaces, including a bedroom area, not far from a small raised section with a shower room and wardrobe.
The Outbuildings
Extending on from the eastern façade, three successive buildings are each accessible via their own entrance (a door, a glass door and painted wooden double doors): the first is a storage shed converted into a garage for cars and bicycles; the second corresponds to a workshop where the gardening equipment is stored; and the third contains a chicken coop of approximately 5 m².
The Grounds
Open and divided into several distinct areas, bordered by pathways, an adjacent grassy parcel of land, located to the east of the dwelling and on the other side of a quiet road, extends over 8,000 m² and is planted with mainly live oaks, Aleppo pines, olives and fruit trees.
Our opinion
Far from the urban commotion, but still close to major thoroughfares that provide easy access to the nearby cities, this Provencal farmhouse is located in one of the more untouched parts of Provence, which has become more and more sought out over the years.
As for the building complex, made up of the dwelling and its adjacent outbuildings, it features simple architecture, typical of southern France, which has been successfully showcased thanks to its meticulous and, yet, unassuming restoration. With well-balanced proportions, natural materials, windows facing the courtyard and its majestic plane tree, the dwelling, tastefully remodelled, has preserved its bucolic spirit and rustic charm, while still meeting current needs regarding modern standards of comfort.
In short, this property is perfect for those looking for a Provencal living environment, far removed from the usual clichés, but still immersed in silence and surrounded by vast countryside, alternating between valleys and mountains.
Reference 389975
| Land registry surface area | 9355 m² |
| Main building floor area | 200 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 3 |
| Outbuildings floor area | 120 m² |
| including refurbished area | 120 m² |
French Energy Performance Diagnosis
NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.