30 minutes from the TGV station that connects to Paris in 58 minutes
Location
The hamlet lies in the Biesme valley, in the middle of the Argonne forest. In the 16th century, this was the site of a glass factory, surrounded by the houses of gentlemen glassmakers and the more modest homes of common workers.
The beech and hornbeam trees that grew here provided them with a highly combustible fuel. Raw materials for the manufacture of glass were plentiful: greensand, sandstone blocks, ferns, broom and clay on the banks of the small streams that meander through the woods.
Description
The complex comprises three buildings and some outhouses. In operation as a hotel-restaurant until 2019, the owners have retired without leaving the premises and continue to enjoy its idyllic setting. The view is splendid, the only neighbour being an old farmhouse just 500 metres below along a small, little-used secondary road.
The restaurant
This is probably a former farmhouse converted in the 19th century. It stands right next to the forest and is accessed directly from a slightly sloping track. The building has two levels topped by a Roman tile roof, the ground floor features two conservatory extensions for professional use.
The ground floor
A small glazed hallway leads to the reception room. It features two fireplaces, the first of which is made of glazed brick and is enclosed with an insert. The second is an open stone fireplace. A small sitting room to the back precedes the lavatories. The professional kitchen is still operational, with a central cooking range (four full rings, an induction hob and a simmering plate), a gas steam oven and an electric oven, two extractor hoods, three chilled workstations, a two-door freezer, a stainless steel dishwasher, a Wintherhalter dishwasher, a glasswasher, two ice-makers and two cold rooms. The two dining rooms, of around 37 m² and 62 m² respectively, are located in the conservatory extensions and can seat eighty people. The larger one has a generous, cosy stone fireplace.
The first floor
An oak staircase leads from the reception room up to the first floor featuring a 42 m² billiard room. This is followed by a flat of some 148 m² with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a linen room, a closet and a study.
The hotel rooms
The first building is an extension of the restaurant. It is slightly curved, on one level and roofed with interlocking tiles. There are six bedrooms, measuring between 16 and 34 m², with en-suite bathrooms and lavatories. The second building is of brick and stone with a Roman tile roof. One of its facades is clad in wood, and the second level is accessed via a footbridge, lending a mountain chalet touch to the building.
The ground floor of around 160 m² comprises four bedrooms including one double bedroom, all with their own bathroom.
On the first floor, a corridor leads to four bedrooms totalling around 136 m². It is possible to create two further bedrooms in this building.
The Spa
Tucked away in the basement, it can be accessed via an external staircase at the rear of the reception buildings.
The 66 m² swimming pool with counter-current unit and whirlpool is heated by a heat pump.
There is an adjoining tasting room.
The outbuildings
A small chalet in the woods awaits restoration. A workshop, a woodshed and a sauna complete the property.
Our opinion
The effervescence that reigned here for over fifteen years has now given way to birdsong.
The view is quite spectacular, combined with the scent of the immense surrounding forest. The layout of the premises and the wide range of possible options will appeal to the most daring.
460 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 121058
Land registry surface area | 5968 m2 |
Main building surface area | 962 m2 |
Number of bedrooms | 18 |
Outbuilding surface area | 75 m2 |
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.