In the middle of Martel, known as the “City with Seven Towers”, situated on the border of the Causses du Quercy regional natural park and overlooking the part of the Dordogne River valley that traverses the Lot department, the dwelling enjoys a prime location, only a few steps away from the Place de la Halle and the Raymondie Palace. Built on the corner of two streets and on the edge of a small open square, it is bathed in ample natural light and boasts a peaceful setting as well as a dynamic neighbourhood all year long.
In all likelihood built in the 13th and 14th centuries, it has preserved the vestiges of its medieval origins, while its stone exteriors, elegantly weathered by time, reveal, here and there, the traces of former windows and doors, as well as trompe-l’oeil windows, which bear witness to the building’s successive modifications. With four storeys, including one under its local flat tile roof, it includes commercial premises on the ground floor, an office on the first floor, a three-room flat on the second and an attic level that could be converted according to one’s needs.

The Dwelling

The ground floor
With approximately 68 m2 and used as commercial premises, this floor boasts, to the east, large arcades and a side door, all topped with Gothic chamfered arches, while the side door opens on to an entrance hall whose elegant double-quarter-turn wooden staircase with resting landings provides access to the upstairs levels.
Featuring lime-plastered walls and a black and white chequered tile floor, the entryway features a machine room as well an entrance to the boutique, which is currently sealed off in order to encourage independence, chosen for the time being, between the different levels.
To the south, two arches appear above 19th-century windows, including a wonderful example of a doorframe topped with a decoratively carved lintel, while the shop fronts, with their carved woodwork, are highlighted by the sidewalks, partially paved with pebbles, which contribute to the premises’ overall charm.
As for the sunny and eye-catching boutique, it extends over approximately 50 m2, excluding the lavatory, whereas the thresholds of its two entrances feature the same chequered tile floor as the building’s entryway, before transitioning into extra-wide floor tiles, which visually give the impression of a larger space. Boasting pale-colour walls and ceiling, the original fireplace and its wooden mantel have been conserved, while the boutique’s voluntarily understated and subtle décor can be adapted to a wide variety of projects, the most recent one of which was an art gallery.
The first floor
Currently used as an office, this level features a floor area of approximately 69 m2, while the space, bathed in abundant sunlight, features “caramel-colour” ladder-pattern parquet flooring, burnished over the years, which contrasts nicely with the pale shades of its walls. As for the main room, of approximately 55 m2, it boasts a fireplace with a mantel, clad in black marble, as well as a marble slab in front of the hearth, whereas a half-wall creates a work area, separate from the open-plan office space, which communicates with a functional kitchen, as well as a full bathroom with a shower.
The second floor
This level contains an unoccupied three-room flat, with a floor area of approximately 69 m2, made up of a living room with an open kitchen, two bedrooms, a shower room with two entrances, as well as extremely useful storage cupboards, while the floor, sheltered from view and flooded in natural light, enjoys views of the surrounding countryside.
As for the original parquet floors, they have been partially covered in sisal carpeting, the walls have been painted in a palette of pale shades, whereas the bedroom to the west and the living room both feature a fireplace with a wooden mantel.