A stone Provencal farmhouse and former artist’s residence,
with a swimming pool, near Châtillon-en-Diois, at the base of the Vercors Mountains
with a swimming pool, near Châtillon-en-Diois, at the base of the Vercors Mountains
Châtillon-en-Diois,
DROME
rhones-alps
26410
FR
Location
In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the Drôme department, nestled between the Vercors and Baronnies Provençales regional natural parks, the latter of which features more southerly landscapes, the Diois region boasts a countryside blanketed in grapevines, lavender fields and limestone bluffs, while the property, perched on a hillside in a village overlooking a verdant valley planted with cypresses and walnut groves, enjoys views that extend all the way to the Glandasse cliffs.
As for the village, with ochre stone dwellings topped with barrel tile roofs, it boasts an overall architectural unity, whereas Châtillon-en-Diois, recognised as one of the “Most beautiful villages in France”, is accessible in just a few minutes. In addition, Die, a former Gallo-Roman city known for its Notre-Dame cathedral and ramparts, is only ten minutes away, while Valence and its high-speed rail station are 40 minutes away.
Description
Once an artist’s residence and studio, this Provencal farmhouse features an interior and exterior layout designed successively around its many patios, staircases and terraced gardens. Built out of stone, the three-storey dwelling is accessible from multiple entrances, while the property also includes several outbuildings, a swimming pool as well as different outdoor areas planted with a variety of different vegetation.
From the village’s heights, an alleyway, lined with ancient walls, leads to a blue wrought-iron gate, topped with an original bell, which opens on to an initial patio surrounded by rosebushes and facing the stunning countryside, whereas circulation between the different levels is facilitated thanks to several exterior stone staircases, including one that passes under a masonry arch.
As for its barrel vaults, original terracotta floor tiles, visible ceiling beams and wood-framed windows, they make up the essential architectural vocabulary for this Provencal farmhouse, the latter of which has been preserved in its original state and layout.
From the village’s heights, an alleyway, lined with ancient walls, leads to a blue wrought-iron gate, topped with an original bell, which opens on to an initial patio surrounded by rosebushes and facing the stunning countryside, whereas circulation between the different levels is facilitated thanks to several exterior stone staircases, including one that passes under a masonry arch.
As for its barrel vaults, original terracotta floor tiles, visible ceiling beams and wood-framed windows, they make up the essential architectural vocabulary for this Provencal farmhouse, the latter of which has been preserved in its original state and layout.
The Provencal Farmhouse
The ground floor
From the property’s entrance, not far from a parking place and the rose garden, a path leads to the ground floor’s covered patio, facing the lower garden and swimming pool, while, abutting a rounded stone wall, festooned in wisteria, this patio creates an exterior dining area overlooking the valley. Following on from here are two vaulted, adjacent living rooms whose windows, looking out over the garden, provide ample sunlight from either side, helping to create continuity between these interior spaces and the farmhouse’s immediate outskirts.
The first floor
This intermediary level represents the dwelling’s central section and is accessible from either the ground floor living room, via an interior staircase, or the patio, by way of an exterior staircase to the kitchen, while a hallway provides access to two bedrooms with visible ceiling beams, a shower room and a separate lavatory. As for the main living room, vaulted and with original terracotta floor tiles, it is heated with a wood-pellet stove and communicates with the kitchen, also vaulted and with a wood-burning stove, whereas the latter gives on to a cobblestone patio, which is, in turn, extended by a separate, exterior shower room.
The second floor
Accessible from the upper patio, with a barbecue, this floor enjoys unobstructed views of the valley and includes a bathroom with a whirlpool bathtub and an adjacent utility room, as well as a bedroom with visible ceiling beams and terracotta floor tiles.
The Garden
Landscaped into terraces around the farmhouse and featuring an integrated irrigation system, it extends over several levels planted with trees and flowerbeds, while cypresses, oaks, walnuts, ashes, birches, fruit trees and rosebushes come together to create a diverse and breath-taking vegetal composition. In addition, the property also boasts a natural spring as well as a vegetable garden, whereas the swimming pool, located on the lower level, extends on from the covered patio.
The Outbuildings
This former artist’s studio, built out of stone and accessible via an exterior staircase located under an arch, primarily faces the vegetable garden thanks to a large-paned window, while this room could be transformed into a self-contained studio flat, a study or a space for creation. As for the lean-to, large enough to accommodate three vehicles, it is located next to the property’s entrance, whereas a machine room for the swimming pool also includes a shower room with a washbasin, as well as a large storage room.
Our opinion
Old stones, hanging patios and a maze-like layout come together to create a composition that gradually reveals itself as one explores the farmhouse’s various levels, while, behind the visible irregularity of its volumes, a certain rationale starts to take shape, one that was fashioned by decades of inhabitation and artistic creativity.
As for the vaulted ceilings, terracotta floor tiles, stone staircases passing under arches and patios facing the valley, they all contribute to this property’s unique identity, whereas the surrounding Diois region features a rural charm, alternating between vineyards, majestic Vercors peaks and ancient villages. Approximately 40 minutes from Valence and its high-speed rail station, the property boasts a southern and mountainous setting as well as an architecture that has stood the test of time in terms of both its uses and spirit, creating a timeless environment meant for relaxation and pure enjoyment.
590 000 €
Fees at the Vendor’s expense
Reference 844824
| Land registry surface area | 3664 m² |
| Main building floor area | 201 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 3 |
French Energy Performance Diagnosis
Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the website: www.georisques.gouv.fr
Share
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.
