The property is accessed from an alleyway running parallel to the main street of the village, a stone's throw from the cathedral and all shops and schools. Built protected from prying eyes, it is shielded by the front building, whose sober facade gives no hint of the distinctive character, which unfolds in the various rooms spread over its four floors.
Facing the southern ramparts, it comprises a medieval tower acquired by the current inhabitants in a state of dilapidation in the 2000s, a garden on two levels and an outbuilding, part of which has been rebuilt in wood. The main building stands in a prominent position, accessed via a stone staircase, set back from a garden and terrace embellishing the southern facade. To the north, a narrow wing projects at right angles, overlooking a patio. This patio includes a well and is divided in two by a high wall. It is located in the centre of the various buildings in the central part of the old town and provides access to a cellar and a lavatory. Despite the proximity of buildings typical for medieval town centres, the dwelling enjoys absolute peace and quiet, with no visual disturbance from neighbours and a superb vista over the countryside stretching as far as the Pyrenees.

The dwelling

The south-facing building is quite tall, flanked on either side by other structures and has a total floor area of roughly 270 m². Built of evenly spaced lime-jointed rubble masonry, the house has four storeys, topped by a gable roof with monk-and-nun tiles and featuring a large skylight. The facade is flanked by a square turret rendered in weathered ochre lime, revealing impressive dressed stone stringcourses, and features four windows and a loophole. The tallest are topped by elegant, slightly arched dressed stone lintels. The small-paned, double-glazed windows are protected by sturdy wooden shutters. The third floor features a terrace with a quarry tile floor. An awning provides welcome shade when the sun is shining.

The ground floor
A flight of stone steps leads to a landscaped garden planted with a variety of different species on the upper level. A paved path along a high wall covered in delicate, fragrant jasmine provides access to a partly sheltered terrace of around 15 m². The plane trees, oleanders and acanthus trees create a pastoral backdrop complementing that of the neighbouring houses and ensure a pleasant coolness in summer. A glazed double entrance door leads into a vast, warmly coloured kitchen. From here, a wide masonry staircase leads to an intermediate level that overlooks the reception area with its ceiling height of nearly 6 metres. A floor laid with terracotta tiles, exposed stone walls and corbels on one of these walls define this dual space, which is the focal point of the residence. Finally, a scullery contributes to the practicality of the home.
The first floor
This storey has an open-plan kitchen and connects to the patio and the northern wing at right-angles which comprises a lavatory and a cellar. An old well and a stone floor complete the picturesque atmosphere of the small courtyard. A contemporary half-turn staircase with intermediate landings rises to the top floor. The openwork wooden steps and wood and metal balustrade, designed by the current inhabitants and then made to measure, add a modern touch to the home, allowing light to flood in from one level to the next. There is even space for a lift in the centre, if necessary.
The second floor
In the centre of the house, three short flights of stairs lead from the second to the third level, which exudes a very special atmosphere. This is a storey that has been converted into a large, bright and tastefully decorated sitting room. Featuring a monumental fireplace with a light-coloured dressed stone mantle, set off by a terracotta-tiled floor, it is full width and boasts a level of comfort worthy of the noblest residences. A ceiling of wooden slats, a stone recess and a small closet fitted in the turret are just some of the details that add to the room's unique atmosphere. The terrace enjoys views over the walled gardens, planted with cypress, olive and bamboo trees, and over the surrounding intertwining roofs, reminiscent of Provence villages, with the Pyrenees on the horizon. Beyond the 1 m deep wall of the building, a reminder of the medieval origins of the dwelling, a passageway with high, moulded double doors leads to a shower room with a walk-in shower in an alcove located in the north wing.
The third floor
With a sloping ceiling rising to around 6 m at the ridge and bathed in light from a large skylight fitted with a blackout blind, it enjoys breathtaking views over the valley and gives you the sensation of being perched high above the world. A hardwood floor echoes the wooden slats lining the ceiling. To the north and south, the stone walls and surrounds enhance the openings, particularly the tall window on the main facade, framing the landscape like a painting. As on the floor below, a claw-foot bath sits in the alcove of a bathroom in the narrow north wing of the building.