A secluded buron overlooking the plains and surrounded by chestnut trees,
in the western part of the Hérault department, near both the Tarn and Aveyron departments
in the western part of the Hérault department, near both the Tarn and Aveyron departments
Lamalou-les-Bains,
HERAULT
languedoc-roussillon
34240
FR
Location
At the intersection of the Hérault, Tarn and Aveyron departments, the Espinouse and Monts d’Orb foothills are a relatively mountainous region, the highest point of which is the Montagut peak at 1,022 metres. In the centre of a natural area of ecological, faunal and floristic interest, where one can find small adder’s-tongue ferns, early star-of-Bethlehem lilies as well as summer lady’s-tresses, this area was documented by botanists in the 19th century and, specifically, in the famous work “Florule” by Eugène Pagès. In addition, the buron is located in the eastern part of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park, while the nearest village, with 600 inhabitants, is 15 minutes from Lamalou-les-Bains, which contains all essential shops for daily life.
Description
The secluded buron, surrounded by vegetation, is located 5 kilometres outside of the village and is accessible via the B road below. Built on the side of a grassy hillside, it is completely hidden by foliage, creating an insular property that only reveals its secrets to true lovers of silence and nature.
Built out of local stone, it has a flagstone roof, which was fully renovated less than ten years ago. A stone patio with a fountain borders the buron on one side and facilitates access to its interior while a solarium, completely sheltered from view, overlooks the valley. In addition, a cellar, accessible via three steps, completes the property.
Built out of local stone, it has a flagstone roof, which was fully renovated less than ten years ago. A stone patio with a fountain borders the buron on one side and facilitates access to its interior while a solarium, completely sheltered from view, overlooks the valley. In addition, a cellar, accessible via three steps, completes the property.
The Buron
The entrance to the single-storey buron opens onto a vast room with a fireplace. With pointed stone walls – where the vestiges of an ancient hayloft can still be seen here and there – as well as an opus incertum gneiss stone floor, this room has a majestic stone vaulted ceiling with a height of four metres.
To the north, a good-size window forms a pair with the arrow slit to the south, while to the east, after four steps, a glass door opens onto the solarium of approximately 10 m², primarily facing south towards breath-taking views and from where, in good weather, the Larzac plateau and the Saint-Loup peak can be seen in the distance. Under the solarium, a cellar, accessible via the trellis-topped patio, represents a practical and useful space for the property. As for the buron’s electrical and water-related needs, the former could be supplied by solar panels while, in terms of the latter, a natural spring is in need of repair.
The Woods
Forming several terraces in the hollow of the property and bordered occasionally by low stone walls, the oak and chestnut-filled woods of approximately 3,200 m² are accessible by vehicle from the B road. In addition, the meadow on the property is a reminder of the building’s original vocation, while a lime tree provides welcome shade for the buron.
Our opinion
This solitary retreat surrounded by peace and quiet, overlooking the valley and bathed in silence, is an oasis of serenity in the midst of a wide variety of vegetation. Modest in size, but well built and completely authentic, the buron could easily be adapted using modern means in order to ensure its independence in terms of both water and energy as well as meet comfort-based needs in all seasons. Therefore, with a few modifications it could be transformed into a unique and humble holiday cottage, pressed up against the hillside and protected by a copse of chestnut trees, a meditative refuge for lovers of open spaces with untamed and powerful nature or a place of interest for discovering the neighbouring wild local fauna.
Reference 449866
| Land registry surface area | 3164 m2 |
| Main building surface area | 35 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 1 |
| Outbuilding surface area | 12 m2 |
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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.
