The previous owners of this Jura farm carefully restored the exterior facade, including the windows and the roof, with the help of local services dedicated to the protection of built vernacular heritage. No longer able to take care of the old building, they entrusted it to the Vacances au cœur du Patrimoine Foundation in 2017. The foundation completely restored the property in close collaboration with the cantonal service for the conservation of historic monuments. The house is named after the deceased owner, Heidi.
The original structure has remained intact. The functional part of the house is made from wood and the smaller, residential part from stone. The entrance door on the east side gives direct access to the vaulted kitchen, a real gem of rural Jura architecture built in limestone. Blackened by soot, it was once used as a smokehouse for meat. As is typical, the large vault is perpendicular to the main facade. Smoke would collect there under the ceiling and could then escape into the barn through various openings in the wooden rear wall. The smoke helped to preserve the frame of the house by keeping vermin away. The kitchen at the centre of the house was supplied by the stove in the living room, known as the "beautiful room", which evidences the simple family life led by farmers at the time. Above the ceramic stove of the "beautiful room", a hatch (which has now been replaced by a staircase) led to the bedroom located above where the whole family would sleep.
Maison Heidi, built in 1684, is an old Jura farmhouse that has belonged to the same family for generations. The last inhabitants, a family with eight children, left the house in 1943 and since then only the barn has been occupied by cattle. As such, the house had not been inhabited for decades. This is particularly apparent in the residential wing where the fabric of the original building and the structure of the rooms have remained intact. Sanitary facilities, a kitchen and heating were not installed until the property was gently restored by the Vacances au cœur du Patrimoine Fondation in 2021.
Maison Heidi is ideally located on the outskirts of the village of Souboz with a distinctive view over the meadow and forest. The location is characterised by its tranquillity and surrounding nature. Guests will discover four hundred years of the Bernese Jura's architectural history. Upon arrival, they will be welcomed by the house manager who will teach them more about the property's history and the architectural particularities of the place. The manager remains available should guests have any questions during their stay. Creaky floors, soot-stained walls, garden furniture at the front of the house and the surrounding nature make a stay at Maison Heidi an unforgettable experience. The minimalist furniture (comprising pieces made by Swiss designers and local craftsmen) allows the architecture to take centre stage.
There are many hikes starting from the house or a short drive away, including the Ronde de Souboz via the Moron. It is a superb hike through the peaceful Jura landscapes, from Souboz to the remarkable observation tower on the Moron designed by Mario Botta. At 1,336 metres, it offers a panoramic view spanning the Ballon d'Alsace in the Vosges, the Alps and the Forêt Noire. Also close by is the Geisskirchlein, a small cave which served as a place of pilgrimage for the Anabaptists. Lac Vert, located at the bottom of the Pichoux gorges, is an ideal spot for a picnic. The neighbouring Soulce valley is renowned for its varied and exceptional flora and fauna. Ile St-Pierre is a heavenly spot in the middle of Lake Biel.
There is a large vaulted and equipped kitchen at the centre of the house. It serves the living room, a shower room and, via a metal staircase, a bedroom located on the first floor equipped with a double bed. From the living room, another staircase leads to a second bedroom on the first floor which is also equipped with a double bed. The covered and furnished terrace can be reached from the stable via a very steep wooden staircase. The garden features a furnished outdoor lounge area.
ref 980594
This property has been added to My favourites
This property has been deleted from My favourites
A link to enter a new password has been sent to you by email.
back
