Rooted in my husband’s family home, this Ardèche estate has become my own. We chose to settle here because we are deeply attached to its natural and cultural environment. The Vivarais unfolds its majestic landscapes here; the mountains that shape the horizon, from the Gerbier de Jonc to the valleys—sometimes secluded, sometimes open—create a landscape of great diversity. Here, the heritage reveals itself with discretion, true to the spirit of a rugged land, marked by harsh winters and scorching summers. This apparent austerity conceals a preserved richness where nature expresses itself freely, protected by the sincere devotion of its inhabitants. Added to this authenticity is a privileged location, between Valence, Provence, and the sea, while retaining the coolness of high-altitude nights.
In contrast to traditional Ardèche architecture, which is often compact and austere, the house immediately asserts its unique character. Once through the wrought-iron gate, one almost leaves the village behind to enter a wooded setting, landscaped grounds extended by a discreetly situated swimming pool. The interior reveals spacious reception rooms with high ceilings, distributed across three levels. A spacious entry hall, centred around an elegant staircase, hints at the unusually generous proportions for the region. A generous terrace extends the living spaces outdoors. A preserved countryside atmosphere reigns here, amidst gardens, mature trees, and unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes.
The house dates back to the 1870s. Built as a holiday home for the bourgeoisie seeking peace and fresh air, it has been passed down through generations as part of the family estate. First owned by my grandmother and then by one of my uncles, it was subsequently rented out before being repurchased after the war by those who lived there and had grown deeply attached to it. Through this unique return, its history continued in a spirit of continuity. When we acquired it in 2020, the house required a complete restoration. Charmed by its unspoiled charm—we set out to restore it to its former elegance, preserving the spirit of a 19th-century home while adapting it to contemporary needs.
The house offers a balance between tradition and comfort. The atmosphere is decidedly rustic, though the village and its shops are just a few minutes’ walk away. Inside, a light-filled room lends itself to play, a yoga class, or creativity as a studio. Outside, the terrace unfolds the view like a natural backdrop: trees frame the scene, and light creates ever-changing scenes. The lawn invites you to stroll, to linger on long late afternoons, and to savour moments suspended in time as you gaze at the landscape and its sunsets. Set apart, the pool preserves the home’s tranquillity while offering an intimate, refreshing retreat.
In the heart of the village, the "Bistrot Sainte-Anne" charms with the energy of its young team and its intuitive cuisine, attentive to both ingredients and people. In Chalencon, "Châtaignes et Champignons" celebrates local flavours through generous, seasonal cuisine. On the nature side, the Eyrieux Valley unfolds a remarkable landscape between charming villages, the Ardèche hills, and refreshing rivers. "La Dolce Via", a repurposed old railway line, can be explored on foot or by bike along the river, while the "Vélorail du Vivarais" offers a more playful way to explore the area on the old railway tracks.
On the ground floor of the house, a large entryway leads to the kitchen, the dining room, the living room opening onto a terrace, and a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The first floor features a landing leading to four large bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The second floor includes a suite with two bedrooms sharing a bathroom, a single bedroom, a TV room, and a workshop/playroom.
ref 803326
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