The Covid pandemic brought us here. We were living in Paris at the time and were looking for a place in the south that offered more space and a different quality of life. We were also looking for a simple life, centred on meeting people and a sense of community. Already fond of Uzès and its surroundings, I was particularly taken with this region on the border between Occitanie and Provence, where the Provençal landscapes meet the first hills of the Cévennes, whilst remaining easily accessible from Paris. As our search progressed, this property immediately stood out. It was rare to find a house among these unspoilt villages that had retained its original character, set in extensive grounds and situated in the heart of the village.
Our house is a former 16th-century farmhouse. Over time, it had been divided into several flats, and when we took possession of it, it was still made up of seven separate flats. The restoration work involved restoring the house to its original unity by removing the added partitions and reopening the large central staircase. The beautiful south-facing arched vaults, typical of the region and once used for drying figs, were been restored to their former glory. An old, adjoining silkworm farm bears witness to the historical importance of sericulture in the region. The house also features the figures of Louis XIV carved above the main door. Built on a hillside, it offers unobstructed views of the village rooftops and the surrounding countryside from the garden and the swimming pool.
Its history is closely linked to that of Vézénobres, a former medieval village built on an oppidum overlooking the Régordane route, a major thoroughfare between the north and the south. This strategic location contributed to its prosperity for centuries. Following the Wars of Religion, the Protestant village was rebuilt using stones from the old fortress, and our house dates back to this period of growth in the 17th and 18th centuries. Like the rest of the region, Vézénobres experienced the golden age of the silk industry, followed by economic decline, leaving many buildings derelict. Having witnessed both the heyday of the silk industry and the more difficult times that followed, the house was divided up and used for various purposes over the years. We acquired it in 2021 and then spent two years restoring it to restore its original coherence and unity.
We have a dedicated concierge service to assist our guests with organising their stay. Depending on their preferences, guests can arrange a private dinner prepared by a private chef, a meeting with local winemakers, or a range of bespoke experiences, either at home or in the surrounding area. Each request is assessed on a case-by-case basis so that we can offer a fully personalised holiday. Above all, we prioritise attentive and discreet hospitality. For longer stays, a weekly cleaning service is included, with the option of additional services on request. Our aim is simple: to offer everyone the comfort, freedom and thoughtful touches of a home where you immediately feel at home.
There are several excellent restaurants nearby that showcase local flavours. In Saint-Hilaire-de-Brethmas, “Le Saint-Hilaire” serves refined, seasonal cuisine, with a focus on organic produce and locally sourced ingredients. In Uzès, “La Table d’Uzès” puts a Provençal spin on market produce, whilst in Vézénobres, “Le Grenier d’Aladin” treats diners to hearty regional cuisine in a charming little medieval square. Wine lovers will enjoy the organic and biodynamic wine tastings at the "Domaine de Mortiès", in the heart of Pic Saint-Loup. Finally, the Cévennes National Park is a vast haven for getting away from it all, combining nature, heritage and hiking.
The second floor of the farmhouse is reserved entirely for guests. It comprises a kitchen and a living room opening onto a terrace leading to the panoramic garden and the swimming pool, followed by two double bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, as well as a third double bedroom, which also features a sofa bed and is situated in the former dovecote-turned-study, accessible via a staircase. A cleaning service is included in the price.
ref 370346
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