Domaine du Pré (QUI.07)

Domaine du Pré is a 4-bedroomed cottage, sleeping 7 (+ baby), on the edge of the village of St-Fortunat (Ardèche), 21km NE of Privas and some 27km SW of Valence (Michelin map: 523). VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 1989. Saturday arrival.

This fascinating property is an extremely impressive towered manor house in exposed stone, dating from the 15th century, with 17th-century additions. On the edge of a village in an attractive wooded valley, it stands in a little-known but delightful part of the Ardèche with views over surrounding hillsides. The detached property, which has been in the same family since the 18th century, provides spacious accommodation of striking rustic character with original stone floor, a very rare “built-in” 18th-century grandfather clock, and magnificent Renaissance fireplace. The house is tastefully furnished in keeping with the traditional character of the building and style of the region, with several fine antiques, family portraits and objects; it offers a sense of history and the atmosphere of a well loved family home. Recreational facilities provided for the use of visitors include two sizeable terraces, boules, croquet, table tennis and a circular swimming pool (diameter 8m, depth 1m20 – 1m80). As it is to be expected in a property of this size and age, one should be prepared for the occasional idiosyncrasy in both décor and furnishing. The lovely rambling grounds of 8,000m² provide numerous nooks and crannies, a vine walk lined with potted citrus trees, sunny spots and plenty of shade during the heat of the day as well as partially enclosed space for children to play (there is a shallow well in the garden). Being adjacent to the D120, a certain amount of traffic noise is to be expected, especially during the summer months. The charming owner lives in Marseille, but either he or his son will personally welcome all visitors. A tenant (approximately 40m from the house) is on hand to maintain the pool and grounds. Day trips to the Massif du Vercors or the Ardèche gorges are easily accessible as are the scenic routes to the peaks of the Mont Mézenc and Gerbier du Jonc or the Côtes du Rhône vignobles. A house of great rustic character with a touch of grandeur, superb outdoor facilities set in delightful surroundings to the full.

Accommodation: Ground floor: kitchen, living/dining room (with open fireplace), sitting room, 1 double-bedded room, bathroom, separate wc. First floor: 1 twin, 1 single and 1 double-bedded room, bathroom, shower room/wc, separate wc, cot.

Activities: Swimming pool on the spot (May – September). Table tennis and table football on the spot. Tennis in St-Fortunat. Swimming pool and tennis in La Voulte-sur-Rhône (9km). Horse riding in Vernoux (16km) and St-Laurent-du-Pape (14km). Kayak in St-Sauveur (15km).

Services: Baker/grocer, small supermarket and 2 restaurants in St-Fortunat. Butcher in St-Sauveur. Bank in La Voulte-sur-Rhône and St-Sauveur. Supermarkets in La Voulte. Markets in La Voulte on Fridays and in Privas on Saturdays.

Location
On the edge of the village of St-Fortunat (Ardèche) - 600 inhabitants - 21km NE of Privas and some 27km SW of Valence. Michelin map: 523
 
Activities
Swimming pool on the spot (May – September). Table tennis and table football on the spot. Tennis in St-Fortunat. Swimming pool and tennis in La Voulte-sur-Rhône (9km). Horse riding in Vernoux (16km) and St-Laurent-du-Pape (14km). Kayak in St-Sauveur (15km).
 
Services
Baker/grocer, small supermarket and 2 restaurants in St-Fortunat. Butcher in St-Sauveur. Bank in La Voulte-sur-Rhône and St-Sauveur. Supermarkets in La Voulte. Markets in La Voulte on Fridays and in Privas on Saturdays.
 
Description
This fascinating property is an extremely impressive towered manor house in exposed stone, dating from the 15th century, with 17th-century additions. On the edge of a village in an attractive wooded valley, it stands in a little-known but delightful part of the Ardèche with views over surrounding hillsides. The detached property, which has been in the same family since the 18th century, provides spacious accommodation of striking rustic character with original stone floor, a very rare “built-in” 18th-century grandfather clock, and magnificent Renaissance fireplace. The house is tastefully furnished in keeping with the traditional character of the building and style of the region, with several fine antiques, family portraits and objects; it offers a sense of history and the atmosphere of a well loved family home. Recreational facilities provided for the use of visitors include two sizeable terraces, boules, croquet, table tennis and a circular swimming pool (diameter 8m, depth 1m20 – 1m80). As it is to be expected in a property of this size and age, one should be prepared for the occasional idiosyncrasy in both décor and furnishing. The lovely rambling grounds of 8,000m² provide numerous nooks and crannies, a vine walk lined with potted citrus trees, sunny spots and plenty of shade during the heat of the day as well as partially enclosed space for children to play (there is a shallow well in the garden). Being adjacent to the D120, a certain amount of traffic noise is to be expected, especially during the summer months. The charming owner lives in Marseille, but either he or his son will personally welcome all visitors. A tenant (approximately 40m from the house) is on hand to maintain the pool and grounds. Day trips to the Massif du Vercors or the Ardèche gorges are easily accessible as are the scenic routes to the peaks of the Mont Mézenc and Gerbier du Jonc or the Côtes du Rhône vignobles. A house of great rustic character with a touch of grandeur, superb outdoor facilities set in delightful surroundings to the full. Featured by VFB since 1989.
 
Note 1:  Uneven stone floors (particularly in the hall) and unexpected steps throughout the property.
Note 2:  Access to games room (table tennis and table football) is via 15 descending external steps.
 
Accommodation
Access from outside into the hall (up 5 steps).
 
Ground floor: hall with grandfather clock, stairs to first floor and doors to:
 
·    Kitchen (5m x 5m) with gas hob (4 gas rings), split-level electric oven, fridge, dishwasher. Tiled floor. Washing machine and extra fridge in store room (accessed from outside). Door (low headroom) to:
·    Living/dining room (8m x 6m) with grandfather clock, large open fireplace, TV, telephone (for incoming and local outgoing calls). Tiled floor. (Two steps down to hall.)
·    Sitting room (5m x 5m) – down ½ step – with decorative open fireplace. Board floor. Door to terrace (6m x 3m)
·    Bedroom 1 (5m x 5m) – down ½ step - with 1 double bed (1m40). Board floor
 
Inner hall (with 2 steps up) with doors to:
 
·    Bathroom 1 with bath with shower attachment. Tiled floor
·    Separate wc
 
First floor: (2 rooms here are kept locked) Steep stairs (narrow steps at bottom) lead to landing (low headroom) with doors to:
 
·    Bedroom 2 (up 1 step) - (a round room in the tower, 3m in diameter) with 1 single bed (0m90). Carpeted floor. (Care should be taken as there is a step up and down in the doorway, which opens directly onto the stairs.)
·    Bedroom 3 (5m x 4m) with 2 single beds (0m90). Carpeted floor
·    Bedroom 4 (6m x 5m - 1 step up) with 1 double bed (2 x 0m90 beds – can be separated). Carpeted floor. Ceiling with exposed timbers (low in parts)
·    Shower room with wc
 
Corridor with 2 steps up and door to:
 
·    Bathroom 2 with free-standing bath. Lino floor. (Low beam over bath)
·    Separate wc (up 1 step)
 
Gas for cooking included – Electricity not included (mobile electric/oil radiators in all rooms except living/dining-room) – Bed linen included, household linen not available – Wood not included.
 
Note: The entry gate to the property is narrow and may not be passable for larger cars. Alternative entrances are available.
 
Breakage Deposit: 125€   Sleeps: 7 + baby (travel cot available)
 
Comments
“We had a great time here. The house was perfect, everything worked and arguably there are more interesting things to do in the Ardèche than in Provence.”
 
Description updated May 2009