Grignan, Rhône 26230

An old house, outbuilding and walled garden in the heart of a village in the Drme provenale. The residence is located in a quiet lane within the old ramparts. It was probably rebuilt in the middle of the 16th century and has preserved some of its original features: mullioned windows, spiral staircase and fireplace. On three levels, it covers some 340 m, around 200 m of which is currently fitted out. Its east-west exposure ensures it gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day, while its thick walls keep it cool in summer. Its faades, built of local stone, are partly grown over with Virginia creeper and have three types of windows: straight and simple, with mullions, and with low arches. From the street, it is accessed via two stone steps, which have been worn down over the centuries, and a painted wooden entrance door with moulded panels, surrounded by ashlar just like the windows. The door is topped by a small oeil-de-boeuf window. The decorative features are extremely restrained, reduced to the robust moulded frames that emphasise the windows. Lastly, its roof, characteristic of Provencal houses with its two slopes, canal tiles and three rows of genoise, accentuates its traditional character. The house, which has been partly restored, has retained the soul of a village house. Care has been taken to preserve its original features, while incorporating contemporary comforts such as efficient heating. A walled garden runs along the back of the house, protecting its occupants from disturbance from the street.