Description:

When the owners saw Le Pigeonnier they fell in love with it immediately and so will you. They intend to retire there and selected it due to the beauty of the house and its lovely surroundings. They have refurbished and decorated the house to make it comfortable, welcoming and warm for their guests and themselves. From the comments in the Guest Book that they provide for their visitors, it would appear that they have succeeded in their intention.

Part of the house was originally a pigeon tower, typical of the area. The date over the door to one of the two cellars shows that it was, at least in part, built in around 1793! In all, the house is three stories high and the actual pigeon tower sits above the archway that leads through to other houses in the hamlet. The ground floor comprises a front hall, one double bedroom with a double bed and a bathroom. The bedroom has four windows and a view of the garden. The bathroom, although small, is equipped with a washbasin, a shower stall and a toilet. The second floor, running the entire length of the house, contains the fully equipped kitchen with a typical wood casing ceiling, a sitting area with a rattan couch and armchairs, and a glass fronted wood burning stove, providing a lovely cosy atmosphere, in addition to the electric heating present in every room. On the same floor there is the dining room which sits over the archway mentioned earlier. In summer, the folding doors from the dining room can open up completely and the dining area becomes a terrace. From the dining room, you go through to the living room with its authentic stucco work, antique chandelier and fireplace. On the other end of the same floor, towards the front of the house, there is another terrace with a pergola, ideal for dining in the evenings with a view onto the hillsides and vineyards in the distance.

On the top floor of the house, there are two more bedrooms and another bathroom. The bedroom in the actual pigeon tower itself has beautifully restored and exposed original wood beams. The room contains a wrought-iron king sized bed as well as an antique dresser and wardrobe. The other bedroom is very suitable for children as it is right in front of the master bedroom. It has two single beds and a baby-crib. The owners have also supplied toys of all sorts for their little guests. The bathroom on this floor is fully equipped with washbasin, shower and toilet. There is a baby bath along with a highchair, safety gate for the stairs and other such items which the owners supply when needed

Location Information:

The closest store is 2.5 kms away, in the charming village of Labastide-de-Virac. There is a weekly produce market 5 kms away in Vagnas, and supermarkets and all other facilities to be had either in Barjac, Orgnac l'Aven, Salavas or Vallon Pont d'Arc with its spectacular natural arch spanning the Ardèche River. All of these villages/small towns are about 9 kms away in different directions. As for activities and sightseeing, the area offers numerous possibilities. The Gorges of the Ardèche are famous for kayaking, canoeing and canyoning. It is also a well-known climbing area and several spots can be reached on foot from the house. It is also possible to walk through the woods down to the river and have a swim or walk along the top of the gorge and enjoy the spectacular view of the Ardèche winding its way down towards the sea. There are numerous marked walks/hikes to be undertaken beginning right outside the front door of the Pigeonnier. As for sightseeing, the "Route des Vins" will take you to the famous vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape in only an hour away. On the way, one cannot forego a visit to the famous three tiered roman acqueduct of Pont-du-Gard. A little further along the way, and one comes to Orange, with its Roman theatre and Avignon and the Palace of the Popes. In under three hours, one can be on the Cote d'Azur and have a swim in the Mediterranean and visit St. Tropez. Should you prefer driving north, you would come to the beautiful scenery of the Plateau des Cevennes with its lakes, villages and, the spring of the famous Loire River, no less!