La Maison Des Baronnies

About this property

Stay in an extraordinary villa surrounded by outstanding natural beauty perfectly positioned to experience the authenticity and rural charm of the Hautes-Alpes in southern France.

Set in a small countryside hamlet, this 17th century farmhouse has been brought back to life with a remarkable transformation by its artistic owners who rescued this derelict building over ten years ago. With a keen eye for detail, this architect-designed home now manages to show-case superb modern design alongside original features and is a truly unique and special place to stay.

Expect nothing less than designer furnishings, both contemporary and classic, high-end facilities and 21st century gadgets. In the main villa, each of the five bedrooms have been stylishly designed with en suite shower rooms, two also featuring rolltop baths. A sixth bedroom can be found in a small yet charming studio with its own well-equipped kitchenette and lounge area, ideal for one or two guests looking for a little extra privacy.   

Come together and enjoy an al-fresco lunch in the shade of the ancient oak, by the wood-fired pizza oven and looking out towards the pine trees. Learn how to play petanque, sunbathe on one of the terraces or drink coffee as you gaze out to the mountains and appreciate the stunning scenery surrounding you. The glorious outdoors also features a heated swimming pool and an inviting hot tub, ideal for an evening star-gazing whatever the time of year. Perhaps followed by a drink from the honesty bar in the stone vaulted 17th century cellar.

Potter around nearby villages and towns, visiting traditional cafes, brocantes or local Farmer markets – the Thursday morning Provençal market in Laragne-Monteglin is particularly delightful. Admire the lavender fields dotted across the landscapes of this region and enjoy picnics and summer swimming by the shores of the River Büech. The turquoise-coloured water at the Gorges de la Méouge is especially beautiful with its cascades and gorgeous views.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also love the hiking, cycling and rock-climbing opportunities close by and if staying in the winter months then the ski slopes of Le Dévoluy are just over half an hour away. For sunnier times, look out for watersports at local lakes and more swimming spots – you could even drive as far as the incredible Lac de Serre-Ponçon, one of Europe’s largest lakes, for yet more majestic landscapes in this glorious region.

In the Hautes-Alpes with its incredible natural beauty, La Maison Des Baronnies is in a wonderful area for lakeside picnics, fresh-water swimming, hiking and cycling alongside characterful market towns and even winter sports. In the foothills of the southern Alps, yet also close to the departments of Drôme and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, enjoy the best of both worlds whilst really getting to know this authentic part of rural south-eastern France.

Set in a small hamlet in the countryside, at an altitude of 850m, the nearest restaurant-bar, grocery store and boulangerie can be found in a local village just a 10-minute drive away or head to Veynes (20km) for a larger supermarket and a Thursday morning market selling fruit, vegetables and other regional produce. Serres (17km) hosts another traditional market on a Saturday morning which is also worth a visit. Furthermore, look out for weekend brocantes taking place in the summer months across nearby villages and towns.

Laragne-Monteglin (34km) is home to an atmospheric Provençal market on a Thursday morning selling all sorts of fantastic local delights as well as products made out of lavender which is grown in the Büech valley (you can follow the Routes de la Lavande during your stay). The town is also close to Plan d'Eau du Riou, a perfect spot for a picnic by the lake in beautiful surroundings.

Another idyllic place is Gorges de la Méouge (40km) with its riverside beaches and cascades or alternatively, slightly closer, Plan d’Eau de Veynes is a great place for kids with its inflatable water park, café and gorgeous scenery.

This region is also loved by rock-climbing enthusiasts and the village of Orpierre (35km) has gained a reputation for its many climbing opportunities. Other outdoor activities include fishing, hiking and cycling – La Tour de France often passes through the area.

As well as many of the area’s lakes, the River Buëch is also a popular place for local swimmers and pretty picnics. Just over an hour away, the famous Lac de Serre-Ponçon, in the Alps, offers a variety of watersports and yet more outstanding landscapes.

Slightly closer to home, visit the attractive town of Gap (45km) with its vibrant weekly market, picturesque lanes and terrace cafes for relaxed al-fresco dining.

Not to mention the winter sports of Les Hautes-Alpes with over 100km of slopes around La Joue du Loup and Le Dévoluy ski resorts – in the summer the slopes become a mecca for downhill mountain bikers!

Accommodation

1)    3 double bedrooms in the main villa = 6-person price (low and mid-seasons only, upper section of the villa will be closed off)
2)    Main Villa = 10-person price
3)    Main Villa and Studio = 12-person price

Main Villa Interiors (357m2, various levels)

-    Open-plan living-dining area
-    Open-plan kitchen, fully equipped including Smeg double oven, gas hobs, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, Moccamaster coffee maker, pasta maker, food processor and blender
-    WC
-    2 x bedrooms with double bed (160x200cm) and en suite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower and WC
-    2 x bedrooms with double bed (160x200cm) and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and WC
-    Bedroom with twin beds (90x200cm each) and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and WC (sloping ceilings in bedroom)
-    Cinema room with rear projector, glass screen (200x110cm) and DVDs
-    Cellar honesty bar (well-stocked)
-    Fitness room (yoga mats, dumb bells, kettle bells, ballet barre)

Studio Interiors (32m2, separate entrance)

-    Open-plan kitchen-diner and living area. Kitchen area includes induction hob, oven and Nespresso machine
-    Mezzanine level with double bed (140x200cm) via open-sided stairs
-    Bathroom with walk-in shower and WC
-    Outdoor terrace with own barbecue/pizza oven

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (10x4m, depth: 1.45m) with electric safety shutter, heated approximately April to October
-    Hot tub (for 4-6 guests), open all year
-    Outdoor kitchen
-    Barbecue and wood fire pizza oven
-    Various terraces (on different levels, some with railings)
-    Badminton court
-    Boules pitch
-    Use of inflatable kayaks (x2) and inflatable paddle boards (x2)
-    2 x electric mountain bikes
-    Walnut orchard
-    Pine woodland
-    Outdoor parking for up to 6 cars
Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Underfloor heating
-    Woodburning stove with logs
-    TV (main villa's lounge area)
-    TV and DVD player (studio)
-    Bluetooth speaker
-    Cinema room with projector
-    DVDs
-    Workstation
-    Telescope
-    Fitness room (also boot room in winter)
-    Hot tub
-    Honesty bar
-    Board games
-    Badminton
-    Boules
-    2 x inflatable kayaks
-    2 x inflatable paddle boards
-    2 x electric mountain bikes
-    Hairdryers (in each bathroom)
-    Washing machine and tumble dryer