near Ambert - Livradois Forez - Puy de Dome - AUVERGNE

by Hannah
(Ambert - Puy de Dôme - Auvergne - FRANCE)

Secluded stone and pisé house surrounded by it's own woodland - river frontage -

If it is tranquility you are looking for this traditional Auvergnat stone (granite) and pisé (wattle and daub) house is for you. In the middle of it's own woodland : 2.5 hectares of oak, silverbirch, pine, horsechestnut, willow, alder, beech, douglas fir, hazelnut, walnut, linden, wild cherry, ash, and 3 stands of scots pine... it even has it's own stream (brown trout...) and 3 sources though mains water and electricity is laid on in the house.

The hard work has already been done for you, the roof was completely changed in 2007 (terra cotta tiles ) as was the electrical instalation by a qualified electrician, plumbing... However, work is still needed which will enable you to add your own personal touches.

To access the property you have a short drive past magnificent views over the ‘Livradois-Forez mountains’ on a country lane. Then a track (500m : 4x4 required for the latter half), this adds to it's charm. The only visitors you will get will be the deer, squirrels, and maybe even the odd wild boar. Otherwise you are on your own but only 5 minutes from the closest hamlet. There is a telephone line to the property but the phone is presently not installed. There is a good signal for mobile phones (orange, bouygues, sfr)

The property is situated on the commune of Marat, 25 km from Ambert (closest town, supermarkets, schools etc ...). The hamlet is called 'Les Fayolles'. You can look it up on google earth , though you won't be able to see the house because of the trees.

Picturesque, you can enjoy a sundowner on the balcony overlooking the treetops as the property overlooks the valley. The birds songs and the trickle of the stream reign over all.

The whole building is set on a natural outcrop of rock . On the ground floor you have the cellar (2 windows) . Stone steps on the exterior accessing to the balcony (which needs replacing) and the lovely authentic oak front door. You enter the living room (2 windows), with shower room (to be fitted) and kitchen area (part of the living room) also inexistent but catered for. Wooden steps ready to be put in to access the 1st floor (like a mezzanine). 2 skylights (1 medium velux, one small). Sunlight oozes into the whole space.

Next to the property there are 2 ruins of outbuildings, with plenty of dressed stone (granite) which could be used. There is a further ruined house in the woods (which you can drive to), again a huge amount of
re-usable stone, and the prospect or re-development, naturally subject to planning.

Exterior : wooden framed balcony with tiled terra cotta roof : aproximately 10m² (underneath a utility space with plumbing and electricity). A few steps away a 'bac' (stone trough) which could be used as a water feature as there is a source not far from the rear of the property which initially was the only water source for the house. A beautiful linden tree providing some shade. Not far overgrown remnants of old vines as this place used to be a tavern. The stream is at the bottom of the valley (very good flow), ideal for fishing ,though permits are required in France, even on your own land but cost next to nothing. This stream leads to the river ‘Dore’ which is about half a km from the property.

This property is ideal for people who are in touch and harmony with nature, who are looking for tranquility and a better way of life, here the air is so pure. There is an element of self sufficiency with the property, wood is so abundant that you could be fuel independent for heating. There is a large amount of very tall pines which could be used in any future development. Alternatively, they could be a source of income (currently tax free).

Each season is very distinct in the Auvergne. In spring enjoy picking the flowers, wild straberries.In summer enjoy the hot rays, fishing.In autumn go mushroom picking (cèpes, girolles and many others...), chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, blackberries, apples, grapes...

This House could be lived in all year round but a good 4x4 would be required as we do get quite a lot of snow. It would be ideal as a holiday home.

As far as the woodlands are concerned, there is a lot of hazel which could be coppiced, but is largely in a very natural state. There is a marshy area fed by a spring which has some wild watercress, could make a nice pond.

Anybody interested must regard this as a development project.
If you require more information or photos, don't hesitate to contact us either by e.mail or by telephone, we are here to help.

Hannah, Mike and Bridget Weatherly.
0044 73 82 99 02
Email weatherly@wanadoo.fr

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