One warm autumnal evening, in the Languedoc region of France, the owners of Belle Vallee were out walking amongst the neighbouring vines adjacent their property when they came across an old man carrying a basket of wild mushrooms. After questioning the old man on his findings, they learnt that he had been foraging the forest that thrives within their 15 acres of property. “Les bois sont pour tout le mond”, he declared. The woods are for everyone. As are the vineyards, the valleys and the villages in this authentically antiquated area of the south.
Old charm prevails beyond the stone walls of the 16th Century farmhouse, along the shady lanes lined by tall cypress trees, into the village of Plaissan, and out of the affable eyes of the locals. A trait that seduced the South African-Californian owners into undertaking the mammoth task of tenderly restoring the decrepit Belle Vallee into the perfect hideaway it is today.
Half an hour from Montpellier – a city where art, culture, food and fun thrives – Belle Vallée bares its repurposed boulders that are stacked into the Pont du Gard “patates” walls, and welcomes you in to a Napoleonic paradise.
From the ground up of this unique holiday accommodation, the interior architect-owner has dutifully salvaged the remnants of the stone and romanced them back to life. Original 17th Century wooden beams, vaulted stone ceilings, a domed stone bread oven in the kitchen dating back to 1600’s, and livestock feeding troughs in the grand salon are all embellished by the antique furniture that populates the space. All sourced from the Languedoc region.
A magical corner of the world
Reminiscent of its roots, the revived farmhouse shares its medieval foundations with parasol pines, ancient olive trees, white rose bushes, rolling lawns, and over 700 lavender hedges. A young olive grove of 30 Lucques trees borders the vines and les bois that surrounds.
Afternoons can be spent on the pétanque court or in the 17-metre swimming pool, that entices you in to its cooling waters where a good book can be enjoyed as you take shade beneath the parasol. Picnic spots, where you can enjoy the fares produced in this self-catering luxury accommodation, are scattered around the wild grasses, behind low stone walls, overlooking the valley below.
When the scorching Mediterranean summer sun takes its toll there are five colossal ensuite bedrooms to retire to, for an hour or two of sieste. Where you can drift off listening to the leaves whistling with the breeze, as it carries your thoughts beyond the walls, through the vines and into the valley.
What is known as the coin magique is affirmed in the stillness, peace and calm of Belle Vallée. Indeed. A place where you can return to your most brilliant and best self – the self that bares the beauty that’s been chiselled over time. Let it be revived by buttery Lucques olives, and lathered in lavender. Bask in all your glory of what presides amongst the tall cypresses. The property will bring you back to life, just like the owners did to the property.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited by Dawn Kennedy