Nestled in a crease between the mountains of the southern Ardeche lies this 4-bedroomed modern eco-villa – the perfect hideaway for those looking to reconnect with nature. Each morning you awake to the sound of a freshwater spring trickling past your window, and to a glorious view of soaring mountain peaks, which glisten green, yellow or white depending on the season. It's a great way to start the day.
Though totally private, the hideaway is tucked away in the rambling gardens of a 400-year-old farmhouse, where owners Annick and Michel live. Details of the villa's decor are a nod to the farm's history: handmade wooden bedheads were once the roofbeams of the old barn, and a pair of sinks are crafted from ancient chestnut wood. Annick and Michel still harvest chestnut groves, as well as figs and an orchard of apple trees; there's also an organic vegetable and herb garden, which you can plunder for your dinners. Spend your mornings chilling by the freshwater pool then tear yourselves away for adventures galore in the Ardèche; Annick is full of tips. Return home to the setting sun and the stunning open fireplace, best enjoyed with a glass of local wine.
Highs
- You couldn't be better placed to explore the beautiful Ardèche region: hike, bike, kayak, canyon and wild swim
- Ideal for a family or active-friends holiday. There are 4 double bedrooms (2 can be twinned) and 2 kitchens for self catering
- Decor is French-antique meets modern-chic. We loved the details, from the central fireplace to the paintings collected by Annick’s family
- The garden is magical: spend afternoons lazing in the hammock or trailing your feet in the mountain spring as you read
- Fantastic value
Lows
- A late check in (5pm), and rates don't include a compulsory final cleaning charge, which must be left in cash
- You need a car to make the most of the region, and to reach restaurants/supermarkets
- WiFi can be a little hit and miss, but you’re here to switch off
- The 4 bedrooms share 2 bathrooms
Best time to go
The Ardèche is beautiful throughout the year, but summer sees hordes of holidaying families descend on the region. Our favourite time is early autumn as the garden is in bloom and full of fresh treats to cook with, plus the weather's still lovely. You can swim in the gorges and hike with little interruption, too. It’s also chestnut season, which the region is famous for: the annual chestnut festival is in October.
Our top tips
If you stay 7+ nights, Annick and Michel will treat you to a guided hike or local village tour. Both trips are wonderful as the owners are so passionate and knowledgeable about the region. The hike can be tailored to your ability and interests; we vanished between 2 bushes on a roadside, which led to a very pretty 2-hour walk through one of the Ardèche’s gorges, before ascending the side just in time for sunset.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Fantastic rental property in beautiful garden with views of surrounding hillsides. Fabulous natural swimming pool. Accommodation is beautifully designed with every comfort and convenience. Location is perfect, rural and idyllic but boulangerie and epicerie are 5 minutes walk away. The wifi was excellent, we used it extensively including for two simultaneous zoom meetings and there were no issues. Hosts Annick and Michele are exceptionally kind and knowledgeable. Beautiful region of France.
This place is paradise if you love space, tranquillity, a beautiful garden and the kindest of hosts.
We could not fault the house at all - it is wonderfully well set up for 4 couples (we went with all our family) - beautiful bedrooms, a wonderful living space and so many places to sit in the garden in sun or shade.
Annick and Michel are generous in every way - from the equipment in the house, the fresh produce available to pick, games and books, the excellent local advice and the time they took to show us things. Absolutely the definition of good hospitalty.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape