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A biodynamically-cultivated, 18th century, traditional Mas house in the Cévennes region
Location
The property is ten minutes from Alès, a subprefecture with 40,000 inhabitants (hospitals, sixth form colleges, “École des Mines”, film festival, theatre).
Nîmes (TGV train station) and Montpellier are an hour away by road. On the first wooded foothills of the Cévennes mountains, recently classified as a World Heritage site by Unesco.
Description
A 28ha77a76ca (71.11 acre) estate, with a stream and two sources running through it.
. 23 ha (56.83 acres) of forests.
. 5 ha (12.55 acres) of grasslands.
. 0.7 ha (1.73 acres) of terraced gardens.
The property overlooks a valley, situated in a protected “biosphere” area, in which the use of any pesticides is banned. It has, itself, been biodynamically-cultivated for 50 years.
Predominantly located on siliceous land, the forest is above all composed of chestnut trees, “the breadfruit tree of the Cévennes” to which can be added several pine trees of an extraordinary size as well as a great diversity of botanical species. Under this favourable shelter where roe deer roam, mushroom picking is a much-awaited pleasure in the right season.
A small part of the property has calcareous soil where traditional Mediterranean species such as evergreen oaks, strawberry trees and boxwood grow.
In front of the traditional Mas house a variety of often uncommon species has been planted on the old terraces. For instance, there are, amongst other things, acirus trifoliata, diospyros kaki, agaves and mimosas along the path of the source. All around is a diversity of fruit trees including numerous fig tree cultivars.
The traditional Mas house
Protected on the west side by the forest, this south-facing, traditional Mas house stands at the end of a 400 m (438 yard) long driveway that leads up to a raised site that was already known in Neolithic times. Built of shale, directly on shale, with an old Roman tile roof, it is in a good state of repair. It is laid out around two inner courtyards. It was already in existence during the 16th century and witnessed religious wars, followed by revolts that resulted from the abolition of the edict of Nantes, but it currently looks as if it dates from the 18th century.
It is accessed via a large 100 m² (1,076 sq ft) courtyard that is closed by double-leaf, arched gates and shaded by a pagoda tree. The suckers of a climbing hydrangea planted against one of the walls are attached to the stones.
With the exception of a large artist’s studio and two adjoining rooms, the majority of the ground floor rooms, with their particularly thick walls, are vaulted.
In the middle, joined to the main room, stands the Cévennes tower fireplace.
The ground floor and the first floor are independent of one another.
The first floor is accessed from the courtyard via a stairway leading to a loggia that extends into a south-east facing, panoramic terrace.
All one side of the Mas, built on uneven ground, includes an additional, lower vaulted floor.
It spans 250 m² (2,691 sq ft) of living space spread over two floors, to which can be added at least 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) awaiting conversion, notably comprising the 63 m² (678 sq ft) room used as an artist’s studio that has a 5 m (16.4 ft) high ceiling.
Ground floor
Facing the entrance is the lounge with its Cévennes tower fireplace. This room overlooks the entrance courtyard on one side and the secondary courtyard on the other.
To the left of this lounge are three vaulted rooms and a room used as a fruit storeroom.
First floor
. Left wing: rooms awaiting conversion.
. A living room divided into two by an arcade, with a fireplace and a kitchen incorporated on one side, a study, two bedrooms, a bathroom, two shower rooms, and a large room with windows on 3 sides, currently used as a book storage room, that extends on to the panoramic terrace.
Lower level
. Vaulted areas under the wing of the Mas opening on one level on to the entrance side, including a shelter for cars.
The outbuildings
Nearby, with its unusual roofing framework, stands a former “Clède”, where chestnuts were once stored and dried. This building is in a good state of repair and could easily be converted into a small guest house.
Near to the beginning of the access driveway, by the side of a meadow, is a former barn which is not currently put to any particular use.
Our opinion
“Taking care of the Earth to ensure wholesome foodstuffs for man and beast”.
This site has been treated in this way and with this point of view for 50 years. The obligation to continue this project is immense, especially as it is so old and, therefore, so rare.
There is no chance of any potential owners investing in this property unless they feel the need for this approach and the resulting happiness.
890 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 3455RS
| Land registry surface area | 28ha77ca76a |
| Main building surface area | 250 m² (2,691 sq ft) plus 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) awaiting conversion |
| Outbuilding surface area | 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) |
Regional representative
Régis Senseby +33 (0)6 80 59 47 42
NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.
