Location
In the Auvergne region, at the edge of the historic province of Velay, within the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park — an area popular with visitors. Allègre, designated a "Petite Cité de Caractère de France", is 6 minutes away; La Chaise-Dieu, celebrated for its abbey and international classical music festival, 8 minutes; Le Puy-en-Velay, 35 minutes. Shops, services and amenities are all close by.
Description
The former hunting lodge
West-facing and built on the lake shore, the lodge rises over three levels. The gentle slope of the terrain means only two levels are visible from the east — ground and first — while the west elevation includes a garden-level floor.
The garden-level floor
Covering approximately 70 m², this level forms the basement of the living quarters. A large summer kitchen, workshop and boiler room occupy the space, opening directly onto the lake shore.
The ground floor
Reached from the garden level by an interior staircase and from the garden by an exterior one, this approximately 100 m² level comprises a large living room, two bedrooms, a kitchen and sanitary facilities. The living room and both bedrooms look out over the lake. A 20 m² veranda at the same level links the house with the grounds.
The upstairs
A large library occupies the space between two bedrooms; all three rooms look over the lake. This level also includes a bathroom with lavatory and two attic spaces.
The main house
Once a "passementerie", or decorative-trimmings factory, the building was converted into a dwelling in 2004. To the west stands the former production building, recognisable by its height and larch cladding. To the east, the single-level lake-facing section now contains a gîte and a caretaker's cottage. The three dwellings connect through their basements, which form a garden level on the side away from the lake.
The east wing
This wing brings together the gîte and the caretaker's cottage. The gîte comprises a living room, three bedrooms, a kitchen, two bathrooms and two lavatories. The caretaker's cottage includes a living room, two bedrooms, a workshop, a kitchen, two shower rooms, a pantry, a lavatory, and a large south-facing terrace.
The west wing
This wing contains two adjoining dwellings — "maison du lac 1" and "maison du lac 2" — each with independent access.
"Maison du lac 1" opens with a double-height hall beneath a rooflight; on the ground floor, a sitting room and study look over the lake, while a dining room with terrace and a kitchen complete the level. The first floor contains two bedrooms joined by a gallery, a bathroom and a lavatory. A second gallery leads to two further bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and lavatory. At garden level are three bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and lavatory.
"Maison du lac 2" contains, on the ground floor, a room fitted with a bar, a dining room, a laundry, a kitchen, a workshop and two lavatories; on the first floor, the east side holds a rest room with bathroom, a sauna and sanitary facilities, while the west side contains three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two lavatories.
Our opinion
An unusual property at the edge of its own well-stocked lake, set within grounds composed of distinct spaces, each with its own character and varied tree species. Numerous walking paths close at hand offer a starting point for exploring the natural landscapes of the Haute-Loire. The buildings can accommodate one or two families in search of peace and quiet. La Chaise-Dieu and Le Puy-en-Velay, both close by and well connected, also make it possible to envisage a leisure or business accommodation venture, or a catering or service activity, with the occupier retaining the hunting lodge as a private residence.
Reference 307418
| Main building floor area | 725 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 6 |
| Outbuildings floor area | 250 m² |
| including refurbished area | 975 m² |
French Energy Performance Diagnosis
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.