Le Clos de la Garelle has been owned by my family for four generations. My great-grandfather, who lived in the French Concession of Shanghai and ran a business there, decided to return to France in the 1930s. Boats would arrive at the port of Marseilles, and he chose to settle on the road leading to Paris in order to facilitate visits from family, friends and relatives. He fell in love with the Clos de la Garelle, a wine-growing and agricultural property (belonging to Ulysse Jaboulet Verchère at the time) whose wine he had already enjoyed in his Shanghai club. The soul of the house, which has always been welcoming to family, travellers and friends, has remained unchanged for four generations.
Le Clos de la Garelle enjoys a privileged and unique location in the heart of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation, a world-renowned wine mecca at the heart of the northern Rhône valley. Leading up to the house is an 800 metre bucolic dirt road lined with vines, a stream, majestic trees (including yews, cedars, oaks, walnuts, lime trees, ashes), and mushrooms or wild flowers depending on the season. At the end, in the middle of nature, is a flight of stairs leading to a large house. With imposing roof terraces, remarkable decorations and wooden corbels, visitors are immersed in a timeless atmosphere which is somehow colonial, familiar, rural and zen all at once. When he bought the property, my great-grandfather carried out major works under the direction of his brother-in-law, an architect, who was also based in Shanghai. The Asian influences remain visible in the main house through the roof terraces, the wooden decorations, and the smoking room.
The main building was originally a hunting lodge, dating from 1860, with an older farmhouse that notably included a silkworm farm used for breeding silkworms (we are one hour from Lyon, a city famous for its silk goods). Bought by my great-grandfather in the 1930s, this twenty-three hectare property underwent major earthworks, irrigation, expansion and embellishment to become a family home. Over the years, it has welcomed lost travellers, loved ones in recovery, individuals in search of themselves, family, wartime refugees and friends. This sense of welcome is an integral part of our home's soul. Today, thanks to renovations carried out by my brother, an architect, the house is once again ready to welcome guests in modern comfort while still retaining its soul as a warm family home.
A unique environment spread over twenty-three hectares of abundant nature. An immersion in nature that is nonetheless a five-minute drive from all amenities. A charming residence with more than twelve rooms. The atmosphere of a family home that lends itself to festivities while allowing everyone to enjoy a degree of independence. A family home with real hotel expertise - we opened the four-star Hôtel de la Villeon in Tournon-sur-Rhône which is just twelve minutes from the property. Services, breakfast and daily cleaning are provided by the hotel staff and a concierge service is also available for organising tastings, cooking classes, bike rides from the house, entertainment, and meals around the wood oven. Access to a wine list from the owner's private cellar. For stays of 7 nights or more, a dinner is prepared (in advance or on site) by a chef subject to availability or by a caterer. There is also an independent and equipped studio to accommodate additional service staff (one person) with an additional cost.
Bread and croissants from the Boulangerie Alexandre, Crozes-Hermitage's baker. In Tournon-sur-Rhône, try vegetables from the Îles Feray (an organic market garden), the Boucherie de la Voûte and the Saturday morning market held all year round by local producers. Also in Tournon-sur-Rhône are the Le Cerisier restaurant, the pastries at the Chez Intense tea room, and the Hôtel de la Villeon for a drink in its gardens overlooking the Hermitage hills - there is a spot specially prioritised for our guests! In Tain-l'Hermitage, try the Le Mangevins restaurant, the pastries from Chalencon, the Café de Nice for a simple drink on the banks of the Rhône, the Compagnie de l'Hermitage wine shop, and the meat from Chez Rousso.
The Villa "Le Clos de la Garelle" is attached to the Hôtel de la Villeon **** and can accommodate twelve guests. There is a total of six bedrooms equipped with king size double beds, private bathrooms or walk-in showers, and terraces or balconies offering outdoor spaces with stunning views of the surrounding nature. The house is spread over four floors served by a lift. It has a large dining room with a masterful fireplace, a smoking room, a bar, a hammam, a kitchen that opens onto a large outdoor terrace with a barbecue, a professional scullery to facilitate private chefs, and a covered and sheltered terrace. Guests have private access to an unheated, salt-treated outdoor swimming pool. Security of the property is managed by an individual on site who has accommodation in a completely independent building. Rental from three nights.
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