After Paris and my home region of Brittany, I was enchanted by the powerful, Mediterranean sun and the proud and noble character of the Camargue. Why Arles? For its rich history and its many vestiges that date back to when the city was built by the Romans. But also for the many UNESCO classified buildings that enrich the city centre. The quality of the architecture, most of which dates back to the 17th century, reflects the city's past glory. The endless cultural activities in the city were also a major attraction.
Located in the city centre and classic in style, the house dates from the 17th century. Built in stone, it features beautiful volumes with a 4.2 metre-high ceiling. A sculpted stone staircase in the Arlesian style leads to the upper levels. The floors are a mix of checker-board and terracotta tiles. A red marble fireplace decorates the large living room on the first floor. The house was fully renovated by two Parisian architects who used traditional techniques and old materials with the greatest respect the property's past. It offers shady gardens and bright terraces. In the attic, a panoramic terrace offers a stunning view of the city's rooftops and, in particular, the medieval tower of the Primatiale Saint-Trophime and that of the town hall which is beautifully sculpted.
The tradition of construction essentially comes from the ruling class and came to the forefront during the Renaissance and the 17th century, periods when the nobility ruled the lands. The city is adorned with many buildings worthy of the rank of their sponsors. The house is part of this glorious past. It is built on Roman foundations and located in the privileged Hauture area, the highest part of the city. We bought the property in 2011 and spent a year renovating it to ensure the original appearance could be preserved as much as possible.
We welcome guests into our world and share a house that is steeped in history and now marked by our own history. The house's furniture was found in regional auctions; the blend of traditional Provencal pieces, contemporary objects and works of art give it a timeless elegance. Between the living rooms, terraces and gardens, there is a space for everyone here. The house is in the centre of an artistic city that is cited twice on the UNESCO World Heritage list - once for its "Roman and Romanesque monuments" and a second time for the "Chemins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle en France".
Our favourite restaurants are Gibolin, Galoubet, the Brin de Thyme and the Arlatan hotel restaurant. The popular district around Place Voltaire also has some up and coming restaurants with "fifties" architecture. The cemetery and the Alyscamps alley (the Champs-Élysées of Provence) are the remains of a necropolis where a path lined with multiple sarcophagi leads to the church of Saint-Honorat. The city buzzes with life on Saturday mornings with the large regional market, the boulevard des Lices and the peasant market that sells organic products from local producers near the tourist office. On the Place du Forum, the terraces of the famous Grand Hotel Nord-Pinus and "Chez Virgil" are our favourite spots to enjoy an aperitif. We also love the beautiful "Parfumerie arlésienne", a shop created by Fabienne Brando that sells Sophie Lassagne's fine and colourful pottery.
The house, with a total surface area of 250 m2, is spread over three floors. On the ground floor is a large master suite with a bathroom. On the first floor, the living space consists of a large living/dining room, a large kitchen and a shaded terrace overlooking the gardens. It is equipped with a charcoal barbecue. Three large bedrooms, two bathrooms and a separate toilet occupy the second floor. One of the bedrooms has an en suite bathroom, while the other two share a bathroom with a large shower. Last but not least is a small lounge and summer kitchen in the attic which lead to the panoramic terrace overlooking the rooftops of the city.
ref 742099
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