My partner, who has been a chef for 40 years at centres specialising in personal development retreats, dreamed of a place where courses and retreats could be held. After many years of searching, this authentic Provençal farmhouse finally ticked all the boxes: the capacity to accommodate guests, a well-balanced layout, the building’s character, and a perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility. Just a few kilometres from a bustling town, yet surrounded by countryside, the estate offers a timeless retreat. When we came across this farmhouse, at a bend in a small road branching off from a main road, we immediately felt the unique character of the place. More than just a home, it is a living legacy, steeped in history and imbued with a simple beauty that has become rare in Provence.
Built on a rocky outcrop that provides it with remarkable stability, the farmhouse is a fine example of well-preserved Provençal architecture. In places, the walls are up to 1.40 metres thick; combined with the small windows of yesteryear, that kept the house cool in summer and warm in winter. The Roman-tile roof, accented by a three-tiered cornice, is a reminder of the ancient noble privileges that existed before the Revolution. The property covers an area of nearly 7,000 m² and comprises two buildings built from local stone, with a total floor area of over 800 m². The terracotta floor tiles, French-style ceilings, period fireplaces and original high ceilings have been preserved. The estate retains many reminders of its history: the Fuente spring, with the date 1670 carved into the stone, arrow slits, a bread oven, a silkworm rearing house, a hayloft and an old wood-fired oven.
Built in 1670, the farmhouse once formed part of a large agricultural estate comprising several dwellings and an old hilltop village, of which a few ruins still remain. In a region where travel was difficult, the estate was almost self-sufficient thanks to its olive groves, vineyards, cereal crops, lavender fields, almond trees and mulberry trees for silk production, supplemented by livestock farming. The surplus goods were transported to Sisteron via the old mule track, which is now the GR6. On the death of Countess Anne, the last heiress with no children, the estate passed to the Church and then to the secular authorities after the Revolution. More recently, the farmhouse has hosted a travelling cinema and then summer camps. In the early 2000s, major restoration work was carried out to bring the property’s old sheepfolds and outbuildings back to life. We bought it in 2016 and carried out renovations that preserved its original character.
Located ten minutes from Sisteron, the farmhouse overlooks the Jabron Valley from an unspoilt Provençal landscape, at an altitude of nearly 700 metres. Tucked away on a mountainside facing the Lure mountain, this old stone hamlet, far from any noise, follows the natural contours of the land and is the perfect setting for peace and quiet, relaxation and spending time together. Designed as an immersive visitor centre, the estate features a 100 m² space that has been renovated using eco-friendly materials. It welcomes holidaymakers, hosts private and corporate events, and runs residential retreats and courses in yoga, meditation, dance, therapies and wellness practices. The cuisine focuses on organic and vegetarian dishes, in keeping with the spirit of the particular stay.
In Sisteron, "Il était une fois", a bistronomic restaurant situated directly opposite Notre-Dame des Pommiers, with a small shaded terrace, serves creative cuisine made with fresh, seasonal produce. "L’Oppidum", a restaurant and catering business with a friendly atmosphere, serves traditional cuisine with world cuisine influences. "La Bonne Étape", a Michelin-starred restaurant since 1964, is a must-visit for anyone wishing to sample Sisteron lamb. In Banon, "Le Bleuet" bookshop – France’s largest independent bookshop in a rural area since the 1970s – invites you to browse through its thousands of books, which are spread from the basement to the attic, with the option of settling down in the garden to read and enjoy the surroundings. One of the largest markets in Provence is held every Monday in Forcalquier, a charming Provençal village bustling with shops
The property has eight double guest rooms and seven en-suite bathrooms. Two rooms can accommodate up to four people, and another can accommodate up to nine people. Two bedrooms share a bathroom.
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The property has two self-catering cottages. The first can accommodate up to five people. Upstairs, it has a fully fitted kitchen, a living room with three single beds, a double bedroom, a bathroom and a large covered terrace on the ground floor offering views of the Lure Mountain. As an optional extra and only available in the summer, a former sheepfold converted into a ground-floor apartment with one double bed and three single beds can accommodate up to five additional guests. The second can accommodate up to four people. It has a fully equipped kitchen/living room with two single beds, a double bedroom, a bathroom and a large covered terrace on the ground floor facing south offering views of the Lure Mountain.
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The property comprises two self-catering cottages and eight guest rooms. Two of which can accommodate up to four people and another up to nine people and five of which have their own en-suite bathroom. Two bedrooms share a bathroom. "La Tente Nomade” has an outside bathroom. The two gites can accommodate five and four people respectively and feature large terraces with views of the Lure mountain. In summer, an old converted sheepfold provides additional accommodation.
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