When we took over the estate, we felt as though we were reconnecting with my roots. I spent most of my career working as a psychiatrist in Réunion, but I come from an old family of the Protestant nobility in Languedoc, who once owned vineyards around Montpellier. It was the estate’s buildings that first caught our eye. We set about restoring them, taking care to respect their history and character. As this long project progressed, the idea of recreating a cellar emerged quite naturally, driven by the site's potential and our desire to breathe new life into it.
Situated on a slight rise overlooking the plain, the estate occupies a site featuring the remains of an ancient Gallo-Roman settlement. It covers nearly 20 hectares devoted to viticulture and olive growing. Arranged around an enclosed courtyard, the building has a U-shaped layout which is typical of Languedoc architecture. The main house, built in the late 15th century, was remodelled in the 18th and 19th centuries before being fully restored in the early 2000s. The estate comprises several buildings: the main house, an old building topped by a dovecote, and the former wine-making outbuildings, which now house a wine cellar retaining its original semi-underground stone vats and a reception room. In addition, there is a guest house, a caretaker’s house, several outbuildings, three small cottages, and a swimming pool with a pool house.
The estate dates back at least to the Middle Ages. La Maison de la Tour, which is the oldest part of the building, is thought to date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Historical research has made it possible to piece together the details of the estate’s history prior to the 15th century. The presence of old stone arches, visible in the walls, suggests that the buildings may once have been used for religious purposes. We acquired this property in 2004, when it was in a very dilapidated state, and then undertook seven years of restoration work, guided by a desire to preserve its identity and breathe new life into this remarkable architectural complex.
The estate is situated in the heart of the countryside, amidst a landscape of vineyards and scrubland. Situated on a hill, it enjoys unobstructed views and numerous walking trails. Its charm lies in the combination of its remarkable architectural heritage, its renowned wine-growing region and its unspoilt natural surroundings. Ideally situated for exploring the hinterland, it is just about 40 minutes’ drive from Lake Salagou and the beaches of the Étang de Thau, whilst offering direct access to the hiking trails. There is a village with a few shops 1 km away, and Pézenas is about ten minutes’ drive away.
The area boasts some excellent places to eat. At the Prieuré Saint-Jean de Bébian estate, “Le Bébianus” serves gourmet cuisine with Mediterranean influences, created by Matthieu de Lauzun, who also runs the cosy “MDL Bistrot” in Caux, specialising in home-style French cooking. In Pézenas, the "Pré Saint Jean" delights diners with its refined, home-made, seasonal cuisine. When it comes to local specialities, "Crémerie Clerc" sells mature cheeses, cured meats and delicatessen products, whilst Lallemand 1937 makes its chocolates directly from cocoa beans. Every Saturday morning, the village market brings together local producers and regional craftsmanship.
The estate can host seminars for up to 30 people, in a 200 m² room fitted out in the former winery building, as well as in the property’s lounge (100 m²) and dining room (70 m²). Cocktail parties and meals can also be held in the gardens, on the terrace or around the outdoor kitchen. La Maison de la Tour has three bedrooms, with several other accommodation options available nearby. Guests have access to the swimming pool, the outdoor kitchen, and the gardens and walking trails set amongst 35 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and scrubland.
ref 966340
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