In this job, I am lucky enough to visit a huge number of very interesting and unusual properties. These can range from crumbling mountain barns to enormous Chateaux and pretty much everything in-between but this week was the first time that I have viewed a converted chapel which probably shows how unusual this property is. Even before the conversion, it’s history makes for an interesting building; it was apparently built by a local priest in 1858, using his own money, in memory of Queen and Sainte Radegonde who founded the Monastery of Sainte-Croix in Poitiers and spent time in this region selecting the famous marble which is found in this area. The chapel is on the edge of a historic village with Roman and Romanesque remains and, as with most religious buildings here in South West France, the priest clearly picked his spot carefully; it is set on a stunning promontory overlooking the village and valley below with beautiful views of the Pyrenees.
Apparently the chapel was primarily designed and used as a sanctuary and for religious celebrations. The last ceremony was in 1939 and, after that, it gradually fell into disrepair until rescued by the current owners. Over the last ten years, they have lovingly restored its exterior stone façade and landscaped the surrounding walled gardens, adding a pool that cleverly mirrors the shape of the building. Inside, sensitive to its important history and respecting the layout, the owners have inserted a modern home within the walls without impacting on the structure or overall feel of space and calm. Somehow they have managed to fit in four bedrooms and yet retain the height and create a very bright and comfortable interior.
I won’t go on or I will start to sound like an estate agent but I think this property will make someone a very special home or holiday house and it also strikes me as the perfect party house or retreat. In fact, with the current trend for Airbnb unusual style rentals, it would also make a fantastic investment especially as it is just five minutes from the mainline train station to Toulouse and to the coast and 40 minutes by car from central Toulouse and the international airport and an hour from the ski resorts.
This is the kind of property I probably won’t see the likes of again and it could well be sold by the time I post this article but, if you would like more information, please do get in touch, it’s well worth adding to your viewing short-list: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
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