A holiday in its truest form, Saignon is the ideal location to visit the nearby cities of Provence and some of its most pictoresque villages, the unique nature of Luberon, with its yet alive traditions. To us, and for those of you who are looking for the same, peace and quietness are found in this tiny village, with its liveliest corner being the bakery and its morning chit-chat and the kids playing by the church, on which facade you'll see every sun - set from our terrace .
The space
Typical ‘Maison village’ structured on four floors, with offset entrances: one on Rue de la Bourgade, and the other one (which allows access to the three floors being rented), on Place de l’Eglise. Of medieval origin, the house had been renovated numerous times but when we acquired it we decided to operate in a more conservative way: we restored its original pavements, beams and stairs as well as doors and windows (where possible). The facade facing the church is in stone, the one facing the rue de la Bourgade is plastered as per the commune directions. To access the house, three stone steps and a small terrace where you can dine and relax. On the left of the entrance are the stairs by which you will find the outdoor furniture (the door leading downstairs is closed); on the right handside of the entrance, the laundry room. The main living area is a bright space which includes the kitchen, dining table and a couple of armchairs. By the kitchen, a small pantry. On the first floor the landing with a big built-in wardrobe leads to two bedrooms: the master bedroom (with view of the church) a double bedroom and a bathroom with bathtub. On the second floor, once a ‘grenier’, a room with four beds and a bathroom with shower. The windows of the bedroom look upon Rue de la Bourgade, the bathroom features a hopper window.
Guest access
Guests will have access of the living area with kitchen and dining table, the laundry room and terrace (foldable table kept in the house), two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. When the house is rented by over four people, guests will also have access to the second floor bedroom with bathroom.
Other things to note
We purchased the house from Madame Amir, a lovely lady who was the owner of the deli, once located on the ground floor of the flat, with entrance on rue de la Bourgade. Madame Amir also had the church’s keys in her hands, together with the responsability of opening and closing it everyday to allow for visitors and worshippers. She was a ‘fixture’ in the village, but health and old age had her decide it was time to move, as she could not walk all those stairs anymore.
As evidence of her kindness and friendliness, a memory which we will always bring with us: the day we signed the contract for the sale of the house, Madame Amir invited all neighbours, friends, familiy, mayor and councillors to welcome and introduce us, in actual fact, entrust us in their care…
Amongst them, the old owners of the nearby restaurant we share the terrace with (divided by a wall and a vine). The restaurant has now changed ownership and is managed by a young couple: we have never had any issue, it can accomodate up to 15 people and it’s a place that invites tranquillity. We are often looked upon with jealousy by whomever is waiting on a table, while we dine on our side of the terrace.
Another reason to hang on the terrace other than the pleasure of dining outside is the possibility of witnessing what’s happening in the village: everyone walks by the church: tourists coming from the parking by the cemetery and the Salle des Fetes, residents going to the Mairie or the Post Office or going to buy a baguette or a coffee chez Christine. If you are a bit curious, and we are, and you have time, as you are on holiday, it’s fun to watch weddings and ceremonies taking place in the church. Many couples come from Paris or far away to wed in the beautiful church. The attires, hats, cars, carriages, flowers, people…!
And, speaking of curiosity: a discovery we made while we were renovating the house: when removing the lid of a water cistern, we found out that we had another floor underneath the ground. This space was connected to other rooms throughout the village which allowed for escape during invasions or danger, to the nearby woods. Today the passages between homes have been bricked up. Additionally, rumors have it that roman findings have been recovered in these basements. It didn’t happen for us, but who knows…
Registration Details
14004*04
