Maison 6 pièces à Puymirol · 202 m²

Some houses wear their 17th-century origins like a faded costume. This one has been taken apart, thought about very carefully and put back together by its previous owner, an architect, who clearly could not help himself. The result keeps the ancient bones and adds a generous helping of modern calm.

Old and new have rarely got on this well.

Downstairs

The front door opens into the main sitting room, and you will probably stop there for a moment. Underfoot, a glass floor pours daylight down into the vaulted stone cellar below. This is easily the most spectacular room in the house. It is crying out to become a games room, wine cave, cinema or all three, and whatever you choose will look good in it.

The open-plan kitchen and dining room is, without much competition, the coolest kitchen in the village. It has a magnificent ceiling, sleek built-in units and integrated appliances, and a central island with hob and sink where guests will gather whether you invite them to or not.

Everything has been chosen in the best possible taste.

Double doors lead out to the walled garden, set within carefully restored ancient stone walls. There is a travertine terrace, a summer kitchen, a raised balcony and the all-important swimming pool. A separate travertine sunken courtyard gives you a private spot for a quiet coffee.