So, are you ready to go for a ride? A wild one? Ok, then come along but I will ask you to put on your most Open-Minded Glasses to clear your vision. They are critical for enjoying the show.
As our house-hunting deadline accelerates rapidly, I am spending more time everyday on the internet, looking at ads with all of the intensity of a witch trying to conjure a magic potion. All of the truly interesting properties – either to rent or to buy – disappear like lightning. And yet, there was one that lingered that I just couldn’t ignore, I wanted to go see it. An appointment was made.
We arrived in a neighborhood that we knew nothing of – very unusual as Arles is not that big and I cover a lot of ground on my walks with the dogs – to find what by all appearances is a traditional Provençal farmhouse in the middle of town with a very large courtyard in front and an attached garage.
Now, to say that the…decor…in the courtyard is…unusual…is an understatement. Wait, did you already take your glasses off? Please put them back on and step inside.
To the left of the entry, is a very large living room with French doors leading to the courtyard. It was filled with light but as the owner was there, I had trouble photographing it so this photo is borrowed from the charming real estate agent. Underneath the crêpi on the walls is gorgeous stone waiting to be revealed.
A fire was roaring in the poêle à bois that had been newly installed and a good thing too as it is the only source of heat for the house!
Ah, just a tad rustic. Such as the pipe descending by the front door…
But there is a charming staircase and again, all of that pretty stone so close and yet so far…
…not to mention very interesting 1930’s ceramic tiles and a sleeping pupper on the entry floor.
Remi was fascinated by the stone surrounds on the doorways, dating from the 18th century, most likely.
Ok, are you ready? Hold your breath and dive in…
…to the kitchen! Ta-dah! Oh, I so wish that I could see the look on your face right now.
But here is the kicker. The kitchen has enormous potential.
It is far bigger than I could capture and would be just gorgeous once the stone is uncovered and say, oh something wacky like cabinets were installed.
Back in the hallway, a door that looks as though it is from the beginning of time opens on to…
…a long thin storage space that runs the entire length of la maison, one that has been divided and redivided many times – more of that in a bit.
The roof of the space could be easily replaced with glass to make a lovely veranda.
Up the twisting stairs and you arrive to see…
…Not one but two toilets! hehehe Oh, I am enjoying this. For the house originally was shared between two families that agreed to share the staircase! I told you there was history in Arles…
To the right, is the first bedroom…
…filled with light and larger than it looks.
We don’t need to mention the bathroom.
And to the right is a positively huge room…
…that had been cut in two with a partition (the position of the bed is different in the second photo)…
…in order to create a bathroom and dressing area.
Underneath the linoleum lies lovely tomettes tiles, just waiting to breathe again.
And downstairs off the kitchen is a big garage that looks onto the courtyard. That iron door could be replaced by a glass and steel frame to make this Remi’s office.
See? Here is the angle of the house showing the garage. But what is that you ask?
The possible veranda as seen from above. I’m sorry I can’t hear you. You are asking…what is that just beyond?
Oh, that would be…the train tracks.
Dun, dun, dun, duuun. Yep, they are right there. Several trains passed while we were visiting the house and oddly, it wasn’t that loud at all. But of course, it would mean the house is unsellable and explains why it has been on the market for nine months.
Now. Here is the question – and I ask you to be polite in your answers please – can you see the potential that Remi and I saw? Because we really did. Or maybe you would have to have lived in Provence as long as we have in order to know. Because it is there. The agent is determined to keep trying until she finds just the right people to bring it back to life.
That won’t be us but we would have been sorely tempted if it weren’t for the proximity to Choochoo Land. It was a fascinating little trip back in time. I hope that you enjoyed it.
We are ramping up the visits. We saw an absolutely stunning rental last week that is sadly, too small (we have non-negotiable things to consider with Remi’s equipment and the printer for the gallery). And we have two visits today, one for a rental, another for sale. Yes, I will keep you posted.
Have a wonderful week, everyone!
The trains would bother me a lot, if they carry hazardous materials through that route. That is a deal breaker.
I see the potential. What I don't see is the two of you living there. I don't recall a building you've posted pictures of (except for that creepy fountain place last year), that has been as blah as this one. Now price wise, if its a bargain, that would make a decision difficult because I'd feel that if I bought the place, I'd be money settling instead of going with my heart. You could make it gorgeous though, sell and move on.
Okay, back when Joel and I purchased our 'fixer-upper' just north of Puerto Vallarta, I remember a friend visiting. As I 'presented' it to her, I saw what it was going to be under our ownership; she saw what we had purchased and looked at me like I was crazy and then pretty much told me I was crazy. After a few years our Cinderella house blossomed. Bottom line: if you can dream it, you can do it!
It is a fascinating house, Heather. I'm waaay too noise sensitive to live in Choo Choo land, but I otherwise I do see the potential here (although I can only imagine the headaches involved in bringing this place back to life – you would have to heavily invest in advil and pepto). A very dear friend of mine with amazing taste bough a house a year or so back that, well, let's just say it had "potential" – but none of the rest of us could see that potential. Flash forward and it's now gorgeous in her care. Still needs some work but she has done an amazing job bringing it back to life. Some homes are like Charlie Brown's little tree – they just need a little love.
But the trains. Quel dommage.
Good luck with the house hunt! XOXO
Despite its rundown look, it could have potential but I understand that the house's proximity to the train tracks would not work. Reselling it would be major issue.
Oh dear, I think it's a tad, what's the word…"rustic!" Hmm. I'm just not seeing it somehow. If you do take it on, I suggest you keep the his and hers toilets as they are.
Oh my…. I'm still laughing. What a wonderful start to my week! And, yes, there was what I'm sure was a priceless look of horror on my face when I saw the kitchen. BUT I also do see the potential and I know you and Remi have the imagination to make anyplace a beautiful home. But I am also glad that you let this one go. One step closer to finding just the right place, I am sure.
And ooooh. Guess who just forwarded us the details of his ticket home? Hint: the flight starts in Casablanca and the date is in late May, just in time to celebrate his "baba's" 65th birthday. Hoorah!
hehehe Gina! That isn't what you are supposed to wish! 😉 And the longer we look, the more we are rethinking where we want to live. But time is not on our side and we might need to take a rental and buy next year or so…we'll see…
Oh, I love World of Interiors, especially when they feature the slightly run down or eccentric homes. And yep, the price definitely takes into account the location. But we just can't do it. We are people who like to move around a lot and can't put so much work into a house only to not be able to resell it later.
I see possibilities. The staircase and the living room fireplace look very promising. The train noise you would soon not hear. However, I think that there is something very special just waiting for you….and besides it's fun to come along and I don't want it to be over. ox, Gina
Loved the tour Heather! It was almost like a world of interiors spread. Pity about the train tracks…But does the price reflect this? Mind you there are a few things despite price that are non negotiables though right? I hope you find something that ticks all your requirements and more, fingers crossed! x