La Maison Refuge

Located just a stone’s throw from the Gavarnie circus—a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site—the couple from the Southwest set out to imagine their dream home. Their goal was to welcome family and friends and to share this haven of peace with vacationers longing for a touch of nature. All this, while balancing the constraints of local urban planning and their desire for an interior that harmoniously blends with the natural surroundings! Challenge accepted: clad in Andorran stone and pine wood, this 2.0 cabin seems as though it has always been part of the landscape. It gives the illusion of being part of the traditional or renovated barns scattered in the surroundings.

They followed the lengthy construction process step by step, while also getting their hands dirty. The love and dedication invested in building this house are palpable within its walls, which are adorned with large windows that frame the stunning mountain views! Here, living together is key. The common areas are open: on the ground floor, the five-meter-high living room, dining room, and kitchen blend into one large space, offering a sense of openness. Only the master suite stands out from this volume for more intimacy in its cozy alcove. Upstairs, the children’s dormitory is complemented by a relaxation area, featuring a suspended net filled with cushions—an inventive and whimsical space that invites one to relax and perhaps enjoy a book from the nearby library.

The central theme of this vacation rental home project is wood—an organic material featured prominently throughout the home, even in its carefully balanced decor. Louise and Sébastien’s vision was straightforward: to create a timeless yet highly functional ambiance. What better way to meet this aesthetic intention than to opt for Scandinavian design? Specifically, that of the 50-60s. And thrifted to top it all off! Curved chairs with rope seats, fabric armchairs, as well as a farmhouse bench and sheepskin, all confirm the comforting atmosphere of this elegant refuge.

This cozy nest is further warmed during winter and autumn by a vintage-style cast iron stove situated at the entrance. A central element in this intimate property around which to play board games—choose between chess and Clue—while being lulled by the soft sound of the playlist specially curated by Louise!

Looking for a calm and soothing environment? La Maison Refuge is the place to be. For the silence of the place is only interrupted by the sounds of birds—bearded vultures and eagles—that you can admire through the binoculars provided by the owners for curious visitors passing by. Enough to become an expert in the field! An essential accessory to sharpen your eye both from the refuge and during excursions.

Equipped with hiking boots or snowshoes—once again provided by Louise and Sébastien—you’re set for an adventure exploring the breathtaking heights of the Saugué plateau, then continuing on to the majestic Gavarnie circus. Don’t miss a detour to the Ossoue dam, a popular spot for marmots, where you can pause for a picturesque picnic before tackling one of the many hiking trails that begin there. And what better way to end the day than by returning to La Maison Refuge for a relaxing soak in the Nordic bath? Heated by a wood fire during the colder months, it offers a perfect opportunity to unwind under the starry sky, creating a truly memorable experience in the heart of nature.