Les Grands Chênes

Les Grands Chênes is more than just a family project — it’s a true labor of love. Located on the same property where Nathalie and her husband live, the house was envisioned by the couple, designed by their son, and decorated by their daughter-in-law. Their connection to the land runs deep, as Nathalie grew up in the nearby village of Valojoulx. After leaving for her studies, she returned with her husband to raise their children amid the natural beauty of the region.

Today, Nathalie, a teacher, also dedicates her time to welcoming guests to Les Grands Chênes, whether for a bed-and-breakfast stay or a private vacation rental. Beyond its eye-catching design, the house embodies the family’s philosophy: a way of living in harmony with nature. Guests are invited to share in this slower, more thoughtful pace of life, embraced by the quiet presence of the majestic oaks that surround the property.

To design Les Grands Chênes, Baptiste drew inspiration from local architectural styles. The stone walls—sourced from Le Bon Coin to give the home a weathered, time-worn look—echo the typical Périgourdine houses, while the mineral fiber roofing takes cues from the barns and farmhouses of the region, including those of the architect’s grandparents. Contemporary materials bring a modern edge to Les Grands Chênes, with steel-framed windows and grey corrugated metal for the gabled roof.

What truly sets the house apart from traditional local farmhouses, which are often dark and closed off from the outdoors, are the expansive glass windows. Baptiste envisioned them as “living canvases, showcasing the forest, the light, and the changing seasons.” From the garden-level bedrooms or the communal spaces, which feel like a balcony suspended among the trees, you might even spot a deer wandering peacefully between the oaks. Poetry, tranquility, and serenity define the experience at Les Grands Chênes.

To furnish the interiors of Les Grands Chênes, the owners collaborated with Chloé, co-founder of the Leymarie Gourdon architecture studio. Together, they curated a thoughtful mix of vintage finds, family heirlooms, contemporary pieces, and even functional art, such as armchairs and a bookshelf designed by Ivorian sculptor and designer Jean Servais Somian.

The result? A minimalist interior where quality takes precedence over quantity. The spaces are tastefully decorated without feeling cluttered, allowing guests to fully appreciate the surrounding natural landscape.