Approximately 350+ years old, the meter thick walls of the dark blue basaltic stone still keep the interior cool each summer, and cozy in the winter.   Ecclesiastical history dates the village and its church back to early 6th century, so the mas (French provincial stone house) and its neighboring barn are newcomers.  Built out of local stone and chestnut in the 1600s, local legend indicates its first owner was a family of doctors.  The second floor was added approximately one hundred years later, bringing the furnished floor space to ~150 square meters.

The house comfortably sleeps 6+ adults, and apart from some moderately steep steps up to the second floor, is appropriate for the elderly or small children.  Two of the bedrooms have queen size beds (160cm x 200 cm, 5'2" x 6'7"), one with a four-poster bed. The third bedroom has a trundle bed that can either be two single beds or a level, very comfortable queen size bed (also 160cm x 200cm).  The salon on the ground floor has also been used by guests as an additional bedroom for children.

Ardeche summers are hot, but with a 10 x 5 meter swimming pool, you'll find yourself quite comfortable.  Located in front of the house next to the pergola, the pool overlooks beautiful meadows filled with grazing sheep and cows, with St Laurent visible in the distance.  The horizon to the north is 45km away, with the southwest horizon at 80km - guaranteeing incredible sunsets.  There are many raspberry and blackberry bushes bordering the garden - otherwise the cows would be only too happy to jump into the pool with you.

The kitchen is fully equipped for the French gourmand - all appliances are no more than five years old, with a large convection oven and a gas stove, and a 340 liter refrigerator.  The table comfortably seats 8 adults. There are two full baths - the second floor has a walk-in shower, a two person tub, and heated towel rack.  As with many old French houses, the toilets are not in the bathrooms, but are located separately.

The mas is located in the valley beneath St Laurent sous Coiron, with a full southwestern exposure.  Photo at right is from St Laurent, with the mas in the upper right corner.

Each morning, you can find fresh bread at the local boulangerie in Lussas, just a 10 minute drive down the hill.  Most major food stores and shopping can be found in Aubenas or Privas, both 15 km away.  There is also a great butcher in Mirabel, just over the hill.  Two of our favorite spots are the Leon family's goat farm, located near Privas, and artisanal ice cream at Beatrix in Vals-les-Bains!