Centre, Loir-et-Cher, Vendôme, France

Unique opportunity to acquire troglodytic accommodation comprising five

dwellings with gardens and river access, enjoying scenic countryside views from its location near Vendome.

Situated 15 km from Vendome with high speed TGV access to central Paris in under 1h, 5km from the local market town of Montoire-sur-Loir, this former "defensive" village today is an idyllic popular tourist destination with a restaurant, newsagent, picnic site by the river (with kayak access) and XIVc church.

Dominating the valley with beautiful views over the river and beyond, a private setting offering modern accommodation in a very unique environment. Starting from the 12th and 13th century the construction of chateaux, manors and churches in this area used the local stone named "Tuffeau". This white limestone was found in abundance in the Loire Valley. In order to excavate this precious stone the artisans would dig "test caves" into the hillside in order to identify exploitable "seams".

Often the test caves would not locate the seam of solid rock and find only the smaller rock particles unusable as building blocks. The workers would then move a few metres along and start again, continuing along until an exploitable seam was located thus allowing a much deeper excavation into the hillside. After time these "abandoned" test caves would find use as lodgings for the local people. They would live in the first 6m of the cave as beyond this the natural thermal level changes and they became cooler.

Over time the caves would have fireplaces and chimneys added, often extra rooms would be carved out to provide space for perhaps animals. The front openings would be partly blocked with doors and windows added creating the troglodyte dwellings that are found in this area.

With the evolution of technology some of the rudimentary "holes in the rock" have become comfortable accommodation with underfloor heating, bathrooms, wc, etc. etc. Others have been converted to wine caves and storage, each one retaining the excellent thermal properties that being surrounded by solid rock provides.

Troglodyte accommodation when done well provides an excellent thermal environment for all year round living, cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This multi-habitation property is one such case.

The current owners (well experienced in this type of accommodation) have created modern comfortable living in a truly unique environment with a stunning hillside valley view setting.

Part 1: 52m2 with a double bedroom, shower, wc and double sinks, living room area with fireplace and open plan kitchen with original bread oven and small garden area.

Part 2: Currently being remodelled and will include 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen and shower room and wc. Part troglodyte and also part extension on the cave opening. Internal door linking to Part 3. Small garden area and terrace.

Part 3: 92m2, two bedrooms, shower room and wc, living room area with fireplace and 5.5m high ceilings including the former "grape chute" for wine production, and internal doors linking to part 2 and part 4. Small garden/terrace area with well.

Part 4: 64m2, double bedroom, shower room and wc, living room with bar/kitchen and internal links to Part 3. Small garden with terrace area.

Part 5: 72m2, double bedroom, shower room and wc, living room with open plan kitchen, fireplace and fitted wood burner. Small garden with terrace.

A full time residency for the current owners with guest accommodation adjoining provides a number of options for the future owners. Holiday home, rental gites, main residency, etc. etc. etc.

There is a separate hard building of approximately 10m2 which can be used for storage or a summer house as well as some smaller caves. In front of each of the 5 there is approximately 15m2 of garden and terrace, each one with views over the river valley and there's also a plot of land measuring circa 300m2 with direct river access nearby. The rest of the land is above the cave structures and is mainly light woodland.

REFERENCE: 253579