La Maison H

Form Meets Forest in this Monolithic Franck Martinez Masterpiece

Light and shadow, strength and softness, opacity and transparency. All attributes of this exceptional home in the woods near Cahors and the gates of Quercy Blanc Natural Park. A striking statement rendered in concrete and glass, it’s easy to see how it was selected for the coveted Archinovo prize in 2017.

Trees surround the structure and 5500m2 garden, and the whole property sits on over an acre of truffle fields. Enter into the simple H-shaped layout, featuring a long, multi-use living area that is only slightly divided by a striking black fireplace with its own wood storage. The living area leads onto a wood terrace with a 14m x 3m swimming pool, surrounded by the kitchen and three bedrooms, each punctuated by patios (one of Martinez’s specialties was artfully linking the patio and home).

During your stay, light will make itself known in usual and unusual ways: through the use of glass, opaque wood and even a James Turrell-esque oval oculus. Furnishings include a B&B Italia Cameleonda sofa, a Ligne Roset Togo fireside chair, Flos, Serge Mouille and Memphis Milano lights. This vacation rental in France has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and can accommodate up to six guests.

A home for every modernist lover’s bucket list; a raw and minimalist sculpture that recalls the poetic, meditative works of Tadao Ando. Read an interview with La Maison H's owner in our Stories section here.

The Lot Countryside

Lot falls north of the Midi-Pyrenees region, not too far from Toulouse to its south and Dordogne to its northwest. Centered in unspoiled countryside, La Maison H is located to take advantage of its proximity to the 175,717-hectare Quercy Natural Park and its craggy limestone plateaus and dramatic cliffs and chasms, streams and rivers. Come explore the area by foot or canoe, and don't miss Rocamadour, the cliffside village.

Cahors is about 15 minutes away by car, an old town known for its “black” wine, made with at least 70% of Malbec grapes mixed with Merlot and Tannat grapes, and Pont Valentré medieval bridge, a recognized UNESCO Heritage Site.

Peche Merle caves are also just over 20 minutes by car, filled with paintings over 20,000 years old and one of few prehistoric sites like it that is open to the public.

LOCATION

Quercy Blanc, Lot, France. Nearest airport: Brive-Souillac or Toulouse-Blagnac (both one hour away)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round, or spring through fall for the best weather