Jason and Keiko, a British-Japanese couple living in London, needed an escape to city living. They found a rural hamlet between the foothills of the Southern Alps and the mountains of Provence, then La Maison du Mûrier. After 12 years meticulously restoring the villa, they welcomed their first guests.
The home oscillates between old and contemporary, with ancient stone next to floor-to-ceiling glass windows and concrete. Furniture includes classics by Jean Prouvé, Charles and Ray Eames, and Hans Wegner, mixed with pieces by Jasper Morrison, Terence Woodgate, Tom Dixon and Wouter Scheublin.
Guests can catch up on their film queues in the Cinema Room or cook in the cinematic kitchen. Or descend into the cellar bar, stocked with honesty spirits and snacks. The owners suggest churning your own reine-claude sorbet with the bar’s Magimix with the greengage plums off their trees.
Outdoor living is equally as alluring, where the alpine air meets Provencal light and the Circus Stools of Martino Gamper pop up along the landscaping and patio. Have a dip in the UV-cleaned pool, toast with a RinQuinQuin cocktail in the lavender-scented front courtyard. Move into the eating and cooking area under the oak tree, make your own pizza in the wood-fired oven, prepare a barbecue on the charcoal grill, and visit the concrete hot tub to ensure a restful night.
The couple says that restoring this villa in Hautes-Alpes was “truly a labour of love.” Arguably the most singular in Haute-Alpes, that feeling is evident in every glimpse.
You can also rent the Studio, an open-plan stand-alone apartment that was converted from an old chapel connected to the farmhouse.
The Champion Family, August 25, 2020
Maison du Murier is the best mix of old and new architecture, comfort and
great design, and rest and relaxation. The house itself is clearly a
labour of love and it is hard to believe the owners let anyone stay there,
but thankfully they do! La Maison du Murier is a wonderful blend
of ancient farm buildings with stone vaults, and a modern addition to the
house which provides many spectacular views across the country side and the
mountains. The house is very well equipped with all manner of kitchen
gadgets, as well as outdoor pizza oven and barbecue. There is even an
outdoor fridge to keep drinks cool by the pool. Beautifully furnished
throughout, the house is great social space and full of light. The stylish
bedrooms are really comfortable and generously proportioned, and all have
their own beautifully appointed bathroom. The cinema room is great fun,
and has its own well stocked drinks fridge. There is also a bar in the
vaults on the ground floor where you can help yourself to a generously
stocked honesty bar.
Outside there are several dining and seating areas, so our group of 8
always had enough room to find some peace and quiet. The pool is kept to a
generous 29 degrees, with a fresh water hot tub nearby. The lighting of
the pool and garden area at night makes midnight swims very tempting.
We had a fabulous week with 6 adults and 2 teenagers. We loved the
relaxing rural setting and scenery which provide great cycling and walking
country. There is a bakery, supermarket and restaurants in nearby villages,
and the house is close to several fresh water swimming lakes. We
particularly enjoyed the lake of Serre-Ponçon where you can hire all kind
of boats and paddle boards, or just go for a swim and a picnic.
The owners are very friendly and helpful, near by but never in your way.
We can’t wait to go back to Maison du Murier, and explore more of the
stunning Alpine scenery.
The Champion Family
Pieter, Elke & Axelle, August 10, 2020
Thank you so much for your hospitality! We enjoyed every minute in this
beautiful house and amazing surroundings! Everything was perfect! It was
our best last-minute holiday ever!
Pieter, Elke & Axelle
The Keller & Stroesser Family, July 19, 2020
Thanks for inviting us to spend wonderful time in your incredible house. It
was such a pleasure to meet you too and we will remember this salmon on
barbecue for a while. Of course we wish to come back once again! Many
thanks for your hospitality and all the design details that make us feel
good.
The Keller & Stroesser Family