The Happy Hamlet

A Haven for Wellness and Creativity

The dream was born in Djibouti. That's where a couple, with Finnish/Czech and French origins, tried out a smaller version of the bigger plan: to renovate an old farmhouse into a vacation rental in the rustic countryside of France. Finding the Happy Hamlet – after seeing 85 other houses all over France – is how it came true.

Dressed in white Quercy stones, it's easy to see how the old farm-hamlet that dates back centuries caught their attention. Then came the soul. According to the couple, the Napoleonic land register shows the settlement was once habited by five families, and the hamlet's last life was as a goat cheese farm. 

With 13 hectares of land composed by nature, from forests and prairies to bamboo trees, fields, and gardens, a wise plan would be to arrive, stop your engine, and let the chirping of grasshoppers, the hoot of the owl, and the bass-heavy burps of the lake frogs become your soundscape. 

Pursuits here consist of enjoying a sauna in a barrel among the expanse of greenery – Finns, sauna masters of the world, like to pair heat with the practice of omissa oloissaan, or aloneness with one's thoughts – or swimming in the chlorine-free pool. The land is also prime for walks, running, cycling, and even horse-riding (the neighbors have over a dozen).

Nourish both hunger and creative itches by rooting the garden for delicious dish ingredients. Look hard enough, and you'll find nearly anything – even hazelnuts, olives, wild asparagus, and truffles. 

For those in search of a creative recharge, this vacation rental in France gives a whole new definition to "happy place." Read more about the tiles in this home in our Journal section here.

With five twin guest rooms – each of which can be converted into a double – and an additional studio in the barn with extra beds in three rooms, the total capacity for this vacation rental in France is 15 people. Common areas are in the barn with a fully equipped kitchen, a multifunctional platform with a view, a lounge, and an intimate dining salon. Outdoor life is what the owners love most, so they've equipped the property with terraces for alfresco meals, a natural pool, a barrel sauna, and a pétanque pitch.

Each room is spacious (approx. 30 m2 or 320 sq ft), includes an en-suite bathroom with a window, and has been designed and decorated by preserving the old character and recycling treasures. Plenty of natural light streams in throughout. 

SOUTHWEST FRANCE 

Located in a quiet and untouched region of the southwest French countryside, the magic of being here does center around exploring the property and being "in the middle of nowhere," as the owners call it.

That said, it is certainly possible to rent a car and experience the greater region, and the Happy Hamlet is an hour north of Toulouse, two hours from Bordeaux, and two and a half hours from the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Pyrenees. 

The owners recommend seeing the nearby medieval villages and visiting the local farmer's markets, a lavender farm, and the sunflower fields. For the more adventurous, you can go climbing, canoeing, or connect with our prehistoric ancestors by taking a cave tour.

LOCATION

Fauroux, France. Nearest Airport: Toulouse-Blagnac

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring, Summer, Fall