Six Storey Beautifully Restored Town House with Epic Views in Mediaeval Briançon

Property Description

Summary
Exceptional house renovated with care and attention to detail transforming it into a magical home in a stunning setting of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Views from the balcony encompass not only the surrounding mountains and the iconic ‘Vauban’ ski run but also the famous Collégiale church. A two minute walk to the bus (or if you’re feeling fit you can walk down through the woods and along the river for 10 minutes) which takes you to the main town and the Prorel gondola.

Location
Surrounded by impressive fortifications, Briançon’s Cité Vauban is a warren of picturesque old lanes filled with interesting shops and restaurants. The house sits in the very top (pedestrian) street of the town, a stone’s throw from the bustle of La Grande Gargouille main street but beautifully quiet and light.

Access
Briançon has its own train station with regular connections to trains from Paris and beyond.
Turin airport is 90 minutes away.
Ski buses run from Turin and Grenoble airports during the season.

Interior
The substantial renovation was completed eight years ago, updating the bathrooms and kitchen while preserving original features such as exposed wooden beams and barrel-vaulted stone ceilings. A wooden spiral staircase built around a single tree trunk runs from the first to the fourth floor.

Ground floor: vaulted entrance hall leading to separate utility area with wc, wash basin, laundry facilities and ski storage
First floor: lounge/ dining area with newly installed Jotul wood stove, beamed ceiling leading to fitted kitchen
Second floor: master bedroom, ensuite bathroom with corner bath (low ceiling!) south west facing wooden balcony
Third floor: sitting room with access to east facing rear terrace
Fourth floor: Guest bedroom, with small balcony, shower room with wc
Fifth floor: further guest bedroom with Velux window

Exterior
Large SW facing balcony perfect for evening apéritifs.
Small rear terrace catches morning sun.

Additional Details
No copropriété fees as the house is an independent dwelling.
Parking is residents only - access via barrier control - means even in high season parking near the house is easy.
Road and mountain cyclists have a wealth of world famous routes on their doorstep; the Tour de France regularly visits Briancon.
Swimming opportunities are plentiful, including two biotopes (natural swimming pools) in the valley and a large lake 20 minutes away.
Rafting is popular in the summer months on the Durance river which runs through the valley.
Many beautiful hikes are accessible from the house with the famous Pont D'Asfeld five minutes walk away (bungee jumping in the summer for the brave...)
During the winter half-term there is skating (free skate hire thanks to the mairie!) on the lake in the park which is a ten minute walk away down through the woods)