16th Hamlet for Restore for Sale Close to Forcalquier with 4.3 Hectares Land in a Preserved and Natural Environment

Property Description

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

In the heart of the Pays de Forcalquier

A 16TH-CENTURY HAMLET AT THE FOOT OF THE MONTAGNE DE LURE

A property full of charm and character set in a stunning environment—a biosphere reserve amidst unspoiled nature.

The hamlet has remained virtually unchanged since the Napoleonic land registry survey of 1832.

Located near the beautiful hilltop villages of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence—amidst lavender fields, fragrant scrubland, and medicinal plants—and at the edge of the beech forests of the Montagne de Lure. The estate sits at an altitude of 640 meters at the foot of the southern slope of the Montagne de Lure. The site occupies a valley that opens widely to the south, at the base of the Montagne de Lure—an east-west oriented mountain range, like the neighboring Luberon, between which the ancient Via Domitia once ran.

Since 2005, the owner has been patiently working to preserve the site: consolidating the structure, preserving original materials, and conducting a comprehensive heritage assessment with an architectural firm. It is being sold in its current state to a buyer who will continue the property's story. Work completed to date includes structural underpinning and consolidation, wall reinforcement, roofing, removal of cement render, and the preservation of antique materials.

This stone hamlet is a former farm dating from the 16th to 19th centuries, spanning three levels (ground floor plus two upper floors), with a potential floor area of approximately 1,500 m².

The estate comprises a total land area of 43,565 m² (4,365 hectares) and features two wells, a fountain, a washhouse with a reservoir, and drainage galleries; sanitation and utility connections remain to be finalized. The climate is typical of the foothills of the Montagne de Lure: distinct winters, relatively cool summers, and average annual rainfall of around 800 mm. The property benefits from significant water resources. The estate is located in the immediate vicinity of Forcalquier—a medieval town known for its renowned weekly market and as a gateway to the Luberon—and is less than two hours from the region's airports and TGV stations.


A RARE PROPERTY: HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Napoleonic land registry records confirm that, as early as 1832, the hamlet’s layout was very similar to its current configuration; a comparison with modern surveyor’s plans reveals virtually no change to the built structures over nearly two centuries. Few properties in Haute-Provence can boast such architectural continuity and historical depth—qualities still clearly visible in the stonework.
The current owner acquired the estate in 2005. Since 2020, a major preservation and structural stabilization project has been underway, overseen by an architectural firm. This initiative involves a comprehensive heritage assessment aimed at preserving the building's soul while preparing for its restoration. — An entire hamlet, not just a single building: several stone structures arranged around a courtyard, set on approximately 4 hectares of contiguous land
— Preserved authenticity: original materials saved (oak beams and flooring, terracotta floor tiles, dressed stone, antique roof tiles)
— On-site water resources: two wells, a fountain, and a washhouse
— Substantial foundational work already undertaken and documented, significantly reducing risk for a new owner

CONDITION OF BUILDINGS AND WORK COMPLETED
Work already carried out (2020–2023)
— Underpinning and structural reinforcement
— Wall tie-beam installation
— Roof restoration, including rainwater drainage and collection systems
— Removal of cement render from all walls (exposing the original stonework)
— Preservation and salvage of antique materials: oak beams and flooring, terracotta tiles, ironwork, stone door/window surrounds, roof tiles
— Geotechnical soil testing and load-bearing capacity studies

POTENTIAL SITE AND PROPOSED PROJECT
The owner commissioned an architectural firm to conduct a comprehensive heritage assessment and prepare layout plans for a potential hospitality and wellness project.
This preparatory work provides a valuable foundation for a new owner, whether they wish to pursue the existing project or adapt it.
— 20 hotel rooms spread across three levels
— One hectare dedicated to permaculture, an orchard, and small-scale livestock farming
— Cold plunge pools, natural swimming pools, infrared sauna
— Vegetarian restaurant; target of achieving energy and water self-sufficiency

This hamlet is ideally suited for adaptation to various projects—whether as a family compound for a primary or secondary residence seeking a high quality of life, or for hospitality or agricultural ventures. The property is a 5-minute drive from the shops in Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues; the A51 motorway is 20 minutes away, Forcalquier 20 minutes, Manosque 40 minutes, Aix-en-Provence TGV station 1 hour 10 minutes, and Marseille Provence Airport 1 hour 20 minutes. It is also 20 minutes from the Montagne de Lure ski resort and 15 minutes from Banon.