Village House in Mirmande, Loriol

The village was once a silk manufacturing centre and in the 1930s was a magnet for artists when the cubist André Lhote set up his workshop and painting school here. The ancient house is full of character and charm with nooks and crannies, stone staircases leading hither and thither, unexpected features and paintings by Victoria Poklewski-Koziell, Adam Norton and others.

The kitchen is neither modern or large but it has all you need and a sublime view from the window – handy for passing out food to the terrace. You’ll spend most of your time here, gazing at the Ardèche mountains surrounded by lemon trees in pots and a big sycamore for shade. Bedrooms and bathrooms are spread over three floors – all face away from the street and three have that view.

Amble down to many restaurants or light the wood-fired barbecue and magic up something delicious – evenings here will be peaceful, cooling off in the unheated pool, lying on a sunbed watching the light fade.