Maison d’etes is a restored 18th Century wine growers house in the tiny, wine growing village of Babio. The country lane literally stops at Babio! Many of the original details have been retained. The internal areas have been lime rendered to follow the undulating nature of the walls. The kitchen retains its original marble sink (now used as a secondary washing area). The front door has been restored and keeps its original door furniture. The windows and staircase have been built by a local artisan carpenter from the trunk of an extremely old local Oak tree. Part of the house faces North protecting it from the summer sunshine. It is partly attached at the rear to a vigneron’s property allowing all windows to enjoy far reaching views of the open countryside. Like many ancient village houses the garden is separated from the house. A twenty pace walk across the village placette leads to the entrance of the secluded garden with swimming pool, terrace and summer kitchen.

The village of Babio sits at the end of a country lane in the foothills of the Mountains Noirs in the department of Herault. The view from Maison d’etes and it’s garden is of small parcels of land with neatly planted vineyards protected by ancient dry stone walls. In the distance stand the Forest topped Mountains Noirs. The garrigue is packed full of limestone shingle, peppered with aromatic herbs, wild asparagus and garlic. Ancient tracks, perfect for walking or cycling lead from the front door to take you to local villages, the River Cesse or limestone gorges with ancient caves. In spring, Pyrenean sheep dogs protect new lambs in the spare, unused paddocks, while small tractors can be seen gently ploughing between the rows of new vine growth. Walks through colourless scrubland are full of Orchid surprises. Meanwhile, Eagles are often seen soaring above the valley in search for their prey.