Good Wednesday morning! Rich history in France — 15th century la Maison de la Vierge, formerly Inn of the Dauphin, to restore in Niort, France!
Entering this home feels like stepping back centuries, and it is registered as a “monument historique”. Though it needs significant, detailed restoration work, the beauty of the light, the original studded planks and spiral staircase, and the half-timbered construction lend deep charm to the space. I especially love the paintings lined up against the walls produced by the most recent owners. It feels quite magical!
The history of the building, from the listing on Patrice Besse:
The Dauphin Inn was this property’s first name because the son of Charles VII, the future Louis XI, frequented the district during the Praguerie of 1440. The Dauphin had not been afraid to join this movement of revolt of lords, a Fronde before the letter, against a king who had however just regained the fullness of his power after the Hundred Years War. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Maison de Vierge was a coaching inn where travelers’ horses were changed. In the 19th it became a curiosity shop before welcoming, in the 20th, a café-grocery store and the meeting place of the Junior Economic Chamber. Two artists bought it ten years ago at the town hall.
Escapist To The Country 