House

The Happy Hamlet

Fauroux, Occitanie, France

The Happy Hamlet is surrounded by the wild nature of southwest France, gardens, forests, prairies, bamboo, valleys and even natural springs. Wherever you look outside, it's green around you.

The unique ambience of the Hamlet is definitely the main reason why people fall in love with this place - and why many return. The accommodation is a successful mix of nature, the impressive furnishings and delicious, local food in organic quality. The property is centuries old. The exact date is unknown, but the oldest letter found in the attic is from 1580. It used to be a hamlet, a small settlement of several families.

At the end of 2015, the hosts Susanna and Nico bought it from a couple who ran an old goat cheese farm there. After massive renovations, it was opened to guests in July 2017. The two describe it as lucky to have found such a place and enjoy their work as passionate hosts. They invite guests to enjoy this enchanting place during a relaxing stay - whether short or long.


Rooms + Rates

per night
entire housefrom600 €

Sustainable

ArchitectureThe Happy Hamlet is located in a region called “Quercy Blanc” because of its beautiful, old and white stone houses. The entire property was built with these stones. The renovation was done in collaboration with the hosts and talented local artisans. The materials were sourced locally and much of it was recycled. The roof has been extensively renewed, using around 8,000 bricks that were removed by hand, cleaned and then reused if they were in good condition. The wooden framework of the huge barn usually amazes the guests as soon as they enter. Most of the furniture and decorations are either bought at local flea markets (brocantes), handcrafted or upcycled by the hosts themselves. Of course there are also things that have been newly purchased, such as beds, mattresses, bed linen and bathroom fittings. The design and furnishings in the barn and the rooms in the guest house are very different, always charming and flooded with light.

FoodOnly seasonal and local foods are served. 80% of the food used is of organic quality and comes from nearby farms and other suppliers - the hosts have created a "Foodie Map" that lists it. The own garden with over 20 fruit trees and vegetable patches also offers a wide selection. The great thing about the large, planted garden is that the guests - regardless of the season - can enjoy something fresh from the garden, such as tomatoes in various colors and shapes, onions, garlic, asparagus, truffles, wild herbs, green beans, peas, potatoes or beetroot. Figs, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, peaches, apples, pears, plums, cherries, pomegranates and even olives grow on the trees. The dishes served are simple, but always freshly prepared. The hosts love to cook and enjoy pairing local wines with meals. Most of the dishes are vegetarian (also vegan if desired), but fish and meat dishes are also possible. The hosts are also happy to take intolerances into account. Together with cooks from the region, but also from Paris, the hosts created the “Farm to Table” concept. The homemade jams are served at the breakfast table or with cheese platters in the evening.

EnvironmentThe hosts are consciously committed to the environment, support local businesses and use their services and products. A tree is planted for every reservation at The Happy Hamlet. The guests can either plant "their" tree themselves during their stay or leave it to Nico, the gardening manager. As the guests' trees grow, they absorb CO2, protect the soil and the biodiversity on site can be preserved. The garden has space for 1,250 trees. Several natural springs on the property provide water for gardening. The goats kept serve as "natural brushcutters". A small part of the food waste goes to the chickens, the rest is composted and later reused as soil. The waste is recycled and, if possible, upcycled. The hosts make their own efficient cleaning agents: for example, they use leftover lemon peel in combination with vinegar; or a body peeling consisting of olive oil, brown sugar and wild herbs from the garden (e.g. sage, lavender or rosemary), which the guests can give away as a souvenir. The accommodation industry is a challenge when it comes to the consumption of water and electricity - the hosts are aware of this and therefore try to save energy and water and ask their guests to do the same. This also applies to reusing towels or turning off lights when not necessary. Solar lights are used outdoors. The natural swimming pool is cleaned without chlorine or other chemicals - which also makes it feel more like swimming in a lake than in a pool.

Well-BeingThere is a natural pool (without chemicals) and a barrel sauna that is heated with wood. The hosts are happy to arrange yoga and Pilates lessons, therapists and masseurs. Several retreats are organized each year.


Characteristics

  • French country house life at its finest
  • Vacation like staying with friends
  • Farm-to-table concept: fresh from the garden, prepared on the table
  • Surrounded by 13 hectares of nature, with many fruit trees and our own farm
  • A tree is planted for each reservation
  • Several natural springs on the property
  • Dogs, cats, goats, chickens and two alpacas live on the premises (but common guest areas are animal-free)
  • The Happy Hamlet is perfect for seminars, retreats, etc.
  • The area is fantastic for hiking and cycling, but also for canoeing, caving, climbing and via ferrata
  • Many excursion possibilities in the area: the charming medieval villages such as Lauzerte, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, and many more, the regular markets "Marché Gourmand" in the surrounding villages, Cahors, and much more

Holiday Home5 roomsOptional full board + cooking facilitiesChildren welcomeWi-Fino disabled accessPoolNature Poolno pets

Features

  • Holiday home with 5 rooms (15 beds)
  • 360 m2 barn with fully equipped kitchen, lounge and dining room
  • Self-catering or full service possible
  • Lots of outside areas with hammocks, seating and dining areas
  • Natural pool (11 mx 4 m) and barrel sauna
  • Table tennis and boules
  • Own shop "Boutique & Brocante"
  • Regular retreats and coaching seminars

Testimonials

So sieht nordisch-französische Glückseligkeit aus. Finnin Suska Karjalainen und Franzose Nico Prevot haben sich in der beschaulichen Gemeinde Fauroux, eineinhalb Autostunden nördlich von Toulouse, ihren Traum vom eigenen B & B erfüllt: ein Gästehaus in einer ehemaligen Ziegenkäsefarm aus schwerem Stein und mit blauen Fensterläden. Um den rustikalen Charme des Gebäudes zu erhalten, bestücken Vintage-Möbel die Zimmer. In der alten Scheune wird gemeinsam gegessen. Abends entspannt, wer mag, in der Fass-Sauna oder spielt eine Runde Pétanque, begleitet vom Happy-Froschkonzert aus dem Teich.

GEO Saison, March 2021
Visit Website

Rooms + Rates

per night
entire housefrom600 €

Location + Directions

By car

The Happy Hamlet can be reached from Toulouse in just under 1.5 hours (95 km). From Bordeaux it is a good 2 hours (178 km), from Montpellier it is around 3.5 hours, from Lyon around 5 hours (510 km) and from Paris it takes just under 6.5 hours (631 km) . The exact address can be found on the website. Train station or airport shuttle possible on request.