Clercy - a masterpiece in stone

A historic building becomes a labour of love and a dream home

“The house of your dreams is for sale. . .” The words were music to Pat’s ears.

A Canadian from Toronto, Patricia Robertson had been touring France on and off for years. She had stumbled upon Limoux by accident. Now, wanting to be based in one place rather than always driving, she took to staying in a cycling hotel in the centre of town.

Pat gradually fell in love with the Aude valley. She had long thought of having a house in France and owning a home there became an idea that wouldn’t go away.

Arriving in 2001 for one of her periodic visits, Pat was greeted with those magic words – a house called “Clercy” was on the market. This was a stone-built masterpiece dating from the 16th century. Known as a hôtel particulier, Clercy was a private townhouse with an inner courtyard.

Photo: Clercy's lovingly restored stonework and a landscaped garden

The building’s obvious appeal commanded its price in French francs. By Toronto standards, the price was modest.

Many claim the courtyard is 16th century, therefore Renaissance, the same time period as Queen Elizabeth I of England. Others claim it to be earlier but its special feature is the intersecting asymmetrical arches.

Photo:Clercy's inner courtyard - 16th century splendour with intersecting arches

After a week of negotiations that seemed like years, the deal was done. She was the owner and custodian of seven hundred years of history.

The building was structurally sound but neglected. There were the inevitable scars of recent unsympathetic decoration such as plastic wallpapers and the over-plastering of original stonework. They would have to go. She thought of keeping the nineteenth century wooden ceilings, though.

Photo: Clercy's salon with its exquisite decorated ceiling

Pat had thought of renovation as a retirement project, but now she wasn’t going to wait that long. She found a local project manager, Charles del Bano and in 2008 they set about planning.

Photo: Clercy's fully modernised kitchen

This was to be a labour of love with no compromise on taste or quality. A selected team of artisans including stone masons and wrought iron workers as well as the modern trades would bring Pat’s creative dream to reality.

Photo: Clercy's dining area

Now it’s complete – a historic building lovingly restored in the centre of Limoux, a charming market town which straddles the river Aude. The Corbières hills are nearby, as are the Cathar strongholds of Carcassonne, Queribus, Peyrepertuse and Puivert.

Limoux is home to the sparkling wine called “Blanquette” which connoisseurs from elsewhere describe as produced by the Champagne method. The local people, the Limouxins, believe firmly that they use the Blanquette method, which was subsequently copied by the imposters from further north.

Photo: Clercy is a stone's throw from the centre of Limoux across the River Aude

Clercy is a listed historic building, but is complete with all modern amenities including a custom built swimming pool in a landscaped garden which fronts onto the river.

The pictures speak for themselves.

Related links :

• http://www.purefrance.com/11138/self-catering-holiday-home.php
• http://www.logistones.fr/