The Daily Diary of a Wandering Restaurateur
Our House in Ansouis
The house dates from 1850. After the French revolution, Ansouis remained 'loyal' to the royals and this house was the local meeting place and headquarters for those in favor of the new Republique. It has been a political social club, store, restaurant as well as a home.
The last residents, the Raynauds, lived here for decades. They were married for over 70 years, lived into their late 90's and passed away within months of each other.
Prior to its purchase by the current owner in 2000, the most recent incarnation of the house was as a bed and breakfast, once featured in the French interior design magazine, Maison et Decors. Until recently, the garage and inner jardin was a barn and hayloft. Looking down from the terrace you can see the marks of the three levels of the lofts.
The owner of the house used to work for a Food Network/5-star chef in the USA (based on some of the pictures in the house, I am guessing it was Wolfgang Puck), so the kitchen is incredibly well-equipped -- perfect for cooking great meals with friends.
As chief instigators -- and because we will be here for a month -- Margene and I took the master suite. In addition to the large bedroom and bath, there is a sitting room that functions as a shared secondary lounge and computer workstation. There are no special privileges in this group, though -- we pay 50% more a week than the folks on the third floor!
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© 2009 Restaurant Doctor
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