Longhouse - Page 3

Investing in a longhouse
As its name suggests, a longhouse is… well, long! This type of single-storey building is perfect for lovers of stone walls and exceptional homes.
A longhouse
In terms of the impression it makes, it certainly stands out from other rural dwellings, such as farmhouses, stables and barns, with its monolithic volume and guttered walls. The dictionary definition of a longhouse is a narrow dwelling extending lengthwise along the axis of the ridge. These long, low rural stone buildings can be found all over France, but especially in Normandy, Charentes and Brittany.
Once the homes of subsistence farmers living on modest means, they make ideal country homes with their blend of old and new and distinctively individual style.

Renovating a longhouse without compromising its DNA
From a relatively modest rural residence, the longhouse has now established itself as a very desirable property once certain adjustments have been made: creating new openings to let in more natural daylight, defining individual room spaces, updating finishes, converting the attic to create another room, etc. Depending on the condition of the building, the stone walls may require restoration, solid wood floors may need to be sanded and refinished, and the exposed beams and slate roof properly inspected and checked. All of these make their own essential contribution to the character of these homes. As homes, these rural houses also benefit from thick walls, high ceilings and outbuildings.