Burgundy Farmhouses
These French Bourgogne houses are originally based on the model of the traditional farmhouse, strictly speaking, 'the house of the farmer'.
Due to this process being so cost-effective and simple, the Burgundy farmhouse is built with local materials. These French houses are generally made of stone and wood is used as beams and to create arches, a classic Burgundy property type being the Burgundy arch house.
The attic was originally used as a drying place, but many owners have converted them into large rooms / bedrooms.
The environment around these houses is made of many trees, fields and many ponds can be found. Farming was the main activity of the original Burgundy inhabitants and thus the architecture was adapted to their needs. Agriculture is still a strong activity in this region of France, especially its
wine industry.
These generally massive, long properties are often organized around a square front farmyard. They are of rectangular shape. The farmyard is originally closed, a wide wooden gate allowing access for large vehicles. Nowadays most courtyards in Burgundy have vanished and a garden replaces them.
The living area is often located on the first floor of these French traditional houses, that can be accessed via outside stone stairs. The front façade of the farmhouse is made of stone and many properties have arches that both support the roof and create a terrace in front of the entrance door.
Windows are of medium dimensions with small window-panes. The gently sloping roof has flat tiles. The roof structure is made of wood, it is upheld by the front façade walls. As in other French regions, the kitchen is the largest room in this traditional Burgundian property. Originally it was also the only place to be heated.
Along with the house, a large piece of land is often attached, as well as a number of outbuildings. These latter can be easily converted in large garages or guest rooms (and even guest houses as many holidaymakers are interested in visiting the medieval Burgundy region of France).