Maison Les Buis is a tranquil retreat for art and creative exploration. We provide secluded and supportive environment for experimental work, development of new ideas and for trying things out without pressure for results or timetable. Your focus could be on the process itself, the experience of creation and on becoming quiet and empty so that something new and authentic can emerge. The property is spacious, historical and rural, we host up to three artists at a time to facilitate intimate environment where connection with others unfolds naturally. The rural environment feels timeless and wonderfully far away from the pressured world. We generally suggest staying longer, as it takes time to fully ‘arrive’ and immerse yourself in the now. The house and grounds are set up to support many practices: there’s a light-filled studio, a spacious vaulted stone barn, suitable for crafts and performances, quiet corners for music, books and reflection, and gardens with hammocks and open space for wandering. Whether you’re here to write, paint, sculpt, reflect or experiment, the setting gently encourages exploration, playfulness, and new ways of seeing. Staying at Maison Les Buis also offers opportunities for shared experiences with fellow residents, from collaborative community projects to yoga sessions, film nights, and Sunday outings to flea markets. Stays range from one week to three months, and the experience is designed to be personal and enriching. At its heart, Maison Les Buis offers time and space: time to think, dream, and create; space to feel at home, explore ideas, and share them if you wish. We encourage a quieter kind of creativity, rooted in attentiveness, generosity, and a sense of belonging. Residents stay in private bedrooms with ensuite facilities. Each room has a double bed and a writing desk. The kitchen and dining room are shared and fully equipped, with space in the fridge and pantry for your food. Please note that bedroom furnishings are updated regularly, so website photos may not always reflect the current layout. Studios and workspaces are just a one-minute walk across the courtyard in separate buildings. Recently refurbished to retain their historic character, they offer excellent natural light, running water, tables, and chairs. Small hand and power tools are available, though residents should bring any specialist equipment. Art materials can be ordered online from Géant Beaux-Arts with delivery in 3–4 days. A sewing machine and a selection of fabrics are provided, and a fabric and leather shop is 13 km away. The salon is a shared space with a small library focused on art, history, psychology, spirituality, and general literature. It also features a printer, TV with a Mubi subscription, an acoustic piano, and a guitar. In spring and autumn, we light a fire in the salon and gather for shared readings, film nights, or discussions about the day’s experiences. We require a phone call or video chat with you before a booking is accepted, so please be ready to do this within 24 hours of booking here.

What kind of creatives can come?

Painters, writers, photographers, musicians, composers, illustrators, mixed media

House rules

Your stay is self-catering, although residents often cook and share meals together, usually eating outside under the pergola. On arrival, we will give you a tour of the kitchen and explain how everything works. There is a washing machine in the utility room for your use, with outdoor space for drying. Your room will be clean and prepared for when you arrive, with the bed made and fresh towels provided. Please bring your own toiletries or purchase them when you arrive. Cleaning is not provided during your stay, and residents are expected to keep their rooms tidy, strip the bed, and wipe down the sanitary facilities before departure. We do not wear shoes in the bedrooms or the salon, so you may find it helpful to bring slip-on shoes or slippers.

Important things to note

A heating supplement of €30 per week applies in the months of October and March, paid in cash at the end of your stay. If you are staying without a car and are collected from the train station, we will stop at the BioCoop supermarket on the way to the house so you can shop for the week ahead. BioCoop is an excellent organic store offering a wide range of seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as options for most dietary requirements and food intolerances. If you are used to shopping daily in a city, we recommend preparing a list – especially if you are tired after travelling – as shopping for a full week requires a little more planning. After this initial stop, shopping trips are organised weekly. We also go to the village from time to time (though not daily), and occasionally to a farmers’ market where some additional groceries are available. Maison Les Buis is one of just four houses in a tiny rural hamlet within the Feuillade commune. You can immerse yourself in nature and explore off-the-beaten-track walks. Our golden Labrador-type dog, Rocky, is always happy to join you, and our cats, Misha and Sasha, may come along too. Bicycles are available, though the terrain can be hilly and challenging in summer. There’s also a table tennis table in the open barn and croquet in the courtyard. Fibre-optic internet is available in the lounge and bedrooms, though the thick stone walls can limit reception in the kitchen and dining room. Full-spectrum daylight bulbs are installed in several areas, and all bedrooms are ideal for writing at your desk or table. The artist studio enjoys abundant natural light and is equipped with tables, easels, and a cold water sink. A mezzanine yoga studio is also available for self-practice, meditation, or to lead sessions for other residents.