Maison de Maitre translates to English as the Master's House; these properties were typically owned back to the 18th and 19th centuries by landowners, successful wine growers and professionals in France.
What is a Maison de Maitre house?
Maison de Maitre translates to English as the Master's House; these properties were typically owned back to the 18th and 19th centuries by landowners, successful wine growers and professionals in France, those who were of a certain rank, title or born into aristocracy and exuded an aura of refinement and prosperity.
The Maison de Maître, with its symmetrical façade, central front door, tall sash-style windows, shutters, and gently pitched roof supporting chimneys, is instantly recognisable. Beyond their stately facades, these residences boasted evenly proportioned interiors with high ceilings. The ground-floor reception rooms, opening off a central entrance hall, were designed to entertain visitors and were often mirrored in style and layout.
Maison de Maître, a fusion of status and agriculture
Owners of Maisons de Maître often had the additional income of the agricultural rents and attached farmsteads occupied by tenants. These farms faced the main house across a courtyard, forming a symbiotic relationship between elegance and agriculture. After the Revolution, these properties transitioned into the hands of active farmers and vintners, representing a shift in ownership dynamics.
Maisons de Maître today: A blend of characterful and contemporary living in rural France
In contemporary times, these exquisite properties have found new purpose, being transformed into excellent family homes due to their generous room proportions, providing ample space for comfortable living while retaining a homely French chic charm.
Where to find Maisons de Maître in France
One of the fascinating aspects of Maisons de Maître is their widespread presence across France. They are not confined to a specific region, town, or village setting, making them a diverse and integral part of the French architectural landscape.
What does Maison Cherie think about the Maisons de Maître?
We believe the Maisons de Maître has all the makings of a fairytale French home. With their countryside settings and stunning facades, we understand why so many people are buying up these beautiful properties and turning them into homes, many with rooms for paying guests and delightful garden wedding settings. These properties are the quintessential essence of French rural living.
