Since 1921
A house, a family,
more than a century of stories.
Before welcoming guests, this house in Laval-en-Belledonne was part of the life of the coal mine and the people who worked there.
1921–1954
The mining years
Built in 1921 for the mine in the forest opposite, the house had offices on the ground floor and accommodation upstairs. Some rooms on the second floor were used as bedrooms. The garden was a vegetable plot and the toilets were outside.
Marcel, the owner’s grandfather, and his wife Sarah came from Belarus as refugees after the revolution and civil war. After Marseille and Voreppe, Marcel worked as an accountant at the mine before becoming its director.
Worked from the 19th century, the mine closed before the Second World War, reopened during it and finally ceased operations in 1954.
1935–1972
A family home
In 1962, the owner’s parents bought the mine buildings together with an uncle and aunt. The buildings were later divided among family members. After his grandmother died in 1972, the house was no longer permanently occupied.
2009–2016
From home to holiday gîte
In 2009, the current owner acquired the two upper floors. Major work began in 2012: the roof and dormer windows were rebuilt in the same style, and the floors were remodelled while retaining the load-bearing walls, stairs and floors. Guests first stayed here in September 2013.
In 2016, the ground floor joined the family project and was adapted for guests with reduced mobility. Today the three floors can be enjoyed separately or together for a group stay.
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