The Hermitage – Secluded Stone Retreat with Historic Soul and Panoramic Views

The Hermitage: A Unique Off-Grid Living Experience

Access is through a forest pathway, suitable for a genuine 4x4 vehicle or a picturesque 20-minute stroll from the center of Nolay. Once you arrive, you’ll experience authentic off-grid living:

• No main electricity or water supply; however, a natural spring feeds storage tanks, and a generator powers the pump.

• A gas stove and a gas-powered refrigerator ensure basic comforts.

• This is glamping with character, surrounded by stone walls, tranquil silence, and nature as your only neighbors.

Interior Features

Inside, the home is filled with genuine charm, featuring:

• A spacious main room with a large open fireplace.

• A sleeping loft, accessible by a ladder, with a double bed and a pull-out bed for two additional guests.

• A kitchen nook with a stone sink and gas cooking.

• A hot water shower, washbasin, and chemical toilet.

Throughout the house, charming details abound, including stone niches, carved seating, a Celtic head statue, and prehistoric stone engravings that narrate the structure's rich history.

Outbuildings and Grounds

The property spans several naturally terraced plateaus and includes:

• A stone outbuilding for garden tool storage.

• A wood shelter.

• Two vaulted cellars built into the hillside.

Perhaps the most enchanting aspect is the garden and its surrounding slopes, which host over 2,000 wild and rare orchids, showcasing eight different species across the property, making it a true botanical gem, as illustrated in our listing photos.

History and Soul

The Hermitage was established in 1833 by Lazare Monnot, a man searching for peace and quiet while wishing to stay close to the nearby chapel of Saint Philippe, merely 100 meters into the forest. A private path and door provide direct access from the property to the chapel. The house also served as a refuge for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, which runs close by from Vézelay. The chapel of Saint Philippe, now cared for by the local community, remains a destination for both pilgrims and residents.

After being abandoned for a while, the house was thoughtfully renovated in the 1960s, maintaining its original character. In 2021, the roof was replaced, and modern conveniences were added by the current owners.

A Rare Opportunity

This property is more than just a residence; it’s a haven with a story and a heritage that is truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you're intrigued by its spiritual origins, historic allure, unique orchid habitat, or the opportunity to live fully connected to nature, The Hermitage presents an exceptional chance to own something remarkable — all while being within walking distance of cafés, wine culture, and community life.