Introduction

Discover a medieval environment as described by Umberto Eco in his novel 'The Name of the Rose'. Here you might even find the very places that Eco used as inspiration for his book.

Borie of Savanac was founded in the Middle Ages as a country residence in a small settlement of wealthy merchants from the nearby city of Cahor. They used the fortified buildings for securely storing merchandise outside of the city. Conveniently situated near the Lot River, the location provided direct access to transporting their goods via river trade.

Borie of Savanac is the best-preserved example of a medieval residence estate in the whole valley. Over the centuries the premises were altered and eventually the complex nearly fell into complete ruin. At the beginning of the 20th century the remains of the building complex were finally only used to dry tobacco from the nearby fields.

In 1981 Claire and Christian Schmitter, who had met some years earlier when they were studying conservation in Venice, purchased their first part of the building ensemble. Renovating and restoring it during the following years, they also gradually purchased additional parts of the entire complex.
In 2002 they started the reconstruction and remodeling of the oldest parts of the estate including reorganizing and rebuilding all the various floor levels.

They took great care to preserve as much of the original substance as possible. Thereby their efforts were recognized by the National Association for the Preservation of Monuments and Historic Buildings which awarded the project special financial support.

The impressive results of the Schmitters' meticulous and passionate endeavor can only be glimpsed in the documentary photos at this Website. Rather come for a visit to experience for yourself the splendor and romance of this amazing medieval building newly enhanced with all the comforts of contemporary living.

 

Foto North Facade

North Facade showing staircase to Studio 1 and the private sun deck

 
     

Foto South Facade

South Facade Studio 1 and Studio 2

 

Foto South Facade

South Facade Studio 1