luxury property for sale Les Thons, France

HISTORIC FORMER CONVENT IN LES THONS, BETWEEN VITTEL AND LANGRES In the village of Les Thons, this former convent, founded in 1452, stands out in the heart of the rolling Vosges countryside. Behind its façade, designated a Historic Monument, the spaces unfold amidst ancient stonework, vast vaults, soaring ceilings, carved staircases, and a well-preserved cloister. Imbued with a rustic Renaissance atmosphere, the site now houses a distinctive residence designed to welcome guests, preserve its heritage, and envision new ways of using the space. A FRANCISCAN COMPLEX IN THE HEART OF A WELL-PRESERVED VILLAGE Set apart from major thoroughfares, the Couvent des Cordeliers des Thons stands out in the landscape as a monument to history. Founded in the 15th century at the request of Guillaume de Saint-Loup and Jeanne de Choiseul and listed as a Historic Monument in 1945, it is now the best-preserved Franciscan complex in northeastern France. The eye is first drawn to the stone facades, the regularity of the ancient openings, and the simple lines of the cloister and its sacred fountain. Then come the details: a door weathered by time, the omnipresent vaults, a monumental fireplace, the depth of the walls, the antique woodwork and beams, and the ?cathedral' staircase. Each space seems to have retained the rhythm of the centuries. From the tree-lined garden and orchard, views open up onto the village's historic district and the surrounding countryside. Further on, the paths lead to the Vosges forests, the spa towns of Vittel and Contrexéville, and the Renaissance gardens of Châtillon-sur-Saône. SPACES FILLED WITH LIGHT AND NATURAL MATERIALS The interior spans nearly 400 m² in a warm and deeply authentic design. The main living area, spanning nearly 80 m², harmonizes with the high ceilings, exposed beams, and open-plan layout leading to the mezzanine. Historic hardwood floors, terracotta tiles, moldings, restored doors, and various architectural details come together to create a vibrant space bathed in light. Some rooms still feature decorative paintings and art collections that extend the spirit of the place. The fully equipped professional kitchen is designed to accommodate both a generous daily lifestyle and larger gatherings. The vaulted cellars, the interior patio, and the adjoining spaces reinforce this sense of a lived-in and adaptable whole. Sold furnished and equipped, the property also includes several antique artworks and paintings that contribute to its unique character. A PROPERTY TO IMAGINE: A BLEND OF HERITAGE AND INSPIRING PROJECTS The estate spans over 5,700 m² of land featuring an orchard, a natural spring, a pond, and open views. At the rear, a vast plot offers various possibilities for future development while respecting the site's character. The site has previously served as a residence and has hosted events, receptions, and dining experiences. Its layout allows for new uses centered on hospitality, vacations, heritage preservation, or a unique second home. Located between Vittel, Épinal, and Langres, this property possesses a rare quality: that of a historic site still very much alive, capable of accommodating ambitious projects without ever losing its original spirit. AGENCY'S OPINION What one feels here goes beyond architecture alone. The Couvent des Cordeliers des Thons possesses that quiet depth characteristic of ancient places that have been carefully preserved. A property shaped by time, designed for those seeking not only a home but also a story to carry forward.