“What if we all lived together!”
This adventure began following a screening of the film of the same name on 1 July 2018 at the “Utopia” cinema in Tournefeuille. It was then that the idea of a shared living space became a project for Anne-Marie Faucon and Michel Malacarnet. The association “Et si on vivait tous ensemble” was formed with a group of volunteers at the inaugural general meeting in October 2018. Joined by around ten people and following several months of meetings, contacts with stakeholders in the shared housing sector, and visits to potential sites, this wonderful project came to fruition in Bérat with the acquisition in 2019 of an 18th-century house surrounded by a magnificent park in the heart of the village.
This initiative has made it possible to live differently today and to age well – not in isolation, but in a spirit of community and beauty, close to nature in a village of 3,000 inhabitants.
Completely renovated, La Ménardière is ideally situated on a wooded plot. Spread over two floors, the property offers 670 m² of living space, including 180 m² of communal areas on the ground floor, ensuring a high standard of comfort in the bright and spacious communal areas, which are also highly functional: a renovated and well-equipped kitchen, a beautiful dining room, a large living room, a library and, outdoors in the heart of the 1.5-hectare park, a swimming pool and a boules court. In front of the pool, there is a small house converted into a summer kitchen with a large 50 m² dining room.
The project is getting underway, and the Ménardière team is ensuring that it can serve as the foundation for many other initiatives centred on culture, permaculture and community living.
“Why not stop off for a short break at La Ménardière?”
The estate also offers bed and breakfast accommodation in this idyllic setting, perfect for relaxation and a warm, friendly atmosphere. There are three 40 m² rooms available to rent for two people at €70 per night, as well as a 40 m² room with a kitchenette at €85 per night (breakfast included and discounted rates depending on the length of stay).
Visiting friends, by coming to relax and enjoy this beautiful estate, you will be making a financial contribution to help the residents of La Ménardière bring this project to fruition…
“Why not share a cultural moment?”
Throughout the year, various cultural activities and events open to all are organised on the estate: outdoor film screenings, concerts, festive dinners, various workshops, exhibitions…
You can simply come to rest, read, watch a film…
You may also be interested in this attempt to live differently. The team at La Ménardière will be more than happy to answer your questions and who knows… perhaps you’ll write the next chapter together…