The house at 18 Rue Sorel

18 rue Sorel is the most-photographed house in Saint-Flour. It lies in the heart of the old town of narrow, cobbled streets and many places and market squares. It was built between the buttresses of the 15th-century church of Saint Vincent (now an art gallery) just after the Revolution, about 1789, for (and probably by) the local carpenter who was employed to look after the church buildings. It goes straight up for 5 floors, with one room on each floor.

This unique little house was bought in 1993 by the former owners. It was carefully restored, rather than renovated, in order to preserve the character of the period in which it was built. As many of the original features as possible have been kept — the hidden wall cupboards, the old stairs and ancient stone arch of the church in the top bedroom, the catches on the doors. Modern plumbing was installed for the bathroom and an up-to-date kitchen. It has central heating.

It has been beautifully decorated to be in keeping with the era, with wallpapers, curtains and fitted carpets. There is a stunning mural over the kitchen walls. The style of the house is very French, with the additional comfort of easy chairs in the lounge. It is a maison de caractère and in no way tries to compete with a hotel.

The layout of the house

Ground floor:
- BATHROOM with …
  - separate WC
  - shower
  - wash-basin
  - washing machine
  - dryer
Second level:
- KITCHEN with …
  - gas stove
  - sink & cupboards
  - fridge
  - toaster
  - coffee maker
  - round table & chairs to seat up to 6 people

Third level:
- BEDROOM
  - brass double bed
  - blanket and doona/duvet
  - small wall cupboard
  - wall hooks for clothes
  - bedside tables with lamps
  - 2 chairs
  - wash-basin
  - en-suite WC
  - fitted carpet

Fourth level:
- SITTING ROOM
  - 2 easy chairs
  - small sofa
  - coffee table
  - desk, chair, and lamp
  - wall cupboard with extra bed and frame to hang washing from window
  - books and games
  - radio/CD/audio cassette tape player
  - fitted carpet

Fifth level:
- TWIN-BEDDED ROOM
  - view over roof-tops of Saint-Flour
  - bedside cupboard with lamps
  - 2 chairs
  - wall hooks for clothes
  - fitted carpet