Can you tell us something about yourself and your family, including names, ages, and where you live? We’d also love to hear the names of your accommodation(s)!

Our accommodation is called La Maison du Mûrier. We are Keiko and Jason Hindley, a Japanese-British couple. We met in London, where we lived for many years before discovering this beautiful area in France and deciding to move here.

Could you tell us more about yourselves? For example, your interests, hobbies, work, family, and holidays?

Jason is an advertising photographer, and I, Keiko, am a stylist. We both come from creative backgrounds and have a passion for art and design, which is reflected in the interiors of La Maison du Mûrier. We’ve selected furniture from designers like Jean Prouvé, Eames, and Jasper Morrison. We also love cooking with the fantastic local produce, paired with delicious French wines. Exploring the stunning region, situated between northern Provence and the southern Alps, is another favorite pastime, as is snowboarding at our local ski resort in winter.

When and how did this property come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

Initially, we were searching for a chalet in Savoie, but during our search, we stumbled upon the Hautes-Alpes, a lesser-known area we consider a hidden gem. The region offers the charm of Provence combined with the fresh Alpine air. When we visited, we immediately fell in love with the unspoiled beauty and tranquility, away from tourist crowds. It offered the perfect balance of nature and sunshine, with the area enjoying 300 days of sun per year. It felt like the perfect place to start our new life.

Could you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your home?

After 20 years in London, we were ready for a quieter life and found a dilapidated 17th-century farmhouse in the Hautes-Alpes. On our first visit, we made an offer, and that’s where the adventure began. Initially, we planned a simple renovation, but when part of the building collapsed, we decided to incorporate modern architectural elements. The project evolved naturally, and we ended up creating a large home, which led us to open our doors to guests. It took over 12 years, but we put a lot of love into the process, with Jason designing and building much of the furniture himself.

What makes your home personally special to you? Are there any special memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

La Maison du Mûrier is truly a labor of love and perseverance. We faced many obstacles during the renovation, from collapsing arches to building issues, but we never gave up. It became a very personal project, and we were initially hesitant to share it with guests. However, it’s incredibly rewarding to see people fall in love with the house and appreciate the details we worked so hard on. It’s wonderful to watch our guests create lasting memories with our home as the backdrop.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your home?

The atmosphere at La Maison du Mûrier is light, airy, and modern, while retaining the charm and history of the old stone farmhouse. Many old farmhouses in the area feel dark and enclosed, but we’ve tried to make the home warm and inviting with a unique blend of old and new. It’s a place where history and modern design meet, which many of our guests appreciate.

What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?

La Maison du Mûrier is located in a small hamlet in the southwestern corner of the Hautes-Alpes, where nature and authentic rural life come together. It’s a real working village, not one filled with holiday homes that sit empty for most of the year. Our guests experience the true essence of Southern French life, surrounded by mountains, pine forests, and the charm of Provence. Though remote, it’s a short drive to beautiful lakes, rivers, and markets in the nearby villages, making it ideal for nature lovers.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

Each season brings something different: in spring, our plum trees are in full bloom, summer offers blue skies and fields of sunflowers, autumn sees the mountains turn gold and red, and in winter, the mountains become a snowy wonderland. There are plenty of outdoor activities, such as swimming at the nearby Gorges de la Méouge, mountain biking, paddleboarding on local lakes, and skiing at our local resort. Many guests, however, choose to unwind, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, the pool, and our wood-fired pizza oven in the garden.

Can you share the best compliments you've received from a guest?

We’ve received many lovely comments, but what touches us most is when guests say we’ve thought of every detail. They appreciate the design, the blend of old and new, and the unique atmosphere of La Maison du Mûrier. For many guests, the house is a special experience, unlike any other vacation homes they’ve stayed in.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to make the most of their vacation?

Our best tip would be to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Whether it’s swimming in rivers, hiking, or just relaxing by the pool with a good glass of wine, there’s something for everyone. A nighttime dip in our hot tub under the stars is also highly recommended! Finally, don’t forget to mix a cocktail in our honesty bar in the vaulted room—a fun activity many of our guests enjoy.