About fifteen years ago, I fell under the spell of this 18th century farm in the heart of four hectares of meadows bordered by woods with this incredible borie leaning on two rocks. Instinctively, I thought of giving it the name “Araucanie Farm” thinking of my parents whose footsteps took them to South America where I was born and in connection with Antoine de Tounens, born in 1825 and died in 1878 in Tourtoirac, who was officially King of Araucania and Patagonia from November 17, 1860 to January 5, 1862.
I knew I could give a future to this place of peasant dwelling without distorting it and while keeping its authenticity.
If preserving the building was my wish, the interior had to be completely remodeled, by coating the walls with sand and lime, by laying a stone paving, by redoing the roofs with old flat salvaged tiles, by refitting without destroying the rural spirit of the place.
It took two years of work, carried out by local craftsmen referenced by the buildings of France, under the VMF (Vieilles Maisons Françaises) and MPF (Maisons Paysannes de France) labels to finalize my project.
Today, La Ferme d’Araucanie can accommodate up to eight guests in these carefully renovated spaces, between discreet luxury and restored rural heritage.
The Mapuches, or Araucans, are a people of farmers and breeders who resisted the Incas, the Spanish and the Chilean government. The latter confined them to cramped reserves during the “pacification of Araucania” campaign (1860-1883. Despite treaties recognizing their independence, Araucania was included in Chilean territory in 1833 but remained rebellious in 1860.
Antoine de Tounens, a former French lawyer, arrived in Chile in 1858 and settled in Araucania where he gained the trust of the Mapuche chiefs. In November 1860, he founded the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, fixing its borders between the Biobío River and the Rio Negro, and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
In January 1862, Chilean authorities arrested Antoine de Tounens, declaring him insane and repatriating him to France. Back in Paris, he leads a modest life, trying unsuccessfully to reconquer his kingdom. Despite several attempts to return to Araucania, he died in 1878 in Tourtoirac in Dordogne, ruined and ill. In December 1902, the Mapuche territories were divided between Chile and Argentina under the arbitration of Great Britain.
Located on a hillside a few minutes from the charming village of Tourtoirac, La Ferme d’Araucanie is located in the heart of a 4-hectare property. If the calm and nature encourage moments of relaxation, this location is ideal for enjoying visits and activities in the region:
