The Lot department is famous for its protected landscape and imaginative rural architecture.
 Several natural regions share the territory of this department. Each has its own geologic story which is radically different and each has its own particular character and feeling. This diversity undoubtedly contributes to the undisputable charm of the Lot.
Between Aquitaine and Auverge, the Lot department presents several different landscapes, natural regions marked by their own economic and cultural pecularities. Ségala and Limargue in the north of the department (Haut Quercy), the Quercy Causes (Causes de Gramat, de Martel, de Limogne) Quercy Blanc, the Bouriane and of course all the valleys (Lot, Dordogne and Célé etc)
 A
countryside of stone and wine. It is this simple formula which explains the character of a typical comfortable dwelling.
A Quercy house is contructed over a basement/cellar
whose opening is sheltered by the vault of external steps
leading to an open central room with large fireplace : the cantou or souillarde and évier en pierre (stone sink). The
top of the stone steps is usually covered by a roof on pillars,
this is called a bolet.
As a sign of affluence, the Quercynoise
house is often enhanced by one or two towers: the pigeonnier. In proximity to the house the farm buildings are grouped in no particular order : granges (barns) four à pain (bread oven) soue à cochon
( pig sties) bergerie (sheepfold)
The intelligence of the tradition and the esthetics of each property works in perfect harmony with the environment.
The habitat and architecture of the Lot
stands out by the diversity of its landscape and the richness
of its rural buildings. The landscape is symbolically characterised by its pigeonniers, wash houses, halls, gates, balconies, Roman tiled roofs of varying steepness covering buildings built in soft stone.
The agricultural barns give an excellent
example of the peasant architecture. Generally grander than the houses, with impressive timberwork able to support a great weight and provide a large volume they allow a contemporary architecture to integrate with the surrounding environment. The quality of these buildings provide veritable sources of inspiration. The
most obvious result being the mix of old and new and the
harmony of materials. Old stone being used to its best advantage,
glass, metal and other modern materials being integrated
in a restoration project. The successful restoration of this
type of building is a major accomplishment for an architect
Houses with bigger openings which lead onto outside terraces of exotic wood, barbecues, swimming pools and other additions. The kitchen is the real heart of a house and has become bigger and more open. The exterior and the environment are important and must be recognised and harmonised with these renovated buildings of our region.
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