In 2021, during a stay in Rugles, I fell in love with this house when I heard by chance that it was up for sale.
I had already stayed there about ten years earlier. I then found myself imagining reviewing and improving this or that detail. During the visit in 2021, I immediately projected myself, as if the house was calling me.
I then undertook a major renovation to revive this house which had remained frozen in the past century.
I wanted to preserve the place as best as possible to leave this property with all its charm while providing the comfort necessary for 21st century's life. I tried to bring my soul to it and a personal touch that illustrates my tastes while avoiding transforming it into a soulless and sanitized place.
This house was originally the property of Caliste Marquis: a Rugles industrialist working in metallurgy (the region's skill's business) in Ambenay (2 km away from Rugles). His father, Pierre-Jean Marquis founded his pinmaking business in 1840, which still exists in Ambenay. It was after the 1870 war that the company set up its mechanized workshops to put an end to home-based work. The company diversified into the metallurgical trades (hardware, haberdashery, saddlery and saddlery). Caliste Marquis died in 1882, leaving his wife and a 19-year-old son who took over.
The house was taken over in 1994 by the Tobo family, which became a guest house following the death of Jean Tobo. His widow, Françoise, then opened the guest house “Les jardin de Françoise” in 2008.
When I took my turn to take over the premises, I renamed the house Le Clos Saint-Germain, in honor of the Rugle's church, Saint-Germain and its Saint. Indeed, the property's garden is enclosed by walls, which gives us a feeling of tranquility. Inside the garden, we feel safe and sheltered from everything.
I am originally from Burgundy, just like Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois who gave his name to the church of Rugles. Beside this, In Burgundy, "clos" are plots of
vine yards surrounded by small stone walls.
This set of coincidences leads us to the name of Clos Saint-Germain which makes sense!
Before opening, we were supported by "Gîtes de France® - Eure" for the renovation works and compliance with their specifications to be able to offer visitors a labeled Gîtes de France® - 4 Epis guest house.