| No way back: from barn to holiday home and conference center |
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| First structure: the main house |
The house, an old wine shed at the time, was built around 1830. Around the year 1900 the Marronaud family acquired the property and lived there in the countryside until 1999. The front part of the house was first used as living quarters and its original fireplace is still providing warmth in the winter days. In the back part, grapes were pressed and wine was produced.
Around 1960 the house started being used as a barn for storage and agricultural purposes, it didn’t receive much care during this time. The previous owner cultivated his own tobacco plants and dried them in the shed, and then he used the produce to make his own cigars.
In 1999 the property was bought by Frans van den Hombergh. The biggest part of the renovation went on until July 2002. Particular attention was paid to preserving the original details and the original unique style. Click here for more pictures of the renovation. Since 2002 the owner has always been busy with several small projects. In the beginning of 2008 the Abri was built. It will serve as an outside kitchen and shelter to enjoy a meal, the view and scenery at all times of the year.
Le Maine Menot was named after the largest plot of the property on which it is situated. In 2002, on July 20th, Le Maine Menot was officially opened which was celebrated with a party, attended by guests from all over the world. Since then, it has been used all year round as a wonderful Holiday Home and Conference Centre.
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| The third structure: the Abri |
 Since Le Maine Menot is situated near the summit of a hill (around 250 meters) it can be quite windy, this is wonderful during the summer heat but not so much the fall or winter. Since the ‘Abri’ was built, the large outside kitchen provides protection from the wind and allows for a great time or dinner to be enjoyed outside. In time this place will make a great home for the Cuisine d' Eté. .
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