There are houses that stand the test of time. And then there are those that continue to write their own story. In Saint-Blaise-du-Buis, with views of the three mountain ranges—Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Vercors—this former farmhouse dating back to 1850 is one of those. Now a bed and breakfast, it is run today by Ludovic and Arnaud, a couple who arrived from Normandy with a somewhat audacious dream: to change their lives.
Leaving Normandy, finding one's place in the Voiron region
Ludovic is 53 years old. A nurse by profession, first in a hospital and then for the Renault group as an occupational health and safety nurse, he has always loved "taking care of people." For a long time, he dreamed of opening a guesthouse. A place of his own, where guests are welcomed in a different way.
With Arnaud, her partner of nine years, the initial idea was to move south to the coast. But the realities of the real estate market caught up with them. Then a job opportunity for Arnaud in Voiron changed everything. The Voiron region? They didn't know it at all…
A year of visiting houses. Dozens perhaps. And then one day, love at first sight.
“We felt at home immediately.” The house had potential, a soul, something indefinable. They knew it was the one. That’s when it became clear that they should give the house a name and a meaning in homage to Arlette.
Four months of work later — carried out with a company from Voiron for the main work, an important choice for them — La Maison d'Arlette opens its doors in July 2025.
Five bedrooms, each with its own personality, each with its own bathroom, designed down to the smallest detail. The floor plans? That was them. The decor? Them too. Always with this question in mind: What would we like to find when we arrive? The result: charm, refinement, comfort. A pleasant terrace, a swimming pool, and that immediate feeling of being somewhere else… while still feeling at home.
Arlette, the memory of the place
So it's no coincidence that the house bears this name.
Built in 1850, it was a farmhouse for a long time. At one time, it was even one of the few houses in the village to have running water. Farmers would come there to water their livestock under the still-existing barn.
In the 1990s, the building was in ruins. Arlette and her husband Robert fell under its spell. They patiently restored it, preserving the parquet floors and fireplaces, bringing back its former glory. They lived there for twenty years.
Between Arlette and Robert and Ludovic and Arnaud, there were Céline and Jean-Baptiste, the intermediate owners, who were able to preserve Arlette's legacy and ensure the continuity of this place.
Today, Arlette is no longer here. Robert lives in Voiron. When Ludovic and Arnaud discover the history of the house, one thing becomes clear: this place will bear Arlette's name.
The house exudes a soft and welcoming atmosphere, where you feel comfortable from the very first moment.
Here, you arrive as a stranger… you leave as a friend
Since opening, more than 60 customers have already passed through the gates. Among them are Swiss, Germans, Spaniards, Maltese, Dutch, and English visitors, as well as people from all over the world. Of course, there are also French couples, motorcyclists, cyclists, and business travelers visiting companies in the area, particularly in La Murette and Centr'Alp.
And then there are the stories.
The very first customers? Two German motorcyclists. The renovations weren't quite finished, and their arrival was almost entirely unexpected, the result of a misunderstanding with a booking platform. They had to adapt and improvise. As they left, they hugged Ludovic: "We arrived like strangers, we're leaving like friends." They're still in touch today.
Other Germans, back in the Black Forest, sent Christmas cookies baked by Heidi, as well as a small gift for Reva, the house dog, now the official mascot. Dogs are welcome here, and Reva is often considered the true queen of the place.
A Spanish couple, who came for the holidays, stayed for a week. They spent New Year's Eve with Ludovic, Arnaud, and their family. On January 2nd, they prepared a large paella for everyone! Here, the line between host and guest naturally blurs. Ludovic and Arnaud welcome their visitors like true friends, not just customers.
Cooking, entertaining, sharing… You can feel the pleasure. Ludovic sees a direct link with his former profession as a nurse: “Taking care of people, having empathy.” The bed and breakfast has become a new way of looking out for others.
A territory within easy reach
Ludovic and Arnaud fell in love with the Voiron region. Its ideal location—TGV high-speed rail, motorway, and airport nearby—and its vibrant atmosphere captivated them. Lyon, Grenoble, Chambéry, Valence, the lakes, the Alps, the South… everything is within easy reach. But above all, everything is waiting to be discovered here.
Here, local specialties have their place. You'll find Louvat biscuit factories in St Geoire en Valdaine (and a shop in Voiron) and Carpentier in La Murette, for the pleasure of guests and the discovery of regional flavors.
They readily recommend hikes in the Chartreuse and Vercors mountains, Lake Paladru, the markets of Voiron and Charavines, or even the Bonnat Chocolate Factory to complete the experience.
And tomorrow? There's no shortage of projects: a pergola for summer breakfasts on the terrace, a large covered terrace in the barn, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a small exhibition dedicated to Arlette, which will soon be displayed in the hall using photos of the house before the renovations, provided by Robert, so that visitors can discover this past. The house continues to grow, gently, without losing its soul.
Why choose La Maison d'Arlette?
- First, for its history.
- For its location, between lakes, mountains and charming villages.
- For the quality of its rooms and breakfasts.
- But above all, it's for this rare atmosphere: here, you don't feel
Not a customer.
Ludovic and Arnaud are quite frank about it: they are happy with their new life. They don't miss Normandy or their old jobs. They received a warm welcome, made wonderful friends, and found their balance. This house is more than just a place to stay. It's a living, breathing home, driven by a genuine desire to bring joy. And perhaps you, too, will find much more than just a place to spend the night…
Discover it now!
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