About us
La Maison Anila
La Maison Anila (formerly Souffle de Vent) is owned by Ruth and Lodewijk van den Belt.
We've been welcoming guests to this wonderful region for over 10 years now. Up until recently we were camping out in the forest on our Canvaschic campsite. That adventure ended in March 2011 and we are delighted to have taken on this historic house in the centre of Barjac. We're really enjoying having a solid roof over our heads!
Still inspired by our travels and a spirit of adventure; we have renamed the house keeping the wind theme that the previous owner introduced. Anila is one of the hindu elemental gods and the Sanskrit word means 'Wind'.
The Apartments
Each of our apartments is named after a wind with decor inspired by the origins of these winds. The apartments are furnished with vintage and antique furniture (apart from the beds which are new and natural latex) and we have used only environmentally friendly paint finishes and cleaning products in the renovation and maintenance of the house.
Re-Faire Boutique
The apartments represent only a part of our vision for the house where you will also find our 'Re-Faire Boutique' on the Grand Rue Jean Moulin. A shop offering gifts from around the world and locally. The only rule in our shop is that everything is handmade, fair-trade, recycled or vintage. From mid-century modern design vintage furniture and ceramic pieces to sumptuous tibetan pashmina shawls handwoven by Panchachuli women's co-operative in the himalayas, from the work of local painters and photographers to handmade children's toys from local Ardeche artisans you are guaranteed to find a great gift or reminder of your holiday. Re-Faire is also coming soon online.
The famous Antique Fairs
During the famous Antique Fairs and also the Festival of Chansons de Parole we will open our doors as a Salon du Thé, with a bigger range of vintage furniture, interior decor and ceramics for sale from the shop on the Rue de l'Abbe Roux.
About Ruth
Ruth also works from the house as a business and personal coach as BrightRaven, the E-Migration Coach. She specialises in coaching for emigration and life-change as well as business start-up. If you have a project that needs coaxing into the light she can accompany you along the way. She can receive clients for private 1:1 sessions at Maison Anila, but also works on Skype, by phone or email and is working on digital projects to help you discover your path. She also writes about life as an emigrant and sustainable living on her website.
