The Story of Maison D'Ossandon
Built in 1444, Maison D'Ossandon has stood for nearly six centuries
When work began on the house, Johannes Gutenberg had not yet printed his famous Bible. Christopher Columbus would not sail to the Americas for almost fifty years. Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo had not yet been born. England and France were still fighting the final years of the Hundred Years' War.
From the beginning, Maison D'Ossandon occupied a prominent place in the medieval town of Thiers. Built into the original fortifications overlooking the Durolle Valley, it belonged to the Ossandon family, prosperous merchants whose name the house still bears today.
Over the centuries the house passed through several notable hands. At one point it formed part of the extensive holdings of Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans—"La Grande Mademoiselle"—the cousin of Louis XIV, before later passing to Antoine Nompar de Caumont, Duc de Lauzun. While neither is believed to have lived here, their connection reflects the remarkable history woven into the property.
In the twentieth century the house entered a new chapter. The Siropt family operated a shop from the street level, traces of which can still be seen on the façade today. A later owner undertook an ambitious restoration, preserving the medieval character of the building while knitting it into the town's modern life by hosting piano recitals in its grand dining room.
Today we have the privilege of becoming the latest caretakers of Maison D'Ossandon. Rather than creating a museum, our hope has been to preserve the history of the house while welcoming new families to gather around its tables, climb its winding staircases, and create memories of their own.
Our Story
We never set out to buy a vacation rental.
We were looking for a place that would bring people together.
For nearly thirty years, Chara has built her career around hospitality—creating spaces where strangers become friends, celebrations become traditions, and people leave feeling genuinely cared for. That philosophy naturally found its way into Maison D'Ossandon. Every room has been furnished with gathering in mind: long dinners around the table, conversations that continue late into the evening, mornings with coffee overlooking the valley, and enough space for everyone to feel at home.
Sam, a lifelong student of history, was captivated by the house from the moment we stepped inside. What began as curiosity soon became months of researching the families who lived here, the history of Thiers, and the remarkable role this region has played in France for centuries. His enthusiasm reminds us that every old house has stories waiting to be uncovered.
Together we've approached Maison D'Ossandon not as developers, but as temporary stewards. We've tried to preserve the things that make it extraordinary while thoughtfully adding the comforts that allow modern families to enjoy it together.
Our hope is simple: that you'll leave with wonderful memories of the house, a deeper appreciation for the Auvergne, and perhaps the feeling—as we did—that you've discovered one of France's best-kept secrets.
Warmly,
Chara and Sam Gafford