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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Bel-Air farm, located at the place called Bel-Air on the commune of Frangy (Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), is an architectural complex composed of a house of the 15th–12th centuries and agricultural outbuildings of the 18th–12th centuries. Classified as a historical monument in 2010, it illustrates the region's historical wine-growing activity, with remains such as a press and vaulted cellars. Its 18th century painted decorations, rediscovered in 2004, and its outdoor dovecote, symbol of nobiliary privilege, make it a remarkable site.

The estate, remodeled in 1678 by the Bouvier family (notaries and farmers), passed to the Chaumontet in the 18th century, which expanded and embellished. Philibert Chaumontet, notary at Frangy (1773–16), gave him his current configuration. Sold at auction in 1819, the farm remained in the family until the early 20th century, before being bought by Gruffy farmers. Threatened by destruction in 2009, its inscription as a historical monument allows its preservation, despite modern agricultural transformations.

The house body, oriented east-west, retains defensive elements (murder, spiral staircase) and 18th-century French ceilings. The painted decorations, attributed to an anonymous Piedmontese artist, represent maritime scenes and landscapes, while the dovecote, built after 1730, reflects the social status of its owners. The 17th century hydraulic system, including an aqueduct and a public wash, is a testament to the rural engineering of the time.

The farm produces wine (Roussette de Savoie, Gamay) until the 1960s, in an area renowned for its wines. Today, occupied by private owners, it is not open to the public, but exceptional visits can be organized. Its inscription in the title of historical monuments covers the house, the dovecote, the washhouse, the well and the outbuildings, despite tensions with the town hall of Frangy during its protection.

Threats of destruction in 2009, linked to a project to expand a rural road, mobilized the owners and led to saving media coverage. The painted decorations, masked in the twentieth century, have been partially restored, revealing scenes of 18th century life. The secular chestnut tree and the walls of the Italian garden (17th century) complete this heritage, labeled by the Heritage Foundation and member of the Historical House.

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