Preserve Heritage
About Saving the Pigeonnier
Saving the Pigeonnier is a heartfelt heritage project based in southwest France, dedicated to preserving a crumbling 18th-century pigeonnier. Rooted in resilience, history and hope, this rural restoration effort blends personal story with cultural legacy. We are building not just walls, but a bridge between past and future - and inviting you to be part of it.
Tucked into the peaceful hills above Lisle-sur-Tarn in South-West France stands an historic rural pigeonnier, part of a traditional farmstead and landscape that has witnessed generations of life in the Tarn. Built from stone, brick, render and tile, it has stood as a familiar part of this countryside for many years.
For over thirty years, Peter and Tina Gibbs have lovingly restored the old farmhouse beside it, rebuilding a life in France after Peter faced life-altering illness and the amputation of his leg. Through determination, courage and care, they brought their home back to life. Now the pigeonnier itself needs help.
The structure has deteriorated over many years and shows significant cracking, weathering and loss of its original fabric. The next step is to seek appropriate professional architectural and structural advice so that its condition can be properly assessed and a careful plan made for its stabilisation and restoration.
But Saving the Pigeonnier is becoming about more than one building. It is a journey of restoration embracing the pigeonnier, the wider historic farmstead and the stories connected with this special place — preserving its heritage while creating something of lasting value for the future.
1
1. A Building
A tangible piece of the architectural heritage of the Tarn, now needing careful assessment and restoration.
2
2. A Story
A connection with the people and communities who lived and worked here.
3
3. A Landscape
An historic structure within the countryside in which it evolved..
4
4. A Legacy
Something that can be handed on to future generations.
5
5. A Wider Journey
A journey of restoration bringing together heritage, people and spirit — preserving the past while creating something of lasting value for the future.
A Journey of Restoration
On a hillside in the Tarn stands an historic rural pigeonnier, part of a traditional farmstead and landscape that has witnessed generations of life in South-West France.
The building has deteriorated over many years and now needs careful professional assessment, stabilisation and restoration. Our aim is to respect its history, construction and setting, using appropriate traditional materials and skilled local craftsmanship wherever possible.
But Saving the Pigeonnier is about more than one building. It is part of a wider journey to preserve the historic farmstead, its stories and its place within the landscape — protecting something worth carrying forward for future generations.
Preserving the past while creating something of lasting value for the future.
Cultural Legacy
Pigeonniers are a distinctive part of the rural landscape of South-West France. Built in many different forms and materials, they form part of the architectural character and agricultural history of the region.
Our own pigeonnier stands within a much wider historic farmstead, alongside the farmhouse, barn, ancient well and the remains of the cave once associated with wine production. Together they tell the story of generations who lived and worked on this land.
As the project develops, we hope to learn more about the age, history and original use of the buildings through appropriate research and professional advice. That understanding will help guide any restoration and ensure that the character of the site is respected.
Our aim is not simply to repair what is damaged, but to preserve the story of this place and pass something meaningful on to future generations.
Supporting the Restoration
We are at the beginning of a much wider journey to preserve the pigeonnier and the historic farmstead around it.
The first priorities are to obtain appropriate professional assessment, learn more about the history and construction of the buildings, and develop a careful restoration plan. This will help us understand what work is needed, what should be tackled first and the likely costs involved.
As the project develops, support will help towards professional advice, urgent stabilisation where necessary, traditional materials, skilled craftsmanship and future phases of restoration.
We are currently putting in place a secure way for people to support the project. Until that is ready, we warmly invite you to follow the journey, share the website and help others discover the story of this special place.
Every contribution to the project — whether through interest, encouragement, sharing our story or future financial support — will help us move a little closer to preserving this heritage for generations to come.
Contact us
E-mail: gibbs.peter@icloud.com
Address: 81310. Lisle sur Tarn, France.