RiR Peute Goutte is located in the Vosges region, elevation 780m, in an environmentally protected area, close to several long distance footpaths, including: ‘Les Grandes Randonnées’ (GR533: Sarrebourg to the Ballon d’Alsace through the Lotharling Vosges). The house is situated within a pine forest and borders on La fôret communale de Cornimont. The house provides guests with a quiet living environment in a wooded nature preserve. These factors contribute to optimizing the conditions for a Researcher in Residence (RiR) in a non-urban environment. The accommodation requires, at the same time, considerable self-motivation on the part of guests because of its relatively remote location.

The Researcher-in-Residence has access to a living and working space of approximately 100 square meters. Water is pumped into the house from an on-site well; a recently installed septic tank system provides ecological disposal of waste; satellite and mobile telephone networks provide communication connections (there is no land-line telephone connection). Solar panels, batteries, and a motor-driven generator supply electricity; the house is not connected to the regional electrical power net. An underground propane gas tank provides energy for floor heating, water pressure system, and for the modern gas range and refrigerator.

RiR under construction, 2007-2010

RiR interior & exterior, 2010

RiR Peute Goutte is approximately 650 km from Amsterdam; driving time is about 6-7 hours. The house is situated in La fôret communale de Cornimont, which is northeast of Ventron; see Google Map below.

Pictures depicting RiR during reconstruction of the building and grounds in the period 2008-2009 can be found at this Flickr page.