THE PROPERTY
An airial is a Gascon word which represents the land around the house. It is found exclusively in the Landes. It is an open space in the pine forest, like a clearing, where about forty huge, ancient rustic oaks stand. There are several buildings: the dwelling house, barns, a bread oven, a henhouse, a well, not forgetting the garden. Several airials constitute a quartier, a kind of hamlet, always away from the village.
The first trace of the inhabitants of La Soulan dates back to 1656 when Pierre Saint-Jours lived in Bellocq, four kilometers north-east of the village. The airial does not seem to have changed much. In the summer, we find the windows wide open overlooking the dewy lawn, the fleshy hydrangeas, and the roses climbing up to the roof of the house. Through the silence, one can hear the deep note of a bird making a limpid call and the cooing of the blue pigeons that live on the airial. The calm is surrounded by a light breeze blowing through the pine trees.
Light morning, blue sky on the trees… the deer don't even move when we surprise them. The catalpa branches come down close to the ground, making a complete arch. The strength of the oaks can be seen in their endless bend that rustles above the hammock. Lying there, one sees the trunk of the oldest oak and its moss coat. Before falling asleep. At night, the moon illuminates the airial. An owl hoots in the night.
