Preserve Heritage
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.
About Saving the Pigeonnier
Tucked into the peaceful hills above Lisle-sur-Tarn in South-West France stands a quietly remarkable 18th-century pigeonnier – a traditional dovecote once admired by locals and walkers, visible for miles across the Tarn countryside. Built from ancient stone, it has stood as a silent witness to centuries of change, symbolising harmony, prosperity and deep connection to the land.
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. But now, the pigeonnier needs help.
With its elegant design and rare original carpentry still intact, this tower is a treasure of rural French heritage – and it’s in danger. Without urgent restoration, experts warn it could collapse within three years.
Saving the Pigeonnier is a heartfelt appeal to preserve this beautiful landmark before it’s lost forever. It is a call to those who value tradition, craftsmanship and the quiet dignity of rural architecture. Together, we hope to raise the funds to stabilise, restore, and protect this piece of Occitanie’s living history.
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1 Pigeonnier Being Saved
A 17th-century tower in Occitanie, now at risk, but full of living history and potential.
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2 Devoted Guardians
A heartfelt project led by Peter and Tina Gibbs, quietly preserving the past for tomorrow.
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3 Reasons This Matters
– It protects rare rural French heritage.
– It preserves original 17th-century carpentry.
– It honours a life of quiet restoration and hope.
Historic Restoration
This 17th-century pigeonnier, quietly watching over the rural fields of south-west France, has seen centuries of change. Today, it stands as a fragile echo of its former strength. Our mission is to breathe life back into this unique structure using traditional methods, local knowledge, and heartfelt support.
This restoration is more than stone and timber — it is about preserving a piece of French rural identity, protecting cultural memory, and creating a beacon of hope for the future.
Join us in honouring the past and shaping tomorrow.
Cultural Legacy
Scattered across the French landscape, pigeonniers — or dovecotes — are more than architectural curiosities. Especially in the Occitanie region, these towers were once proud emblems of nobility and rural innovation. Dating back to medieval times, pigeonniers symbolised privilege, with only the aristocracy granted rights to raise pigeons. These birds provided fertiliser for the land and food for the table, making the pigeonnier both a practical and symbolic centre of life.
Over time, these buildings have become iconic elements of the countryside, treasured for their distinctive forms and historic roots. Yet many now stand neglected, vulnerable to collapse and forgotten by modern development.
Our mission is to save one such 17th-century pigeonnier — to breathe life back into its ancient stones and honour its story. In doing so, we not only preserve a beautiful piece of French heritage, but also ensure that its meaning and memory are passed on to future generations.
Fundraising Initiatives
💚 Fundraising Initiatives
Every stone has a story — and your support helps us preserve it.
Our fundraising efforts aim to restore and protect this 17th-century pigeonnier before time takes its toll. Whether you're donating €5, £50, or £5,000, every contribution directly funds conservation materials, skilled labour, and the safe restoration of this historic structure.
All donations are handled through secure and trusted payment systems including Stripe, or via direct bank transfer. You can donate immediately or contact us for details.
We will be proudly sharing our fundraising milestones as we go — so every gift adds to the momentum.
Your generosity helps us turn hope into heritage.
🔗 Get involved. Donate. Share. Help save a legacy.
📧 To donate securely or receive our bank details, please email gibbs.peter@wanadoo.fr for heritage conservation efforts.
