La Romaine Villa, Provence, France
This XVIII century mas in the heart of “Provence des Papes” has been extensively renovated to include all modern comforts while keeping traces of the past by the use of reclaimed materials. A stylish mix of design furniture and vintage finds complete this loved family home, minutes from Vaison-la-Romaine’s town centre.
The exteriors boasts open views over the medieval town of Vaison-la-Romaine as well as the mythic Mont Ventoux. Numerous sitting, dining and lounging spots scattered around the grounds allow for reunions as well as privacy. Swimming pool with ample deck space for loungers, gym, and petanque court are all available for your entertainment. Vaison-la-Romaine has the oldest market in the area, dating back to Roman times, and this little town is in it’s own right a gastronomic centre , epitomising Provence’s lifestyle.
The location in the Cote du Rhone area also calls for wine tasting. Vaison-la-Romaine sightseeing opportunities range from antique roman remains to medieval town and roman chapels, enough for a few days of sightseeing, and open-air productions are to be expected all around town and the area through out the summer season.
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Notre Dame du Val, Aix-en Provence, France
Close the gates on 25 acres of rolling olive plantations and lavender, cypress trees, mature oaks and fruit orchards and relax in your own personal haven of peace. Away from the tourists and hustle of the Cote d’Azur, the olive estate of Notre Dame exists in the peace, tranquility and richness that is Aix-en-Provence and the Luberon.
Notre Dame du Val is the rarest of experiences. Plenty of light and space, charming interior design rich in art and sculpture, you can be assured of great comfort and relaxation during your time in Provence. With extensive views over the rich French countryside to the mountains of the Massif de l’Etoile in the far south, Notre Dame du Val is a wonderful mix of tradition and modernity on the doorstep of Aix-en-Provence, possibly one of the most vibrant, entertaining and exquisite towns in France.
The property, which is surrounded by parkland trees, consists of a traditional Bastide (Aixoise Maison de Maitre), and a range of other buildings. These include a beautifully restored 19th century stone farm house, an Orangery (containing a fully equipped gym), a Pigeonier (pigeon house), a large Pool house and a Garage.
The main house has four double bedrooms and two twin rooms. There is a large sitting room with fireplace, plasma TV and DVD player, along with two upper hall study areas. Next to the kitchen is a gorgeous dining room with spectacular views to the South. In the gardens you will find, for your entertainment, an excellent new tennis court, with a dynamic world class artificial grass surface, a 17-metre pool, a trampoline fitted with safety enclosure and a professional ping-pong table, near the house for easy access!
The property is equally ideal for families and groups of friends as it is for business retreats.
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Loire Valley Mill, Linieres-Bouton, France
Staying at Loire Valley Mill is an immersion in the French country lifestyle – we keep livestock who provide fresh poultry and serve dinner with vegetables cut fresh from our gardens. From private wine caves to local antique dealers, our private tour guides have over twenty years experience in the region and can open doors to sights that are not available to other tourism groups.
We welcome our guests as we would anyone into our own home, and love teaching our clients about rural French culture, art, and the cuisine de terroir.
Loire Valley Mill offers private renters several package options tailored to suit the size of their group. Guests can choose to rent only the main house, the guest house, the guest house and guest cottage, or the entire property. Each room has been stylishly furnished with traditional French antiques, lovingly refurbished for your comfort.
All guests have exclusive use of 12 hectares of private property with amazing views of neighboring farmland and woodland. Though rental rates are based on self-catering, you are welcome to inquire about having your stay catered by the mill’s staff. Ideally located near to several historic chateaux, Loire Valley Mill is a perfect balance between luxury hotel and a French country estate.
Loire Valley Mill is also available for rent as a hotel. Please visit the Loire Valley Retreat listing for details or click here.
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Maison Duras, Bordeaux, France
Offering French sophistication, effortless natural elegance & genuine laid-back charm, the solid tranquility of Maison Duras, a medieval priory, is set against a glorious backdrop of rolling hills, plum orchards & vineyards, where children can climb trees and run wild through meadows whilst their parents chill out with a cool glass of sauvignon blanc by the slate-grey pool.
The building dates back to the 12th century and is wrapped around a beautiful cobbled courtyard, lending a serene calm to this stunning medieval property. All rooms have superb views, either onto the central courtyard or to the countryside beyond.
Maison Duras is positively organic in its make-up: the stone walls are massive, providing a unique insulation from the heat outside; huge glass windows allow for natural light all day until candles are lit at dusk (lights are rarely switched on in the house until nightfall) With zinc rooves and terracotta tiles, old oak doors, travertine & slate bathrooms and private shady terraces overlooking the pool, orchards and fields, it is a naturally tranquil haven.
Overlooking the courtyard to one side and the pool on the other, the main living room of the property is a fabulous open plan space which encompasses kitchen, dining area & sitting room. The well stocked kitchen iincludes everything even the most discerning holiday chefs could require. A large barbeque is also on hand – ask owners Fabienne and Frederic for some of their vines (Fabienne’s family have a superb Cotes de Duras vineyard and Frederic is also involved in the international wine business).
A second sitting room doubles as the TV room – with a large flat screen TV, DVD player and stack of DVDs, books and boardgames.
With four fabulous bedrooms (one of which is wheelchair accessible) the property sleeps up to 10 in comfort. Three bedrooms all have generous kingsize beds & open-plan ensuite bathrooms. All three bedrooms are easily large enough to place a cot. The fourth bedroom is kid-paradise: a dormitory den at the top of a winding staircase (with child gates) where a secure glass window overlooks the main sitting room, allowing a sneaky peep for the babes at bedtime.
The stunning, slate grey pool, overlooking fields and orchards, is both alarmed and fenced and has generous steps which stretch the entire width of the pool – perfect for new swimmers to gain confidence (or for a little post-lunch wallowing….)
Beyond the pool, the enormous 5 acre garden is large enough for football matches (they even have goal posts available), cricket/rounders, or simply to send the kids off on a treasure hunt although the house and garden are well stocked with toys, a sandpit, swing, seesaw, cds, and books.
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Le Moulin de Perdrix, Montpellier, France
Le Moulin de Perdrix currently offers a luxury holiday rental property with private swimming pool called La Maison de Farniente, which is available for short lets throughout the holiday season.
Just 15 minutes from Montpellier and the beaches of the Mediterranean, nestled within an orchard of apple trees, this charming, stone-built family house dates back to the 19th century. It is a traditional Languedoc home and the perfect base from which to explore the Petite Camargue and enjoy the laidback lifestyle of the south of France.
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Villa Miramar, Theoule-sur-Mer, Cote d’Azur
Overlooking the French Riviera, near Cannes, this spacious, modern three-bedroom villa has breathtaking views of the Mediterranean from every room, as well as its own swimming pool. It’s located along the Corniche d’Or, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, and is within walking distance of the beach and the National Park de l’Esterel.
rsquo;Or, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, and is within walking distance of the beach and the National Park de l
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Lou Miedjou, St Paul de Vence, France
Dating back to the 1920s, Lou Miedjou sits on a lot with a unique vantage point of Saint Paul de Vence shared by no other property. Located outside the town’s murals, it has a large swimming pool, terraced gardens, and the unparalleled charm of a generational family home.
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Couvent Corse, Corsica, France
A magical rental on the Isle of Beauty, Couvent Corse was at one time the pre-eminent Franciscan convent on Corsica before languishing in ruins. Completely restored by the owner, an artist, the convent is now an elegant and magical place available for public and private events.
Couvent Corse has 7 restored bedrooms (formerly nun chambers) and can accomodate a large number of guests. Each room has its own charm and personality and are furnished with objects collected during travels around the world. The property includes the monstaery and baroque chapel, as well as a garden full of ruins to explore, a Renaissance garden, and landscaped park.
The enchanting setting and perfect weather of Corsica make Couvent Corse a popular choice for weddings, film shoots, and cultural events such as theater, dance, and music performances.
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