Information
Description Inside Property:
Our lovely villa truly does offer our guests a home from home: since it is our home for much of the year, it is equipped with every conceivable comfort and convenience. Sleeping 8 people comfortably and up to 10, plus 1 or 2 babies, the place is ideal for a large group or a couple of families. There is plenty of space for people to find a quiet private corner even when the house is full. Sunshine for most of the year will mean you'll spend much of the time outside, but there are plenty of indoor activities to occupy everyone, even teenagers and small children: movies, games, toys, books--and of course the internet!
Built in the 1970s in traditional Provencal style, the villa comprises:
Ground floor
* Huge open-plan living/dining area with terracotta tiled flooring throughout. Sitting room area has comfortable sofas, armchairs, open fireplace, 50 inch Sony LCD plasma screen TV, massive library of books, videos, DVDs & CDs.
* Extremely well-appointed kitchen: in addition to the electric hob, cooker, microwave, large fridge-freezer and dishwasher there is every appliance and utensil a keen chef might require.
* Utility room with additional fridge & freezer, two washing machines, tumble drier and pantry.
* Spacious entrance hall with small office (computer, printer, fax and broadband internet access included for those who can’t bear to leave work behind!)
* Beautiful travertine marble-tiled wet room equipped with state-of-the-art shower arch.
* Separate WC with washbasin.
* Sunny sejour opening out onto a large terrace partially shaded by a grand old Alep pine tree: perfect for barbecues and al fresco dining. Gas heater provided for chillier evenings. The terrace is completely fenced in to allow small children (or dogs!) to run around safely.
First floor
* Master bedroom with queen sized double iron bedstead, antique country-style armoire and dresser, TV cabinet.
* Bedroom 2 has four-poster double bed and large armoire.
* Bedroom 3 has an antique single iron bedstead, single platform bed with play area below.
* The above three bedrooms all have French doors that open onto a covered veranda running the width of the house. Here there is a hammock and comfortable wicker armchairs, a perfect place for an afternoon siesta or a quiet read. Outside steps down to the patio are gated for security
* Bedroom 4 also functions as an additional sitting room with a sofa that converts to a double bed, bookcases and TV cabinet. It has a balcony with views over vineyards and hills behind the house.
* Main bathroom with a whirlpool bath and spacious mirrored counter with two washbasins
* Separate shower room/WC
Unlike many rental properties with their neutral, impersonal decor and basic amenities, our house is stylishly furnished with an eclectic mix of antique and contemporary art, textiles and folkcrafts collected by us over the years in Japan, South East Asia and many other countries we have lived and worked in.
Description Outside Property:
* Private 10 metre swimming pool in secure enclosure and protected by child-proof cover. Surrounded by flat lawn and wooden decking, it is perfect for sunbathing on our teak sun beds. Shade is also provided by a gazebo.
* Near the pool, a summer kitchen with tiled patio shaded by a vine trellis and mature apple trees. A total of 5 barbecues available for cook-outs: 1 deluxe gas range, 2 moveable charcoal grills and 2 fixed brick BBQs.
* On-site parking for at least 4 cars (please note that a vehicle is essential to access the property.
* Paddocks inhabited by our four-legged neighbours from the riding centre next door.
Description of Facilities:
Also provided: floats & toys for pool, boules, exercise bike, free weights, yoga mat
Description of Eco Friendly Facilities:
Composting of vegetable waste encouraged, bins provided.
Additional Information
Description of Local Area and Activities: There really is something for everyone here. With one of the region's top equestrian centres adjacent to our property, this is the perfect place for horse-lovers and those keen to improve their riding skills. Around Brignoles, leisure activities abound, ranging from archery and rock climbing to paintball and go-karting. And if children and teenagers tire of more adult interests there are plenty of attractions aimed at the younger generation, including the largest aqua park in France near Frejus (50 km). Many of the beach resorts have playgrounds, skate parks, trampolines, mini motorbikes and crazy golf. For hikers, details of 39 walks in the area can be obtained from the local tourist office. The hills and forests are home to a fascinating array of flora and fauna, including the last remaining species of wild tortoise in France.
For those in search of culture the historic towns of Aix en Provence (50 km), Avignon (117 km) and Arles (120 km) with their splendid Roman architectural remains are all within easy reach, as are numerous medieval monuments such as the 12th century Abbaye du Thoronet (15 km). If more excitement is sought, a trip to the chic boutiques or nightclubs of Toulon (30 km), St. Tropez (60 km) or Marseille (50 km) will satisfy the most avid shopper or party person. For a vicarious taste of the lifestyles of the wealthy drive along the glamorous French Riviera to Nice (100 km), Cannes (75 km) or Monte Carlo (115 km). These famous resorts can all be reached by car in 90 minutes or less.
Brignoles itself is a lively market town and the surrounding vineyards produce some of the region's most renowned wines. In addition to an excellent market every Saturday, the town has several big supermarkets, good restaurants and plentiful sports facilities. Every summer the town hosts a spectacular three-day festival, Les Médiévales, with colourful parades, demonstrations of medieval arts and crafts, jousting tournaments and plenty of music and dancing--great fun for all ages!
The gourmand will not be disappointed: local delicacies include excellent lamb, truffles and other wild mushrooms, sheep's milk cheeses, olives and, of course, the region's delicious pale pink rosé wines. There is some excellent dining in the area, including a world-class restaurant at the 12th century abbey of La Celle, a quaint little village just 2km from our house. Many of the local vineyards offer tours of the wineries and tasting sessions