A farmhouse (Mas) built in the 1800s with charm and character, close to Les Baux De Provence and Saint Remy de Provence and located in the picturesque Provencal village of Fontvielle, whose windmill and ancient stone houses formed inspiration for the novelist Alphonse Daudet.
Set in superb countryside in the heart of the Alpilles, surrounded by olive trees, shrubs and lush green fields, yet within walking distance of village life and amenities, this property provides the ideal venue for discovering the traditional towns and markets of the area or alternatively the cultural attractions of Arles, Avignon and Aix en Provence, as well as for hiking and walking among the natural beauty on offer in the Alpilles, or for simply relaxing in peaceful and lovely surroundings.
The pale stone exterior of the Mas is typically Provencal, with French grey shutters and attractive terracotta roof. The garden is totally enclosed, ensuring the utmost privacy. There is a lovely grassy lawn, a variety of Mediterranean trees providing many shady areas, shrubs and plants, as well as orderly rows of fragrantly perfumed lavender bushes and white roses. The patio just in front of the house, surrounded by terracotta stone pots with plants, is sheltered by a charming pergola and comes complete with dining table and chairs and large gas barbecue, thus providing the perfect excuse for enjoying leisurely meals in the fresh air. A covered jasmine walkway leads from the Mas through the lavender bushes and white roses to the large, sumptuous pool with stone surround. Inside the Mas various original features have been retained in order to create an attractive balance between tradition and modern comforts. In the living and dining areas there are lovely stone walls and attractive beamed ceilings, with stone flagged flooring and impressive stone fireplaces. Furnishings are simple and homely, and furniture is mainly traditional. In the lounge the colour scheme is natural and white with three sofas and two chairs, and colourful floor rugs. The atmospheric dining room boasts a long wooden table and iron chandelier. The light and airy kitchen which is open plan with the dining room is a charming mixture of traditional and modern, with beamed ceiling and original stone wall, as well as wooden units and tasteful marble worktops. An elegant, wrought iron staircase leads up to the characterful bedrooms with tiled flooring. The Master bedroom has elegant high beamed ceilings whilst another room retains part of the original stone walls and floor tiling. Casement windows provide light and warmth. Traditional wooden furniture in the form of wardrobes and round bedside tables, pretty patterned rugs and tall mirrors all combine to provide a welcoming and hospitable ambience. One room has a fireplace, and the individual decor varies from room to room. Bath and shower rooms again merge traditional style and elegance and offer a mixture of attractive wall tiling with intricate neutral or colourful mosaic tiling in the shower cabinets and around basins. There is a traditional, oval, freestanding bathtub in the bathroom, and varying styles of mirrors above basins, offering comfortable and homely yet elegant accommodation, and with its proximity to the beauty and tradition of Provence, this property is the ideal holiday choice for families or small groups of friends wishing to spend time enjoying a special holiday together in the sun whilst at the same time being able to take advantage of the many sightseeing and discovery opportunities in the area.
Accommodation Details
Ground Floor
Entrance hall leading to the right into a large open dining room with long table and chairs, fireplace and fully equipped kitchen with gas cooker and oven and central island for preparation. Lounge with fireplace and comfortable sofas and armchairs, TV, with Apple TV (Netflix, Disney and Amazon Prime), small side tables and coffee table.
To the left of the entrance, there is a smaller living room housing sofa a table and armchair, TV with Apple TV (Netflix, Disney, Amazon), dvd library, small book library and board games cupboard.
Next to the smaller living room is a laundry room with washing machine, dryer, and two extra fridge freezers. Guest toilet.
Through the Lounge is a large open plan space housing a table tennis table and bar which leads to the fifth bedroom with European King sized bed, air conditioning and en-suite.
First Floor
Four bedrooms: Master Bedroom King size bed with air conditioning unit, and dressing room and en-suite bathroom with free standing bath and shower attachment, double washbasin, shower and toilet.
Three double bedrooms two with European king sized bed and air conditioning unit the other with a two single beds and air conditioning. Separate bathroom with bath and shower attachment and washbasin and toilet. Separate shower and washbasin.
Third large open plan living area on first floor with sofa, two large arm chairs, large TV with Apple TV (Netflix, Disney, Amazon) table football.
Fontvieille: within walking distance, Maussane Les Alpilles: 8km Aries: 7km Les Baux de Provence: 8 km Arles: 14km, Tarascon: 11 km, Saint Remy de Provence: 15 km Avignon: 28km, Lacoste: 64km, Bonnieux: 68 KM, Aix en Provence: 76km, Marseille: 91 km Marseille airport (1 hour), Avignon TGV (30 minutes)