Bastide Rose

A stay in this picture-perfect Provençal residence is a step back in time with its gorgeous pink façade and pretty green shutters. Close to the market town of Draguignan, not far from the glistening French Riviera, Bastide Rose will bring such joy to everyone with its glorious gardens, heated swimming pool, private tennis court and idyllic terraces for al-fresco aperitifs and dining under the stars. The historic bastide dates back to the 19th century and offers elegant living for up to 10 guests across the main villa and adjoining annexe. There’s a sense of warmth across its interiors with its inviting lounge, handsome library and traditional kitchen-diner alongside three delightful king-size doubles, each with their own en suite. At the very top of the house, a relaxing lounge and games room sits alongside a twin and shower room under the eaves. It’s such a lovely home for families with its many games and toys; equally a group of friends will appreciate the ample space and character. A fifth bedroom can be found as part of an annexed guest house, alongside its own living-dining area and kitchen – on one side doors open up to a large upper terrace overlooking the garden whilst on the other side you’ll find a small amphitheatre, such a unique spot for a glass of wine. Outside, across the five acres of parkland on various levels, the swimming pool features a pretty covered terrace and there is a private tennis court with rackets for guests to use. Challenge loved ones to a game of boules, youngsters will adore the play area whilst there are so many picturesque spots to seek solitude, perhaps by the summer roses or trickling fountain – scents and sounds so typical of Provence. Experience the charm of market day in Draguignan, an attractive town with tree-lined boulevards and an old quarter with medieval lanes. Lorgues and Flayosc are two other Provençal gems close by whilst there are also wineries and vineyards to visit including the well-regarded Château de Berne. Drive north towards the extraordinary beauty of Lac de Sainte-Croix in the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon or stay closer to home and canoe along the Argens river near Vidauban. Then there’s the chestnut and oak forests of the Maures mountains and perched villages perfect for a leisurely lunch out. The splendour of the Côte d’Azur can also be reached in half an hour whether spending the day relaxing on the beach at Sainte-Maxime or exploring the elegant seaside resorts of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël. A little further afield, soak up the glamour in Saint-Tropez or experience the allure of the French Riviera in Cannes, just an hours drive through this captivating part of southern France. Features: Bastide Interiors Ground Floor -    Lounge with doors opening up to garden -    Open-plan kitchen, fully-equipped including dishwasher -    Open-plan dining area with doors opening up to garden -    Library with desk and doors opening up to garden First Floor -    Master bedroom with king-size double bed and bathroom with bath and walk-in double shower -    Bedroom with king-size double bed and bathroom with bath and WC -    Bedroom with king-size double bed and bathroom with shower and WC Top Floor (sloping ceilings/wood beams) -    Small bedroom with twin beds -    Bathroom with walk-in shower and separate WC -    Lounge and games room Annexe (attached to the upper part of the bastide) -    Living and dining area with doors opening up to small amphitheatre (on one side) and upper terrace with table and chairs -    Small kitchen -    Bedroom with king-size bed and en suite bathroom with shower and WC Outside Grounds (five acres) -    Heated swimming pool (12x5.5m, depth: up to 3m) with safety cover and security fence/gate. Open approximately April to end-September -    Poolside sunloungers -    Pool house with al-fresco lounge -    Shower and WC -    Summer kitchen with barbecue -    Various terraces for al-fresco dining/relaxing -    Small amphitheatre -    Fountains -    Tennis court (with lighting)  -    Boules -    Bikes -    Outdoor play area -    Terraced grounds with various levels and steps -    Parkland/woodland Facilities -    Air-conditioning/heating (reversible) -    Tennis rackets -    Children’s play area Location: In the Var department of southern France, Bastide Rose is set in five acres of terraced grounds backed by woodland. Yet despite the rural feeling of your surroundings, the home is located just on the edge of the Provençal town of Draguignan. You’re even closer to the heart of a traditional village just south of Draguignan, around 2km by car, with a boulangerie, a couple of restaurants and a pretty square with a fountain – a delightful place for a morning coffee or leisurely lunch out. Even closer, just over a kilometre away, is a commercial centre with an excellent hypermarket. The town of Draguignan itself is around 4km by car. It’s a large town with a range of amenities as well as grand tree-lined 19th century boulevards. The old quarter is a warren of narrow lanes, picturesque squares and fountains. Visit on a Wednesday and Saturday morning to experience the Provençal market selling all sorts of local delights such as honey, olive oil, cheese and a range of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Market-lovers should also head to the charming small town of Lorgues (14km) on a Tuesday morning with its traditional market, one of the largest in the Dracénie region – it’s also close to the Michelin starred restaurant, Chez Bruno, and the renowned vineyards and winery of Château de Berne. Nearby Flayosc (9km) is another Provençal gem of this region whilst Vidauban (16km) is known for its wine production and enjoys a picturesque setting near the Argens river, an ideal spot for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Adventure lovers will also appreciate amazing hikes around Sillans-la-Cascade and its waterfalls or head to the incredible Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon – Lac de Sainte-Croix is just over an hour away. Then there’s the enchanting landscapes of the Maures mountains with chestnut and oak forests, vineyards, olive groves and perched villages such as La Garde-Freinet and Le Plan-de-la-Tour, both just over half an hour by car. Heading towards the French Riviera, the relaxed seaside resort of Sainte Maxime is 31km away with its sandy beaches looking out over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. You could also spend the day in Saint-Tropez itself, about an hour by car or hop on a ferry from Sainte-Maxime to avoid the summer traffic. The elegant Côte d’Azur towns of Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, both around 30km away, are also ideally placed for a day by the sea with plenty of attractions for all ages as well as historic sights. Continue onwards towards the Massif de l’Esterel’s Plage d’Agay. Even Cannes (63km) can be visited in around an hour by car with the charming old town of Antibes (70km) and the stunning Cap d’Antibes peninsula just a little further. Terms & Conditions: ? €1750 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 4.00 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes (linen changed mid-stay on a Thursday). Not allowed. Small weddings are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties and any other special events are not allowed. 2024: Saturday. All other changeover days on request. 2025: Flexible. Yes and mid-stay cleaning (on request). However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Outside only. 7 nights. All other durations on request. Yes (via floor heating and reversible air-conditioning). Extra €200, payable locally. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs around 4% of rental cost per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). This amount will usually be deducted from your security deposit. Yes. The pool is open approximately April to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.