Mas Des Chevaliers

Admire quintessential vistas of Provence as you relax by your private swimming pool, looking out towards olive trees, cypresses and the Alpilles beyond. Followed perhaps by a coffee beneath the ancient plane tree or an aperitif surrounded by the summer scent of lavender. This beautiful farmhouse for up to 12 guests is only a stone’s throw away from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence yet within it’s 6000m2 of glorious grounds it feels like a rural paradise. Inside its spacious interiors, we love the open-plan flow of the large lounge and dining room as well as the striking fireplaces, wood beamed ceiling and other traditional features. The kitchen is a joy, a characterful blend of old and new and you can open the blue shuttered French windows for breakfast on the terrace gazing out at the gorgeous garden. All seven bedrooms are air-conditioned with their own bath or shower room and they each have their own pretty style, some with especially lovely touches such as gorgeous flooring, exquisite tiles and original wooden doors. As well as the picture-perfect swimming pool with stunning views and wonderful gardens dotted with olive and pine trees, the summer house dining area is ideal for warm evenings by the barbecue. That said, you may prefer to wander into Saint-Rémy itself, around a 2km walk away (or a short drive) where you will find a range of restaurants from charming bistros to high-end establishments. Soak up the artistic ambience of Saint-Rémy, a Provençal town that has inspired artists for so many years, including famous Van Gogh. Visit its weekly market on a Wednesday morning which attracts visitors from across the region, pop into artisan studios and galleries or just stroll around the cobbled lanes of this incredibly picturesque town.   Other gems of the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles include one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, Les Baux-de-Provence, and the attractive village of Maussane-les-Alpilles with its wonderful restaurants and surrounding groves. Of course, there are so many walking trails passing farmland, woodland and hills as well as cycling, golf, rock-climbing and horse-riding through the undulating landscapes. Sample some of the wines of Saint-Rémy at nearby wineries or venture slightly further afield to the Rhône valley or the vineyards of the Luberon, also home to a number of idyllic perched villages such as Gordes, Ménerbes and Bonnieux, all reached within an hour by car. Avignon, Arles and even Aix-en-Provence are other fine days out where you can truly experience the history and charm of Provence. Features: Villa Interiors (380m2)Ground Floor-    Lounge (45m2) with fireplace-    Dining room (35m2) with Provençal fireplace-    Small TV lounge-    Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, American fridge, two freezers, two ovens, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and kettle-    WCFirst Floor (via two staircases)-    3 x bedrooms with double beds, bathrooms and WCs-    Bedroom with double bed, mezzanine level, bathroom and WCSecond Floor -    Bedroom with double bed and bathroom with WC-    Staff bedroom (above kitchen) with double bed, shower and WCAnnexe Apartment (50m2)-    Lounge area with sofa bed-    Bedroom with double bed, bathroom and WCOutside Grounds-    Heated swimming pool (14m x 7m, depth: 1m -2.1m) with safety alarm, open approximately April to end of October-    Sun-loungers (x10)-    Summer house/covered dining area -    Gas barbecue -    Large terrace-    Changing room with WC and sink -    Garden and grounds (6000m2, enclosed)Facilities-    Wi-Fi-    Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)-    Satellite TV-    DVD player -    Relaxation room with hot tub -    Hairdryers -    Washing machine and dryer Location: In the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles, just 2km south-east of Saint-Rémy, Mas Des Chevaliers is brilliantly located for exploring this captivating part of Provence. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is just a 5-minute drive away or you could walk down country roads and reach the heart of the town in around 25 minutes on foot.  It’s a pretty town with such artistic heritage – look out for art galleries, studios, summer art markets and follow the Van Gogh trail ending at Saint-Paul de Mausole where so many great works of art were created. Enjoy the Wednesday morning market where stalls from across the region sell all sorts of artisan products and seasonal delights from across Provence. The town is also home to a superb range of restaurants as well as inviting shops, bakeries and wineries. Furthermore, visit some of the vineyards close to Saint-Rémy or head to the Luberon or Rhône valley. Other wonderful places to visit include Les Baux-de-Provence (11km), one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and charming Maussane-les-Alpilles (10km), known for its olive oil production. Orgon and Eygalières are two further gems whilst the town of Arles (27km), the gateway to the Camargue, is also worthy of a visit. The scenery across this region is breathtaking with orchards, olive groves, woodland and hills, ideal for both walking and cycling. If visiting the Luberon part of Provence, you’ll no doubt come across idyllic perched villages such as Gordes, Bonnieux and Ménerbes, all reached within a 50-minute drive, or venture east to Lourmarin (50km), following in the footsteps of Albert Camus. Aix-en-Provence (72km) is yet another fine day out, surrounded by the landscapes that inspired Paul Cézanne so much, whilst closer to home is the historic city of Avignon (22km) on the banks of the Rhône and home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon. Terms & Conditions: ? €8000 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 5.00 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes. Not allowed. Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. Please note that published rates are only valid for the current year. Any bookings for subsequent years will be on request only and correct rates will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please note that your booking will only be confirmed once we have checked availability with the owner or their property manager. Air-conditioning is featured in the bedrooms only. There are six double bedrooms (including one in an apartment annexe) and a seventh double above the kitchen which is best suited to staff – please see the Features tab for details of the layout. Saturday. Yes. 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. Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for civil liability as well as cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. A copy of this policy may be requested by the owner before arrival. 7 nights. All other durations on request. Yes. Included. French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €4-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). Yes. The pool is open approximately April to end of October. 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.