Villa Solaire

Imagine relaxing by your infinity swimming pool with uninterrupted views of the incredible landscapes around you. On the edge of the Vallée de Saint-Pons, just a 20-minute drive from the pretty French Riviera town of Cassis, Villa Solaire is a unique holiday villa in a truly beautiful setting. This architect-designed house is both elegant and contemporary with interiors spread across three floors. Its living space is vast with an impressive kitchen-diner opening out to the decked terrace for al-fresco dining alongside a stylish lounge and TV snug, all in a semi open-plan design with large windows framing the views. There are five welcoming bedrooms, three with en suite bathrooms, allowing Villa Solaire to sleep up to 9 guests. Outside, appreciate the wonderful terraces on various levels from the outdoor lounge just above the swimming pool to the jacuzzi by the roof-top level. Play a game of boules, then set up an outdoor feast as you gaze out towards the towering pine trees so typical of this part of the Côte d’Azur hinterland. Indeed, there are many glorious walks through the pines and oak forests as you venture towards the foothills of Sainte-Baume, not far from the GR98 hiking trail. Deep into the countryside, come across the beautiful Abbaye Cistercienne alongside idyllic waterfalls and magnificent nature. A traditional village is only 1.5km away for a small handful of café terraces and restaurants alongside old houses and fountains. Aubagne is just a little further, an attractive town which is known for its ceramics and was the birthplace of Marcel Pagnol, now home to a colourful market four mornings a week. Follow the road towards the coast and within 18km you will reach charming Cassis with its fishermen cottages, delightful restaurants and picture-perfect port, the gateway to the magnificent coastal hiking paths of the Calanques. Elsewhere, visit the vineyards and wine domaines of Cassis and beyond or spend time pottering around pretty seaside resorts such as La Ciotat and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, home to a range of glorious beaches. Car racing enthusiasts note that Circuit Paul Ricard is only half an hour away, driving through the spectacular landscapes, whilst gastronomes should head west to Marseille to experience the city’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene. Features: Villa Interiors (270m2, across three levels) -    Open-plan lounge with fireplace and TV snug -    Open-plan kitchen-diner, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, induction hob, Nespresso machine, fridge-freezer and toaster. Doors lead to main terrace -    Laundry area -    Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) and open en suite shower room -    Bedroom with two single beds (90cm each, can be joined to make a double) and open en suite shower room -    Master bedroom with double bed (180x200cm), access to garden terrace, dressing area and bathroom with bath, Italian shower and WC -    Bedroom with double bed (140x200cm) and mezzanine level -    Bedroom with double bed (140x200cm) and mezzanine level -    Shower room (shared between above two bedrooms) Outside Grounds (8000m2) -    Heated salt-water swimming pool (4x10m with overflow, depth: 1.4-1.6m) with underwater safety alarm -    Shower and WC -    Al-fresco dining terrace -    Plancha -    Upper/rooftop terrace with outdoor jacuzzi -    Various other terraces -    Play area   -    Pétanque court -    Terraced grounds with different levels and steps -    Private parking Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Underfloor cooling system -    TV -    Outdoor jacuzzi -    Pétanque -    Laundry facilities Location: Villa Solaire enjoys panoramic views from its enviable location just outside a small village in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, around a 20-minute drive inland from Cassis on the French Riviera and only 27km from Marseille. On the edge of the Vallée de Saint-Pons, the historic centre of the local village (1.5km) is home to old houses, pretty fountains, café terraces and a small handful of restaurants and shops. There are some incredible hikes surrounding the village where you can walk through landscapes of pines, oaks and limes (note some paths are closed in the height of the summer). The GR98 hiking trail passes nearby, heading into the Sainte-Baume Natural Regional Park. Look out for open days taking place at the beautiful Abbaye Cistercienne deep in the countryside, close to idyllic waterfalls and magnificent nature. Aubagne (7km), the birthplace of Marcel Pagnol, is a small and authentic town with several shops (including a large supermarket on the outskirts) and a colourful market four mornings a week, a great way to pick up some delicious local produce. Aubagne is also known for its pottery and ceramics production with several active workshops across the town. Driving towards the Mediterranean, detour past Cassis’ famous vineyards, wine châteaux and estates before arriving at this picture-perfect French Riviera seaside town, 18km away. Enjoy lunch in a characterful restaurant before wandering around Cassis’ little shops and atmospheric port. There’s a twice-weekly market showcasing all sorts of wonderful products whilst the catch of the day is sold each morning on Quai des Baux. Along this part of the coastline, discover little bays and beaches, some only reached by foot or on boat, alongside seasonal watersports such as sea kayaking and windsurfing. The Calanques National Park is an incredible place for hiking enthusiasts with over 300km of walking trails for various abilities or discover the landscapes by boat or kayak. La Ciotat (20km) is another attractive spot with several shops, restaurants, markets, gorgeous beaches and boat trips across to the natural island, île Verte. A little further east is the seaside resort of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer (28km) with its idyllic beach, pine trees and stunning coastal path towards Bandol. Here you are also close to Fregate Provence Golf & Country Club (32km). Driving along the Côte d’Azur, beyond Bandol, you will soon reach yet more charming towns and beaches such as Sanary-sur-Mer (39km), La Seyne-sur-Mer (48km) and Les Sablettes (52km) before arriving in the maritime city of Toulon (45km). In the other direction, the exciting city of Marseille (27km) awaits, a fantastic day out with its handsome architecture, vibrant heritage alongside its bustling markets and authentic restaurants. Terms & Conditions: ? €5000 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 5.00 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes. On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. For those that bring a pet, the security deposit will be €6000, and a cleaning fee of €250 will be payable at time of balance payment. Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. 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. Please note, only the living area and 3 bedrooms on the ground floor feature air-conditioning. The other 2 bedrooms benefit from natural freshness due to their positioning towards the South Coast. Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Yes and mid-stay clean of 3 hours per week. 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. Not allowed. 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 approximately mid-June to mid-September. All other periods 14 nights. All other durations on request. Yes, included in December. Included in June, July, August & September. 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 €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required). Yes. 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.