Maison Sylvie

Maison Sylvie is situated in the heart of the pretty village of Saint Étienne du Grès in Provence. It is just a short drive from the villa to shops, cafes and restaurants. This beautiful home is a great place to stay for exploring Provence’s villages and towns and the wild landscape of the Alpilles Regional Park.    As the home is enveloped by a vast garden which spans 1500m2, guests will enjoy being so close to amenities and yet able to unwind on the serene grounds. The house is a traditional stone farmhouse with quaint shuttered windows that have been tastefully restored. The owners have added modern touches and chic interiors without detracting from the historic charm of the original home; you can still see the original stone walls, beams and fireplaces.    The villa is set over two floors; on the ground floor, you will find the main living space, which is open-plan but divided into different zones. There is a contemporary kitchen with access to the garden and all the appliances you could need. Next door to this is a lovely dining room with original stonework and an open fireplace leading to a sitting area with comfy armchairs. If you would like to get cosy and watch a film together one night, then there is also a snug TV lounge upstairs.   The home offers plenty of space and can accommodate up to ten guests across five bedrooms which can be set up as double or twin rooms depending on what would suit your group best.    The garden here is truly idyllic and has been designed in harmony with the local landscape; you will be surrounded by plane trees, lawns, fragrant herb beds and bright florals. This large space has a number of dining and sitting areas and a private pool, perfect for cooling off on a summer’s day.    After leaving the gated grounds, it only takes a few minutes to reach the centre of the village, which boasts shops, restaurants and cafes. This is a typically Provençal village centred around the main square. Tall trees line the streets offering shade for those dining al-fresco for lunch. The village is also home to a thriving fruit and vegetable market where you can buy the freshest local produce, while handicrafts, local lavender and gifts can be purchased in the family-run shops. In the summer months, something fun is always happening in the village, from art festivals to communal meals in honour of the locally celebrated saints. The popular town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is also just 10km away and is packed with shops, eateries and cultural attractions dotted around stunning historic streets. Arles is another place you could visit and is 17km away. This city is known for its Roman buildings and the wonderful museum and tours about the artist Vincent van Gogh.    If you prefer a slower pace of life, you do not even need to head to a town or city while on holiday in this diverse area. You will find walking and hiking trails near the home and climbing routes in the limestone Alpilles mountains and dense woodlands. There are also some unique attractions nearby, such as the perfume museum, which is 6km from the villa. Here you can see how perfume is produced and enjoy smelling all the oils used. There is also a lovely garden here, an “aroma boutique” and you can visit for a half-day tour with lunch.    For the keen golfers in your group, a day out to the Manville estate is in order. This incredible 100-acre estate is 16km away and has an 18-hole golf course and a luxurious spa for those who would rather have a massage and relax! Features: Villa Interior (200 m2) Ground Floor - Living room with double height ceiling and armchairs - Fully-fitted kitchen with garden access, breakfast table, oven, induction hob, American fridge freezer, dishwasher, microwave and coffee machine - Dining room with garden access, feature fireplace and dining table  - 2 x bedrooms with double beds (180x200cm) or twin beds - Bathroom with shower, sink and WC - Guest WC - Laundry room First Floor - 3 x bedrooms with double beds (180x200cm) or twin beds and air-conditioning - TV lounge with L-shaped sofa and TV - Bathroom with shower, bathtub, sink and WC - Guest WC - Office Outside Grounds (1500m²) - Private swimming pool with alarm system (8m x 4m, 1.2m-1.5m deep) - Solarium  - Landscaped garden with plane trees, herbs and flowers - Al-fresco dining areas - Poolside sun loungers and parasols - Barbecue and griddle - Private parking Facilities  - Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning (upstairs only) - Underfloor cooling system (downstairs) - TV - Speaker system - Washing machine - Dryer - Iron and ironing board Location: If you are looking for a base for exploring the beautiful region of Provence, Maison Sylvie is a wonderful place to stay for spending time in nature and taking trips to the countless towns and villages nearby. The home is located within the village of Saint Étienne du Grès, surrounded by verdant farmland and rugged mountain scenery. It is not a tourist hot spot, but it is an authentic village where locals shop at the bustling market and gather by the fountain for a catch-up. Everything leads out from the central square, lined with atmospheric street-side cafes and artisan shops. Here you can also see many historic manor houses and churches, including Notre-Dame du Château Chapel, a charming 12th-century chapel that sits on a hillside above the village. The village’s origins are said to be pre-Roman and you can still see an aqueduct and the remains of Roman statues and homes. In the summer months, you can take part in the saints’ days and the street art festival, which are great fun. If you are looking for a wider range of shops and restaurants, visit the popular town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, which is only 10km away. Saint Rémy is a must-visit location which looks like a postcard around every corner. The town is a hub for artists and was once home to Vincent van Gogh, who lived in the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery, which is a fascinating place to visit. There is so much to see and do in the town, so a great way to get your bearings is by taking a guided tour; depending on your interests, you could choose between wine, art, history or even lavender tours to the farmhouses outside of town. Fontvieille is another village which is also 10km away. The Chateau de Montauban is one of the main attractions; this grand home was constructed in the 17th century and is a delightful place to explore. It is also famous as it was the holiday home of Alphonse Daudet, a much-loved French writer. There is also a local history museum in the chateau where you can learn more about day-to-day life in centuries gone by. The village is surrounded by pretty windmills, which inspired Alphonse Daudet’s writing which you can view by following the easy ‘windmill trail’ If you would like to visit a thriving city for the day, then you could head to Arles, which is 17km away and is France’s largest city, or you could take a day trip to Avignon, which is 24km away and is packed with museums, galleries and the former papal palace.  Terms & Conditions: ? €2000 charged to client’s credit card by the owner as a pre-authorisation upon 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. Please note that the air-conditioning is only upstairs. Downstairs there is an underfloor cooling system. Saturday. All other changeover days on request. 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. French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€5 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.