La Maison Des Baronnies

Stay in an extraordinary villa surrounded by outstanding natural beauty perfectly positioned to experience the authenticity and rural charm of the Hautes-Alpes in southern France. Set in a small countryside hamlet, this 17th century farmhouse has been brought back to life with a remarkable transformation by its artistic owners who rescued this derelict building over ten years ago. With a keen eye for detail, this architect-designed home now manages to show-case superb modern design alongside original features and is a truly unique and special place to stay.Expect nothing less than designer furnishings, both contemporary and classic, high-end facilities and 21st century gadgets. In the main villa, each of the five bedrooms have been stylishly designed with en suite shower rooms, two also featuring rolltop baths. A sixth bedroom can be found in a small yet charming studio with its own well-equipped kitchenette and lounge area, ideal for one or two guests looking for a little extra privacy.   Come together and enjoy an al-fresco lunch in the shade of the ancient oak, by the wood-fired pizza oven and looking out towards the pine trees. Learn how to play petanque, sunbathe on one of the terraces or drink coffee as you gaze out to the mountains and appreciate the stunning scenery surrounding you. The glorious outdoors also features a heated swimming pool and an inviting hot tub, ideal for an evening star-gazing whatever the time of year. Perhaps followed by a drink from the honesty bar in the stone vaulted 17th century cellar.Potter around nearby villages and towns, visiting traditional cafes, brocantes or local Farmer markets – the Thursday morning Provençal market in Laragne-Monteglin is particularly delightful. Admire the lavender fields dotted across the landscapes of this region and enjoy picnics and summer swimming by the shores of the River Büech. The turquoise-coloured water at the Gorges de la Méouge is especially beautiful with its cascades and gorgeous views. Features: 1)    3 double bedrooms in the main villa = 6-person price (low and mid-seasons only, upper section of the villa will be closed off) 2)    Main Villa = 10-person price 3)    Main Villa and Studio = 12-person price Main Villa Interiors (357m2, various levels) -    Open-plan living-dining area -    Open-plan kitchen, fully equipped including Smeg double oven, gas hobs, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, Moccamaster coffee maker, pasta maker, food processor and blender -    WC -    2 x bedrooms with double bed (160x200cm) and en suite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower and WC -    2 x bedrooms with double bed (160x200cm) and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and WC -    Bedroom with twin beds (90x200cm each) and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and WC (sloping ceilings in bedroom) -    Cinema room with rear projector, glass screen (200x110cm) and DVDs -    Cellar honesty bar (well-stocked) -    Fitness room (yoga mats, dumb bells, kettle bells, ballet barre) Studio Interiors (32m2, separate entrance) -    Open-plan kitchen-diner and living area. Kitchen area includes induction hob, oven and Nespresso machine -    Mezzanine level with double bed (140x200cm) via open-sided stairs -    Bathroom with walk-in shower and WC Outside Grounds -    Heated swimming pool (10x4m, depth: 1.45m) with electric safety shutter, heated approximately April to October -    Hot tub (for 4-6 guests), open all year -    Outdoor kitchen -    Barbecue and wood fire pizza oven -    Various terraces (on different levels, some with railings) -    Badminton net -    Boules pitch -    Pine woodland -    Outdoor parking for up to 6 cars Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Underfloor heating -    Woodburning stove with logs -    TV (main villa’s lounge area) -    TV and DVD player (studio) -    Bluetooth speaker -    Cinema room with projector -    DVDs -    Workstation -    Telescope -    Fitness room (also boot room in winter) -    Hot tub -    Honesty bar -    Board games -    Badminton -    Boules -    2 x inflatable kayaks -    2 x inflatable paddle boards -    4 x electric mountain bikes -    Hairdryers (in each bathroom) -    Washing machine and tumble dryer Location: In the Hautes-Alpes with its incredible natural beauty, La Maison Des Baronnies is in a wonderful area for lakeside picnics, fresh-water swimming, hiking and cycling alongside characterful market towns and even winter sports. In the foothills of the southern Alps, yet also close to the departments of Drôme and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, enjoy the best of both worlds whilst really getting to know this authentic part of rural south-eastern France.Set in a small hamlet in the countryside, at an altitude of 850m, the nearest restaurant-bar, grocery store and boulangerie can be found in a local village just a 10-minute drive away or head to Veynes (20km) for a larger supermarket and a Thursday morning market selling fruit, vegetables and other regional produce. Serres (17km) hosts another traditional market on a Saturday morning which is also worth a visit. Furthermore, look out for weekend brocantes taking place in the summer months across nearby villages and towns. Laragne-Monteglin (34km) is home to an atmospheric Provençal market on a Thursday morning selling all sorts of fantastic local delights as well as products made out of lavender which is grown in the Büech valley (you can follow the Routes de la Lavande during your stay). The town is also close to Plan d’Eau du Riou, a perfect spot for a picnic by the lake in beautiful surroundings.Another idyllic place is Gorges de la Méouge (40km) with its riverside beaches and cascades or alternatively, slightly closer, Plan d’Eau de Veynes is a great place for kids with its inflatable water park, café and gorgeous scenery. This region is also loved by rock-climbing enthusiasts and the village of Orpierre (35km) has gained a reputation for its many climbing opportunities. Other outdoor activities include fishing, hiking and cycling – La Tour de France often passes through the area. As well as many of the area’s lakes, the River Buëch is also a popular place for local swimmers and pretty picnics. Just over an hour away, the famous Lac de Serre-Ponçon, in the Alps, offers a variety of watersports and yet more outstanding landscapes. Terms & Conditions: ? €2000 paid by bank transfer to owner and refunded two weeks after departure subject to inspection. 4.00 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes, including change for stays of more than 7 nights. Not allowed. Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. The 6-person price is available during low and mid-season and includes 3 bedrooms in the main villa (the upper section of the villa will be closed off). The 10-person price includes all five bedrooms in the main villa only whilst the 12-person price also includes the studio. Please see the ’Features’ tab for further details. The swimming pool is cleaned with a UV disinfection system instead of chlorine/other chemicals. Saturday approximately July, August and Xmas. Flexible during all other periods. 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. 7 nights approximately July, August, and Xmas. 3 nights during all other periods. Yes (underfloor heating in winter months and logs for fire/pizza oven). Included approximately April to October. 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.