Maison Sanctuaire

Maison Sanctuaire is an exquisite 5-bedroom villa in Provence with lovely rural views from its flower-filled terraces and attractive swimming pool. It’s a five-minute drive from Maussane-les-Alpilles’ charming restaurants and shops as well as being close to the famous village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Wood-beamed ceilings and cool tiled floors add character to the open-plan living and dining spaces with chic furnishings alongside a great sense of style. Light floods in from the arched windows that open out to the terrace framing the garden and swimming pool view. The ground floor also benefits from a master bedroom and bathroom whilst there are four further en suite doubles upstairs, all with queen or king-size beds. The attention to detail here is impressive and we love how the contemporary features are blended perfectly with traditional touches. Outside there are spots for peaceful reading, a game of pétanque, an early evening glass of rosé on the shaded outdoor lounge and al-fresco feasts in the pool house next to the wood-fired and Weber barbecues. The 16m long swimming pool, which can be heated on request, is also hard to resist, as are the surrounding sun loungers. There are many lovely villages close by, starting off with Maussane-les-Alpilles, home to café terraces, inviting restaurants and a Thursday morning market. Both Maussane and nearby Mouriès are known producing some of France’s best extra virgin olive oil whilst Les Baux-de-Provence is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Art lovers will be keen to follow Van Gogh’s footsteps in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Arles whilst history enthusiasts will adore day trips to Avignon and Nimes. Meanwhile, don’t forget about the incredible landscapes of the Luberon with its vineyards, orchards and iconic perched villages (Gordes, Ménerbes, Roussillon) reached within an hour by car. Features: Maison Interiors (290m2) Ground Floor -    Lounge with fireplace -    American-style kitchen-diner -    Utility room with washing machine and dryer -    Guest WC -    Master bedroom with double bed (180cm), TV, direct access to terrace, shower room and WC Upstairs -    Master bedroom with double bed (180cm), TV and bathroom with shower and bath -    Bedroom with double bed (160cm), shower room and WC -    Bedroom with double bed (180cm), shower room and WC -    Bedroom with double bed (180cm), shower room and WC Outside Grounds -    Swimming pool (16x5m, depth: 1.2-1.6m) with safety cover. Can be heated on request approximately May to October -    Pool house with wood-fired barbecue and Weber barbecue -    Large al-fresco dining and lounge terrace -    Pétanque court -    Fountain Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Heating -    TV -    Gym -    Washing machine and dryer Location: Only 6km from Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, and even closer to charming Maussane-les-Alpilles, Maison Sanctuaire is in the heart of Les Alpilles Natural Regional Park. The airports of Avignon, Nimes and Marseille are all less than an hour away whilst fast train services from Lille and Paris arrive at Avignon TGV (33km). With a countryside view, located just off the country road leading to Maussane-les-Alpilles, Maison Sanctuaire is in a rural setting yet it is not isolated (there is a handful of neighbours). It’s merely a 5-minute drive to the lovely village of Maussane-les-Alpilles with its restaurants, cafes, little shops, small supermarket and Thursday morning market. Both Maussane (3km) and nearby Mouriès (5.5km) are known for their olive oil production – there are gorgeous walks through the surrounding groves and you can sample some of France’s finest extra virgin oil alongside other regional delights such as honey, cheese and wine. Gastronomes will appreciate the many excellent restaurants across this region from authentic bistros to Michelin starred establishments. Discover wine-tasting opportunities nearby as well as further afield across the Luberon and Rhône valley (Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an hour away). Keen golf lovers note that Golf de Servanes and Domaine de Manville are both within a 10-minute drive. Elsewhere across Les Alpilles, spend time in idyllic hilltop villages including Les Baux-de-Provence (6km) and Eygalières (15km) as well as the artistic towns of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (11km) and Arles (21km). Other wonderful days out include Avignon (32km) and its UNESCO World Heritage sites, the antique stores and Sunday morning market of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (41km) alongside the beautiful University town of Aix-en-Provence (62km). Terms & Conditions: ? €4000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 5.00 p.m. 10.00 a.m. Yes. Yes. Changed once for stays of 2 weeks or more. On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Yes and mid-stay clean of 3 hours also included. 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 cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. 7 nights. All other durations on request. Yes. The pool can be heated on request from approximately May to October at a cost of €300 per week, payable to the owner (please request in advance). Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. French Visitors Tax payable locally in cash (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.