Maison De Marbre

Contemporary charm meets Provençal character at this beautiful villa in Les Alpilles close to the delightful villages of Maussane-les-Alpilles of Les Baux-de-Provence. With a vast open view of fields and meadows, soak up the beauty of this region as you relax in the wonderful grounds with an elegant swimming pool and fountain surrounded by the colours and summer aromas of Provence. The covered terrace is an idyllic place for shady al-fresco lunches and the outdoor lounge is positioned near the wood barbecue – enjoy an evening apéritif as the chef in your family prepares a feast. The interiors of Maison De Marbre are just as impressive – the ground floor space is all about open-plan living with a contemporary kitchen alongside stylish furnishings and wide doors opening out to the terrace. Upstairs find four chic bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, including the inviting master double, then there is a fifth bedroom in a separate annexe close to the swimming pool. Pass seemingly endless olive trees as you drive five minutes to the local village, Maussane-les-Alpilles, famed for producing some of France’s finest extra virgin olive oil (alongside nearby Mouriès). Potter around Maussane’s little shops and experience the Thursday morning market before coming across a picturesque café terrace on the main square for lunch. Gastronomes note that this part of Provence is known for its excellent restaurants - Le Bistro du Paradou, for example, is within a 10-minute drive. Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France’s ’Plus Beaux Villages’, is only 6km away whilst other highlights of Les Alpilles include hilltop Eygalières, authentic Fontvieille and the artistic town of Saint-Rémy, home to an atmospheric Wednesday morning market. A little further afield, embrace the history of Avignon, visit the galleries of Arles, admire the landscapes of the Camargue or venture to the Luberon for incredible perched villages, vineyards, orchards and yet more magnificent scenery of Provence. Features: Maison Interiors (280m2) Ground Floor -    Open-plan lounge with fireplace and doors to garden -    Open-plan American-style kitchen-diner, fully-equipped -    Utility room -    Guest WC First Floor -    Master bedroom with double bed (180cm), TV, bathroom with shower and bath and separate WC -    Bedroom with double bed (160cm), shower room and WC -    Bedroom with double bed (180cm), shower room and WC -    Bedroom with double bed (160cm), shower room and WC Annexe (near the swimming pool) -    Bedroom with double bed (180cm), shower room and WC Outside Grounds (4000m2) -    Swimming pool (12.5x5m, depth: 1.2-1.6m) with safety cover. Can be heated on request approximately May to October -    Poolside sun loungers and parasols -    Pool house with wood barbecue, Weber barbecue and outdoor lounge  -    Covered terrace for al-fresco dining -    Fountain -    Pétanque court -    Garden Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Pétanque -    Washing machine and dryer Location: Maison De Marbre is located in the heart of Les Alpilles Natural Regional Park, a short drive from the charming village of Maussane-les-Alpilles. Fly into the airports near Avignon, Nimes or Marseille. If arriving by train, Avignon TGV station is 32km away (direct services from Paris to Avignon take 2 hours 45 minutes). Just off the road that connects Maussane-les-Alpilles to Eygalières/ Mouriès, it is easy to reach amenities within a 3km drive. Maussane-les-Alpilles is an authentic and picturesque village with café terraces, restaurants, a small Spar supermarket and lovely shops selling local products such as olive oil, wine, cheese, charcuterie etc. Surrounded by olive groves, both Maussane and Mouriès (6km) are famed for producing some of France’s finest extra virgin olive oil and you will also find other delicious regional produce including honey, goat’s cheese and wine.  Don’t miss Maussane’s Thursday morning market and find time to stop for a coffee or meal out in the tiny village of Paradou (home of Le Bistro du Paradou).   Across Les Alpilles, Eygalières (15km) is a picture-perfect hilltop village where A-list celebrities have bought houses to escape the French Riviera paparazzi whilst Fontvieille (11km) is home to the iconic windmill, Moulin de Daudet. Even closer, Les Baux-de-Provence (6km) is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Artistic Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (11km), where Van Gogh once lived, hosts a wonderful Wednesday morning market and is a must-visit for art lovers with galleries and exhibitions. Arles (20km) is another highlight of the region for art and history enthusiasts, also the gateway to the Camargue. Heading north-east, explore the undulating landscapes of the Luberon with idyllic perched villages such as Gordes (46km), Ménerbes (45km) and Roussillon (56km) all within an hour. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (41km) is a gorgeous day out thanks to its antique stores, waterways and Sunday morning brocante, as is Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (45km), a paradise for hiking, canoeing and kayaking. 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. 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 (in the summer season). 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.