FONTVIEILLE

Life in this 13-hectare property in the heart of the Alpilles is organised around four buildings: the Bastide, the adjoining Mas, the Tower and the Grange.

The renovation, beautifully done, has left each building its personality and independence.

People will gather from the Grange, the Mas and the Bastide to share many a special moment on the terrace, beside the pool.

The signature of this property is a certain philosophy of rural chic; country life in all the purity bestowed by style and elegance. A skilful mix of authenticity and modernity

All buildings are air conditioned.

1. THE BASTIDE

This main house was the home of the estate's proprietors. Its position, opening onto the terraces and swimming pool, offers plenty of possibilities for places to gather with family and friends, for drinks, a party, or dinner around a big table.

Ground floor: the lounge, dining room and kitchen

Sitting comfortably on the two sofas in the big lounge, bathed in light from its large windows, you'll feels as if you were in the garden. The gaze wanders, then settles on a flowerbed, a tree, another tree, a herb bed ... or the blue sky above. The charm of the original beams contrasts elegantly with the contemporary fireplace accentuated by a painting inspired by Picasso. The layout of the ground floor is very practical, the rooms leading to each other and all at the same level. People can move at ease between the indoors and the terraces outside, from lounge to garden and from kitchen to dining table.

The contemporary spirit of the interior design carries through to the kitchen, including its high-tech equipment. Its high table, an extension of the central island, makes it pleasant to linger here, while the adjoining scullery facilitates the logistic side. The laundry room and toilet are by the stairs.

Next, the dining room, equally attractive, in a colourful style. The big square table is an invitation to indulge the taste buds. The simple decor gives pride of place to the egg by Goro, a painter and ceramic artist from the region. There are many of her cheerfully colourful and imaginative works to be seen at Mas de Laudun. The old fireplace can offer a homely blaze.

First floor: the three bedrooms

Now let's head up the stone staircase to see the Bastide's three bedrooms. All are south-facing, with breath-taking views of the garden and olive fields. The view stretches as far as the Camargue; a little nearer looms the massive form of Montmajour Abbey, a gem on the Unesco World Heritage list, and the slender metal and glass outline of Frank Gerhy's Luma tower.

The beds are wide, the bedlinen silky smooth, and the bathrooms swathed in the emblematic scent of Eau d'Orange verte by Hermès. A gentleness that enfolds you for hours of serene intimacy.

The master bedroom

The old parquet floor adds warmth to the minimalist atmosphere of this huge room opposite the staircase. It has its own bathroom and toilet.

The junior bedroom

Next door is the junior bedroom, also with an authentic old parquet floor. It looks down to a lavender bed, and the pretty powdery violet of its walls gives the room an infinitely soft feel. Its bathroom and toilet are on the landing.

The west bedroom

The crimson walls enfold the bed and echo the colour of the setting sun, whose light pours in through the open doorway of the west-facing bathroom. Surely the most contemporary of the Bastide's three bedrooms.

2. THE MAS

A paradise for those who will share your holiday, pay a visit and join in your moments of pleasure. Ideal for the idea of a long stay with many people without ever feeling crowded, being together only when you want!

The Mas was originally the estate's farmhouse. It renovation was the last part of the project. It is entirely independent, with its own large and lovely courtyard and a fountain in the shade of the famous nettle tree (some three centuries old and protected heritage). The palm tree is another gem. It seems to espouse the facade, almost as if it wanted to come inside! It's a marvel that goes well with the bougainvilleas, demonstrating the gentleness of the climate here, well sheltered from the mistral.

The farmhouse is equipped with a summer kitchen with its swimming pool.

Ground floor: the lounge and kitchen

As usual with a Provençal farmhouse, the kitchen is where you enter the house. The holiday spirit catches you straight away and you can readily imagine yourself walking in from the kitchen garden, laden with the day's pick of vegetables. Absolute comfort in this kitchen fitted with the very latest equipment. The adjoining laundry room and pantry make life that much easier.

From the kitchen you enter the lounge. Its sofas, bookshelves and 1940s bar seem just right for TV and reading. A palm tree floor lamp adds a humorous Art Deco touch. Of the three French windows, two lead to the courtyard, the third to a vast sheltered outdoor lounge. There's room in the outdoor lounge for numerous guests around the tables, in the Provençal summer tradition of long convivial evenings sheltered from the legendary mistral wind.

First floor: the three bedrooms

The master bedroom

This bedroom is independent, accessed by the stone staircase. An access from the terrace behind the mas has been created, giving the bedroom a direct connection to the gardens. The huge room boasts a king-size bed, an office corner, a walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom with bath and shower. From the window you can see across the courtyard, nettle tree and tower to the plain beyond. The silky bedlinen and thick terry towels are the house signature, as is the emblematic Eau d'Orange Verte fragrance by Hermès.

The two junior bedrooms

The two junior bedrooms above the lounge share a huge landing reached by a spiral staircase. As if lifted up by the hand of Zeus, one can walk out onto a broad terrace facing the scrub-covered hill. Each room has a king-size bed and its own bathroom with Italian shower and toilet. The Hermès toiletries and the quality of the bedlinen and towels are the same everywhere at this property

3. THE TOWER

This building reaching up towards the sky is the estate's emblem. A former post-house, it was probably built in the late 15th century. For the occupants, it's an independent part of the estate with an atypical charm. Its entrance beside the driveway makes it completely independent. Its interior design with stone walls throughout gives the amusing impression of living in another age – but the omnipresent comfort is a firm reminder that we're in the 21st century.

Ground floor: the lounge and kitchen

From a terrace decked with rosemary and rose bushes you enter the Tower's kitchen. From there, four steps down lead to the cosy and comfortable lounge with its old fireplace. Life just feels good here.

The upper floors: the two bedrooms

The tower's stone spiral staircase leads to two rooms, one on each upper floor. Like a prince or princess of olden times, the higher you climb the further back in time you seem to go. It's all there: mullioned windows with interior shutters, old wooden doors, carefully preserved floors. The top bedroom has a truly wonderful view: you feel like you rule the world! Each room has modern comfort, a king-size bed, a bathroom with Italian shower and toilet.

OUTSIDE

13 hectare property
Park lighting with light effects
North view of the Alpilles
South view of the Baux valley

La Bastide

Heated swimming pool 15 x 4m with electric roller shutter
Sunbeds & Parasols
Salon
2 shaded dining rooms
Summer kitchen & barbecue
Fountain
Provencal gardens
Outdoor shower & toilet
Automatic gate
Private parking

The farmhouse

Inner courtyard to the south
Outdoor dining area
Barbecue
Outdoor lounge
Well
300 year old hackberry
Provencal gardens
Private parking
Covered terrace & garden to the north
Summer kitchen & barbecue
Dining room, Lounge & lounge chairs
Heated swimming pool 10x4.5 meters with safety cover

Tower

Kitchen terrace
Dining room & parasol
Barbecue
Provencal gardens
Lounge terrace
Lounge & parasol
Well

The olive grove

2800 young olive trees
60 truffle oaks
Canal des Baux

Barn

Vegetable garden
Chicken coop
Terraces
Provencal gardens
Green spaces

Accessibility & security
Fully fenced property
Outdoor areas under video surveillance
Private car parks

Ancillary services:

• Reception on the day of arrival with a tour of the house & help with the installation.
• Welcome booklet with our best addresses & advice.
• The houses are equipped with bed linen, bathrobes, bath towels & hospitality products.
• House keeping (4 people, 3 hours) : twice a week + final cleaning
• Flowers, olive oil, a small tea & coffee shop are available, as well as other attentions to discover.
• For stays of one week, we intervene once a week for cleaning with changes of sheets & towels.
• Maintenance of the garden and heated swimming pool from May 1 to September 30
• Technical support service for houses

Further information :

• Heated swimming pool from May 1 to September 30
• Fully air-conditioned house
• Charging for electric cars
• Petanque pitch
• Non smoking house
• Tourist tax: included
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Long term rental possible
• Animals not accepted

Transfer: