Description:

It's not often we come across a mas converted into such an elegant accommodation. This wonderful 400-year-old farmhouse is on the outskirts of Paradou, a tiny village just below Les Baux and well-known for its restaurant, the Bistrot de Paradou. It's an ideal location for touring Provence. The mas is an easy walk into the village yet has open countryside behind.

Entry to the property is through a walled and gated gravel courtyard. From the entry hall you cross to the spacious living room with stone floors, exposed beams and French doors to the courtyard. It is painted white with accents of rich burgundy and cool green. This room has two large sofas, antique Queen Anne armchairs, oriental rugs, a game table and good lighting to help guests spend comfortable hours inside. The dining room with its long wooden country table and elegant chandelier has a two-story high fireplace whose chimney opens to the upper floor. You can look up and see the upper balcony and skylights. The adjacent kitchen is reached through an archway and has natural wood beams, original tile floors, white cabinets and black counter tops. It has a pretty country style. This well-equipped kitchen will please every accomplished chef with its professional quality 5-burner stove, and all necessary equipment A glass door opens to the back yard and a gravel patio shaded by a huge plane tree. This area opens to a lavender field and the pool area. Off the kitchen is a music room which was the original stables and has arched ceilings. In here is the satellite TV and music center as well as day bed that provides sleeping for an extra two, perhaps best for children. A toilet and sink are off the entry hallway.

Upstairs are the bedrooms which are perhaps the delight of the house. All the rooms have fine linens, elegant curtains and bathrobes. The "Chinese" bedroom is decorated in crimson with mint accents and has one king bed(can be made as two singles) and an ensuite bathroom with claw foot tub, separate shower stall, sink and toilet. The "Provencal" bedroom was the original living room in the farmhouse (the animals lived below) with a fireplace mantle remaining. It has a queen bed(can be separated in two). Up two steps is its ensuite bathroom with sea grass carpeting, walk-in Italian shower, double sinks and toilet.

The master or "coquelicot" bedroom is at the end of the hall and up two stairs. It is a very large room decorated in ecru with burgundy accents and a lovely poppy embroidered on the rug! It has a king bed, an antique Napoleon III swooning coach and a beautiful bathroom with double sinks, and a claw foot tub. There is an ensuite separate shower and toilet. There are 2 fold out beds which can be placed in the bedrooms, best for children.

The back terrace with ample eating in sun and shade opens to lavender fields, a vine-covered portico and then the pool house with summer kitchen and a very large swimming pool. Beyond is open countryside. This is an elegant house. A guardian lives in a bergerie which is attached to the mas but has separate access. She is discreet and doesn't infringe on the guests' privacy.

Location Information:

In Paradou, small shops, post office, weekly market, Bistro de Paradou. 2km W of Maussane, most facilities, weekly market. 10km E of Arles, all facilities, train station.

Client Comments:

"We had a fabulous time and hope to return. We LOVED the house and the property. It is beautiful and we LOVED the gardens in back and the pool. It was peaceful and quiet and so charming."
-William Q. , Oakland, CA