Spectacular 18th century Bastide. Great shopping, dining and culture minutes away in downtown Aix but the feeling of life in an authentic Provencal estate with beautiful views of the countryside and absolutely no neighbors.

This property consists of the “maison principal” built in 1803 with 2 foot thick walls, tall ceilings, ancient flooring, original doors, windows and shutters. It is a truly an authentic Provencal bastide, facing due south with 3 floors of occupancy. The ceiling heights are 10 ft plus and the proportion of the rooms are perfect.

The estate includes all the North American touches which will make your stay much easier and much, much more comfortable. American pillow-top mattresses, down pillows and duvets, 100% cotton sheets, flat screen TV’s (2) and wireless internet. Bathrooms are basic, very functional, and for the most part, original. The property is supplied with great water pressure and abundant hot water (new water heater 2008).

The Kitchen includes 2 Huge SMEG (made in Germany)oven/cooktops, 2 dishwashers, microwave, 2 large Lieberr (made in Germany) refrigerators, “Nespresso” automatic coffee maker and coffee/tea pots, and extras. The front automatic gated entry slopes down to the main house and 12.5 meter pool, then down to the tennis court. Landscaping is mature and the 6 ancient plane trees in front of the Bastide are truly breathtaking. These trees, 210 years old and majestic, provide shading for the house from the summer heat.

Extensive seating and entertaining areas abound outside. It feels open and secluded all at once.

The Grounds:

• Two Formal gated entries, one Main entry with security television camera and automatic opening mechanism and one Service entry.
• Park like setting on 2.8 Hectares (Approximately 7 acres) with spectacular Plane Trees shading house and dining areas. Additional farmland surrounding but within the property fencing totals approximately 18 acres (6 hectares).
• Tennis Court with Tennis House which is equipped with dressing rooms and showers.
• Pool with new, electric state of the art cover.(2007 pool cover)
• Pool House with wet bar, changing rooms and bathroom.
• 2 Smith & Hawkin teak pool lounge chairs plus more furniture including dining table/chairs, 8 bright yellow “sun chairs” and more.
• Regulation Boules de Petanque court.
• Outdoor Kitchen/Dining area with grand pine farm dining table and chairs accommodating 12 people comfortably. Plus pizza oven and huge stainless steel Webber gas BBQ.
• Outdoor lighting of all walkways, dining areas and recreation sights. (see caretake for contols of lights)
• Large Guest Parking Areas in service area. (4 car parking plus overflow)
• Location is unique in that the property is surrounded by farmland, but only minutes from downtown Aix-en-Provence and its historic main boulevard the Cours Mirabeau which terminates in the great “rotonde” fountain.
• The property is quiet and very private.
• 15 minutes to TGV and 25 to Marginane (Marseilles) International Airport. Direct access of to the house is via a very very small gravel road which terminates approximately 300 meters after the property. This creates a very private entry with little traffic.Other amenities include:
• New, pillow top American made mattresses
• American type shower heads with decent pressure
• Totally equipped Kitchen with new appliances including dish drawers, large refrigerators with wine storage and double ovens.
• Dining rooms seats 12
• Living room and family room, both with large fireplaces?• Laundry room with stacking Miele Washer/Dryer
• Children’s play room/ movie room
• Media room + office with fax and wireless internet
• Wireless internet in the kitchen.
• All living areas have Furnace/radiator heat.
• Live in English Speaking caretakers who are available to assist.
• Sports equipment including bicycles, and vespa rental is possible.