Mas Charmant

Overview

Built in the 17th century, with an older part built on the remains of a chapel, the Mas (farmhouse) is surrounded by two hectors of orchard land, numerous olive trees, almond trees and a pine forest.  There are many terraces, an interior courtyard laid out as a garden and, in front of the farmhouse, a shaded area where a marble table sits for "Al fresco" dinners.

Completely restored in a sober and contemporary spirit, this farmhouse has retained all the charm and character of its 17th century dry stone building. In a very beautiful environment, this residence of epicureans par excellence, houses many works of art, books and music that await you.

The Mas consist of  an entrance hall leading to a large living room with a fireplace under a vaulted area overlooking the inner courtyard, a vestige of the old chapel.  There is a fully equipped American kitchen with granite counter, dishwasher, appliances, etc.) that opens outside onto the south terrace. A scullery opens onto a terrace to the north.  Large space for meals table for 12 people is extended by a comfortable library area.

There are five bedrooms to accommodate eight to ten guests. 

Outside is an open 2.8 hectare park of great natural wealth surrounding it. Wild nature in its purest form! Mediterranean essences, cypresses, fig trees, oleanders, lavender... olive trees, albizzia and its pretty pink cotton balls, century-old plane tree, pots of various and varied flowers, cacti, etc.  A stone basin strewn with water lilies under which hide goldfish, the noise of the small fountain which will relax you in no time, the song of the cicadas, a marble table, wood, pedestal tables chairs, armchairs scattered here and there, benches, deck chairs, and sun beds.

Secret corners, recessed nooks, an interior courtyard with its authentic wash house (it is here that you will not fail to meet a couple of turtles!), shaded or hidden terraces, a wooden hut in the hill, a perched hut in the trees, games for children, a corner reserved for Pétanque/ Boules, and a Roman-like basin.  There is a beautiful long swimming pool and its beach on the edge of the hill. A permanent invitation to idleness, and the art of living under the Provençal sun.

This area of Provence boasts history and beautiful scenery not only of the Alpilles hills but also of the ruined castle which dominates the landscape surrounding Les Baux de Provence. The castle can be traced back to the 10th century. The local people finally destroyed it in 1632 to bring an end to the centuries of conflicts, revolts, sieges and wars of religion, which had taken, place there. Today, quaint artisan shops and restaurants line the tiny cobbled streets. A wider range of amenities can be found at Mausanne les Alpilles and at St-Remy-de-Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus, both of which are within easy reach of this villa.

A 25 minutes drive north from the Mas is the medieval Papal city of Avignon, now a UNESCO World Heritage site and site of the world's biggest gothic palace. The city of Arles is just to the south with an impressive Roman arena, once holding 20,000 spectators. This is the gateway to the wetlands of the Camargue with its diverse wildlife ranging from pink flamingos to white horses and black fighting bulls.