Location: Gordes, Luberon Area, Provence, France, Europe (1 hr Marseille Airport- 40 min TGV Avignon, Aix-en-Provence)
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms + Library, 3 Baths (Sleeps 8)
Keywords: Authentic Updated Medieval Country Home in Garden Setting
Le Mas Des Gardiols, La Cerisaie, a wonderful medieval Provence stone house in the Luberon national reserve, provides guests an authentic Provence living experience. The Luberon home is over three hundred years old, yet retains original beamed ceilings, exposed stone walls, tiled floors, and a private trellised courtyard where grape vines wind and roses, lavender, and jasmine perfume the Provence evening.
This Luberon home has been thoughtfully and beautifully restored with Gourmet kitchen, modern baths, extra hot water heaters, brand-new comfortable beds, authentic Provence country antique furnishings, and interior appointments. French doors in kitchen and dining room open directly into the private courtyard which has a stone table comfortably seating ten.
A spiral staircase leads from the dining room up to the family/living room on the second floor, from where one can view the gardens, nearby vineyards, lavender fields, the Luberon village of Roussillon, and the Luberon Mountain range. A master suite off the living room has private terrace, king-size bed, beamed ceilings, private ensuite bath with tub, shower, sink, and bidet. Living room also has beamed ceilings, bookshelves with books, games, CD player, video cassettes, satellite TV. A lovely large bedroom with fireplace, twin beds, a bathroom and smaller bedroom, twin beds, same Luberon view are located in the oldest wing of the home above a Provencal type living space. This ancient garden/kitchen and family living space, is today converted into a bedroom suite with queen-size bed with a unique vaulted ceiling, original fireplace, and original ceramic tile floor. Across the courtyard from this space is an old outdoor kitchen. Today this space provides a shaded hideaway, but the old wood-cooking bread oven can still provide a warming fire.
The Cerisaie faces its gated garden where a private pool is nestled in a lovingly tended garden with lavender, climbing roses, laurel, oleander, rosemary, and fig trees. Here one can lunch under the shade of a cherry tree at a second stone table in a trellised eating area, get lost in a book, gaze at Roussillon and the Luberon range, or snooze in the shade to the songs of birds and cicadas.
Food and wine are a prime reason many visit Provence and the Luberon. You can visit a different Provencal Luberon village or Vaucluse outdoor market every day and cook with fresh local ingredients, have a cook do it for you, or eat in one of the world-class, Michelin star rated restaurants in the vicinity. The home lies amid welcoming Luberon vineyards, our favorite within walking distance, but with the world-famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape just 45 minutes away.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace (3)
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Child Bed
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Music Library : A mixture of music but mostly classical, or traditional French music.
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance : Any calls within the EU and France are included in the price as are calls to the US to the owner.
- Computer w/ Dial-up Internet
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- hair-dryers, weekly cleaning, linens, towels, bikes
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Museums
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- Activities include hiking, riding, tennis, canoeing, ballooning, cultural and historic sites of Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Orange, Nimes, Apr. Festivals of all types (Theater, Music, Lavender, Crafts, etc) occur throughout the summer including the Orange and Lacoste Opera Festivals, the Opera and Piano Festivals at Aix en Provence, and Avignon's famous theater festival. Wonderful, scenic walks through ancient villages and countryside are a stones through away. And don't forget the local, traveling family circus for a true taste of Provence family life. Plus you are just over one hour away from a delicious day at clean Mediterranean beaches. And don't forget eating and wine sampling with Michelin starred restaurants and vineyards within walking distance.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
June, July, August .. from $2600-2950/week(s)
All Other Periods ... $2200-2700/week(s)inclusive
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Gordes
Le Mas des Gardiols is ideally located on a plateau amid all the "most beautiful" villages in France. Yet it is a sanctuary, away from the torrent of summer tourists visiting the Luberon. Les Gardiols neighbors are life-long residents. The location is also just about an hour to the Mediterraenean beaches to the south or Mont Ventoux to the North. Roman ruins next to examples of church and French history are sprinkled throughout the region. Lavender fields, sunflower crops, vineyards, orchards and olive trees glorify the natural surroundings.
The Unique Benefits of this House
Dine in the flower-filled courtyard under the stars in the peace and quiet of the Luberon countryside in a hamlet that has existed since the year 900 and retains the charm and character of old Provence. Take a short scenic walk up the hill to the perched medieval Provence village of Joucas, for your fresh bread and croissants. The small Joucas market can provide all of your cuilinary needs. Farmers markets occur daily in nearby picturesque villages of Roussillon, Gordes, Goult, Menerbes, and Bonnieux.
Property Photos
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- Bienvenue to Provence and the Luberon and Les Gardiols. - Luberon/Gordes, Provence, France - Vaucluse Vacation Rental - Stunningly Renovated Provencal Farmhouse in the Luberon!
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- Our courtyard's granite table is great place to gather and dine. - Luberon/Gordes, Provence, France - Vaucluse Vacation Rental - Stunningly Renovated Provencal Farmhouse in the Luberon!
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- You will awake to a view of the Luberon over your private pool and rose garden. - Luberon/Gordes, Provence, France - Vaucluse Vacation Rental - Stunningly Renovated Provencal Farmhouse in the Luberon!
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- Kitchen area-all appliances are updated
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- Refectory table - dining area and one of several dining options
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- Courtyard table prepared with flowers from your garden for a candlelight dinner
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- Garden "la sieste" room with an old, working bread oven provides a cool getaway.
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- Family room-library
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- Garden area near pool with Luberon Mountains on the horizon through cherry bloss
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- Cozy vaulted bedroom suite with fireplace in 17th century family living space.
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- Master suite with bath ensuite
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- Upstairs bedroom with fireplace in oldest section of the home.
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- Photo taken from rose garden looking toward our home.
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- Looking to cherry orchard over the pool.
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- Roses in the courtyard in May
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- Downtown Joucas in the Spring
Traveler Reviews (4)
A wonderful oasis in the heart of the Luberon
Guest: Nancy
(Tucson, Arizona USA)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11
Review Submitted: 07/02/11
My husband and I spent one, too short week with two other couples in this fabulous property. The house is laid out with separate areas so each couple felt we had a private area that belonged to us. The kitchen is well-equipped and we were very pleasantly surprised to find a supper prepared and waiting for us in the refrigerator! We set out each day for a different beautiful town, exploring and picnicing along the way. We would arrive "home" in the afternoon, take a dip in the pool, laze about absorbing the delightful atmosphere! Fields of lavender were just beginning to bloom and the sunflowers were just amazing. Fruit stands with fresh and local produce, Cavillon melons, local cherries (the trees were loaded down with the crop), it was truly a wonderful time. The daily markets in the different towns were a treat to behold. Beautiful and wonderful memories to cherish...thanks, Barb, for sharing your bit of paradise!!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
Lovely for a Family Get-Together!
Guest: Laurel & Tim
(Benicia, Ca. USA)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11
Review Submitted: 06/22/11
Our party included 6 adults and 2 small children, ages 3 and 1. This beautiful home and surrounding area provided exactly what we were looking for for our family time together. The house and pool are great and spacious and the house is built so that the two sleeping children were away from us and not disturbed. And the tiny road the home is on is very lightly traveled--perfect for strolling children. They made friends with the two young French girls 3 houses away and were able to play with them--no language barriers! This was our first attempt at something like this and the owner, Barb, was so helpful, answering our many questions and providing lots of helpful material on the surrounding area and restaurants. She made a restaurant reservation for us and found us a babysitter also for one evening where we had a wonderful meal at La Bartavelle in Goult. C'est magnifique!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
Joucas joy
Guest: Simon
(London NW11)
Date of Stay: 08/01/10
Review Submitted: 03/25/11
The Luberon Valley is an enchanted place. Home to Peter Mayle, Sheila Hancock, the Marquis de Sade, Julius Caesar and…if you are wise…you. Barb Egan’s delightful 17th century house is on the outskirts of Joucas, on the northern slopes of the valley. From there you can stroll to the café in the village and take your café crème looking out across the stunning vista where the vineyards stretch into the heat-haze distance. There are hilltop villages to be visited: Gordes, Roussillon, Lacoste, Bonnieux, Menerbes. All of which deserve a stop for lunch in a shady café, a stroll around the narrow, cobbled streets and a slow drive back. Back to Le Mas des Gardiols - to give the house its full, correct title - to prepare a languid supper to be eaten in the private courtyard which is the real centre of the house. Cool and green, it is the perfect dining room for a Provencal evening. The house itself is full of character – no bland Spanish villa this – with corners and beams and books to read and CDs to listen to. Across the lane is your own personal swimming pool hidden from the world by shady trees; the perfect place to doze away the sweltering afternoon. Every practical need seems to have been catered for and if there is a problem, Barb will sort it out from the other end of a phone in Washington DC. Le Mas des Gardiols is pretty much perfect. I wholeheartedly recommend it; but don’t fill up the booking weeks because we are on our way back soon…
Owner response:Thanks Simon - for your generous words ! You've eloquently captured the spirit of the Luberon and Provence. It's always a pleasure working with you. Barb
Recommended for:Families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
The Epitome of Provencal Charm!
Guest: Sharon & Joe
(Springfield, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 05/04/10
Review Submitted: 02/16/11
La Cerisaie provides old country charm with all the up-to-date amenities, including a beautifully equipped kitchen amd modern bathrooms. The courtyard with stone dining table, the swimming pool and rosemary hedges, the vineyards and olive trees will remind you of Peter Mayle's beloved Provence. Staying here is the quintessential Provence experience!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #16044
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