Location: Ansouis, Luberon Area, Provence, France, Europe (25 min to Aix en Provence , 45 min to Marseilles Airport) View Map
Accommodations: Restored Farmhouse, 3 Bedrooms + Library, 2 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Mas des Chenes is a charming restored 18th century bergerie/farmhouse beautifully situated in a residential area on the edge of the picturesque Provencal village, Ansouis, listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages.
The 1.7 hectare property is nestled in the valley of the Southern Luberon mountains, next to Cote de Luberon vineyards,ten minutes to the charming market villages of Lourmarin and Curcuron and only 25 min. to Aix en Provence and one hour to the beaches of Cassis.
Summers in Provence can be hot, but our 9 x 12 meter swimming pool will ensure you keep cool. With more than four acres of grounds filled with centenary oak, cypress, poplar and olive trees there are many shaded areas to relax when outside the pool. In the front of the house, a stone courtyard with a barbecue and seating for 10, allows for bright outdoor breakfasts and evening meals. We usually eat our lunches at the tree shaded teak table overlooking swimming pool to the rear of the house.
A 200 year old oak tree shades another ample outdoor table lit by a hanging lantern in the evenings. The grounds include hidden corners for quiet reading, lounge chairs by the pool, space for playing ball and walks by the vineyards bordering the property.
Within easy access are pastimes including biking, tennis, hiking, horseback riding and golf. Every day of the week boasts another market in a nearby village for fresh produce and traditional Provencal goods. Exceptional local vineyards and award winning restaurants abound for the discerning palate.
Mas des Chenes is a Non Smoking three bedroom property (1 double bed, 1 queen bed, 2 singles) with two bathrooms and a guest toilet. As you enter our home, you first see the vaulted dining room with a large window opening to the back of the property and seating for 10. To the right is a large eat-in kitchen with a 'Bocuse' gas stove and electric oven, American double fridge/freezer and dishwasher. To the rear is the guest toilet, laundry room with washer, dryer and drinks fridge and back exit to the pool area.
The double living room with comfortable upholstered couches and armchairs, colorful cushions, French boutis and antique French furniture is a comfortable area to watch DVD's in the evenings. A stereo and large stone fireplace are located in the back sitting room/studio room (Painting easel included); we have also included our collection of summer reading in English and French and family games for our guests enjoyment.
From the sitting room you climb a set of stairs to the first floor which includes two bathrooms, three exceptionally light double bedrooms and a sitting/study area with a pull out couch, total sleeping to accommodate eight.
Every effort is made for relaxed charm in light and comfortable accommodation. The two hundred year old thick stone walls keep the house cool in the heat of the summer. Air conditioning would be redundant.
Location: Ansouis’ is known by outsiders for its centuries old chateau and by locals for its fabulous restaurant, vineyard and ice cream maker. The village bakery, café, post office, newspaper shop, small grocery market, and hairdresser, cover daily needs. Aix en Provence,with its annual music and dance festivals, cinemas, markets and cosmopolitan shopping is a twenty minute drive away. Ansouis is also minutes away for the charming villages of Lourmarin and Curcuron with their own unique shops and restaurants and weekly markets. Ansouis also has a local market on Sundays where one can find anything from sumptous roasted chickens to the local cheeses, melons, olives and wines.
The Aix TGV station, 25 minutes away, allows for easy access by train (only 2.5 hours from Paris). The international airport of Marseilles is a forty minute drive. Avignon, home to the world renowned international summer theater festival, is a 45 minute drive to the west.
Easy access by train (Aix en Provence TGV 25 minutes by car from the house and 2.5 hours from Paris), airport (Marseilles, 40 minutes by car) and other cosmopolitan centers (Nice 3 hours, Avignon 45 minutes by car), country setting within walking distance of listed village and 10 minute drive to at fabulous restaurants(including the best homemade ice cream outside of Italy).
GUESTS COMMENTS: "Had a superb time, three weeks of heaven." June, 2003
"We had visited Provence before, but this has been one of the best. Mas des Chenes has been a superb base from which to explore the wonderful countryside." August, 2004.
"We could fill this book with praises for your beautiful home and the wonderful holiday we have enjoyed here." August, 2004
"Mas des Chenes felt like a real home from the moment we arrived, the country kitchen, the lovely pool and gardens... we had a great time." July, 2005
"We wanted to say a very belated thanks for offering such a lovely house for our summer holiday. It was perfect. The pool area, absolutely gorgeous. We were hard pressed to extricate ourselves from the comfy chairs. We appreciated the level of comfort you provided-the proper towels and so many other little things that made a real difference. Yours is the one house we would like to come back to..." August, 2007
"We have spent a wonderful two weeks exploring Provence and enjoying your beautiful home. The setting here is so peaceful and the views are glorious form nearly every part of the garden." August, 2008.
"Thank you for a lovely week at your beautiful home - fantastic setting, restful location - we have all had a great time." August, 2009
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided: Pool towels provided
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Crib: Portable baby crib available upon request
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- CD Player
- Private Pool: Large 12x6 meter heated swimming pool in sheltered and private setting, comfortable seating and lounge chairs provided
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: American style Fridge; "Bocuse" gas stove and electric oven, new Miele dishwasher, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, etc.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available: We have used several individuals in the area and can make recommendations.
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio: The house has several patio areas. There is a large patio and "cuisine d'ete" in the front of the house, another patio area shaded by a large fig tree and an olive tree overlooking this patio, there is a shaded patio area to the back of the house leading out from the kitchen. Each of these areas has its own table and chairs seating from four to eight. Finally the pool is surrounded by a stone patio complete with lounge chairs, and deck chairs and tables and a teak dining table with seating for ten.
- View/Location
- Mountain View: The house is at the foothills of the Luberon mountains. The house has views of the mountains both from the garden and from the inside of the property. Vineyards border the back of the property.
- Communications
- Telephone (2)
- Broadband Internet: Our home is equipped with ADSL highspeed broadband available as a wifi feature, meaning no cables necessary. It is available in most areas throughout the house and in the front patio.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): See above
- Other Amenities
- Amenities include, Heated 12 x 6 meter swimming pool, Telephone with answering service, High speed (ADSL)internet connection, TV and DVD player, "Bocuse" Gas Stove and Electric oven, Washer and Separate Dryer, American Refrigerator/Freezer with Ice Maker, Four outdoor shaded seating areas, Summer kitchen barbecue and courtyard, Central heating, Bed and bath and pool linens provided, Pool furniture, Kitchen equipment and utensils
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly: There are many wonderful areas for children to enjoy on the property. The pool is fitted with a safety pool cover and when used properly insures a safe experience for children.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: The primary tenant must be 25 or over.
- Smoking Not Allowed: No smoking allowed either in our home or in the surrounding property.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Wonderful provencal markets, fabulous restaurants and cafes, open air concerts, exploring charming villages, one hour to the coast, golf courses, climbing centers, etc. We have recently installed our own "terrain de boules" - i.e. bace ball space.
Rate Details (In Euros)
May 2009 2400E./week
June 2009 2600E./week
July and August 2009 2750E/week (Two week rentals preferred)
September 2009 2500E/week; Early October 2009 2400E./week
Utilities excluding telephone charges included; garden & pool maintenance incl.;
One mid-stay clean incl. if 2 wks or more; Exit clean charge separate at 200E.
40% deposit due upon reservation & an €800 Security Deposit required.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2000
Why the Owner Chose Ansouis
Having met and married in Paris, France was always a home in our hearts although we no longer lived there. When we found Mas des Chenes we immediately fell in love with the property and the area. It fulfills the need to have a base in France for all the family and one which provides the best that France has to offer in the area's natural beauty, the charm of the local markets, the quality of the food and ingredients and the friendliness of the population. Mas des Chenes is our truly a home for us. It is one where we gather for family holidays and extended family celebrations. In 2009 we had the good fortune to celebrate my mother's 90th birthday at the house! As we cannot yet be living in our home all year round we are pleased to be able to share it with others.
The Unique Benefits at this Restored Farmhouse
Mas De Chenes is a bit of an oasis. Once you enter the property you can easily simply stay put and enjoy the grounds and pool, leaving perhaps only for provisions at the wonderful local markets or to bolster your energy stores at the exquisite nearby restaurants. On the other hand, we are within 30 - 45 minutes of Provence's more well known destinations from Aix-en -Provence to Avignon or Gourdes. Cassis, the charming seaside village is only a one hour drive. There are mountain hikes, golf courses and lovely shops to tempt you outside the calm of our home, the difficulty is in the choosing.
Owner's Map of Ansouis
We are a family of five who have lived an international life for over 27 years. Originally from the U.S., Barry and Deborah met and married in Paris where their first child was born. They moved to London several years later where children no. 2 and 3 were born and then relocated to Brussels for ten years, where their dog Tilly joined the family. Fifteen years on, they are now back in London with all three children now either enrolled in or graduated from Oxford University and beginning their own international experiences. Barry and Deborah are both lawyers. Deborah left the profession several years ago and is now a full time artist.
Property Photos
- Mas des Chenes Front View of House - Ansouis, Provence, France - Vaucluse Rental Accommodation - Restored Farmhouse!
- Mas des Chenes Pool Area - Ansouis, Provence, France - Vaucluse Rental Accommodation - Restored Farmhouse!
- Outdoor Dining Under the Oak Tree and View of Orchard - Ansouis, Provence, France - Vaucluse Rental Accommodation - Restored Farmhouse!
- Lavendar Bed and Cyprus Trees with View Towards Luberon East Side of House
- Blue Bedroom
- Mas de Chenes Toile de Jouy Bedroom with View of Cypress Trees and Front Patio
- Mas de Chenes Living Room
- Additional Pool View Looking Towards Back of Property
- View of Front Courtyard and "Cuisine d'Ete"
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #17855
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Date last modified - October 28, 2009
