Location: Aix en Provence, Aix en Provence Area, Provence, France, Europe (11 km Northwest of Aix-En-Provence)
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 3.25 Baths (Sleeps 7)
Keywords: House, pool, nature, country, barbecue, poolhouse, hot tub
This one-level vacation rental villa is nestled in the secluded Provence countryside, surrounded by a beautiful oak grove for privacy. Facing south to catch optimum sunlight, this architect-designed house, completely renovated in 2005, has a very large living room with turmeric yellow walls, a grand piano, and wall-to-wall sliding doors that open to an enormous flowered terrace with two outdoor dining areas. The lovely stone stairway leads you down to an exquisite flower garden with a swimming pool and a completely-equipped summer kitchen and BBQ.
There are four comfortable bedrooms, with the main bedroom on one side of the house for privacy, and the three others grouped next to the terrace with the hot tub. Three bathrooms with shower or tub (and an extra WC near the living room). The house faces a valley with a stream: pure French country living at its most delicious.
Local house management:
Pascal, the house's local, English-speaking house manager, can solve problems if they arise. Being half-German he manages a cleaning staff and maids of rigorous standards. He can pick you up at the airport or train station, if you do not want to rent a car immediately. If you so desire, he can stock the refrigerator in advance if you so desire; a bottle of wine is already in the fridge when you arrive. He can also prepare a welcome meal for your first day (or other meals during your stay).
There is a gated, private driveway as you enter the property, and no visible neighbors on three sides of the house (two quiet neighbors in the back of the Villa).
Location:
Villa la Dolce Vita is located 2 km from Eguilles, close to a main departmental highway that connects Aix-en-Provence with Avignon, in the middle of the vinyards. It is only a twelve minute drive to Aix-en-Provence, one of France's most pleasant places to live. A convenient bus stop is an easy walk and a one euro ticket gets you to Aix in 15 minutes, where there are convenient bus connections to both Aix and Marseille. The TGV (high-speed train) station is a 25 minute drive from the house and Paris is less than 3 hours away.
The villa is also close to the Luberon area, known for the abundant flora and stunning views that made it a favorite location for the Impressionist painters. It is dotted with hiking trails and quaint towns with wonderful restaurants. The closest beach is 30 minutes away in and next to Marseille, a vibrant, sparkling gem on the Mediterranean (there are less crowded beaches 45 minutes away). There are open-air vegetable/fruit markets once a week in 4 nearby villages, and the famous Aix market is open every day of the year. Here you can stock up on fragrant herbes de Provence, organically grown foods, an overwhelming array of cheese, and a wide variety of locally produced household items.
Aix en Provence is packed with history and enchanting atmosphere. The town began as a Roman settlement fed by the warm springs and was capital of the region for several centuries. Aix was a center for art and learning in the 15th century, it has earned the epithet 'city of a thousand fountains'. The town itself is a jewel of a Provencal town, with an outdoor market open every day of the year and many nationally-renowned restaurants. Stroll down the Cours Mirabeau with its tree-lined promenade, as well as old Aix with the old town hall and Saint-Sauveur cathedral with its cloister. There are over 400 restaurants to choose from, plus annual summer Music Festivals.
Like any French town, Aix has a thriving local cafe life. Excellent wine chateaux can easily be found in any direction, depending on your taste, and the local wines are excellent. Other small towns dot the Aix countryside near Villa la Dolce Vita, each with its open market one day per week, its local cafe life and occasional cultural events. Good wine chateaux can easily be found in any direction. Open-air markets take place once a week in 4 nearby villages, and the famous Aix market (15 minutes away) is open every day of the year.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Double Bed (3)
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub : Outdoor hot tub on terrace, surrounded by trees.
- Stereo System
- Private Pool : Pool next to the summer kitchen (BBQ, sink and stove), with dining space for up to 20 people.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Large island to cook on (or pull up a bar stool on the other side from the chef)
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available : The house manager can prepare a welcome meal, if so desired.
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : The barbecue is located on the garden level in a summer kitchen, complete with sink, stove, counter, shelves and storage.
- Deck/Patio : Huge outdoor terrace is an extension of the living room, with pots of colorful flowers and a view into the valley and stream next to the house.
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance : Free international calling to fixed lines (not to portable phones)
- Computer : There is a PC for use by guests, for email, playing CDs or DVDs or Web access (DSL/wifi Internet connection). Or plug your iPod into the stereo system (excellent speakers).
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Grand piano for guests' use. Large library (lots of fiction).
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations) : The house is on one level, and a car can be parked 10' from the front door.
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking outside is OK.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- There are innumerable cultural events in the area throughout the summer. Especially the Aix-en-Provence festival in July, the second summer opera festival in Europe. Also, Europe's largest classical piano festival (la Roque d'Antheron) in August. Many performances of ballet, modern dance, jazz, rock, tango, folklore.
Rate Details (In Euros)
€ 1700 per week (30 Oct., 2011 - 20 April, 2012)
€ 2050 per week (21 April - 29 June, 2012)
€ 2500 per week (30 June - 31 August, 2012)
€ 2050 per week (28 August - 29 Oct., 2011)
10% discount for a two-week stay (except during high season)
Long-stay rents available, just ask.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2004
I'm a retired American professional and have lived abroad for most of my life. I was an amateur pianist, and the grand piano that I used for concerts in the house is still there for your pleasure.
Why the Owner Chose Aix en Provence
The two reasons why I chose to buy property in Aix-en-Provence: 1) 300 days of year of sun every year (and 7 months a year of ideal weather); 2) the proximity of Paris (3 hours train ride).
The Unique Benefits of this House
I love the calm of the Provencal countryside, and the proximity of a lively town like Aix-en-Provence (it's lively 12 months a year, since it's a student town, unlike most towns in the south of France). And mainly: the weather - I love sun and a warm climate. This is one of the most ideal climates in Europe. I love the little towns around my house for morning coffee and the outdoor markets.
Property Photos
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- Main terrace and outdoor dining table - Provence House with Wine Chateaux and Piano, Near Mediterranean
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- View from garden towards house - Provence House with Wine Chateaux and Piano, Near Mediterranean
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- Large living room (18 x 6 meters) - Provence House with Wine Chateaux and Piano, Near Mediterranean
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- Large 300 sq.m. garden on lower level, with 35x12 ft. pool (9x4 m)
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- Hot tub next to table on the porch (kitchen inside to the right)
Traveler Reviews (6)
A superb week in Indian summer in Provence
Guest: G B.
Date of Stay: 09/17/11
Review Submitted: 10/28/11
My family stayed at Villa la Dolce Vita during an unexpected hot week of Indian summer. Unlike the August guest who wrote a review about the house needing more cleaning, when I arrived, the house was spotless. The owner must have made a thorough cleaning -- I saw no reason for complaint. And I met the owner too, on his way out; he was charming and gave me lots of good tips about using the house and where to visit in Provence. Surprisingly for mid-September, the sun really does heat up in the middle of the day. We even had some barbecues out by the pool at lunch. I love the way all the doors open up to the terrace, so that you feel like you're outside, even when you're inside. The recent renovation of the original house was quite successful, the house stands out from other houses you'd see around the Aix countryside, most of which were built during the 1970s. And the heat of being in a hot tub in the evening is welcome, as the air starts to get cool. We liked exploring Provence, not just going into the market in Aix, so we were happy the house was on the west side of Aix, close to all those cute little Provencal villages like Lourmarin and St. Remy-de-Provence. Kept us quite busy for the week we were there
Recommended for:
In need of a clean and maintenance but great location and house
Guest: KJH
(UK)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11
Review Submitted: 09/09/11
After a shaky start we had a great time. In short, the place needs to be cleaned properly (i.e. by a professional cleaner employed to clean it all day) and needs a bit of refreshing in places. Had the place at least been cleaned our first two days there would not have been spoilt by having to launder bed sheets which smelt stale, clean floors, clean shower rooms, clean the fridge, sweep all the rooms etc etc. When we queried whether a cleaner had actually been , we were given short shrift (actually the response was outright rude and fairly unusual- the owner might want to think about getting an agent) . The kitchen lacked all the utensils and equipment you would expect at a "luxury" rental but we managed. The house is in a lovely location and has such great potential. It is looking a bit tired and in need of some freshening up but for a week's stay is fine. The pool was lovely as was the hot tub , although the decking and some of the steps need repair. It is totally secluded so the evenings are incredibly peaceful. A great living area and very good if you are more than one family as the sleeping areas are in different parts of the house. So, provided that you make sure the place is professional cleaned before you arrive and you don't have to deal with the owner , it is great.
Owner response:Based on this critique, I have now appointed a local English-speaking manager of Villa "la Dolce Vita" (who is half-German, which means a high standard in how thoroughly the maid cleans: this man runs a tight ship). The problems that this guest experienced are in the past from now on. The house has undergone a long, professional cleaning, and of course will be thoroughly cleaned between guests' stays. New utensils have been added to the kitchen. -Bill Dunlap, owner of Villa "la Dolce Vita"
Recommended for:
A truly sweet lifestyle
Guest: Lynn
(Paris, France)
Date of Stay: 06/13/10
Review Submitted: 05/18/11
We are 3 couples who spent two idyllic weeks in La Dolce Vita in June 2010 and loved every minute of our stay. This is a great rental house for a group of friends or several couples with children wanting to have a real taste of Provencal living. The layout of the house gave each couple the option of privacy or group hanging out, bedrooms well separated from each other, the great room with its grand piano perfect for indoor/outdoor entertaining, and many choices for dining al fresco on the terrace, by the pool, under the shade of the area next to the hot tub... and all amongst those wonderful majestic trees. We loved having a pool for daytime AND a hot tub for soaking under the stars at night .. what a treat ! The location is superb, 15 minutes drive to the heart of the city of Aix-en-Provence, wonderful little villages in every direction with all the colors, smells, and tastes of the countryside to explore. The property is well maintained, everything works well and the owner is friendly and full of helpful suggestions about how best to enjoy the region. We'll come back again !
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
My Dream Vacation!
Guest: Writer
(Los Angeles, California)
Date of Stay: 08/22/10
Review Submitted: 03/19/11
We are 2 families with kids who rented La Dolce Vita for 2 weeks last summer. We liked it so much that when Bill's next guests had to cancel, we kept it for an extra week and skipped driving around Bordeaux - there was plenty of wine tasting around Aix and we didn't want to leave paradise! We absolutely adored our stay! The house is everything we wanted - it is huge and the property large enough that we could let the kids play in one area and have the adults relax in any number of other comfortable spots. The summer kitchen was superb - we had great French BBQ dinners by the pool while sipping the wines we'd purchased at the open air market that day. I really appreciated the free telephone calls to the USA and quick internet connection - I could sit in the hot tub and do my business - I felt like a Hollywood mogul. I can't recommend this as a vacation spot more highly. In fact, we want to take a Sabbatical and try to come live here for a year and perfect our French and cooking skills. The photos are accurate; Bill was more than helpful in answering all our questions; the nearby area was a delight to explore and discover; the property was clean and well maintained; what more can i say?
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Joyce
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/10/08
Review Submitted: 06/19/10
Ah - la Dolce Vita! et comment! It was wonderful staying in Provence, relaxing in the hot tub, meeting friends here and just having a great time. I only regret I hadn't come here sooner.
Recommended for:
Guest: Ellie
(-)
Date of Stay: 06/08/09
Review Submitted: 06/19/10
Merci bien Bill! Thank you for letting us stay in your wonderful villa. It has great character and we felt relaly at home; it was especially fun to have the piano. Hopefully see you again next year.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #232368
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