Wonderfully relaxed - unstuffy, yet chic -- Our home has 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10,
Location: Ansouis, Luberon Area, Provence, France, Europe (20-30 minutes from Aix en Provence) View Map
Accommodations: House, 5 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 5 Baths (Sleeps 10)
Keywords: Village house, historic,enchanting, rustic, romantic
Enjoy the robust, luxurious seasons of Provence. Hike the hills of the Luberon, sample local goat cheese, visit olive oil artisans, and experience markets full of fresh flavors, foods and excitement. The vineyards tell the ever changing stories as seasons shift. Striking colors, flavors and the scents make our corner of Provence and particularly our village a memorable experience. If shopping is your hobby, everyday is a 'shop-ortunity' in Provence. Cultural visits to Avignon, Aix en Provence and Roman ruin are easily managed from our central location.
Our home is the perfect way to decompress and rejuvenate your mind and soul....create memories with your loved ones and friends...No matter the time of year...the glorious lushness of Provence surrounds you, lifts you up and caresses your soul.
Come spend a week, two or more in a gorgeous and very comfortable village house. The first comment we normally hear from guests like yourself is: "The house is wonderful! It's breathtaking." Featured in the French magazine; Maison et Decors, our home is an official historic monument. All aspects of its' appearance are under the watchful eye of our Mairie. After the French revolution, Ansouis remained 'loyal' to the royals. Our home was the local meeting place and headquarters for those in favor of the new Republique.
If you enjoyed the film "A Good Year," you'll be in the right place by staying here in Ansouis. Many scenes were filmed in neighboring villages. Our friends and neighbors were in the film.
'French Kiss' with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline shot several key scenes in a nearby vineyard.
The beauty of the Luberon and our local villages are featured in these movies, and now you can experience the same.
We have airconditioning systems on each floor of the house to take the heat off those sunny and warm Provencal days.
The house decorated in easy, casual chic. My culinary background and work for a former Food Network and current Michelin chef in the USA, means that our kitchen is fully loaded. It is perfect for cooking great meals with friends. ... 5 unique bedrooms, all with American size towels and 400+ thread count luxury linens. Our beds are high quality - dream beds with anti allergy covers.
Need to be connected? We have satellite tv with CNN, CNBC, BBC, etc. We've installed a permanent "internet' center with free DSL, and a USA laptop/keyboard. The laptop is Skype enabled for free calls 'skype to skype.' We even have iPod docking stations and chargers.
Wifi is free, secure and log on information is provided.
Hungry, but too tired to cook? You can directly work with a private chef whom will come to the house, or deliver prepared meals directly to the kitchen door.
This is a big roomy house, with 3 levels, and lots of airy rooms, and high ceilings. King and Queen size (comfortable) beds. Nooks and alcoves to read, and nap in. There's plenty of private space for your group - so that friends and family aren't tripping over each other.......
...Upstairs there is a Large Roof terrace with outdoor dining and BBQ, and mini prep kitchen. Living room is superb, with a 7 foot wood burning fireplace!.... On the ground floor we have an small Private garden with breakfast table - the perfect place for your cafe creme and croissant with the blue Provencal sky peeking over you......inside there is large marble dining table for dinner parties.
Ansouis (An-Swee) is officially classified as One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
Less than 45 minutes to Isle sur sorgue, 25 min to Aix en Provence, Apt, less than one hour to Cassis, Marseille, Avignon, and Arles. Day trip to the Camarque or Cote D'azur, visit the wineries at Chateauneuf du Pape and Cote du Rhone! Hike, Bike, Hot air balloon, visit boutique wineries, dine in the Michelin star restaurants which are in our area...........
Swimming?........Join the locals and go for a refreshing swim in our nearby fresh water lake - Etang de la Bonde -- it's clear spring water, and a 5 minute drive from the house.
Everything is here in our little village, and at night it's peaceful and quiet. You can walk 2 minutes to the new "hot restaurant" La Closerie, where a certain author (his latest book was made into the feature film referenced above) dines regularly or drive 10 minutes to Lourmarin for a variety of dining - from cafe casual to Michelin star. It takes 30 seconds (if you walk really slowly) to get to our Boulangerie! The chocolate croissants are sinful.
Our house is the perfect haven to de-stress, and immerse yourself in AUTHENTIC French village life. In many ways you will feel you've returned to a lost era.
We are always available to answer any questions and to help you plan itineraries and steer you in the right direction for a fun vacation.
FROM RECENT GUESTS:
"Just wanted to let you know that we had an amazing time at your place in Ansouis. Picture-perfect, the village and your place. We will recommend it to our close friends and family. We are also thinking of visiting again next year in July!" Mrs. H. ................
"Hello Barbara! We all wanted to say a big "Thank You!" for making your beautiful home available! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to visit again! Provence is spectacular! As an artist, an oil painter, I was definitely inspired." - Nancy C.............
"Your house has a lovely warm authentic feel with many original features. stunning village with lovely walks in picturesque surroundings. spacious rooms of plenty all with lovely en-suites. We loved our stay!" Gail, Liverpool, UK ..
"great house.......
so warm, so user friendly and so convenient to everything.Had a great time. Look forward to going back." M.S., NY
WE GIVE BACK ~ Each year we donate stays at our house for fundraising for organizations such as;
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : fully automatic on main floor/living dining area, plus additional units on each of the remaining floors
- Linens Provided : 400 + thread count sheets, plush, American size towels.
- Washer : Whirlpool washing machine.
- Dryer : it's the sun -- very green
- Garage : for 1 small car
- Off Street Parking : totally free and a 30 second walk down the street
- Wood Fireplace : Immense 7ft. wood burning fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed (4) : 1 can split into 2 twins for 2 singles sharing one room
- Crib : can be arranged
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (3) : large Samsung plasma screens, everything from CNN to MTV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : 50+ movies
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : IPod docking stations for apple Ipods...ALTEC Lansing speaker system and iPod chargers.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Fully equipped, as I've been in the culinary business my whole life ;-)
- Cooking Utensils Provided : We've furnished the kitchen with high quality kitchen tools such as Oxo. Cappucino/Espresso maker, food processor, stand mixer, rice cooker, George foreman grill too!
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available : Wonderful private chef Helen, available by advance booking. She'll cook in the house for a party OR she'll deliver. Will work with your likes/dislikes and food allergies.
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : weber grill
- Deck/Patio : super cool lounge on the terrace upstairs.
- Lanai : very cool lounge upstairs with small summer kitchen adjacent.
- View/Location
- Monument View : Chateau D'Ansouis
- Communications
- Telephone (3)
- Free Long Distance : SKYPE is loaded on the PC. You need a skype acct (free) for calls. If you have a magic jack set up, bring it along!
- Computer : american laptop with american keyboard is provided
- Broadband Internet : TOTALLY free, no extra charges
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Free Wifi, secured and log in information is provided at our house.
- Other Amenities
- DSL and an American keyboard netbook for your use are installed and there for your use, AIRCONDITIONING, Plasma TV and 2 Satellite TV's - CNN, CNBC, BBC, MTV - VCR, Weber Charcoal Grill (BBQ), we maintain a Non Smoking House for everyones' enjoyment, however Smoking is OK on terrace or in garden
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed : we keep the inside of our house, a smoke free zone but you can smoke on the terrace or in the garden.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- lots of golf nearby and of course Shopping and more Shopping!
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Low Season (Jan, Feb + Mar, Nov, Dec - except holiday) ................ $2600/week
Shoulder Season (April,May-Sep-Oct) .. $2900 US/week
High Season (june, Jul & Aug) ............. $3100 US /week
Deposit of $750, refundable, 30 days after check out, with signed off check out.
$250 fuel supplement for Fall and Winter months stays (Oct 15 to April 15)
Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving weeks - please contact us for availability
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2000
Why the Owner Chose Ansouis
Actually, this house chose me.....After a very long hike up a very steep hill, with a backpack and gear on, I caught my breathe on the corner of Place Des Hotes where the house is. that was it, I saw the house, and somehow (yes like in the movies) I wound up owning it less than 3 months later....I love this village because it is truly authentic, pristine and not over run with postcard shops and retailers. Ansouis is a village where you can walk the streets at night, close your eyes and go back in time hundreds of years.
Ansouis has a profound effect on people. You will literally be swept off of your feet with its charm.
The Unique Benefits at this House
I love sitting up on the terrace at night and watching the stars come out. As our friends say: sit back and watch nature put on a show.
A perched village of historical significance and complete charm ~ in the middle of vineyards and farms. This village will take you away to a place and time far, far away.
Owner's Map of Ansouis
Many years ago I had planned to live in Italy. Then by sheer luck I was fortunate to be invited to visit the Luberon and found my house while hiking across the Luberon national park and visiting all of the 'perched villages."
It's been a ten year labour of love. We know you will love our home as well. Our fan mail from clients is wonderful and it's very rewarding to share a week or two of this magical place with you!
I've worked in restaurants, trained as an artisan baker and have spent decades in culinary and housewares business. If home is where the heart is, then this is my 'Couer"
My home is a place of transformation for me, my family and our friends. It's furnished to be cozy, comfortable and have all the modern technology you need.
Slow down -- really slow down your life and recharge yourself in Ansouis.
A la prochaine et tres bientot,
Barbs SKYPE: slowprovence
Property Photos
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- Wonderfully relaxed - unstuffy, yet chic -- Our home has 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10, - Ansouis, Provence, France Vacation Rental
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- The Yellow bedroom suite with flat screen TV, king size bed, and loads of space - Ansouis, Provence, France Vacation Rental
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- Oversize Living room and dining area - Ansouis, Provence, France Vacation Rental
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- Romantic candle lit dinners after a long day of markets and shopping
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- Cozy nights in front of the fireplace, the door leads into the garden
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- Try out new Provencal recipes and market finds in our fully equipped kitchen.
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- It's all in the details. Gather your friends, raise a glass and toast!
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- The renovated stable: Bring a glass, light a candle and kick back.
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- 45 minutes to the Cote Bleu
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- Ansouis in the sunflowers
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- Top floor terrace. Our house is loaded with special spots to relax, unwind.
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- Converted stable is now an intimate outdoor space for dinner or morning coffee
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- This new shower has a skylight and non stop hot water!
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- the golden hour. sunset in our village
Traveler Reviews (13)
The most amazing, relaxing, wonderful, serene, and happy experience ever
Guest: henri
(los altos, california)
Date of Stay: 10/06/09
Review Submitted: 12/04/11
I stayed at this amazing home last year and if was an absolutely fabulous experience! I would like to give it 10 stars if possible. The location is charming, the people are friendly, the food was marvelous, and Barb the owner, is just absolutely the BEST! This was my very first trip to Provence and i must say it was really an unforgettable experience. Barb's house is a lovely home, elegant, comfortable, quiet, and convenient. The kitchen is well stocked, highly functional, and everything throughout the house was really a wonderful reflection of the owner's love and thoughtfulness for her guests. The restaurant down the road was fantastic, as was the crossiant shop around the corner, and the entire area is filled with interesting shops and excellent restaurants. I would definitely recommend Barb's lovely home as one of the best hidden secrets in France, and I plan to go back there every year if possible, don's miss out on a real gem!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Incredible Place
Guest: Hol Une
(Grand Rapids, MI, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/29/11
Review Submitted: 09/08/11
Three friends and I stayed at this amazing home the last week of August 2011. Encroyable! If I could give 6 stars, I would. The location is a charming small village, but easily accessible by car to the best Provence has to offer. And the home itself is wonderful: combining elegant and comfortable, with great appliances, authentic ambiance. The photos accurately reflect the appearance, but can't capture how absolutely wonderful this home is. The kitchen is so inviting, and discreet instructions throughout the house help a renter navigate unfamiliar things (like washing machine, stovetop, etc.). The property is spotless, and the owner provides such a welcoming atmosphere with great helpful ideas. I would absolutely recommend the nearby restaurant le Closerie, one of the best restaurants in the area. My recommendation: grab some friends and scoop up this gem of a place for vacation!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Wonderful house w design and character in a great location
Guest: bikeraceguy
(Paris)
Date of Stay: 07/24/11
Review Submitted: 08/03/11
Thanks for a wonderful 10 days stay... we combined family and hardcore bikeracing team to good effect. Riding was world-class, as were the views and "chez westfield"... Everthing worth seeing is a short trip away and if you want to stay in, everything you need is a few steps away in the village itself. The nearby lake is very relaxing as well! Top of the trip was the third floor terrace at night.... super! We hope to be back!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
C'est magnifique!
Guest: Tom
(San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 02/17/11
Review Submitted: 02/25/11
Staying in this house was a truly fantastic way for me and my group of friends to experience the many unique charms that Provence has to offer, The house itself is historic, spacious, and well-situated for comfort and ease of travel. The huge main living room is a highlight in itself, with high ceilings, comfortable furniture, and an enormous working fireplace. You couldn't ask for a better setting on a chilly night after a scrumptious dinner, either at home or at the wonderful La Closerie restaurant down the street. The large, well-stocked kitchen makes it easy to make dinners with the many fine local food specialties. And the nearby patisserie and food market are literally steps away. Strolling around Ansouis is a delight, but it's also very easy to get to other nearby historic villages by car. We enjoyed several of these -- Cucuron, Gorde, Roussillon, Bonnieux, to name a few. But coming "home" each night to this unique Ansouis house enhanced our trip beyond measure. I would definitely go back. I especially recommend this particular house for families or groups of travelers; the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is a real plus.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.
A most amazing experience
Guest: Seattleworldadventurer
(Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 11/19/10
Review Submitted: 01/12/11
Provence is magical and beyond what an American could ever dream to define the words charming and enchanting. So is this house and the village of Ansouis. It's so centrally located in the Luberon valley, that you can village hop for days on end and still get back home to cook up the delicious groceries that you purchased at one of the farmers markets that happen each day in a different village. If you want "haute" (high) Provence, you're there within 30 minutes or less. Same for the lower valley or the coastal villages (Cassis and Sanary-sur-Mer) are a couple of my favorites. But what truly makes this trip so special is the house, Chez Barb! It's my second time staying at the house and I know I will make many more trips. The house is charming, warm, cozy, gorgeous, and authentic and historical. It truly makes your trip. You really must stay here at least once in your life. It's like being on a movie set!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Magical Ansouis
Guest: Don
(Chicago, IL USA)
Date of Stay: 11/22/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
We spent a magical week in Ansouis in November. The house is incredibly comfortable with old world charm and modern conveniences. The kitchen was equipped with everything a cook would want with plenty of prep space and room for several to work and enjoy the company of friends and family at the same time. With the different markets in neighboring villages and a great supply of produce, we cooked in nearly every evening. We alternated relaxing in Ansouis and walking the surrounding country roads with day trips to surrounding villages where we loved driving in the countryside and exploring new and unexpected views. I don't think I have ever seen bluer skies, along with the autumn colors and the crisp air, it was a totally magical week, I can't wait to do it again.
Owner response:Merci Bien! We truly aim to ensure that our clients have modern conveniences that they are used to at home, all the while relaxing and immersing themselves in a rustic, charming Provencal setting.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
Absolutely perfect
Guest: Beth
(St. Louis)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10
Review Submitted: 10/20/10
My husband and I brought our children and mother to stay for one glorious week this past June. The home is truly beautiful, the village all you hope for in authentic Provence, and the location perfect to make day trips to the many beautiful nearby villages, or larger municipalities. We enjoyed many day trips and quiet evenings at home, either cooking ourselves in the gourmet kitchen, preparing the many "treats" we found at local markets, or having an authentic local chef prepare us a provencal meal at home. Each morning we would buy fresh, hot croissants literally right next door with our cafe au lait before heading out to explore. I would wholeheartedly recommend this home to anyone and am already wondering how soon we can manage to come again!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.
Absolutely perfect!!!
Guest: Patti
(Grosse Pointe Woods, MI)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10
Review Submitted: 10/04/10
We stayed in Barbara's lovely home for 1 week in September. The house is wonderful. It is sparking clean and perfectly maintained. The rooms are comfortable and spacious and the beds were excellent, perfect after a long day of sightseeing. The kitchen is wonderfully appointed and we had great fun making dinner each night. The rooftop terrace was also one of our favorite places in the house. We would love to come back and stay here again. Barbara made it all so easy for us with clear cut instructions about the house and helpful information about the area. Thank you and I hope we will be lucky enough to stay in your house again. We will treasure our time spent in your lovely home and fairy tale-like village for a very long time.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
Amazing place, can't say enough positive things about our enchanting experience.
Guest: Omar
(Chicago)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10
Review Submitted: 06/20/10
When my wife and I decided to vacation in France, we were looking for a nice romantic getaweay. What we got with this place was so much more. From the chefs kitchen to the extremely spaciousness of every room, you really feel like you could live here. We will certainly be returning. We made two videos of this place because words alone really do not do it justice. Cheers, Katie and Omar Video 1: http://vimeo.com/12718098 Video 2: http://vimeo.com/12718767
Recommended for:People with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, girls getaway, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Guest: Maria
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/23/08
Review Submitted: 05/11/10
This private home offers a true Provencal experience. As your little car zooms past the hillsides and vineyards and up the road into town, you are transported to a more peaceful existence where all that matters is what time is lunch and where shall we have dinner! The house offers a true "village" experience. Nestled in a picturesque corner of town, there is always something to see or someone to greet. The majestic castle overlooks town and is a great afternoon diversion. Across the street is a local tavern, perfect for a glass of wine or even beer after a long day of exploring the local markets and vineyards. Throw open your blue shutters each morning to greet the sun and close them in the custom of the village each night. The rooftop garden is the perfect spot for taking the sun or enjoying a cool glass of local rose and a nibble. Each room in the house is different - blue, yellow, pink, etc. Clean, clean, clean. The bakery is two doors down - skip out before everyone else is awake and bring back fresh-baked croissants and baguettes. The spacious, modern kitchen is perfect for those who cook and those who watch. Adventures await and at the end of the day, the house welcomes you with comfort. Life is short. Go.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #30388
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