18thCentury property : Stunning Location, 3 private pools, river, cascades,views

The photos here (except the high waterfall)are of our olive mill at Sillans la Cascade: https://goo.gl/photos/H1BGu6khcoiv35vC9 PLEASE ASK FOR OUR WEB ADDRESS FOR MORE PHOTOS of our olive mill & for details of its 3 BED house for 6 (own private pool), 2 BED COTTAGE (own private, heated pool) FOR 4 persons, STUDIO (own private, heated pool) FOR 2 persons. Please see captions under each photo to identify which refer to the Tower House, the Cottage or the Studio. Featured as one of the "Top Ten Riverside Gîtes" in "A River Runs Through It: The Top Ten Riverside Gîtes For A Spot Of Wild Swimming": http://www.toptentraveltips.co.uk/?p=4486&page=10 Architect owner's beautifully restored 18th century Olive Mill faces full south across its own valley, with a river (several waterfalls & natural pools) & 30 acres of hills (ancient woodlands), wildflower, herbs, cherry, plum, fig & apricot trees as well as wild asparagus & truffles. The house, the cottage & the studio each has its own very private pool well away from the others, each in secluded grounds overlooking the valley (the Cottage & Studio pools are heated in spring & autumn). ALL OF THE POOLS HAVE IRON SAFETY FENCES. The property has 30 acres of hills, ancient woodlands of pines, oak, and laurel, wildflowers (orchids), herbs (thyme, rosemary, mint, lavender, fennel, marjoram), cherries, plums, apricots, figs, and wild asparagus. Olive trees grow by our river (fishing is possible). The Domain is completely private, but within easy walking distance of the village. The Mill has been restored to provide three completely self-contained dwellings, each with its own private pool set well away from the others. The extensive gardens, the hills and our private valley are perfect for exploring - the river just below our olive grove helps  make the Olive Mill an unforgettable and unique holiday. . There are a series of shallow pools in between the cascades which you can explore and which are a great success with children.  The Tower House (sleeps 6) was the original dwelling for the large stone olive mill which was built in the 18th century. It faces full south over an enclosed courtyard, overlooking grassy terraces which lead down to the pool. There are extensive views from each window and a panorama east, south, and west from the large roof terrace. The property has been completely restored (using period materials where possible, but incorporating the best modern equipment in the kitchen and bathrooms) and has excellent outdoors facilities: grassy terraces planted with lavender, sage, and irises, with wild mint and rosemary, mature trees for shade, a beautiful pool (ten by five meters) with natural stone surround, barbecue on the roof terrace, swings for children, and unlimited space for all games. The TOWER(MAIN)HOUSE accommodation consists of: * Large Ground Floor hall paved with stone. There is a guest water closet. * First Floor includes double bedroom (en suite shower and water closet) with exposed beams. Good quality double bed, antique furniture and lovely views of trees and - when the leaves have dropped- hills extending for miles to the east. Landing and stairs to second floor. * Second Floor includes sunny and spacious kitchen/dining room with original Provençale floor tiles and exposed beams. The kitchen is fully-equipped with Siemens dishwasher, top of the range  Siemens stainless steel electric oven, microwave oven, large refrigerator/freezer, and a good supply of small electrical equipment (toaster, kettle, coffee maker, juice extractor, blender, and beaters). There are extensive views south across the 18th century courtyard. Well-decorated sitting room with comfortable sofas, antique furniture, with exposed beams, original Provençale floor tiles, television. View across leafy courtyard to hills beyond. Second, main double bedroom with antique furniture, double aspect south & west with views extending for miles over countryside. Small third twin bedroom (2 single beds) with views south and east through trees (mulberry and fig, as well as ash and pine) and across our valley towards the river. Bathroom with bath, antique walnut furniture (modern basin and fittings), and third water closet. There is a fourth water closet on this floor. Steep stairs lead to the third floor. * Third Floor is a  magnificent roof terrace paved with white natural stone, with panoramic views east, south and west across valleys and hills. Furnished (teak table, chairs, benches), with external lighting for outdoor meals. There is also a barbecue & second sink. The  washing machine is in a separate laundry room  (for the exclusive use of the Tower House) at ground floor level. Behind the large pool (see photo on web page) there is play equipment for young children: climbing frame with swing,slide, table and chairs for painting etc. We can lend you (free of charge) a cot (please bring your own cot sheets, cot blankets and baby pillow - babies sleep better with familiar smells!), a high chair, a push chair (please check on availability). Activities (on site or nearby): Hiking, Biking (bicycles can be hired at Salernes), Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife viewing, Horseback riding, Golf, Tennis, Shopping, Swimming, Water-skiing, Boating.  The river, with several waterfalls, is a wonderful spot for fishing, exploring, etc. Some other suggestions, among many: *  Explore the hills and valley of our property - the olive grove, the herbs and wild flowers, the river, the waterfalls. *  Go fishing, paddling, swimming in the river *  Choose from an endless number of walks in the unspoiled countryside all around, starting from your doorstep. *  Go to the local markets and rediscover what food used to taste like. *  Long, lazy lunches (and dinners) outside: by the pool or on your private terrace overlooking our valley. *  Lose the extra calories by cycling from hilltop village to hilltop village. *  Antique and bric-a-brac hunting at Salernes, Cotignac, Tourtour. *  Take a canoe ride in the heart of Provence, following the Argens river for 7 km. See http://www.kiatoo.fr/canoe.htm * Explore Gorges de Verdon - the extraordinary grand canyon (or ride a canoe down it). See http://www.provenceweb.fr/e/groupes/verdon/gorges.htm *  Visit the  castle at Entrecasteaux *  Bump into Princess Caroline at chi-chi St Tropez. *  Picnic in the chestnut forests outside lovely Collobrières. *  Drive to the top of Tourtour (cycle if you're mad) and let the Var and the Med take your breath away. *  Marseille, 1 hour away, is France's most exciting city, and home to the world's best bouillabaisse. *  Avignon, 2 hours away, is a fine city still showing its medieval charm with the Pope's Palace. *  Go wine-tasting at the local vineyards . *  Day trips to Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, Aix, Hyères (the islands), even Italy. *  Children like to make a list of all the animals and insects they see, sometimes keeping a diary with drawings, lists, leaves and petals to remind them of Provence.  *  Just read..... and read....... and read. Note: Since 2010 our property has been a Natura2000 site: this is a European Union classification, established by government decree.  Each government, having selected these sites,  which are of extraordinary importance for the biodiversity of the environment, is obliged by European and national law to protect the sites. Within our property there are two rare and endangered animal species, both protected by international treaties: Testudo hermanni (a tortoise which lives in our fields. Baby tortoises have been sighted over several years) and Rhinolophus hipposideros (a tiny bat which lives in a pre-historic grotto on our land. It flies between the grotto and the river and doesn’t fly near the buildings). It is most important that these animals be left alone and certainly not touched.  The wild flora within our property is also extra-ordinary.  A small selection is on this link: https://picasaweb.google.com/catsteller/FloreLesBaumes?authkey=Gv1sRgCPuQ5qmQ9duDHQ&feat=directlink (these are ALL wild flowers) and https://picasaweb.google.com/catsteller/LesBaumes1710?authkey=Gv1sRgCNaEkpHim6K0Ng&feat=content_notification (the lavender is not wild). The river is spectacular, with large, clear pools & a 10m high waterfall. Golf at 30min, horse riding in the village, fishing in the river, idyllic walks & cross-country cycling. The Domain is completely private, but within easy walking distance of the village. Equidistant from Nice & Aix-en-Provence, with St Tropez an easy drive south. As well as the outstanding scenic splendours of Provence at your doorstep (waterfalls,wine domains,ancient buildings & still-preserved hill villages to visit in the immediate area), less than an hour away are the fabulous Mediterranean coast,sandy beaches,sailing to the islands for a lazy day trip, cafés, glamorous shops.....