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18thCentury property : Stunning Location, 3 private pools, river, cascades,views - The Tower House, with own pool, sleeps 6/8
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Half Baths | 2 |
| Property type | house |
| Minimum Stay | 3 - 7 nights |
Overview
The Tower House, with own pool, sleeps 6/8
The Tower House faces full south, overlooking our private valley & the grassy terraces which lead to the large private pool. Large Entrance Hall/play/video room, sunny & beautifully furnished sitting room, fully equipped kitchen/dining room, 3 (4 with the annexe) very pretty & comfortable bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,4 W/C’s (3 bathrooms & 5 wc's with the annexe), magnificent roof terrace (BBQ) for al fresco dining. Antique furniture in each room.
Stunning views of our gardens from each window, panorama east, south & west from the roof terrace.
Excellent outdoors facilities: grassy terraces with lavender, irises, mint & rosemary; mature trees for shade; swings for children and unlimited space for all games.
Fans in each bedroom (rarely necessary-the thick stone walls keep the house cool).
The annexe,an independent double bedroom with own shower room & separate wc, lovely views, can be rented(£350pw)
18thC Olive Mill,river,3 pools
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 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, glamorous shops,cafés&restaurants.
Drive to three of the most famous cities in Provence - Aix en Provence, Nice & Marseille(wonderful shops, galleries & restaurants).
You have your own private pool & a series of spectacular waterfalls with large natural pools in the river.
Please note, though, that river access is not suitable for very young children and requres some agility.
If you fish, bring your rod, because the river has trout and other local fish.
Sillans la Cascade is a medieval hill village in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Aups (a medieval walled town)is the truffle centre of eastern France.
Other local villages: Salernes is famous for its beautiful ceramics: tiles (decorative& plain), kitchen ware(jugs,pots,cooking utensils), vases- visitors generally find them irresistible. There is also a wonderful local market in the village square.Tourtour has an international music festival,& two outstanding restaurants for special occasions.The views from this “perched” village extend as far as the Mediterranean to the south and the mountains near Aix en Provence to the west. Cotignac is a walker’s paradise,with fascinating cave dwellings & several medieval monasteries. Entrecasteux’s chateau has outstanding gardens & art exhibitions/concerts all year. La Roquebrussane is the home of Provençale cooking:you can join a cooking class & spend the morning prepare lunch. Collobrieres celebrates the annual wine festival by running wine through the village fountains. The village nestles in chestnut forests and visitors come from all over France for the sugared chestnuts, chestnut purée & chestnut honey.
Excursions and activities: To the north the Gorges de Verdun & the Lake Ste Croix are ideal locations for exploring outstanding natural sites.
To the south is the Côte d’Azur : sandy beaches, colourful ports (Grimaud & St Tropez) and ideal sailing (especially the 3 islands around Hyères).
There are excellent antique and Provençal products shops in Hyères, Cotignac, Salernes etc .Easy day trips include Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Monte Carlo and San Remo (Italy).
The Golf Club Barbaroux (designed by Pete & PB Dye )is 30mins away, at Brignoles. Horse riding is available in the village (day treks can be organized).
About owner
Visitors' Comments:
"“We had a brilliant stay - a fantastic time! it was a lovely place to stay and enjoy the local countryside, waterfalls and access to local towns of interest like Moustier, Cotignac, Aix, Antibes, St Paul de Vence, even Sillans was very lovely! Everything was perfect and we had all we needed to have a very comfortable stay.
Thank you so much for re scheduling us in and we hope to return.
Would highly recommend the cottage! Great to have a swim in the first week of October! “
KG, Norfolk, England, October 2016
"Many thanks for returning the deposit. We had an absolutely lovely stay, thank you very much for everything. Your grounds are stunning; we loved the waterfalls. The prooerty is absolutely delightful and we found everything we needed there. Richard was very impressed with your barbeque and has been searching for an identical one since we got back home.
Thanks to Catherine too for making us feel so welcome. We hope to come back and visit again!"
Gemma and Richard, Reading, England
"Everything was excellent and charming and we will recommend the olive mill to our friends.
We wanted to say goodbye to Catherine, who was very kind with us, but we didn´t find her."
Berthold W. Emmendingen, Germany
"Our holiday was fantastic. Everything was provided and appreciated such an incredibly beautiful place we hope we can return soon."
Sarah & Paul R. Paris, France
"Thank you very much, we had a great holiday in your olive mill and in Provence. We appreciate a lot the wi-fi :-) It was of a great quality."
Jurgita B. Vilnius, Lithuania
“Thanks for sharing your private paradise with us : everything was fantastic, beyond expectations! We will strongly recommend your property to our friends."
owner purchased this house in 1990
Why owner chose Provence
Our family moved from London to Provence in 1988. The olive mill was still owned by the Count de Castellane, whose family had owned the entire village of Sillans la Cascade since 1781. The properties were all sold towards the end of the 20th century when the last Count died without heirs.
The Domaine des Baumes is an authentic 17th-18th century olive mill with medieval vestiges, in an important natural environment which includes a listed waterfall. The entire property is protected by European legislation ("Natura2000").
It is very private but not isolated, with wonderful views. Walk to the village for morning croissants and coffee. Morning swimming in the river with its multiple cascades, lunch under ancient mulberry and fig trees, siesta by private pool..
Easy drive to lake Ste Croix (boating, swimming, sailing) and to the coast.
What makes this house unique
In the heart of a European-protected natural site ('Natura2000') with private river, several waterfalls and low cascades, very private restored olive mill dating from the Middle Ages provides accommodation for as few as 2 persons and as many as 12 in three completely independent and private dwellings, each with its own private, unshared pool.
Outstanding views and wildlife including two protected, endangered species.
A part of our river and our small waterfall of 10metres have also been classified by the French government as protected sites.
The land is free of all chemicals and has never been farmed intensively. The olive grove is also completely organic.
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
VISITOR'S REVIEW:
“The Cottage was exactly what we were after – a picturesque property set in beautiful grounds. Catherine provided a warm welcome upon arrival and checked that we had everything we needed. The Cottage itself was spotlessly clean and had all the mod cons one would require (loved the gas bbq). The swimming pool was lovely for a quick dip to cool down and had magnificent views. The nearby river and waterfall (which you could swim in) was a hidden gem. Lots of quaint little Provincial towns nearby to explore and near the Lac de Sainte-Croix (30 mins drive away) was unbelievable for swimming in – much better than any beach I have been to of late. Would highly recommend this property.”
George and Clair, London, September 2016
Guestbook comments from the owner
Available Rentals
Notes
Please ask for our web address for more photos.
PLEASE NOTE THAT RENTAL PERIODS ARE FRIDAY-FRIDAY in SUMMER.
We prefer a Friday arrival: travelling is easier for our visitors, queues at airports are shorter, shopping for the weekend is easier AND fares are much cheaper.
OUTSIDE THE SUMMER PERIOD WE ACCEOT OTHER ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE DAYS.
Amenities
Salernes House Accommodation and Amenities
- house
- Guests provide their own meals
- Housekeeper Optional
- Max. occupancy: 6
- children welcome ...
- pets not allowed
- non smoking only
- Near The Ocean
- Rural
- Village
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Family
- Historic
- Romantic
- Sports & Activities
- Tourist Attractions
- Activities Guide
- Baby Gate
- Basic Soaps
- Free Local Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Heating
- Internet
- Iron & Board
- Laundry Soap
- Linens Provided
- Living Room
- Local Maps
- Local Restaurant Guide
- Parking
- Parking Off Street
- Sunbed
- Telephone
- Toilet Paper
- Towels Provided
- Washing Machine
- Wireless Internet ...
- 4 Ring Stove
- Blender
- Coffee Maker
- Cooking Utensils
- Dishes & Utensils
- Dishwasher
- Freezer
- Grill
- Kitchen
- Microwave
- Oven ...
- Pantry Items
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Toaster
- Child's Highchair
- Dining ...
- Dining Area
- seating for 6 people
- 2 Bathrooms,
- 2 Half Baths
-
Bathroom -
toilet
,
combination tub/shower
Bathroom - toilet
Bathroom - toilet
Bathroom - toilet , shower
- Main bathroom has bath, antique walnut furniture (modern basin and fittings), & WC. There is another WC on this floor. Second shower room with wc is ensuite to the the secnd double bedroom. Magnificent roof terrace paved with white natural stone, with splendid views east, south and west across valleys and hills. Furnished (teak table, chairs, benches), with external lighting for outdoor meals. Weber barbecue, second sink. Washing machine, ironing board & iron, hair dryer.
- 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6
-
Bedroom -
1 queen
,
1 baby crib
,
1m 60 wide
Bedroom - 1 double , 1 baby crib , 1 m 40 wide
Bedroom - 2 twin/ single , 80cm wide each
- First Floor: double bedroom (en suite shower room, WC) with exposed beams. Good quality double bed, lovely antique furniture, sunny garden views south- east. Second Floor : double bedroom (king size bed) with extensive views south & west over our valley & the surrounding hills. Beautiful walnut & cherry antique furniture and original Provençale floor tiles. Small third bedroom (2 single beds) with views south and east through trees (mulberry & fig, as well as ash & pine), across our valley towards the river. A cot can be put in the large Entrance Hall (WC & basin at this level), curtained for privacy. PLEASE ASK FOR OUR WEB SITE FOR MORE PHOTOS.
- Audio Tape Player
- Books
- Books for Adults
- Books for Kids
- CD Player
- DVD Player
- Games
- Games for Kids
- Music Library
- Radio
- Satellite / Cable
- Television
- Toys
- VCR
- Video Library
- Beach Towels
- Boat ...
- Child's Swing
- Deck / Patio ...
- Golf ...
- Kayak / Canoe ...
- Lawn / Garden ...
- Outdoor Furniture
- Outdoor Grill ...
- Outdoor Grill Gas
- Porch / Veranda ...
- Tennis ...
- Tennis Court
- Terrace
- 8 garden chairs
- 8 beach chairs
- wheelchair inaccessible
- Outdoor Pool
- Private Pool ...
- autumn foliage
- botanical garden
- caves
- churches
- cinemas
- festivals
- forests
- library
- museums
- playground
- pond
- recreation center
- restaurants
- ruins
- waterfalls
- winery tours
- bird watching
- eco tourism
- horseback riding
- scenic drives
- sight seeing
- walking
- ATM/bank
- Babysitter
- groceries
- hospital
- medical services
- cycling
- fishing
- freshwater fishing
- golf
- hiking
- hunting
- jet skiing
- mountain biking
- mountaineering
- sailing
- scuba diving or snorkeling
- swimming
- tennis
- water skiing
Reviews
Exceptional!
5/5 -
(9 traveler reviews)
It just doesn't get better than this
We're experienced travellers, and we've become used to discounting the claims made (and photographs shown) for properties around the world.
We had to discard our cynicism as soon as we were welcomed to the Tower House. It was everything that was promised and more.
The property was genuinely enchanting and immaculately prepared for us. We particularly liked the roof terrace (a great place to have a barbecue and relax at dusk watching swifts swooping after insects), the private pool (complete with concealed fridge to keep your drinks cool), and the stroll through the olive grove down to the secluded river (complete with cascades, pools and, yes, a proper waterfall).
It's a great centre for touring, too, if you can bear to tear yourself away from the property itself and the charming nearby towns and villages (we particularly liked Tourtour). We went north to Moustiers and the Gorges du Verdon (outstanding natural beauty and grandeur) south for some glamour at St Tropez (a bit of a trek - it's really designed for people to turn up by yacht or helicopter!); west to Nice and Monte Carlo; and finally east to Aix-en Provence to catch the TGV to Paris for the next leg of our trip.
We were a mixed group: me (a mid-50s pommy expat living in Australia); my mother (aged 76 and sprightly enough to handle the stairs); my fourteen-year-old step-daughter; and my beautiful Australian wife (age withheld because I'm not entirely stupid). Not an automatic recipe for harmony or shared interests.
But we all adored touring Provence and in particular our base at the Tower House. Thanks to Catherine and Alexia for providing us with such a perfect place to stay.
Beautiful property, stunning location
We stayed at the Olive Mill in May half-term this year - our family of five in the Tower House plus two adult in-laws and niece in the Cottage. The website photos do not do justice to the interiors, which have been converted into ample living space whilst remaining sympathetic to the age of the buildings. The Tower House easily accommodated us, our two teenage daughters and older son. It was well equipped, stocked with all the essentials, yet had stacks of charm and simplicity.
The views around the property are stunning. Rolling meadows lap up to an olive grove. Behind the grove is a green gate which leads, down some rustic steps, to a bright blue lagoon and your private cascades. Cross the cascade, climb up a steep incline, walk for a few minutes along the tree line then follow the path down again and you come to your own 10m high waterfall. It was amazing to swim with the kids up to this, then walk behind and under it - and even dive through it. I am a forty-four year male and I felt like a Disney mermaid…looked more like Shrek, but hey…
The rest of the time, we followed the list of local markets in the welcome folder each morning and bought beautiful fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and cheese. It was a fantastic way to visit some stunning villages and the stallholders were very helpful given we had pretty limited French. The rest of the time we stayed around the grounds for lunch, then went out in the evening for dinner.
A truly relaxing holiday but in no way limiting. Exploring the cascades was a real thrill - like the rapids at Centerparcs but without the expense and stomach bugs. Without getting your ‘Aups’ up too high, the local villages were delightful, Cotignac in particular.
Some tips. We took wetsuits for the kids for the wild swimming and should have taken some beach shoes for when they went exploring through the cascades. A couple of the young ones also got splinters off the wooden deck of the cottage swimming pool so maybe bring some tweezers - although the local supermarket stocked them. The main waterfall is about ten minutes walk from the property (turn left after you come out of the gate and walk down the gravel track).
There wasn’t much going on in Sillans le Cascades, but Salerne just up the road has a delightful confectioners and three supermarkets nearby. Cotignac was really interesting with the troglodyte houses at the top end, and some lovely restaurants.
Romantic and splendid location
This was our 3rd visit to The Olive Mill, 2 times Studio, 1 time Tower House with family. We enjoyed each and every time!! The serenity, the wild life, the waterfall, the swimming pool, the house itself, it's great to be here and it's a short distance to all nice locations (Nice ca. 1 hour away) although the small villages near Sillans are more then worth visiting too (f.e. TourTour, Aups, Cotignac) but staying at the swimming pool with a nice glass of champagne with a blue sky and blazing sun above you is also more than perfect! The property is clean and is well provided for your holiday. We sure will come back!!
"A week of pure bliss"
Thanks again for everything. It was a week of pure bliss to wake up to the wonderful smells and sounds emanating from your beautiful property. I'm still dreaming about the smells of lavender, sage, thyme and rosemary that wafted up from the plants on the Tower House grounds. I had to tear myself away from the roof deck and the glorious sound of the breeze rustling through the olive grove. It was a delight to explore the towns in the region and to experience a small town circus one night (my daughter's favorite experience) in Sillans-la-Cascade. The people we met were wonderful, the food delicious, and your place was a little slice of heaven. Thank you, thank you for making your property available to us for a week - what a delight! Your daughter Catherine was also incredibly kind to us.
M. L .
Oslo July 2011
Our best holiday ever!
We had a wonderful time at Les Baumes and think about it every day still - what a special place. We found a tortoise and the morelles at the same time - would you believe it.
The iris on the rocks were just stunning - I couldn't work out if they were wild or whether you had planted them originally. We could see the eryngiums and poppies starting to grow and wished we could just come back in time to see them all in flower. The asparagus was fabulous and I am missing the herbs now we are home.
With regard to the house, I can't think of anything else that we needed - it was very well stocked. (The children adored Catherine's books.)
Very much looking forward to a return visit - we all agreed it was our best holiday ever!
A memorable week.
We had a wonderful week in The Tower House. Thank you for sharing it with us.
We enjoyed the library of books available, including the children's books, the grounds and found everything we needed in the house.
Thank you again for a memorable week.
Map
The Olive Mill nestles in the countryside near the little village of Sillans la Cascade, in the heart of Provence. The beaches of the Cote d'Azur are directly south and to the north (30km) are the Gorges(grand canyon) de Verdon & the Lake Sainte Croix. The Grand Canyon is spectacular - created over a period of thousands of years, it is unique in Europe.
Nice & Marseille airports are just over 1 hour away.
It is an easy walk to the village & 5-10 minutes’ drive to Aups, Cotignac & Salernes. Nearby are Tourtour, famous for its antiques, restaurants & music festival, Cotignac (a walker's paradise with fascinating cave dwellings & several medieval monasteries), Entrecasteaux (outstanding formal gardens & towering castle), La Roquebrussane(home of Provencal cooking: please ask to book a class ).
Michelin starred restaurants are at Tourtour, Lorgues, Moustiers, Callas & Grimaud. It is an easy walk to our excellent village restaurants.
A prehistoric cave is also to be found on our own property: please ask to visit.
Other Activities: canoeing, water skiing at the lake, fishing and swimming in our river, mountaineering at the Gorges Verdon.
Photos
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