Our 400-year-old medieval stone home, Le Mas Des Gardiols - La Cerisaie, sits in the heart of the Luberon amid fruit orchards, vineyards and fields of lavender, sunflowers and poppies. The Les Gardiols hamlet provides a quiet refuge just a short, turn in the road apart from the tourist throngs that descend upon southern France in the summer. Nearby, you will discover villages identified as the “most beautiful in France” and others just as remarkable. You will be within walking distance of Roussillon and Gordes, and biking to Goult. Bonnieux, LaCoste, Menerbes and Oppede are short distances by car. Imagine a private, trellised courtyard siting amid lavender, roses, cherry trees and grape vines with jasmine and spice perfuming the house and the quiet Provence evenings. The authentic country setting conveys the soul of Provence, la Vie en Rose.
The home’s medieval character is thoughtfully transformed, blending the character of 17th century country life with modern comforts and appliances. Today’s features include a gourmet kitchen, modern baths, extra hot water heaters, and brand-new comfortable beds. Local wild flowers accent the authentic Provence country antique furnishings and interior appointments.
For dining, French doors in the kitchen and dining room area open directly into the private, trellised courtyard which has a large stone table that comfortably seats ten. Inside, renters can share food at an antique monastery refectory table.
For relaxing, a spiral staircase leads from the kitchen-dining room area up to the comfortable beamed ceiling family/living room on the second level. Here one can gaze over the property's gardens, nearby vineyards, local lavender fields, the nearby Luberon village of Roussillon, and the Luberon Mountain range. Or, one might read one of the many books and listen to your favorite music.
The four bedrooms comfortably sleep eight. A master bedroom suite off the living room has private terrace, king-size bed, beamed ceilings, and private ensuite bath with tub, shower, sink, and bidet. The adjacent wing of the house is transformed into three additional sleeping areas and two baths. The wing once was a Provencal home. This ancient kitchen and family living space, is today converted into a bedroom suite with queen-size bed, a spectacular vaulted ceiling, original fireplace, and original ceramic tile floor. An additional bathroom is also nearby. Three upstairs rooms and a small study have been converted into two bedrooms and a bath.
Facing this ancient home is a sitting/game room. A giant bread oven rumored, according to Hamlet legend, to have once provided bread to the entire Hamlet can be found in this room. An old well which was almost certainly used to extinguish the fires that heated the oven is attached to this oven. Today, this room space provides a shaded summer hideaway, but in the winter the old wood-cooking bread oven can still provide a warming fire and pizza..
The pool sits in a separate, private, gated rose garden area amid cherry and fig trees, oleander, lavender and rosemary. Here one can lunch under the shade of a cherry tree at a second stone table in a trellised eating area, get lost in a book, gaze at the ruby ridges of Roussillon and the Luberon range, or snooze in the shade to the songs of birds and cicadas.
Food and wine here are amazing. You can’t go wrong. Eating and drinking are a big reason many visit and persistently return to Provence and the Luberon. You can visit a different Provencal Luberon village or Vaucluse outdoor market every day and cook with fresh local ingredients, have a cook do it for you, or eat in one of the world-class, Michelin star rated restaurants in the vicinity. And you need not pay Michelin prices. Small, unheralded restaurants have their own specialties The wine selection is amazing and affordable. A favorite vineyard is within walking distance, but the world-famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape just 45 minutes away and other Cote de Rhone vineyards also nearby. However, the region also specializes in Gigondas and Beaume de Venise.
The art, music and theater venues available provide endless cultural options. The local villages also have their fairs running throughout the summer. Craft shows are additional options. The Mediterranean beaches are a short distance away or one can enjoy the breathtaking views from the nearby Alps or Mt. Ventoux.