Bello Visto: Provençal Villa with Pool and Spectacular Views

Bello Visto is a beautiful property located high in the vieux village of Cairanne in the northern part of Provence. You can discover the centuries-old village on a walking tour or explore nearby Vaison-la-Romaine and Orange, both of which are known for their extraordinary Roman ruins. Even though Bello Visto is situated directly in the old village, there is a boulangerie, several food shops, wine stores, a bar-café, and two restaurants within a very short walk. The village is also known all over France for its excellent wine labeled with the Cairanne, Cotes du Rhone Villages appellation. Located on the southern Cotes du Rhone wine route, Cairanne is within a few kilometers of other notable wine villages, including Rasteau, Seguret, Sablet, Beaumes de Venise, Vacqueras, Gigondas, and Chateauneuf du Pape. Robert Parker says that Cairanne is a - noteworthy candidate to be the next village elevated to its own appellation - in Wines of the Rhône Valley. Bello Visto was constructed in the 19th century and was remodeled by an eminent Cairanne wine-maker and his wife. This Non-Smoking house has five levels of terraces including one just off the kitchen with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and perched villages and Dentelles de Montmirail. The largest terrace offers a perfect location for a traditional French dining experience. The landscaped gardens with lavender and roses as well as old olive trees has a 5 x 10 meter pool. The property is spread over almost 2/3 of an acre. Inside the house large window expanses fill the rooms with light and open the house to spectacular views. The many original Provençal features of the house, such as tile floors, exposed beams, and a curved staircase, are complemented by antiques and hand crafted fixtures and furniture from shops and artisans of Isle sur la Sorgue and nearby villages. The terrace level of the house comprises the living room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, and family room. The large living room offers an expansive bank of multi-paned French windows facing south and west, bathing the room in sunlight even in winter months. Provencal chairs, a coffee table and comfortable large sofa are arranged in the room to capture the beautiful views. The living room is separated from the dining room by the fireplace which opens to both rooms. The dining room features a beautiful built-in buffet made from centuries-old cabinet doors. The buffet can be closed completely or its center doors can be opened to provide a pass-through to the kitchen. Compact and modern, the kitchen and pantry are well equipped for cooking meals with fresh ingredients found at the local farmers markets. French doors open out to the tiled terrace from both the dining room and the kitchen, offering convenient access to outdoor dining. On the opposite end of the dining room through French doors is the combination library/family room. This comfortable room has a pair of leather sofas, entertainment center, and beautiful oriental rug over an antique tile floor. A semi-circular curved staircase of marble leads to the second floor. At this level there are four bedrooms, one used primarily as an office by the owners, but can be used as a bedroom. A dressing room with extra storage space for suitcases and garments; a bathroom with vanity and combination tub and shower(wall-mount Italian style and hand-held), and a separate WC (toilet room) are also here. Beds have good-quality mattresses and are covered with either intricately quilted boutis or French tapestry covers. The house comfortably sleeps a maximum of six occupants. High ceilings and antique tile floors are found in most of these rooms as well as beautiful antique armoires and night stands. All rooms are well illuminated with either overhead or wall lighting fixtures and receive sunlight from windows that can be darkened with shutters. Fall, 2006 the owners completed a remodel in the building across the terrace from the kitchen. Inside, the reconstructed bathroom features ceramic wall and floor tiles and an Italian style shower, vanity with vessel sink, and toilet. The upgraded, large laundry room with natural lighting has a new matching Whirlpool washing machine and separate dryer, drying rack for hanging clothes if this is preferred, a laundry sink, and iron/ironing board. In addition, there is an elliptical trainer for use while overlooking views of the village and vineyards. APARTMENT: The owners of Bello Visto also renovated a one-bedroom apartment in a separate building next to the main house. The romantic 500 square foot apartment has been charmingly decorated in distinctive Provencal style. The textured walls are painted and finished with friezes in the combination living and dining room. The picture window in the dining area offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The apartment also includes a well-equipped kitchenette, a bathroom with WC and shower, and a large bedroom with queen-sized bed. Throughout the apartment furnishings are either fashionably modern or good-quality antiques. NOTE: During the high season guests must rent the house and apartment together to allow complete privacy on the property including all structures, terraces, pool, and yard. The house and apartment can be rented separately only during the off-season. See the apartment vrbo listing #33752 for details. No Smoking, No Pets, and no children under 8 years old. Keywords: Villa: Village House+Apartment