Villa Le Jardin Des Baous

On a clear day you can see as far as Corsica from the terrace of this beautiful villa in the Côte d'Azur hinterland, perched just above the gorgeous town of Vence.

With panoramic views of Baous mountains, Haut de Cagnes and Antibes, this is a special place to stay close to some of the French Riviera’s most idyllic villages, perfect for discerning travellers looking for more than just a holiday home. This architect-designed stone-built villa is a high-end yet authentic family residence with graceful furnishings, tasteful décor and the most wonderful gardens and heated swimming pool.

Step through the old wooden door and you will immediately be impressed by Villa Le Jardin Des Baous’ welcoming interiors with antique tiled floors throughout the L-shaped lounge and dining room. Doors lead out to the al-fresco dining terrace with a hand-crafted stone table and wrought iron chairs, ideal for serving feasts prepared in the delightful Provençal-style kitchen.

The villa sleeps up to 6 guests across its three bedrooms including two rounded doubles with air-conditioning, one of which is in the tower with a private terrace and far-reaching views of the countryside and sea beyond. The third bedroom, a charming twin, is reached via a glass door designed by a famous mid-20th century artist and has access to the private side garden overlooking the fountain. All three bedrooms benefit from their own private bath or shower room.

Across the terraced grounds you will come across olive, pomegranate, cherry, fig, orange and lemon trees as well as the picture-perfect mosaic-tiled heated swimming pool and poolside summer kitchen. The vistas from the landscaped gardens and terraces are simply magical.

Vence, one of the Côte d'Azur hinterland’s most loved destinations, is a short drive away – the most energetic of guests could even walk there in half an hour (a little longer on the way back up), passing Matisse’s famous Chapelle du Rosaire en route. When you reach the small town you will be enamoured by its narrow lanes, flower-filled doorways, twice-weekly market, art galleries and excellent restaurants; a town which has inspired artists and writers over the many years.

Follow the footsteps of Joan Miró, Chagall and Braque at La Colombe D’or in nearby St Paul de Vence, another gem for art-lovers especially with the renowned Fondation Maeght, and drive to idyllic villages and market towns such as Tourrettes, Grasse and Gourdon. Keen walkers will be delighted to learn there are several hikes straight from the villa whilst golf-lovers have a great choice of courses close to Valbonne and Mougins.

The allure of the French Riviera also awaits whether you wish to enjoy the watersports of Cagnes-sur-Mer, soak up the charm of Nice, explore the beauty of Cap d’Antibes or spend time in Cannes. At the end of the day, return to the bougainvillea-clad patio of Villa Le Jardin Des Baous and appreciate the stunning Mediterranean views from this wonderful and enchanting home.

Features:

Villa Interiors

Garden Level

-    Entrance
-    Living room with open fireplace and doors leading to garden and al-fresco dining terrace
-    Open-plan dining area with doors leading to rear/side garden and fountain
-    Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, ceramic hob and fridge
-    Bedroom with double bed, air-conditioning, small dressing area and doors leading to garden. Shower room with shower, sink and toilet
-    Bedroom with twin beds, fan, door leading to garden and shower room with shower, sink and toilet

Upper Floor (via winding staircase)

-    Bedroom with double bed, air-conditioning and door leading to terrace with far-reaching views. Bathroom with bath/overhead shower, sink and toilet

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (12x6m, depth: 1-2.4m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately from late April for as long as possible during the season, depending on weather
-    Poolside summer kitchen and covered dining terrace
-    Al-fresco dining terrace
-    Webber barbecue
-    Garden (terraced levels with steps)
-    Fruit and olive trees
-    Fountain
-    Electric gate and driveway (fairly steep)
-    Parking area (covered parking for one car)

Facilities

-    Air-conditioning (two double bedrooms only)
-    Fan (twin bedroom)
-    Baby bath (babies in arms only)

Location:

With gloriously far-reaching views, Villa Le Jardin Des Baous is just above the idyllic town of Vence in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southern France, less than a 25-minute drive to Cagnes-sur-Mer and the beaches of the French Riviera and only 20km from Nice Airport.

The small town of Vence (3km) is just a 5-minute drive away (it’s worth noting that the driveway from the parking up to the electric gate is fairly steep). You could also walk into Vence if you would like, taking around 30 minutes downhill (slightly longer on the way back) via the road or by following a mule track between the villas.

Vence is one of the Côte d'Azur hinterland’s most loved small towns with its maze of pedestrianised, medieval lanes, flower-covered doorways, ancient houses, shady squares and exceptional viewpoints from its perched position. Discover its art galleries, café terraces, gastronomic restaurants and weekly market on a Tuesday morning at Place Clemenceau. Over the years, the town has inspired generations of writers and artists – a visit to Matisse’s Chapelle du Rosaire (2km) just outside the town is a must.

Slightly further south, St Paul de Vence (8km) is another artistic gem, home to the highly regarded Fondation Maeght and its Joan Miró sculpture garden. The old village is a joy to explore and you can follow the likes of Chagall, Braque and Miró’s footsteps at La Colombe D’Or’s renowned hotel-restaurant.

Keen hikers note that there are several walks straight from the villa, including a trail up to the waterfall that transports water from the mountains to Vence below. You can also venture into the Baou de la Gaude from the village of Saint-Jeannet, both of which can be seen from the villa, or drive down to the Mediterranean for exceptional coastal walks across the Cap d’Antibes.

Golfers have a good choice of courses across this part of southern France from Golf Opio Valbonne (21km) near the attractive market town of Valbonne to the prestigious courses near Mougins (32km), a flower-filled village in the hills behind Cannes.

Cannes (33km) itself is a fine day out with its grand boulevard, glitzy marina, beaches and Palais des Festivals juxtaposing the vibrant Marché Forville and Le Suquet old quarter. Discover the old charm of Antibes (23km) with its Picasso museum and enjoy lunch in a beachside restaurant in the chic resort of Juan-Les-Pins (28km).

Even closer is Cagnes-sur-Mer (12km), home to the Musée Renoir and Château Grimaldi in its old town and a large shopping centre in the outskirts. Cagnes-sur-Mer’s impressive promenade and beach offer a variety of watersports opportunities and they lead to the famous Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur for horse-racing enthusiasts.

Terms & Conditions:

Security deposit?
€1000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time?
5.00 p.m.

Departure time?
10.00 a.m.

Linen & towels included?
Yes.

Pool towels included?
Yes.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Heating costs included?
Yes.

End of stay cleaning included?
Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Pool heating charge?
Included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open and heated approximately late April for as long as possible during the season, depending on weather. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.

Minimum stay?
7 nights.

Changeover day?
Flexible.

Other Ts and Cs?
Air-conditioning is only featured in two of the bedrooms; the third bedroom has a fan.

Smoking Allowed?
No.

Pets welcome?
Not allowed.

Tax?
French Visitors Tax is included.
Smoking - not allowed