Location

Between the Lubéron and the Alpilles mountains, near to Salon-de-Provence. In a village where the old district has been attractively restored with numerous, exposed stone houses, in a narrow, quiet street where the silence is only broken by church bells.
30 minutes from Aix-en-Provence and Avignon TGV train stations and airports, 45 minutes from the sea, 5 minutes from the motorway and 2 minutes walk from the local shops.

Description

Superb, arched carriage gates under a stone archway provide access to this property from the east, to reveal, once through another arched stone passageway, the cosy atmosphere of the property. The inner courtyard, predominantly planted with pine, cypress and small palm trees as well as oleander bushes, comprises an old-fashioned, 4x8 m (13.1x26.2 ft) swimming pool below the terrace. All the windows overlooking the courtyard belong to the property. The buildings currently collectively comprise approx. 400 m² (4,305 sq ft) of living space, 180 m² (1,937 sq ft) of outbuildings and 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) to be restored. The oldest buildings, to the south-east of the courtyard, are in ruins, date from the 16th century and have French MH classification. They comprise a very large fireplace, the mantelpiece of which is supported by stone pillars, on the ground level and mullioned windows on the ground and first floors. All that remains of the house are the outside walls. Adjoining the house, an arched passageway, flanked by double, square columns, leads via steps to a small esplanade that dominates the inner courtyard. To the west, on the ground floor, are a large workshop with a glazed door and a very small house that is used for storage purposes. A second small, inner, service courtyard, with a wood store and access to the kitchen, enables cars to be parked via a second access giving on to the street.
Upstairs, a large room that could be used as a bedroom has several steps leading down to the summer kitchen. This kitchen, open to the outside, features exposed beams and roof tiles. It dominates the swimming pool and is on the same level as the lounge terrace, on the first floor of the south facade. Steps lead from this terrace to the swimming pool.
The south facade corresponds to the main house which, with its spacious rooms and terracotta floor tiles, no doubt dates from the 18th century. Five steps lead down from the entrance on the ground floor to a living room with a large fireplace; the ceiling is 4.10 m (13.5 ft) high at its highest point. One wall is made of exposed stone.
A few steps lead down even further to a small vaulted kitchen with a back kitchen, a laundry room and access to the service courtyard. From the living room, a stairway goes up to the lounge, a superb room with a window to the west and three French windows overlooking the south terrace with an arbour and a wisteria tree. The ceiling is 3.20 m (10.5 ft) high, but it is a suspended ceiling, hiding a 3.95 m (13 ft) high, polychrome, wooden ceiling that could be restored.
From the lounge, a stairway leads, on one side, to a large bedroom with a fireplace and its adjoining bathroom. The ceiling features stucco decoration and the four corners of the room are rounded.
On the other side are a shower room, a bedroom with two windows and indoor shutters, followed by a bathroom and a dressing room.
On the east side of the courtyard is a small, charming house that is more rustic. It has floorboard ceilings with plaster troughs and terracotta tiled floors. The independent ground floor comprises a study and a small adjoining room. A stone stairway leads from the courtyard to the first level which comprises two bedrooms and a shower room. The upper level has a large bedroom and a bathroom.
To the right of the entrance door of the main house is a door that opens into the large entrance hall of the neighbouring house which belongs to the same owner. Two flats that do not overlook the courtyard were sold a long time ago but are now up for sale again.
This house needs restoring and could be renovated for rental purposes. The entrance hall provides access to a studio flat of approx. 40 m² (431 sq ft) with a very high ceiling, a small room that could be connected to the study in the small house and a small storage room. The classical, local style stairway is vast and extremely beautiful with wrought iron, terracotta tiles and wood. There is currently a two-roomed flat on the second floor and two large attics which could be transformed into flats.

Our opinion

It is rare to find so many stylistically and architecturally distinct features in one place. The link between the parts which are in ruins and those which are lived in is, in this case, particularly striking as if, apart from the contemplation that it evokes, the ruin was asking to be renovated, to have its lost glory and purpose restored and to come back to life. An interesting challenge if ever there was one, but one that can reasonably be envisaged. In addition, a surface area spanning 400 m² of living space and great renovation potential for approx. 150 m² as well as two flats that can be sold, contribute to making this property a jewel near to an antique city and, why not, a stylish exercise. A small haven of peace with a scented, peaceful atmosphere, in the centre of a village, near to the Lubéron and Alpilles mountains, where there is enough privacy for everyone whether as a family home or as a holiday accommodation or bed & breakfast activity.

890 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.

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NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.