Location

In a region which inspired Gioni and his friends, 45 km (28 miles) from Gordes, the mecca of the Lubéron area, 55 km (34 miles) from Aix-en-Provence and its mansion houses, 75 minutes from Avignon and Marseille airports, 60 minutes from the TGV trains and 20 minutes from the motorway exit.
15 km (9 miles) from a town with all amenities and 5 minutes from the nearest small village.
Backing on to the hillside, at an altitude of 550 m (1,800 ft) with a view over the valley and the Alps.

Description

A several hundred metre long unmade road, large remote controlled entrance gates and 600 m (656 yds) further on the priory (which can be traced back to the 17th century) and its 12th century chapel stand in rural surroundings, part of which are cultivated. The external architecture is pure and extremely sober, made up of small windows, several vaults and partly exposed stone walls. The sizes of the original rooms and the inner courtyard of this U-shaped building have been preserved.
The entrance is via a large vaulted door which leads on to a 200 m² (2,152 sq ft) partly covered patio, with its two old olive trees. The unobstructed view from this peaceful setting takes in the snow-covered mountains and a hilltop village, the bell tower of which is illuminated at night. A water source runs its length in a stone-lined bed, providing coolness.
An outside stairway leads up to the kitchen, the centre of the house, a vast room with a monumental fireplace and a French ceiling. A fountain fed by water from the source enables bottles to be kept chilled. The Burgundy stone floor, heats in the winter and cools in the summer thanks to 2 heat pumps. This system operates throughout the house; the floors are of terracotta tiles, flagstones or oak parquet flooring.
Adjoining the kitchen, also with an exit into the inner courtyard is a pantry-linen room with an immense sink and a little further on, accessible from the outside as well as the inside, is an old-fashioned veranda that can be used as a workshop or a study with a large aviary.
A stairway in the kitchen leads to a small entrance coming from the courtyard. A section that could be independent has been created on the other side. It comprises a lounge with a fireplace overlooking an east-facing terrace, a small kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom.
A stone stairway leads upstairs which comprises a 50 m² (538 sq ft) lounge with a fireplace and 4 old bookcases. It extends into a west-facing terrace with a light well in its centre for the kitchen. A very large bedroom with a fireplace is adjoining with a restored 18th century dressing room and a bathroom that also includes an Italian shower. A second bedroom also has a bath and shower room.

The inner courtyard overlooks an old plane tree and 2 large chestnut trees with a view of the main fountain fed by the source. It is enclosed by a gate and railings supported on low stone walls.

The garden consists of 4 squares of box wood trees, bordering the flower and herb parterres. A small water jet has been created in its centre, the gentle sound of which refreshes the atmosphere. An arbour backs on to the house.
This courtyard provides access to:
-a room used for keeping and storing fruit with a trapdoor leading to a wine cellar.
-a stairway leading to an east-facing terrace opening into a studio flat with a polished concrete shower.
-an independent flat with its own private, east-facing garden; it includes a lounge with a fireplace and an American-style kitchen, and a bedroom with a vaulted bathroom.
The 12th century chapel is the oldest part of the estate. Transformed into an 80 m² (861 sq ft) caretaker’s dwelling, it comprises a lounge with a fireplace, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. It is possible to extend it by 200 m² (2,153 sq ft).

Outbuildings:
-an open farm shed spanning approx. 260 m² (2,799 sq ft) with water and electricity; it could possibly be converted into horse loose boxes.
-a large 4-car garage with a mezzanine floor.

The land comprises approx. 12 ha (30 acres) of woods, predominantly comprising oak and pine trees and 2.5 ha (6.2 acres) of wooded parklands (more than 100 varieties of flowers) with an automatic watering system, a source, a borehole, and fountains. The soil is very fertile. One meadow is planted with fruit trees. There are also a vegetable garden and bee hives (8 kg/17.6 lbs per year of lavender honey).
A site is set out for a swimming pool and the pipe work is already laid.

Our opinion

Sober architecture, very spacious rooms, and buildings restored using quality materials combining comfort with authenticity to give outstanding results.
5 independent flats make it possible to receive family and friends easily or to create an upmarket bed & breakfast or holiday accommodation business. This is Provence in a peaceful setting, with a source and numerous fountains providing the refreshing sound of running water. The altitude of 550 m (1,800 ft) is a guarantee of cool summer nights and a dominant view. The monks certainly knew how to choose their sites; by living in this priory, you will already be in paradise.

Price: Consult us
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.