Surrounded by vegetation, the property is set back from a main road, while, below, a wooded and protected hillside guarantees unobstructed views over the long term. Enclosed by walls and hedges, which helps safeguard its privacy, it is drenched in dazzling Provencal sunlight and, although integrated within a commonhold property, is still completely independent, immersed in peace and quiet and entirely secure. In addition, the former Provencal country house, the origins of which date back to the 17th century, demonstrates the art de vivre of Aix-en-Provence, combining classical aesthetics with southern elegance. Rectangular in shape, it features more than 300 m² of inhabitable floor area, spread out over three storeys, while its lime-plastered ashlar stone exteriors are topped with a traditional barrel tile roof highlighted by a double genoise cornice.
Featuring a massive front door made out of Bibémus stone and topped with the head of a cherub, which recalls the premises’ original residential vocation, its wood-framed, small-paned windows, symmetrically placed around the entrance, are safeguarded by wooden shutters, while, to the east, a conservatory was added, illuminated by large, iron-framed windows and topped with a rooftop terrace, which is, in turn, shaded by a pergola. It should be noted that two successive renovations, in 1999 and 2006, made it possible to combine the dwelling’s architectural heritage with more contemporary comforts, such as energy-saving insulation, a modern heating system and inconspicuous air-conditioning units.

The Large Provencal Country House

The ground floor
The front door opens on to a traditional entrance hall with a 17th-century staircase with terracotta floor tiles, wooden nosing and a solid plaster bannister. From here, large wooden double doors, topped with a semi-circular fanlight with radiating spokes, communicate, to the east, with an immense double living room with a soaring plaster-coated coffered ceiling and a marble fireplace that abuts the room’s northern wall.
Bathed in light thanks to its many windows/doors, including two windows facing south towards the garden and two pairs of large glass double doors, topped with fanlights similar to the one in the entrance hall, the living room is extended by a conservatory, added in recent years and designed to resemble a genuine and, yet, contemporary orangery. As this Provencal country house’s most notable feature, not only does it double the dwelling’s living areas, it reorients them towards the west, in order to enjoy the natural panoramic views, while both of these rooms feature travertine marble floors and light-colour whitewashed walls.
On the other side of the entrance hall, to the west, a smaller room, with hardwood floors, is decorated with a marble fireplace topped with a carved mirror, whereas, to the north, a contemporary and functional kitchen communicates with a small outdoor space in the northern part of the property, ideal for peaceful breakfasts. Last, but not least, a shower room and several storage spaces round out the rest of the rooms on this floor.
The first floor
With a fluid layout, this floor has successfully preserved its original proportions and materials. Four large air-conditioned rooms each abut their own shower room and private lavatory, and feature wood-framed, small-paned windows, terracotta tile floors, marble fireplaces and, sometimes, visible ceiling beams. With carved wooden doors, like those concealing its built-in cupboards, two bedrooms, on the western side of the house, have access to the contemporary extension with its large flagstone terrace and shady pergola, overlooking the garden.
The second floor
Accessible from the central entrance hall, it is located under the eaves and features soaring floor-to-ceiling heights. Recently converted, it includes, to the west, a spacious main bedroom with hardwood floors and a wood-burning stove, which is located next to a contemporary private shower room and a wardrobe, while, to the east, three other bedrooms with hardwood floors share a bathroom.