This northern part of Provence has a special charm imbued with a strong sense of authenticity. The valleys, where vineyards and olive groves mingle, have something of a Tuscan feel. The small hilltop villages come to life when the Provencal markets take place, but have nonetheless protected their souls from crowds of tourists. Mont Ventoux, an icon throughout the region, combines both majesty and protection. The Domaine d'Arfuyen, located in the Dentelles de Montmirail massif, boasts an exceptional setting featuring cliffs, mountains, scrubland and Mediterranean species across an area of fifty hectares. It is both far from everything and close to Vaison-la-Romaine. The valley is a haven of peace, sheltered from the mistral and soothed by the hum of the cicadas. The sources are never far away. This house was the perfect place for our large family. Everything needed to be rethought and renovated which gave us the opportunity to shape the property to our liking.
The house is made up of an old farmhouse from the 17th century and an older part from the 14th century. It takes the form of a small fortified hamlet with adjoining rooms across a number of floors. A masterly porch which has stood for many years is the entrance to the property. The east face of the farmhouse, featuring a terrace, bedrooms and a swimming pool, offers a spectacular view of both the Arfuyen cliffs and the Provençal Baronnies. It is a true picture of serenity. The renovation was characterised by a refined style to highlight the beauty of the original materials and enhance the somewhat eclectic objects and paintings that reflect our penchant for travel.
The Domaine d'Arfuyen, nestled at the foot of its eponymous mountain, was once a farm known for its abundance of water which was very rare in the region. Life here, however, was not easy. Per Les Éditions d'Arfuyen (a French publishing house), “the ancient name of Mont Arfuyen would be Arfulhanum. Its etymology derives from 'ar', meaning summit, and 'fail'. A bronze sword dating back to the 9th century BC was found in the area in 1837”. They go on to say: “the region was like a little Tuscany, a literary paradise, and we were motivated by a desire to celebrate it and better understand it origins. What does such power come from? It is not just beauty as there are some magnificent regions that have never inspired great literary works. There something else at work, a quality that is both obvious and mysterious." In this regard, we aim to make the Domaine d'Arfuyen a place where guests can revitalise their bodies and souls.
The estate benefits from an exceptional natural environment featuring Mediterranean forest, scrubland, and hills. The perfect serenity of this secluded place is waiting to be savoured. The contemporary style of the interiors, the noble materials and the paintings adorning the walls will appeal to those with a love for refinement and the art of living. The exteriors have retained their Provencal charm and the pleasure garden is filled with the scents of lavender, helichrysum, rosemary and other native plants. The swimming pool offers a magnificent view of the cliffs of Arfuyen and the Baronnies of Provence. The hillside pergola is the perfect spot for lunch in the shade. A boules court is available for a game of pétanque. We live in the house neighbouring the farmhouse and are here to facilitate our guests' stays, welcome them and provide a concierge service through our selected partners offering range of services: catering, massages, shiatsu, osteopathy, reflexology, yoga, fitness, aqua aerobics, sports coaching, naturopathy, relaxation, hikes, gourmet outings, wine cellar tours and tastings, and electric mountain bike rentals.
The creamy burrata at Ventoux Fromage in Malaucène. The valley of Alazards cherry trees of at the foot of Ventoux, particularly when they are in blossom, is a vision of Provençal grace and wonder. Enjoy the Gregorian chants of the monks of Barroux; their sourdough bread is to die for! Monsieur Guillaume's strawberries at Crestet. Evening picnics at the Toulourenc gorges. The Grotte des Turcs in the Dentelles de Montmirail. The alleys of Crestet represent authenticity in its purest form. Ice creams from Léone and theatre evenings in Vaison-la-Romaine.
Filming and photo shoots can take place anywhere on the estate, both inside and outside. Up to fourteen people can be accommodated on site. Part of the house (340m2, ten rooms) has been renovated in a contemporary style, while the rest is still “in its original state”: original exposed stones, floor tiling and terracotta tiling. Parking is limited to a maximum of five trucks.
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