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A shock of white against an azure background, this property stands firm and straight to the very top, dignified and proud of its patrician origins. From the finely crafted balcony that adorns the facade, it would hardly be surprising to catch a glimpse of a figure in a white dress carrying a parasol. With traces of more primitive decoration scattered here and there, the vast interior volumes inspire visions of the cosy afternoons and formal receptions once hosted here. Whilst the surrounding countryside has gradually disappeared, the house has kept the essentials: its charm, its tranquil garden, and Marseille at its feet. This rare place offers guests a taste of Provence from times gone by.
Choosing Plan-de-Cuques stemmed from our desire to distance ourselves from the centre of Marseille but still remain close by. Having lived in Marseilles since 2004, we aspired to move to the surrounding "countryside" in order to benefit from the relative calm and a real sense of serenity while still having access to the advantages of city life.
Our country house is typical of the end of the 19th century, the time of the Second Empire. It features all the characteristics inherent in bastides built when water from the river Durance arrived. Carried to Marseille over some two hundred kilometres by the Marseille canal, the arrival of the water on 19 November 1849 freed the people of Marseille from the anxiety of days without water. The word bastide comes from "bastida", which means to build. In the region of Provence, the bastide is a patrician residence. The term is used in a generic way to describe a rural or peri-urban area which included a farm, fields, a residential building and a pleasure garden. Marble, stucco, and plasterwork were used and are particularly visible in the entrance hall which leads to the living and the dining room on either side of it. The main facade remains the most elaborate and is adorned with a balcony above the entrance door.
Built in 1861, as indicated by the pediment adorning the top of the front door, our house is a typical mansion of the Marseille countryside. Built along the Marseille canal a few years after its completion, it now overlooks the Le Castelet I and II allotments which were built on land that was part of the original estate and used for market gardening. The caretaker's house still stands at number 6 Rue des Cuques and features a well in the garden. Now called the Castel Saint Henri, it is known for having previously been the Château Delisse, named after the original owner who had it built.
Facing the hills of Allauch, and with a view of Notre-Dame du Château, our house overlooks the Plan-de-Cuques plain. The surrounding plane trees bring some much-needed freshness in summer. Located in a haven of peace, the property allows you to relax and enjoy the views of the Pagnol hills and the Pic du Taoumé. The canal featured in the Château de Ma Mère (My Mother's Castle) is just behind the house. The location makes it easy to explore Provence and its capital, Aix, as well as the Var coast.
A short climb to Notre-Dame du Château offers panoramic views of Marseille. The centre of Allauch, with its narrow streets and mills, will take you back to the days of Frédéric Mistral. At Château Gombert, the Marseille terroir museum allows visitors to discover ancestral traditions that are still very much alive, such as the thirteen desserts and Santons. On Saturday morning, stroll through the Provençal market of Plan de Cuques. In the Vallon des Auffes, between Vieux Port and La Corniche, a meal at Guillaume Sourrieu's L'Épuisette is just as exquisite as the view of Marseille's harbour. Next, take the shuttle towards the Château d'If and Frioul and dive into the Count of Monte Christo. The Hôtel Dieu-Intercontinental's terrace is then the perfect spot for an aperitif or a tea with a view of Notre-Dame de la Garde. You can walk up to the basilica on another day. Don't miss the Four des Navettes, a bakery with an 18th century oven that specializes in orange blossom navette biscuits. The Casabieille patisserie on Avenue de la Croix Rouge is a delightful creator of cakes and chocolates!
2000 € per week
A large entrance hall leads to a dining room on the right and a living room on the left followed by a large library with a fireplace. At the end of the hall on the right, a double door opens onto the main staircase. To the left of the double door is a kitchen and to the right is an old service staircase which leads to two bedrooms on the garden floor, a laundry room and a toilet. The first floor houses four bedrooms and two bathrooms. On the top floor is another bedroom with a panoramic view of Marseille.
ref 293938
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