The Bastide Provencal is a charming family home located within minutes of Aix en Provence,yet set in the peaceful countryside. The property has astonishingly beautiful landscaped gardens and is situated in a magnificent setting. The drive, leading to an entry court with hand-cut stone pillars, is bordered by cypresses, olive trees, and lavender bushes. Off to one side is an olive orchard underplanted with more lavender.

The main bastide which is beautifully furnished in an eclectic chic style, consists downstairs of a large living room with piano, a library, a large indoor dining room, a fully equipped kitchen and several lovely outdoors terraces including a main eating terrace which is shaded by trellis covered in wisteria and a summer sitting room.The front hall, featuring a floor of flagstones from a Burgundian abbey, is decorated with gilded mirrors bought in Provence. The double parlor/living room is filled with more vintage antique market treasures, including 19th-century seating and a 1940s chinoiserie cabinet. The owner collects carpets, and the stone floors throughout are softened by Saharan rugs woven with rope and camel hide.

Meals are taken either the solarium when its cool or the rest of the time one eats on the romantic terraces, found on opposite sides of the house. The one facing west—paved in river stone and surrounded by jasmine, and lemon trees in massive pots, offers views down to the hills overlooking Marseille.

Upstairs there is a large master bedroom ensuite with its own television and two further guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms. There are also two children’s bedrooms which share a bathroom. All bed linens and towels are of an extremely high quality. The understated chic style, fabulous artwork and use of provencal fabrics combine to make this an extremely stylish home. The house has underfloor heating and cooling, wireless internet and two televisions.

The bastide is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and there is a large swimming pool with an outdoors kitchen and dining area and pool bathroom.The pool sun beds are all covered in charming provencal fabrics and are shaded by large umbrellas.

The guest house is set away form the main house and has three double bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms and a sitting room with a kitchen facility. The guest house is air-conditioned and has wireless internet.

Aix en Provence is a a short bicycle ride or drive away.