Maison de Village Provençal Southeast France - Provence: Aix Area 5-bdrms, 5.0-baths, sleeps up to 10 Spacious and beautifully updated historical village house.  Vaucluse Ansouis Share

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Description

Located in the heart of the picturesque village of Ansouis, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, this exceptional three-story Provençal village house is officially an historic monument.  Expertly restored by the owner, it bears the charm and authenticity of its original architecture all while providing modern conveniences. Thick stone and yellow ochre  walls, tile floors, high ceilings, and cozy built-in niches give guests the impression of stepping back in time to a more relaxed and gracious era. The scent of freshly baked bread from the excellent boulangerie just a few doors down can reportedly be enjoyed from several of the rooms!

One enters this spacious home from the village street into a generous sitting room.  Details include mosaic tile flooring, a seven-foot wood burning fireplace with antique wood mantle, and painted wood beams. Furnished with comfortable sofas, armchairs and a dining table, the room also has a cable/satellite plasma TV screen with major international news stations, stereo with CD player, video library, and an American laptop with Skype facility and DSL.  From here, a sliding glass door opens to a private garden patio, with stone walls, potted plants and comfortable seating. Well lit in the evening, this is the perfect spot for dining and relaxing, by day and by night.

The gourmet Provençal kitchen, outfitted by an owner who has worked in the culinary field her whole life,  will delight anyone who loves to cook.  With high-quality utensils, an American refrigerator-freezer (with icemaker), microwave, dishwasher, cappuccino/espresso machine, large island workspace, and washing machine, the kitchen lends itself to efficiency and pleasurable cooking and dining.  Below the kitchen there is an earthen-floored wine cellar with an arched ceiling.  Guest toilet also on this floor.

The second floor has three bedrooms, all with en suite baths. The first has a queen-size bed, a sitting area, handmade terra cotta tile floor, and large en suite bathroom with angled tub and double sink. The second bedroom has a queen-size bed and bathroom with tub and handheld shower. The third bedroom on this level has twin beds that can be combined to form a king-size bed, and another private bath. Each room features a built-in closet, with antique carved wood doors. Another bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin is located on the landing between the second and third floors.

The third floor has two more bedrooms and another bathroom with a shower.  One of the bedrooms is situated almost directly above the village bakery!  This room has twin beds that can be made into a queen-size bed. The other is a loft bedroom with cozy sloped ceilings with a queen-size bed.  All bedrooms are equipped with quality high thread count linens and anti-allergenic mattress covers.

There is independent access to a second outdoor terrace with ancient stone walls and original exposed wood beams. Overlooking other tiled rooftops, this large rooftop terrace is equipped with a Weber BBQ and mini prep kitchen for convenient outdoor dining. With the views of the surrounding hills, this is a fabulous place to enjoy an evening apéritif or to relax with a book in the comfortable lounge chairs.

Nearby Attractions

This sun-filled home is in the beautiful perched village of Ansouis, in the heart of the Lubéron. Walk outside the kitchen door and there is a bakery for morning croissants. Ansouis has an outdoor market every Thursday, a café, and a good restaurant, La Closerie. The village is also home to an interesting 14th century church, Eglise St. Martin, and a fully furnished and occupied 17th century castle, open to the public. For swimming, one can join the locals in the nearby lake with fresh clear spring water, Étang de la Bonde, a five minute drive from the house.

Among the many other wonderful villages and sites in the area are Roussillon, with its vividly colored cliffs and buildings, and the popular perched village of Gordes. It is less than 45 minutes to Isle-sur-la- Sorgue, 25 min to Aix-en-Provence and Apt, less than one hour to Cassis, Marseille, Avignon, and Arles, and a pleasant day trip to the Camarque or the Côte D'Azur. Other activities in the area include hiking, cycling, hot air balloon rides, and wine tastings at one of the countless boutique wineries.

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