PERFECT LOCATION, AMAZING SURROUNDINGS, STUNNING HOME.....
From the moment you cross the threshold and enter the grand salon of this historic monument -- now our home, you're transported to a way of life rare to find anymore.
The soaring beamed ceilings, the 7 foot wood burning fireplace greet you and your friends with warmth, charm and tres chic comfort.
As you enter the grand salon and dining area, you'll rest in sumptuous sofas and chairs from Roche Bobois.
Their collection Les Provinciales is rarely seen in the USA, but here in France it's a combination of comfort, ease and elegance.
A Sony wifi enabled flat screen TV beams in programming from the BBC, NBC, CNN, Bloomberg and dozens of channels from the UK. And if you use Apple TV, you'll be able to log in and enjoy Netflix and other streaming programs from your personal accounts.
Tucked in a 'petit coin' just off the living room is a spectacular 3 story open atrium. Originally part of the barn structure, it's now housing a dramatic 7 foot long fountain, seating for coffee + petit dejeuner or on a warm summers' night a glass of cool rose under the stars.
The gas BBQ is at the ready for your 'en plein air' meals and grillades.
Glance skyward and you'll see the original beams which housed the various floors of the barn, including a hayloft. All that's left now is an open view of the non stop Provencal sky -- true blue.
What makes my home special and different?
Each and every year, during the off season we invest in the upkeep and remodeling of the home. That means new linens and bedding, pillows, upgraded wifi, cookware and so on. I'm about to run out of bathrooms to remodel, but am sure to find something new to inspire me and make your stay better. yes, I'm a rehab addict!
When you watch a charming film such as 'Chocolat' "Amelie" or 'Jean de Floret" and the inspiration to come and spend a week living in a French village excites you -- well, this is the house that will make that happen.
From the Boulangerie, the Pizza oven and the 'Bar' on the village square the social hub of old style France, and Provence is at your doorstep.
Enjoy the robust, luxurious seasons of Provence. Our village offers the best of artisanal experiences. Savor flavors that will take your breath away. Hike the hills of the Luberon, sample local goat cheese, visit olive oil artisans, and experience markets full of fresh flavors, foods and excitement. The vineyards tell the ever changing stories as seasons shift. Striking colors, flavors and the scents make our corner of Provence and particularly our village a memorable experience. If shopping is your hobby, everyday is a 'shop-ortunity' in Provence. Cultural visits to Avignon, Aix en Provence and Roman ruin are easily managed from our central location.
Our home is the perfect respite from the stresses of the office and 'back home.'
Featured in the French magazine; Maison et Decors, our home is an official historic monument. However -- it's not a museum nor stuffy.
All aspects of its' appearance are under the watchful eye of our Mairie. After the French revolution, Ansouis remained 'loyal' to the royals. Our home was the local meeting place and headquarters for those in favor of the new Republique.
If you enjoyed the film 'A Good Year,' you'll find yourself walking in the footsteps of Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard as many scenes were filmed in neighboring villages. in fact, several of our friends and neighbors were extras in the film.
'French Kiss' with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline shot several key scenes in a nearby vineyard; Val Joanis.
The beauty of the Luberon and our local villages are featured in these movies, and now you can experience the same.
OUR DIFFERENCE:
We have French style airconditioning systems on each floor of the house to take the heat off those sunny and warm Provencal days. Village houses like ours, are regulated and we're not allowed for US standard HVAC systems. Central air is simply not installed as in the USA.
We keep our place up -- Each and every year, we put every dollar back into refurbishing, renovating and keeping the house in good working order. This means new Grohe plumbing fixtures, new toilets, baths, renovated kitchen (for which my French friends asked Why?) Well the answer is that I travel non stop for work, and I want to make my home better every time. Maybe it's crazy, but I'm dedicated to continual improvements and so YOU HAVE A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO STAY .
You'll sleep on top quality mattresses, with sheets from the USA, Pillows from the USA, Wifi throughout the house, dinnerware from Crate and Barrel, and so on.
The house decorated in easy, casual chic. My culinary background and work for a former Food Network and current Michelin chef in the USA, means that our kitchen is fully loaded. It is perfect for cooking great meals with friends. ... 5 unique bedrooms, all with American size towels and 400+ thread count luxury linens. Our beds are high quality - dream beds with anti allergy covers.
Need to be connected? We have satellite tv with CNN, CNBC, BBC, etc. We've installed a permanent 'internet' center with free DSL, and a USA laptop/keyboard. The laptop is Skype enabled for free calls 'skype to skype.' We even have iPod docking stations and chargers.
Wifi is free, secure and log on information is provided.
Hungry, but too tired to cook? You can directly work with a private chef whom will come to the house, or deliver prepared meals directly to the kitchen door.
This is a big roomy house, with 3 levels, and lots of airy rooms, and high ceilings. King and Queen size (comfortable) beds. Nooks and alcoves to read, and nap in. There's plenty of private space for your group - so that friends and family aren't tripping over each other.......
...Upstairs there is a Large Roof terrace with outdoor dining and BBQ, and mini prep kitchen. Living room is superb, with a 7 foot wood burning fireplace!.... On the ground floor we have an small Private garden with breakfast table - the perfect place for your cafe creme and croissant with the blue Provencal sky peeking over you......inside there is large marble dining table for dinner parties.
Ansouis (An-Swee) is officially classified as One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
Less than 45 minutes to Isle sur sorgue, 25 min to Aix en Provence, Apt, less than one hour to Cassis, Marseille, Avignon, and Arles. Day trip to the Camarque or Cote D'azur, visit the wineries at Chateauneuf du Pape and Cote du Rhone! Hike, Bike, Hot air balloon, visit boutique wineries, dine in the Michelin star restaurants which are in our area...........
Swimming?........Join the locals and go for a refreshing swim in our nearby fresh water lake - Etang de la Bonde -- it's clear spring water, and a 5 minute drive from the house.
Everything is here in our little village, and at night it's peaceful and quiet. You can walk 2 minutes to the new 'hot restaurant' La Closerie, where a certain author (his latest book was made into the feature film referenced above) dines regularly or drive 10 minutes to Lourmarin for a variety of dining - from cafe casual to Michelin star. It takes 30 seconds (if you walk really slowly) to get to our Boulangerie! The chocolate croissants are sinful.
Our house is the perfect haven to de-stress, and immerse yourself in AUTHENTIC French village life. In many ways you will feel you've returned to a lost era.
We are always available to answer any questions and to help you plan itineraries and steer you in the right direction for a fun vacation.
PRICING: VERY IMPORTANT! We quote US Dollar rates -- that ensures that when you book the price you pay doesn't increase by the time of your final payment due to currency fluctuation. Pay in Euros and you're risking a rate hike by the time you pay your closing costs.
FROM RECENT GUESTS:
'Just wanted to let you know that we had an amazing time at your place in Ansouis. Picture-perfect, the village and your place. We will recommend it to our close friends and family. We are also thinking of visiting again next year in July!' Mrs. H. ................
'Hello Barbara! We all wanted to say a big 'Thank You!' for making your beautiful home available! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to visit again! Provence is spectacular! As an artist, an oil painter, I was definitely inspired.' - Nancy C.............
'Your house has a lovely warm authentic feel with many original features. stunning village with lovely walks in picturesque surroundings. spacious rooms of plenty all with lovely en-suites. We loved our stay!' Gail, Liverpool, UK ..
'great house.......
so warm, so user friendly and so convenient to everything.Had a great time. Look forward to going back.' M.S., NY
WE GIVE BACK ~ Each year we donate stays at our house for fundraising for organizations such as;
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Keywords: Village house, historic,enchanting, rustic, romantic