In the Haut-Var region of Provence, walking distance to one of France’s most beautiful villages, Tourtour, Maison Celte is exceptional in so many ways.

From the outset, you can see how much the owners care about their home. Starting in the spacious grounds with terraces of olive trees, cypresses, oleander and rosemary alongside the most wonderful valley vistas. The poolside terrace has been magnificently designed with high-end non-slip decking, luxurious sun loungers and a gorgeous pagoda for shade. There’s a large barbecue close to the covered terrace with its L-shaped sofa and dining table for al-fresco feasts. As the evening approaches, enjoy a glass of local rosé by the boules court with views of the village glowing in the sunset. The garden and swimming pool can be atmospherically lit up for long evenings chatting on the terrace.

Inside, this Provençal abode has been beautifully appointed and welcomes up to 10 guests across the main house and charming annexe. The living and dining areas have been classically yet comfortably furnished whilst wood-beamed ceilings, tiled floors and objets d’art add character and warmth. The kitchen is both traditional and elegant with modern appliances including a Smeg oven and Nespresso machine. Early risers can sit out on the pretty kitchen patio with a morning espresso listening to birdsong.

Upstairs, there are three air-conditioned bedrooms all with glorious views. The master double has its own dressing area and shower room whilst there are two twin bedrooms and a family bathroom. A separate annexe is home to two further spacious bedrooms that interconnect, both with French windows opening out to the garden and en suite shower rooms. The annexe’s double also leads to a covered terrace overlooking yet more idyllic scenery.

The setting of this French home in Provence is perfect, close to picture-perfect villages, walking trails and vineyards whilst Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Natural Regional Park are ideal for amazing days out.

It’s around a 15 to 20-minute steep walk up to Tourtour, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. This old Provençal village with panoramic views is such a pretty place to explore, home to some lovely restaurants including the Michelin starred La Table de Tourtour. The main square is especially picturesque with its café terraces and olive trees. There’s a twice-weekly market as well as lots of events in the height of the summer.

Other historic villages within a short drive include Flaysoc, Salernes, Entrecasteaux and Lorgues, famed for its Tuesday morning market, one of the largest in the region. Lorgues is also loved for its wine with famous vineyards including those at Château de Berne.

You could even venture to the French Riviera for a day out by the glistening coast – choose between Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime, Fréjus or even Cannes before returning to the tranquillity of your holiday home in Provence.

Features:

Main House Interiors (approx. 170m2)

Main Floor (some steps)

- Open-plan living area with doors opening out to L-shaped covered terrace with large outdoor sofa and dining area
- Open-plan dining area leading through to kitchen, well-equipped including Smeg oven, gas hobs, fridge-freezer, Nespresso machine and kettle. Doors lead to small patio with table and chairs
- Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer (for use in wet weather only)
- Garage with second fridge-freezer
- WC (entrance hallway)

Upstairs

- Master bedroom with double bed, air-conditioning, dressing room and shower room (opposite the bedroom) with shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with twin beds and air-conditioning
- Bedroom with twin beds and air-conditioning
- Bathroom with bath (and over-head shower) and two sinks

Annexe (approx. 70m2)

- Bedroom with twin beds, fan, en suite shower room, separate WC and doors leading outside
- Interconnecting bedroom with double bed, fan, en suite shower room with WC, doors leading outside and door leading to covered terrace with valley views

Outside Grounds

- Swimming pool (10x5m, depth: 1.5m) with security cover. Open approximately May to mid-October. Can be heated on request (supplement will apply outside July/August)
- Poolside decking, sun loungers and pagoda shade area
- Solar pool shower
- Outside lighting
- Al-fresco dining table and chairs and large charcoal barbecue
- L-shaped covered terrace with large outdoor sofa and dining area
- Boules court
- Table tennis
- Large garden/grounds (some terraced levels and steps)
- Fenced grounds (with electric boar fencing to be turned on at night)

Other Facilities

- Air-conditioning (three bedrooms in main house, for nighttime use only)
- Fans (annexe bedrooms)
- Bluetooth speaker

Location:

In the Haut-Var region of Provence, around an hour from the French Riviera coast, Maison Celte enjoys the most beautiful setting just outside the idyllic hilltop village of Tourtour.

Tourtour is a delightful old Provençal village which has been classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. You can walk there in around 15 to 20 minutes – it’s a steep walk up the hill so you may sometimes prefer to drive (there are several free car parks in and around the village). The village is home to a patisserie for your morning bread and cakes, a small grocery store (with fruit, vegetables, fresh bread, wine etc) as well as cafés and restaurants – book ahead if you wish you dine in the Michelin starred La Table de Tourtour. A little market takes place on a Wednesday and Saturday morning and look out for festivities and events throughout the summer (take a trip to the tourist office when you first arrive). After pottering around the enchanting lanes, stop off for a coffee on a café terrace in the main square and soak up the lovely ambience.

There are so many gorgeous villages to explore within the region. Flayosc (13km) is a picturesque medieval village surrounded by vines, olive and oak trees or head slightly further south to Lorgues (17km), so loved for its Tuesday morning market alongside its restaurants and wine (including Chez Bruno and Château de Berne). The vineyards across this part of Provence are wonderful – you can buy local wine in nearby supermarkets and be sure to visit nearby nearby vineyards en route to Villecroze and Salernes.

Indeed, Salernes (11km) in the Bresque valley is a delightful village to discover with old fountains, café terraces, huge plane trees and pottery shops. Tomettes (hexagonal terracotta tiles) have been traditionally produced in the village – learn all about the village’s ceramics heritage at Terra Rossa Maison de la Céramique.

Continue a little further towards the waterfall at Sillans-la-Cascade (17km) or head back up to Villecroze (6.5km) with its troglodyte caves. Further afield, venture to Lac de Sainte-Croix (33km) and the Verdon Natural Regional Park for walking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and incredible natural scenery.

For a day out by the French Riviera, there is quite the choice from the glamour of Saint-Tropez (67km) to the glitz of Cannes (85km) with gems such as Sainte-Maxime, Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël and Théoule-sur-Mer inbetween.

While a car is required for staying at Maison Celte, there are rail options and nearby train links. Aix-en-Provence TGV is approximately 90 minutes away by car, making it a convenient option for those travelling from the UK or Paris via Eurostar/TGV. The closest station, Les Arcs - Draguignan, is ideal for taking short journeys to the coast or day trips to destinations such as Monaco.

Terms & Conditions:

Security deposit?
£500 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time?
4.00 p.m.

Departure time?
10.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes. Air-conditioning (in three bedrooms) should only be used at nighttime, otherwise excess charges may apply.

Heating costs included?
Yes.

Linen & towels included?
Yes.

Pool towels included?
Yes. At the end of your stay these should be washed, dried and left for the next guests to use.

End of stay cleaning included?
No. £300, payable to the owner via Oliver's Travels. This is for a standard changeover clean. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Tax?
French Visitors Tax is included.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open approximately May to mid-October. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.

Pool heating charge?
Pool heating is included in July and August. Pool heating at other times will be subject to an extra charge (depending on intended use, time of year and weather conditions) - please discuss this with us at the time of booking if required. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures.

Smoking Allowed?
Strictly not allowed anywhere on the property/grounds (especially due to fire risk).

Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. If permitted, a dog should not exceed an approximate weight of 5kg.

Changeover day?
Flexible.

Minimum stay?
7 nights. All other durations on request.

Internet access?
Fibre broadband has been installed which usually provides high-speed internet to the lounge/dining area, main terrace and annexe. Due to the rural location and occasional thunderstorms, the service can sometimes be interrupted so cannot be guaranteed. Please make back-up arrangements (dongles/cellular data) if this is important to you.

Other Ts and Cs?
Air-conditioning is only featured in the three bedrooms in the main house and is for nighttime use only, when needed.

Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed.

Families are welcome – the owner accepts older children (school-aged+) who are able to swim proficiently without floatation devices (supervision is still needed at all times and the pool cover should be used when the pool is not in use). The property is not suitable for guests with babies/toddlers.