17th century maison de village between Aix and Avignon

Description

The house is a restored 17th century two-story "maison de village" (townhouse) of 200 m2 on two levels. The decor is classic provençal, with antiques, terra cotta tile floors, and wooden shutters. There is a large, very unique private garden, full of roses and oleander, and surrounded by a high stone wall. Two large French doors in the dining room open onto a terrace in the garden where visitors can enjoy their morning coffee or an al fresco dinner in the evening. There is an interior open air patio and lots of light. The house features: a large master bedroom suite with king-size bed, large private bath, and fireplace; a guest bedroom with two twin beds and private bath; salon with a working stone fireplace; and dining room. The modern kitchen is fully furnished with American refrigerator and dishwasher. There is wifi throughout the house, a new washer and dryer, stereo, and television which receives the major English news services. The house is located in a quiet part of the historic center of a town of 9,000 people. In the 17th century, Lambesc was the seat of the Provençal parliament, and so it features an inordinate number of old fountains and classical buildings. The town is surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and the nearby hills are great for walking, running, or biking, with superb views of Mont St. Victoire and the southern Luberon valley. Lambesc is about 30 minutes by car from Aix-en-Provence,50 minutes from Avignon, and one hour from Marseille. Street parking is available. There is frequent bus service to Aix and nearby Salon de Provence. All services (grocery stores, bakeries, newsstand, weekly market, schools, medical services, pharmacy) are within easy walking distance. Lambesc is within easy driving distance of Arles, the Camargue, Nimes, the Luberon, St. Tropez, etc., and two hours from the Cote d'Azur. There aren't any world-class restaurants in town (although there are a couple of bistros) , but there are several delightful auberges in neighboring towns and villages, and within an hour's drive there are at least twenty-five Michelin-starred establishments -- great for day trips. Lambesc has a municipal swimming pool and tennis courts, and there's a Ballesteros golf course about 10 minutes away. Lambesc has a large middle class population, including many farmers. (Speaking some French is a plus. ) The house is fully equipped with linens, towels, etc. Two hours weekly cleaning service is included in the rent. The house is non-smoking and animals are not accepted.