AIX EN PROVENCE, FRANCE
La Belle is for those seeking the ideal South-of-France experience. It is available for lease on a weekly basis, and we will consider a long-term tenant. The estate features a large ancient Provençal bastide (5,400 square feet) that has been modernized, with its authenticity, history and charm preserved. All of the essentials exist for a perfect holiday in Provence right out of the movies such as 'A Good Year': beds imported from the USA, duvets and high thread count percale sheets, cook's kitchen, beautiful pool, soccer field, tennis court, boule court, and 200 year old Plane trees that provide shade for dining and entertaining on a massive gravel courtyard. The setting is a totally private 7 acres, surrounded by open space and fields, but incredibly, the bustling center of Aix is only 10 minutes away.
This property consists of the 6 bedroom/4.5 bathroom 'Maison Principal', finished in 1803 with 2 foot thick walls, tall ceilings, ancient flooring & original doors, windows and shutters. It is a truly authentic Provençal Bastide, facing due south with 3 floors of occupancy. The kitchen is equipped for both family living and catered entertaining: Two huge ovens, 10 burners, dishwasher, microwave, 2 large Lieber refrigerators, Nespresso machine and coffee/tea pots, plus storage cabinets. Silverware, cooking utensils, appliances, Provençal linens, serving pieces, lots of wine glasses and simple white ceramic dinnerware are all provided. Directly off the kitchen is a stunning, covered dining area with a fireplace and pizza oven. The house features a dining room which seats 12, living room, two family rooms, and a media room. There is a full laundry room with washer and dryer as well as a line-dry area if you want to live like a local! The 4 1/2 Bathrooms are basic, very functional, and for the most part, original.
The exterior grounds are gorgeous. The main automatic gated entry and gravel driveway have magnificent presence. The main house and massive Plane trees come into view. To the right of the house is an enormous lawn, the 12.5 meter pool and pool house (changing rooms, bar and bathroom), then down to the tennis and boule courts and soccer field (with Mulberry and Olive trees). Landscaping is mature and the ancient Plane trees in front of the Bastide are breathtaking.
The Parker family lives on-site in their own lovely house. They manage the property and help to make holidays memorable for all of La Belle guests. They speak English and French. There is are additional house(s) on the property privately used by family and not available for lease.
Please Feel free to call or email if you need additional information or photos.
The Grounds:
· Two Formal gated entries, one Main entry with security camera and automatic opening mechanism and one Service entry.
· Park like setting on 2.8 Hectares (Approximately 7 acres) with spectacular Plane Trees shading house and dining areas.
· Tennis Court with Tennis House which is equipped with dressing rooms.
· Pool with Pool House with wet bar, changing rooms and bathroom.
· Teak pool furniture including dining table/chairs
· Regulation Boules court.
. Soccer filed with goals
· Outdoor Kitchen/Dining area with fabulous pine farm dining table and chairs accommodating 12 people comfortably. Plus pizza oven and huge stainless steel Webber gas BBQ.
· Outdoor lighting of walkways, dining areas and recreation sights.
· Parking Area in service area.
· Location is unique in that the property is surrounded by farmland, but only 10 minutes from downtown Aix-en-Provence and its historic main boulevard, Cours Mirabeau, with its great 'Rotonde' fountain.
The property is quiet and very private.
· 15 minutes to TGV and 25 to Marginane-Marseille International Airport (MRS). Direct access of to the house is via a small gravel road which terminates approximately 300 meters after the property. This allows for a private entry with little traffic.
Main House
* 6 beds and 4.5 baths
* Master Bedroom, 1 king
* #1 Guest Room, 1 king
* #2 Guest Room, 1 king
* #3 Guest Room, Queen
* #4 Guest Room, Queen
* #5 Guest Room, Full
Other amenities include:
· Pillow top American made mattresses
· American type shower heads with good pressure
· Totally equipped Kitchen with top of the line appliances including dish washer, large refrigerators with wine storage and double ovens.
· Dining rooms seats 8-12
· Living room and family room, both with large fireplaces, plus additional family room and media room
· Laundry room with stacking Washer/Dryer
· Children's play room/ movie room
· Media room + office with fax and wireless internet
· Wireless internet (recently upgraded to fiber) in the kitchen & around the house.
Keywords: Beautiful & Private Estate, Close to Aix Center
