Notes from the host
Maison Grégoire
Mérindol
Mérindol is a discrete but charming village in South Lubéron village, nested at the bottom of the mountain, with the Durance river to the South, only a few kilometres away from Lourmarin. Its proximity to the motorway in Senas (11 km) places it half an hour to 45 mn away from most touristic destinations in Provence, like Marseille, the Blue Coast, Aix-en Provence, Avignon, les Alpilles, Arles.
North Lubéron (Bonnieux, Apt, Gordes and the Vaucluse mountain) are also close by thanks to the proximity of the Combe de Lourmarin which crosses the mountain from South to North. In summary Merindol provides an ideal platform to visit and enjoy the whole of Provence.
The village itself also has interesting historic features, having been a Vaudois place and a protestant bastion during the religion wars in the 16th century. It is also a great starting point for mountain biking and hiking, with direct pedestrian access to a number of hiking paths. There is a bird watching observatory by the river.
Finally for those who’d just like to keep quiet and relax in the property the village features a number of food shops : butchers, bakers, wine shop, grocery and a number of recently opened quality restaurants, all at walking distance from the property.
The property
The property is an ancient village farmhouse, laid out on a 7000 sqm slightly reclining and south facing piece of land located at the heart of the village, with pleasant mountain views both North and South.
It consists of one 17th century Master house, a converted Silk farm, both renovated to the highest standards by professional architect and decorator, and a 17th century Farm House, all distributed around a stoned courtyard with artistic pattern, old basin, shaded by a lime tree and a chestnut tree.
South of the courtyard is a 600 sqm planted French garden with 200 years old majestuous micocouliers (hackberries) , pine trees and Libanese cedars, structured by laurel hedges.
Further South is a recently planted lawn garden with adjacent oleander planted alley, leading to the swimming pool area, which in turn is surrounded by landscaped flower gardens and gravel alleys, ideal for pétanque and other games, and by a 50 subjects Oliveraie, which provides relaxing East views from the swimming pool beach and pool house.
There are multiple items of outdoor furniture (tables, chairs, sofas, sun beds and mattresses) that can be moved around to accommodate all possible ways to enjoy the property. There is also a ping pong table as well as a pétanque set.
The Master house
This partly 17th and partly 18th Century village house comprises 185 sqm distributed on 3 levels :
Ground floor : Spacious and fully equipped kitchen, 10+ dining room with Bechstein upright piano.
1st Floor : South facing double bedroom with ensuite bathroom, spacious South facing Library/TV/Living room (double bed can be added if required), one separate East facing spacious bathroom, ample wardrobes and storage space.
2nd floor : large South facing double bedroom with ensuite bathroom, another large south facing double bedroom, smaller East facing double bedroom, separate bathroom, one mezzanine double bedroom, ample wardrobe and storage space.
South facing bedrooms benefit from stunning views on the garden. East facing bedrooms enjoy view charming on the farm house courtyard.
The converted Silk farm
This 18th century stone silk farm was converted into an additional 150 sqm luxury home, on 2 levels, featuring one spacious double bedroom with ensuite bathroom, 60 sqm living/TV room with active fireplace and great volumes, and one Yamaha grand piano with silent system.
17th century farmhouse : vaulted double reception room (65sqm) with extensible dining table (up to 14 seats) and sitting/TV room area, fully equipped kitchen, 6 double bedrooms on two storeys, all enjoying charming views on the silkfarm tiled roof and surrounding gardens.
The Swimming Pool Complex
The complex features a 15 x 7,5 m swimming pool, safely enclosed within a walled Japanese stone garden and exotic wood beach. There is a sculptural “Whale Skeleton” diving board. Swimming pool complex also includes a closed 60 sqm luxury decorated pool house with fully equipped kitchen and indoor barbecue for all year use.
The property is located in the heart of the village of Mérindol, at walking distance from shops, bars and restaurants, while still featuring incredible landscaped gardens and park, which sometimes makes you feel like you are in the middle of nature. However there are still neighbours nearby, who also have the right to enjoy the quietness of the location. It is therefore imperative to avoid any nuisance to the neighbourhood. In the evening, please party indoor only and at a moderate sound volume.
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Hosted byFrancois Faure
