Le Moulin de Pézenas, Hérault
This 13th-century mill has immaculate interiors and a whiff of luxury. You’re perched right on the water’s edge overlooking the river below – a great place to cool down on a warm day. The house is part of the remarkable Pierres d’Histoire collection, which was founded on a passion for preserving abandoned historical houses in France. Thanks to the sensitive restoration, new life has been breathed into the old, whilst beautiful old features still remain intact.
Two apartments combine: one on the ground floor with a large terrace overlooking the river and the other up the wide stone stair. You can cook your own meals in the sociable kitchen or have them brought to you by a local chef. Downstairs, ceilings are high and fine linen curtains swoosh to the floor; upstairs, two bedrooms are on mezzanines with beams to watch and steep stairs. Spend the morning in medieval Pézenas up the hill, long loved for its architecture, boutiques and winding streets.
1001 Nuits – La Ferme & La Bergerie, Normandy
This collection of gorgeous self-catering homes oozes a stylish mix of contemporary, antique and country-style pieces. La Bergerie is an old brick and flint stone building with an added glazed garden room and great views over Honfleur. The open plan ground floor is full of light and oak. Big rooms under the eaves each have a bath and basin in the room and a separate loo.
Below, but not overlooked, La Ferme is a half timbered, child-friendly house, its once dark indoor beams painted an elegant chalky grey. Snug bedrooms, up steep stairs, have antique bedheads and chairs; walls of exposed stone and plaster; two of the three smart bathroom have Italian walk-in showers. Each house has a garden and patio area where you can sip wine under the warm afternoon sun or get lost in that brand new book.
Domaines Les Petites Vaines, Provence
You’ll feel instantly at home in one of three stylish boltholes. Slip from stunning pool to chic lounger, and drink in the views of the Luberon hills. These eco retreats, built of reclaimed terracotta and mellow stone, reflect the charm of the 18th-century ‘mas’ where this lovely French family live. ‘Salvia’ and ‘Bonnelli’ extend out from the farmhouse, while ‘Senecio’ is separate but close. All have secluded terraces – two overlooking fields of lavender, one facing lawns and pool. Peacefulness reigns, no houses are visible, and walking paths radiate from the garden.
The position could not be bettered. At the top of the track, turn left for hilltop Roussillon and right for undiscovered Goult. Enjoy a casual lunch on the terrace of the Café de la Poste in Goult, and delicious dinners at Roussillon’s La Treille. Both villages are gorgeous.
Lafleur, Aquitaine
If you’re looking for a traditional French farmhouse with a modern twist, this is it. The airy, open plan house has polished concrete floors, glass dividers and clever lighting. Spend evenings under clear night skies, sizzle meats on the plancha in the outdoor kitchen and open your welcome bottle of local Floc. Bedrooms are bright and minimal – there’s a lovely children’s room with four bunks; a mezzanine floor works perfectly as a kid’s play area, and there are books and games for when the weather turns.
The Aquitaine Coast is closeby and has infinite beaches, surging Atlantic waves and frothing surf. Armagnac country is all around you too, and Labastide-d’Armagnac is surrounded by cellars and vines. You simply won’t get bored here.
Mas de la Bousquette, Gard
There’s lots of history to soak up in this 500-year-old mas, set in eight acres of lovely gardens and with views of the village ramparts above. Three beautiful apartments sit around the roofed courtyard with a pool to share too. Enjoy open-air cinema nights in the courtyard, fresh bread delivered daily and drinks in the garden, with local wines, aperitifs and Provençal canapes. Across the courtyard, steps lead up to Le Grenier, a former grain store for four, and Le Murier, the tower for two, which connect across a dining terrace.
They’re all bookable together to create a self-contained space for six. La Bergerie, the barn for two has vaulted ceilings and its own private, secured courtyard – perfect for dog owners. As for days out, visit foodie Uzès, hike in the Cévennes, go wine tasting and visit Roman ruins such as the extraordinary Pont du Gard.
More inspiration…
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