The rocky terraced garden is pure Provence with lavender, oleander, olive trees, mimosa and cypress, and a lovely knobbly old mulberry tree for summer shade. French doors lead to the kitchen patio and barbecue which sit in the shade of a vine; up steps to the dining terrace – a delightful spot to watch the sun set – shaded by rambling roses and wisteria and with fine views over forested hills. Pots brim with colour all around, the boules pitch is nicely separate, the pool ever-tempting, and the house is furnished in pleasing, practical taste without ostentation. The roomy kitchen has all a holiday cook might need; the big dining/living room area and the bedrooms are light, uncluttered and palely decorated and the master bedroom has its own terrace. Seillans is highly arty – Max Ernst lived here – with galleries and studios galore and several good eating places. Or you can go walking, white-water rafting, canyoning in the spectacular Gorges du Verdon; swimming, fishing, pedal-boating on St Cassien Lake; drive to Sainte-Maxime and the coast and take the ferry to Saint-Tropez… And so many vineyards to explore.
We were very lucky in that the weather was flawless for the week of our stay and the glorious garden was probably at its peak, clearly much loved and cared for by the owners. We flew to Nice on easyJet from Gatwick and the villa was an easy hour's drive. The villa was wonderfully cool despite the 26c outside. The kitchen was equipped with all mod cons. There was a big living room and dining area but we ate all meals outside on the terrace under a mulberry tree coming into bloom. The pool provided a welcome respite from the heat. All in all a place to sit back and take stock.