Provence West

Le Monastère

Le Monastère, named for the beautiful medieval monastery which overlooks this luxuriously-appointed vacation property, is a rare gem, in that it offers guests the privacy and space of a country property together with the convenience of being within an easy walk to St. Didier, one our favorite villages in the Vaucluse, and a short drive to the celebrated villages of Isle sur la Sorgue, Venasque and Pernes-les-Fontaines.

An ornate wrought-iron gate welcomes guests into the property, and offers glimpses of the flowering gardens, olive trees, lavender bushes and rolling green grass lawns surrounding the house, as well as the large private pool and expansive views over the vineyards towards the monastery, the lacy Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range and the incredible “le” Mont Ventoux. 

Inside the gates, off a tranquil interior courtyard, lies the beautiful stone mansion, which though of ancient construction, has been completely renovated and updated to incorporate all of the modern amenities and comforts sought by our most discriminating clients, while retaining the traditionally Provençal character created by the exposed ceiling beams and tiled floors.  One the main level, you will find two separate living areas, each furnished with comfortable sofas and upholstered armchairs, and elegant antique accent pieces, each with an inviting wood-burning fireplace as its focal point.  A Bang & Olufsen stereo and a tv/video system (alas, no satellite reception) provides entertainment in the main salon.  A large powder room, fitted with a washbasin and toilet, is conveniently located on the ground level just off the smaller salon.

Between the main living area and the delightfully sunny and welcoming kitchen, a large country dining table with seating for ten simply inspires entertaining. The kitchen is a chef’s dream…with a professional-grade La Canche range and oven, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, and a full compliment of gourmet countertop appliances, cookware and dishes and glasses.  The kitchen opens onto the courtyard leading to the pool, and furnished with comfortable wicker seating, making the kitchen and indoor/outdoor dining area a natural “hub” for family and friends to gather and enjoy a swim, a casual meal al fresco or quiet time with a book under the shady pergola while the children play in the expansive gardens.

A separate cave adjacent to the small sitting room on the main floor houses the washing machine and dryer, and opens onto a small outdoor laundry drying area at the back of the house.

On the second level of the house, there are two spacious bedrooms, each fitted with a queen sized bed and each with an ensuite bath or shower room, with washbasin and toilet and with views to the monastery or over the vineyards to the hills and fields beyond the house.  On this level, there is also an extraordinary master suite, with a queen bed and a small sitting room with fireplace and writing desk.  Up a few steps from the sleeping area, the ensuite master bathroom boasts a shower, washbasin and toilet.  The master suite is also accessed by a second stairway leading up from the main level.

An independent exterior stairway from the back of the house, yet contiguous to the two queen bedrooms on the second level, leads to a third bedroom with a queen bed, a small kitchenette and an ensuite shower room, with shower, washbasin and toilet…perfect for a couple or teens wanting a bit of privacy.

The large rectangular swimming pool is protected by both a gate and an electronic pool cover, both of which can be locked to prevent access by children.  There are lawn chairs, outdoor dining areas and umbrellas, as well as a BBQ and small pool house, with a bar and refrigerator, in the pool area.  Behind the house, just off a small lawn area and petanque court, a private gate leads to a trail which leads through the vineyards just 300 meters to the center of the village. A small “bunkroom” with its own shower, toilet and washbasin, located adjacent to the main house (and easily “monitored” from the terrace dining and sitting area just off the kitchen) is best suited as a “siesta” room for children’s naps or “downtime” while others are enjoying the adjacent pool and gardens.

Light housekeeping six days a week is included in the rental price.

The village of St. Didier is one of the Vaucluse’s lesser-known “gems,” which offers a nice selection of restaurants and cafés, shops and services, and not a tour bus to be found!  There are plenty of hiking, biking and walking trails surrounding the village, most of them quite flat and not a bit crowded.

The location is ideal for touring the region.  The celebrated market town of Isle sur la Sorgue, with its wide array of shops, dining and galleries, as well as its incomparable Sunday morning market, is just ten minutes away by car, as is the larger village of Carpentras and the historic village of Pernes-les-Fontaines.  The wonderful nightly produce market at Velleron is a must-visit!  The location is also easily accessible to the perched villages of the Lubéron Valley, the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Ventoux, and the autoroute, leading to many other famous Provençal destinations to the north and south, within a 15 minute drive.

PLEASE NOTE THAT AS WITH MOST OF OUR PROPERTIES, SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED INSIDE THE HOUSE, AND PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED.  CHIILDREN AGES SIX AND OLDER ARE WELCOME.

THIS PROPERTY RENTS ON A SATURDAY TO SATURDAY BASIS, UNLESSOTHERWISE AGREED TO BY THE OWNER.

Amenities

• American Shower
• Ancient Construction
• Country Setting
• Dishwasher
• Dryer
• Fax Machine
• Fireplace
• Gardens

• Mid-week housekeeping
• Music System
• Pool
• Terrace/Balcony
• Views
• Walking Distance to Village
• Washer