Provence West

Le Presbytère

Le Presbytère is, quite simply, a remarkable vacation rental.  Once a refuge for French Protestants during the 15^th-17th centuries, the current owners have undertaken the formidable task of renovating this extraordinary property to create a vacation retreat which offers guests an experience combining ancient Provençal architecture with contemporary comforts and style, all in one of the Lubéron Valley’s most sought-after locations.

Set on more than one hectaire of land, planted with olive trees, oaks, lavender and wild rosemary, Le Presbytère is located in a quiet residential enclave surrounded by vineyards and large private estates, and yet is within two kilometers of the famous “perched” village of Menerbes.  Guests enter the property through a large portail  which opens onto an interior courtyard enclosed by ancient stone walls providing protection from the occasional mistral and yet with plenty of sunshine. Blooming flowers border the courtyard, making it a wonderful spot for a morning coffee or afternoon aperitif. 

Once inside, you will find the recently remodeled kitchen features professional-quality stainless steel appliances, including a five burner gas range, oven, dishwasher and refrigerator/freezer, as well as a full compliment of countertop appliances and all the cookware, dishware and glasses you will need to fix a simple snack or a feast for 20!  A large country table in the heart of the kitchen is the perfect spot for some members of the group to plan the next day’s itinerary while the more culinary-inspired members take advantage of the abundant local produce to create a fabulous meal en famille.  The house is also equipped with a washing machine and dryer and a supplemental freezer, all housed in a well-equipped pantry off the kitchen.  A subterranean wine cellar provides the perfect spot for storing your “finds” from exploring the numerous wineries in the Lubéron Valley.

Also on the main level, up a few steps from the kitchen, is a powder room, fitted with a contemporary washbasin and tile accents, and a toilet.  There is one large “master” bedroom, furnished with a 160cm bed (a bit larger than a US queen) and an ensuite bathroom with a tub, washbasin and toilet. 

Just beyond the kitchen lies the large living and dining rooms, which are characterized by arched ceilings, windows and doorways.  A massive stone fireplace, with its ancient bread oven, extends the length of the dining room, which also features a contemporary dining table with comfortable seating for 12.  The salon is furnished with comfortable seating, as well as a flat-screen television (with satellite reception), DVD player, and music system.  Authentic antique furnishings are complimented by modern pieces and Asian accents, to create an ambiance that is at once traditional, contemporary and thoroughly stylish.  The house also features wireless internet access and a SONY PlayStation amusement system.

On the upper level of Le Presbytère, up a gracefully curving spiral staircase, there are four bedrooms.  The first is furnished with two 90cm twin beds which can be combined to create a full-sized king bed, and features an ensuite shower room with a tiled shower and washbasin.  The second bedroom on the upper level has a 160cm bed (a queen) and an ensuite shower and washbasin.  An independent toilet room is shared by these two bedrooms.  Just down the hall, there are two additional bedrooms; one with a 160cm (queen) bed and ensuite bathroom fitted with a tub, washbasin and toilet, and a fourth bedroom with three twin beds.  There is also a full shower room, with tiled shower, washbasin and toilet, on the upper level.

Contiguous to the main house, yet with a separate entrance, there is a two-level apartment, perfect for a couple with a young child or two or a group of teens desiring a bit more privacy.  On the ground level, there is a small sitting/dining area; on the second level, there is a bedroom with a 140cm (double) bed and two twins, as well as a shower room with washbasin, and a separate toilet room.  A baby crib and a supplemental twin are available, as is a queen sofa bed, such that in total, the house, with approximately 350 square meters (approximately 3767 square feet) of living area can accommodate up to 18 adults and a baby, although we think the property is best suited for groups of 13-15.

The exterior living areas at Le Presbytère are extraordinary as well.  Exiting the main level salon/dining areas, you will find a large covered terrace extending most of the length of the house, with stone pavers, a large dining table and BBQ.  The pool, which is lighted at night, is extraordinary; rectangular in shape, and measuring 6m x 12m in size, is perfect for lap-swimming, and is both heated for off-season use and protected by an alarm system.  There are contemporary, yet very comfortable, lounge chairs bordering the pool, as well as an outdoor shower.

The grounds surrounding the house are impressive as well, with views in one direction across the fields of olive trees and wild rosemary which surround the ancient outdoor chapel where Protestant refugees once worshipped, to the beautiful ramparts of the village of Menerbes, named one of France’s plus beaux villages,   There is also a petanque court for those guests desiring to try their hand at Provence’s famous bowl game.

Le Presbytère’s location, just outside Menerbes and just minutes to the equally photogenic and justifiably famous villages of Lacoste, Bonnieux, Oppede-le-Vieux, Gordes and Roussillon, is perfect for touring the Lubéron Valley.  There are excellent restaurants, galleries and an impressive array of vineyards throughout the valley, as well as golf courses, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, and easy access to the A-7 autoroute making the sights of the northern Vaucluse and the beaches and villages of the Bouches du Rhône easily accessible from the property.

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

Amenities

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

• Highspeed/Wireless Internet
• Music System
• Pool
• Satellite TV
• Terrace/Balcony
• Views
• Washer