Provence West

Mas des Chênes

The Haut Vaucluse (Upper Vaucluse) region of Provence, home to the incomparable Mont Ventoux, has become one of our personal favorites…although it boasts some of the most lively and eclectic weekly markets in all of Provence, it is, in our view, more tranquil, more authentic, and more thoroughly Provençal than the more recognized Lubéron Valley or the “Golden Triangle” of the Bouches du Rhône.

Mas des Chênes is a delightful rental property, in a prime Haut Vaucluse location.  Set mid-way between the wonderful market village of Bédoin and the quaint Côtes du Ventoux wine village of Mormoiron, this recently renovated and charmingly decorated Provençal farmhouse offers the best of authentic ambiance with the modern comforts and amenities desired by 21^st century families, including a  beautiful private swimming pool and high-speed wireless internet access.

With Mont Venoux in the distance and shaded by centuries-old oak trees (chênes), Mas des Chênes is set on a tranquil, fenced property, with its only nearby neighbor a small family farm.  Rosemary bushes, lavender, a gently gurgling fountain (fed by a natural well) and 3500 square meters of gardens welcome guests to the mas, which lies beyond a wrought-iron privacy gate.  A graceful tonnelle, woven with blooming vines, shades the entry door, which opens into the home’s cozy salon, with its woodburning fireplace and small entertainment center.  Paned windows let in the bright Provençal sunlight and the fragrant breezes; furnishings are a tasteful blend of traditional and contemporary, with colorful accents and modern artwork, and which contrast seamlessly with the authentic tile floors and exposed beam ceilings, creating a stylish yet comfortable ambiance which invites guests to gather and enjoy each other’s company.

Adjacent to the salon is the dining room, with its large country dining table, perfect for meals en famille, and lined with traditional wood benches.  Up a few steps from the dining room lies the charming, yet thoroughly well-equipped, country kitchen, which combines authentic Provençal tiles and accents with modern appliances, including a gas range, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and a full compliment of dishes, small appliances, cookware and cutlery.  A second refrigerator, located in a pantry near the passage to the pool area, serves the summer kitchen adjacent to the outdoor terrace, BBQ and pool. The house is also fitted with a washing machine and tumble dryer.

On the main floor, the spacious master bedroom is filled with light and is furnished with a queen bed, with views through French doors to the garden and pool area.  A second, smaller bedroom, fitted with two twin beds, is adjacent to the master, and also opens through French doors onto the exterior garden.  The main level bedrooms share a shower room, fitted with a stall-style shower, washbasin and toilet. 

Up a curving stairway, through a small landing area, lie the remaining three bedrooms and bathroom.  The first bedroom is furnished with a twin bed, perfect for an independent child or adolescent; the second bedroom has a queen bed, and the third a double. All have windows which let in the beautiful sunshine.  The second bathroom, with bathtub, washbasin and toilet, also features windows overlooking the sunny garden below. In all, Mas des Chênes comfortably accommodates up to nine guests.

The outdoor areas at the mas are truly charming, from the fountain in the entry courtyard to the lavender and rose bushes lining the pool to the views to Mont Ventoux and the rolling hills and vineyards surrounding the property.  Guests may dine outdoors, overlooking the beautiful pool, after grilling on the BBQ; those who succumb to the hypnotic rhythm of the cigales (crickets) will find the comfortable hammock a seductive spot for a late afternoon nap. 

The pool is completely fenced, with access protected by a security gate and the pool further secured by an alarm.  There is a covered garage, and off-street parking for one additional car.  There are lounge chairs for enjoying the Provençal sun, and plenty of shaded areas under the mas’ eponymous oak trees.  Enjoy!

The delightful village of Bédoin, which hosts one of our favorite weekly open-air markets, offers a nice selection of shops, restaurants, cafés and services, and is conveniently located for hikes or bike rides up the incredible “le” Mont Ventoux (a frequent stop on the Tour de France) or for wine tasting excursions and picnics in the beautiful Haut Vaucluse.  Vaison-la-Romaine, with its ancient Roman ruins and medieval château, is less than 20 minutes away, as is the bustling market town of Carpentras, to the south.

Historic Avignon and Orange are easily accessible from Bédoin, as is the celebrated villages of St. Rémy-de-Provence, the lively university city of Aix-en-Provence, and the perched villages and wine estates of the Lubéron Valley and the Côtes du Rhône. 

Amenities

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

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