Provence West

Mas des Maridats

Mas des Maridats is a completely restored and renovated, thoroughly charming Provençal stone farmhouse located in a peaceful country setting.  With views of the very famous Mont Ventoux (whose rugged slopes often provide one of the most grueling stages when the Tour de France passes through Provence) and yet within minutes from the delightful market town of Bédoin, this four bedroom home, with its spacious living and dining areas and private pool, is a wonderful choice for guests looking for the authenticity of a true French farmhouse experience combined with the modern comforts and amenities that ensure a restful and enjoyable Provençal vacation.

The property is located off a small country road leading to the village of Bédoin.  Surrounded by Mediterranean trees, rosemary bushes, mature oaks and blooming lavender, the setting is very private and tranquil, yet not too remote.  Guests enter the property through a small courtyard, which provides ample parking for two cars.  The beautiful oval pool (approximately 9 meters x 4.5 meters) has interior steps, and, again, views of Mont Ventoux in the very near distance.  There is also an inviting outdoor dining area with those incredible views…

The mas is an authentic Provençal stone farmhouse, which has been lovingly and thoughtfully restored and charmingly decorated in traditional Provençal style.  The owners have retained the traditional architectural elements which give the mas its character, including stone floor tiles, plastered stone walls, exposed beam ceilings and beautiful floors, as well as two beautiful woodburning fireplaces in the salons with a massive stone mantle and hearth.  In the two main level salons (providing areas for both communal conversation and a bit more privacy for curling up with a book or a late afternoon nap), the furnishings were chosen with an eye towards comfort and ambiance…overstuffed seating groups are complimented by whitewashed country accent pieces, while tasteful wall paints add a colorful splash of color on the walls.  Modern amenities include satellite television and ADSL wireless internet access.

Separating the main living room from the delightful country kitchen, the dining area is furnished with a Provençal dining table and caned chairs, with seating for six.  As throughout the mas, colorful accents compliment clean white walls or ceilings, and local antiques offset quality contemporary pieces to create an ambiance that its both traditional and stylish.

The charming kitchen, which opens through a French door onto the outdoor dining area and swimming pool, features is also a blend of modern appointments and traditional accents.  Brightly colored  counter and wall tiles peacefully “coexist” with sleek stainless steel accents and modern appliances, including a four burner stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher and a full compliment of small appliances and cookware, dishes and glasses.  There is also a small powder room, with toilet and washbasin, on the main level of the mas.

A spiral staircase with wood steps (fairly narrow) leads from the ground level of the mas to the second and third levels, where the bedrooms and bath and shower rooms are located.  On the second level, there are two well-sized bedrooms, each furnished with a queen-sized bed and a mix of antiques and contemporary pieces.  The “master” bedroom has a private bathroom, which houses a tiled shower, washbasin and toilet, as well as the mas’ washing machine.  A second bathroom on the second level features a bathtub (with hand-held shower, which can be mounted on the wall for those who prefer to stand while showering), washbasin and toilet.

On the uppermost level, there is one sun-filled “attic” bedroom fitted with two twin beds (perfect for two children or a younger couple), and a nursery room furnished with one twin and a baby crib.  In all, Mas des Maridats can comfortably accommodate up to six to seven adults and one small child.

The village of Bédoin—the gateway to Mont Ventoux—is just a couple of kilometers from Mas des Maridats, and offers several restaurants, cafés, bars and food shops, as well as our favorite weekly market in the Haut Vaucluse.  Plan on spending Monday morning strolling through the blocks-long assortment of street vendors which winds through the village streets, offering everything from autoparts (seriously!) to beautifully crafted jewelry, locally produced artisan cheeses, olive oils and wines, and simply amazing fresh produce.  After filling your market basic, stop at one of the many wineries in the region, then head for a picnic on Mont Ventoux or in one of the shady parks or public squares in the charming villages of the Haut Vaucluse.

If you are a serious cyclist, you can test your skills against those of the participants in the Tour de France, as the Tour often includes a stage up and down the steep hills of “le” Mont Ventoux when it passes through Provence.  There are also numerous hiking trails and more relaxed strolling paths throughout the region.

The lively town of Carpentras, which offers a broad selection of shops, restaurants and services, is less than 11 miles from Bédoin, and has an amazing Friday morning market.  The wine villages of the Côtes du Rhône, including Sablet, Gigondas and Vacqueyras, as well as the Côtes du Lubéron, Côtes du Ventoux and other celebrated wine estates of the Vaucluse are all within an hour’s drive.  The location is also perfect for day trips to historic Avignon, Orange, Nîmes and Uzés, as well as the charming and very famous villages of St. Rémy-de-Provence, Arles, Les Baux and Aix-en-Provence, are all within an easy daytrip from Mas des Maridats.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROPERTY RENTS ON A SUNDAY TO SUNDAY BASIS AND IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR RENT DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. AS WITH ALL OF OUR PROPERTIES, SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED INSIDE THE HOUSE AND PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED.

Amenities

• American Shower
• Ancient Construction
• Country Setting
• Fireplace
• Gardens
• Highspeed internet

• Pool
• Satellite TV
• Views
• Washer
• Music System