Bergeronnette

Set in the hills above Le Lavandou and just 2km from Collobrières, a relatively undiscovered gem of a village, Bergeronnette is a handsome bastide, or country residence, where tradition and innovation meet with subtle success. The house has been fully renovated but it has a settled feel, more that of a permanent home than of a holiday villa. All the features you would expect to see in a house like this – tiled floors, beamed ceilings, solidly comfortable furniture, working fireplaces – are in place, enhanced by some more modern touches,  and modern bathroom fittings. Guests may well find a new interest in cooking when they see the elaborate and entirely functional kitchen, complete with a Gaggenau steam oven, island worktop and racks of utensils. The house sleeps 10 comfortably, with 5 bedrooms, and 4 bath or shower rooms.

Outside, the elegant pinkish walls of this large house reflect the sun that pours down on this sheltered spot. The charming circular swimming pool with a tranquil view is quite irresistible. Eight hectares of private land planted with mature trees exude a high degree of privacy. The pool terrace is well furnished with loungers and has a lovely outdoor dining set-up, with a unique vaulted canopy for shade and great outside kitchen area. It would be very hard to not completely relax in such a setting. Nearby Collobrières is one of those unexpected treasures of the region. Until very recent times the production of cork was the main occupation of the inhabitants, but this has now been superseded by the production of all things chestnut, from ice cream to the famous marrons glaces. Very pretty, with its ancient bridge and old buildings, it has some excellent shops, restaurants and cafes.