Clos St Maurin

Located in the Lubéron Regional Park, and forming part of a 13th century Knights Templar estate, the very elegant Clos St. Maurin wears its history lightly.  The former cloister courtyard is still privately enclosed, though now its focal point is an unusual swimming pool, based on a traditional ‘bassin’ and fed by a lovely old fountain. In the gardens, two magnificent Cedars of Lebanon are said to be testament to the Templar period, and the building itself has barely changed from its 18th century exterior. But within its walls are beautiful rooms with polished timber floors, carefully collected French and English antiques, and period furniture now upholstered in chic, contemporary fabrics.

There are pale walls, white sofas and a classic fireplace in the sitting room; table tennis and a TV in the games room; and distinctive design in each of the six bedrooms, where décor ranges from floral fabrics and country prints, to sepia and soft naturals, with ingenious quirky touches, like tea and coffee pot bedside lamps. Set in mature gardens with broad lawns and an orchard, the villa is just 1km from village restaurants, and 8km from shopping in Apt.