Bastide Saint Estephe

CASTILLON DU GARD

At a glance

With spectacular views of the world famous Pont du Gard and the Alpilles mountains La Bastide Saint Estephe sits nestled between the vineyards, olive groves and ‘garrigue’ of the Provencal countryside.

In Provencal language, a “mas” means farm, which in today’s language means a typical provencal villa of traditional style. A “bastide” in old Provencal, meant a manor house or mansion owned by a member of the local gentry. It entailed a certain notion of prestige, quality and social status. The architecture of such dwellings was meant to discreetly uphold this image. By definition, all bastides had to have a fountain. In this case an internal garden and patio on the first floor is the central focal point of the mansion, Mediterranean style. Lavender-scented gardens, olive trees and truffle oaks abound, antique tiles and stone fireplaces, a garret tower and an immaculate French fountain set in a garden of serenity make this Bastide an elegant south of France escape.

The distinctive Bastide architecture has reproduced the gist of early XIXth century mansions with traditional materials of cut stone, forged ironwork and tinted glass; and all the modern comforts of a 30-year old luxury construction! The beautiful house was built by the Compagnons du Tour de France, a multi secular organisation of expert craftsmen who need to complete their apprenticeship through a general tour of France’s major cities and work under skilled masters in order to obtain the right to create their own masterpiece.

ACCOMMODATION

You will experience something very special upon entering the Bastide into a wonderful double room with vaulted ceilings and French doors offering an enticing glimpse of the internal serenity garden with summer lounge and indoor pool. This foyer leads to the large living room with beautiful decor, two large white sofas around a large 16^th century fireplace.

From this room we find the library, with an antique book shelf from the Louvre des Antiquaires with games, TV and a DVD player for DVDs and music. SKY satellite television is available with over 100 English speaking channels as well as a selection of French channels. Or for something a little quieter choose to sit back with a good book, a cup of tea and enjoy the peace.

The living room opens on the other side to a large dining room with table for 10 and then into the modern kitchen with a Provencal air, which leads onto an outdoor balcony with stunning views of the Pont du Gard and Alpilles. A perfect place to take your morning cup of tea or café au lait.

The Bastide is spread over two floors with 550 sq metres of living space. All rooms are individual in their style, whilst maintaining the traditional French character such as red floor tiles, beams, forged ironwork and Provencal wooden shutters.

The three double bedrooms on the lower ground floor all have en suite bathrooms with large Italian showers, have individual south facing entrances, views of the olive grove, 6ft beds, air-conditioning, WiFi and access to the main house by a lift to the main living area.

On the first floor are the master bedroom with a super king size bed, which opens out onto the serenity garden, the 'chapel' room with a double bed and single bed with its own beautiful wrought iron enclosed terrace and the tower bedroom room with king size bed which has its own lobby and access to the swimming pool. They share a bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, shower over the bathtub and twin basins.

An indoor heated swimming pool awaits you all year round with a wooden beam ceiling and glass panel windows which open onto the serenity garden courtyard.

Sun loungers and steamer chairs are there for you to soak up the sunshine in the courtyard.

These are just a few of the remarkable features of this magnificent Bastide. Amenities include air-conditioning, underfloor heating, wifi throughout the house and many terraces giving fabulous views and, most importantly, an ambience of relaxation and opulence.

Equipment: fully-furnished, Satellite TV with over 100 channels, wireless internet connection, television, DVD player, CD player, washing machine, dryer, steam iron, microwave, dish washer, baby high-chair, and baby travel cot. Appointments included in the price: linen, towels, all chinaware and cutlery, air-conditioning and heating.

The mansion is located on the outskirts of the Renaissance village, Castillon du Gard, between historic towns Nimes and Avignon, at the gateway to the Alpilles, the Camargue, the Cevennes and Frances first Duchy, Uzes. A short walk through the garrigue”, which surrounds the property, brings you to the Medieval village where you can take a coffee, some Tapas, or enjoy a meal at the several restaurants and cafes. Castillon du Gard is halfway between historic renaissance period city Uzes, reputed to be France’s first Duchy under the French kings, and the papal city of Avignon. The whole area is suffused with historical monuments, chateaux and Roman antiquities in a unique atmosphere.

Beauty treatments can be arranged to be taken at La Bastide. If you would like to give us your requirement at time of booking we can make sure that your needs will be met to the best of our ability.