Villa Borie
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Overview
As you head up the Cypress-lined driveway and catch a glimpse of the swathes of lavender, you’ll realise what a special place this is. This elegant stone home, a short distance from one of the many idyllic villages of the Luberon, is an incredible place from which to explore this enchanting part of Provence.
Villa Borie has been lovingly restored by its current owners who have renovated the home with style and great taste, featuring the perfect blend of Provençal and contemporary furnishings and original artwork across the house.
The beautifully preserved stone fire-place is the central feature of both the living and dining room whilst French doors open up to one of the glorious stone terraces. All three bedrooms feature queen-sized beds, Provençal wardrobes and dressers and doors opening on to the pool, gardens or the fields of lavender. There are two sumptuous bathrooms, one with a roll-top bath, the other featuring an in-ground Italian shower.
Keen chefs can create a feast using the very best produce from local markets in the contemporary kitchen with high-end Smeg appliances plus an island and breakfast table, allowing for a convivial atmosphere as meals are prepared.
In the evening you can seek solace with a glass of local wine on a stone bench surrounded by lavender or enjoy an aperitif on the lit-up terrace by the old Borie, a stone hut where shepherds would have once sought shelter on stormy nights. Or simply continue to take in the breathtaking views of the Luberon mountain from the south-facing terrace.
In the beautiful grounds, by the rockery filled with flowers and fruit trees, there’s a dazzling and wonderfully maintained swimming pool with deckchairs and loungers around the poolside terrace, the perfect place to spend long summery days in the peace of the verdant surroundings.
In the lovely local village, you will find restaurants, cafes and charming shops. Explore the steep narrow streets with beautiful old stone houses, many of which have been restored, and reach the fascinating ruins of a castle dating back to the 11th Century. Furthermore, within a short distance you can drive to a wealth of other idyllic Luberon villages such as Bonnieux, Ménerbes and Roussillon as well as Van Gogh’s beloved Gordes (17km), one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages.
The Luberon Natural Park offers an ideal setting for walking, horse-riding and cycling amongst spectacular landscapes of hills, olive groves and vineyards whilst wine lovers will appreciate the amazing vineyards and wine cellars across the region. Don’t miss the weekly food market in nearby Apt, one of the most famous in the area, whilst the well-known brocante markets in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue are a must for antique lovers.
Famous Avignon, the capital of Provence, and Aix-en-Provence, one of France's most beautiful university towns, are just over an hour away or head to Les Alpilles Natural Park with Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or Les Baux-de-Provence for a memorable day out.
At the end of the day you’ll be pleased to return to the tranquillity and beauty of your own exceptional place at Villa Borie.
What you should know…
- Please note that children under 12 years are not accepted (babies in arms are fine and a travel cot can be provided)
- A wrought-iron spiral staircase leads up to a delightful mezzanine level perfect for a spot of quiet reading
- Car hire is required to be able to explore this stunning region
Property Features
Interiors
- Living-dining room, separated by a large stone fireplace
- Library
- Kitchen, well-equipped including oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge, coffee maker, breakfast table and chairs
- Small study
- Master bedroom with queen-size double bed and doors leading to stone terrace. Direct access to main bathroom with antique roll-top bath and double washbasins
- Double bedroom with queen-size bed and doors leading to garden. Direct access to shower room with in-ground Italian shower
- Double bedroom with queen-size bed, antique sofa and doors leading to swimming pool area
- Reading area on mezzanine level (via spiral staircase)
Grounds
- Swimming pool (approx. 6mx3.5m, depth approx 1.2m-2.7m) with pool safety alarm. Open April to end of September
- Sun loungers, deck chairs and sun umbrellas
- South-facing terrace
- Natural gardens, rockery and surrounding parkland
- Stone fountain
- Borie with lit-up terrace
- Boules court
- Table tennis
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- TV (British channels)
- Music streaming via AirPlay
- Books
- Washing machine
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa BorieYou enter Villa Borie through electric wrought-iron gates and then follow the Cypress-lined driveway to the beautiful home. It is surrounded by 7.5 acres of natural grounds featuring 200 mature trees, lavender fields and an old Borie (stone hut) where shepherds would have once sought shelter on stormy nights. There are breathtaking views of the Luberon mountain from the south-facing terrace.
It’s near to a lovely village in the heart of the Luberon where you will find restaurants, cafes and the ruins of a castle dating back to the 11th Century. Explore the steep narrow streets with beautiful old stone houses, many of which have been restored.
Within a short drive there is also a wealth of archetypal Luberon villages to explore such as Bonnieux (8km), Ménerbes (5km), Roussillon (14km) and Van Gogh’s beloved Gordes (17km), one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages.
The Luberon National Park offers an ideal setting for walking, horse-riding and cycling amongst spectacular landscapes of hills, olive groves and vineyards. There are climbing opportunities near Buoux (19km), a tiny village with a castle not to be missed and now a mecca for rock-climbing.
Wine lovers will appreciate all the amazing vineyards and wine cellars in the local area and wine-tasting at some of the very best can be arranged. The vineyards of the Côtes de Ventoux and Chateauneuf du Pape (60km) are also within easy reach when driving towards the beautiful Rhône wine region.
Food enthusiasts should also head to the Luberon town of Apt (18km) on a Saturday morning for its incredible Provençal market, one of the most famous in the region and well known for its local products especially candied fruits and goats cheese. The old town has a lot of charm and character and the surrounding hills are typical of beautiful Provence. Market lovers should also seek out the famous brocantes (antique markets) at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (23km).
Famous Avignon (44km), the capital of Provence, and Aix-en-Provence (60km), one of France's most beautiful university towns, are just over an hour away whilst the natural beauty of Les Apilles National Park is also nearby with Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (49km), Les Baux-de-Provence (50km) or Eygalières (35km) perfect for a memorable day trip.
Further afield, discover the vibrant city and surrounding coastline of Marseille (95km) or drive to the mesmerising region of La Camargue (100km), perhaps stopping off in Arles (90km), another Provençal town made so famous by Vincent Van Gogh.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Avignon/Marseille/Nîmes
(35km/80km/85km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Cavaillon/Avignon
(20km/45km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
(1km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
(1km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(12km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Apt/Cavaillon
(16km/20km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Bill Owens Golf
(17km) |
||
Region
With some of the most enchanting landscapes of Provence, the Luberon awaits with its idyllic perched villages, swathes of lavender, cherry trees, vineyards and dense forest.
Become captivated by the scenery as you potter around artistic Gordes with its atmospheric Tuesday morning market before heading to hilltop Ménerbes, the village that inspired Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’. Romantic Bonnieux enjoys the most glorious vistas, surrounded by a sea of vines and orchards, whilst red-hued Roussillon will take your breath away with its ochre landscapes and pine forests. They are all officially classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ in France.
Yet there are so many hidden gems to explore as well. Discover the historic doorways, windmills and summer cherries of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, then head to Goult to embrace its Provençal charm with little shops and pavement cafes. Surrounded by fields of lavender, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt is another historic jewel of the Luberon, often overshadowed by the handsome and historic town of Apt.
To the south of the Luberon, follow Albert Camus’ footsteps in Lourmarin, sip coffee by the picturesque bassin lined with plane trees in Cucuron and soak up the history of Ansouis – all three villages have a fine reputation for their high-end dining with a choice of Michelin starred restaurants.
Indeed, across the region look out for restaurant terraces serving Provençal cuisine with superb vistas alongside characterful markets showcasing seasonal delights from the Luberon and beyond (olives, melons, strawberries, cherries, truffles, chestnuts, lavender products and more). Most villages host a lovely weekly market whilst the largest in the Luberon is held on a Saturday morning in Apt. Just on the edge of the Luberon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famed for its antique stores and Sunday morning brocante. Meanwhile, wine lovers should visit the vineyards and wineries of the region producing Luberon and Ventoux AOC wines.
The walking, hiking and cycling opportunities in the Luberon seem endless and you will also find horse-riding, rock-climbing and tree-top adventures as well as canoeing and kayaking along the Sorgue near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Come across hiking trails for all abilities passing vineyards and forest or venture through the hills and mountain gorges for spectacular scenery. Cycling is also extremely popular – as well as more challenging routes, we especially love the family-friendly Véloroute du Calavon, a paved voie verte following a former railway line near the Calavon river passing poppies, lavender and orchards so typical of the Luberon.
Kids
Best Suited For: TeensThe Luberon Natural Park offers an ideal setting for horse-riding and cycling amongst spectacular landscapes of hills, olive groves and vineyards.
There is also a fantastic Tree-Top activity centre in this region whilst animal lovers should head to Zoo Barben with over 600 species of animals across several hectares of land.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- <1hr to Airport
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Boules/Petanque
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
Services Available
- Catering Available
- Maid Service Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Catering Available
- Maid Service Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Extra cleaning
- Private catering
- Taxi service
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | €1000 paid to the owner by credit card authorisation upon arrival at the villa and refunded up to two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. (Other times with prior arrangement). |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €1000 paid to the owner by credit card authorisation upon arrival at the villa and refunded up to two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. (Other times with prior arrangement). |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, including pool towels. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes, however, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Pets welcome? | No. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Changeover day | Saturday. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and special events are not permitted. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The pool is open from approximately April to end-September (cooler months may not be suitable for swimming). |
| Other Ts and Cs | Children under 12 years are not accepted (babies in arms are fine and a travel cot can be provided). |
| Other Ts and Cs | Guests will be required to sign the owner's rental agreement upon booking. |
| Other Ts and Cs | The lighting of fires in the fireplace is not permitted. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 6 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 30th 2024 - Jan 1st 2025 | £3,749 |
| Jan 1st 2025 - Jun 3rd 2026 | £3,749 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How long have you owned the property?
Since July 2004.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The beautiful view over the Luberon mou...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
Since July 2004.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The beautiful view over the Luberon mountain, the extensive grounds, and the cool, open-plan arrangement of the single-level interior.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The house was built in 1985 in the traditional style, so no history as such.
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do?
Visit the local villages and markets including Lacoste, Bonnieux, Menerbes, Gordes (one of the most visited villages in France), Roussillon, Goult and Lourmarin (Peter Mayle, who wrote a Year in Provence lived in both Menerbes and Lourmarin). Also, visit the many wineries in the local area, Avignon and Aix en Provence, which are both nearby, and Cassis on the south coast near Marseille.
Really eat?
There are some very good restaurants in the local area including La Bartavelle at Goult, Le Mas des Herbes Blanches at Joucas, La Bastide de Capelongue at Bonnieux, Le Mas Tourteron at Les Imberts, La Bastide de Marie at Menerbes and Le Moulin de Lourmarin at Lourmarin.
Really see?
The view of the villages, countryside and Mont Ventoux from the top of the Luberon mountain.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Each day of the week there is a produce and artisanal market in a different village in the local area.
Reviews
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Hard to leave this beautiful place
We can't add much more to the previous few reviews other than to reiterate how beautiful, peaceful and special this place is. It is an excellent base to visit the many wonderful hilltop towns nearby. Leaving was very hard.
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Quintessential Provençal Property
From the cypress lined driveway to the lavender fields surrounding the house, this property is everything we wanted from our time in Provence. We were greeted on arrival and made to feel at home. The house is spacious and well-equipped, beds were comfortable and showers had excellent water pressure. The hum of the cicadas was the only noise other than the rare car passing down the dirt road. Our evenings here were spent dining outside and enjoying the pool. The quiet and the lavender scented air made for very good nights' sleep. The property is only a short walk from the exceedingly charming village of Lacoste which is the home to a SCAD satellite campus, offering unexpected art installations. We have already discussed renting Villa Borie again, it was a delight.
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Private villa with beautiful grounds and surroundings
Open the French doors and lay on the bed, ahead of you in your eyeline are rows of lavender and the Luberon hills in the background. A perfect Provence image. Tucked away down country unpaved lanes, it is quite private without feeling too secluded. The medieval hilltop towns of Menerbes and Lacoste are very close, just 10 and 5 minutes drive away, 20 minutes to the Sunday market at Coustellet and 15 minutes from restaurants in Bonnieux. When the sun is hot you have the pool and the veranda is always a great place to relax and drink wine till sunset accompanied with the din of cicadas in the trees and the fuzz of bees frolicking in the lavender. Very idyllic. Inside, the rooms are very tastefully presented, two bathrooms, one bath and the place is overall very spacious. Wifi works well from my experience. We also enjoyed the ping pong (which all French holiday homes seem to have?) and the bouledrome. You can set a great ambience in the evening with lights for the fountain, veranda, bouledrome and pool. Kitchen is well equipped.
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Une maison très élégante, un havre de paix
Villa Borie est une maison très agréable aménagée avec beaucoup de gout. La maison est entourée de lavande et de nombreux arbres. C'est un endroit où l'on se sent bien. Pas de voisins à proximité. Nous sommes venus déjà plusieurs fois dans cette maison et nous la recommandons sans hésitation.
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Idyllic location
This house is in a perfect location in the Luberon and blissfully quiet but within striking distance of all the attractions. Found it difficult at times to leave the pool and beautiful gardens.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
