Maison Sebastien
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Overview
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Featured as the villa in Secret France, Rick Stein’s BBC2 TV Series aired 5 November 2019. Read more here>
Also featured in The Times Online, 17 of the best villas in the south of France, published 24 September 2024. Read more here>
Originally a 14th-century lookout tower, this hilltop château in Provence provides 360-degree views of the surrounding oak forest and lush landscapes below, accommodating 13 guests in comfort and style.
Thoughtfully restored with rustic and contemporary décor, the château has an inviting ambiance and plenty of comfortable places to relax; from the open living space with a wood-burning stove, to the cinema room, or the sun loungers by the pool with wonderful views overlooking the valley. It's even a wonderful place in the winter, especially cosying up by the Christmas tree or simply gazing up at the clear starry skies at night.
The ancient terraces will be a popular spot for enjoying meals from the local market, especially the shaded terrace just off the impressive modern kitchen, where you’ll dine alongside breathtaking panoramic views of the French countryside. Below lies a medieval courtyard with lavender and fruit trees, which is another excellent space for entertaining.
There are five bedrooms in the main house, plus a delightful studio with a mezzanine bed and a private terrace which sleeps an additional two guests.
You’ll be within walking distance to the village of St Michel L’Observatoire, with two restaurants, a cafè, a bakery and a butcher, as well as a prominent observatory, and it's a short drive to the famous absinthe of Forcalquier. The beaches of the French Riveria are worth the 2.5-hour drive!
A Stay at Maison Sebastien
“I will never get over this perfect house in the countryside and wish we could have stayed for weeks! It was perfection from the French kitchen, to the blue shutters, medieval floor plan, sunny terrace with gorgeous views, swimming pool, and country lanes for miles surrounding us…” - Read more about the fantastic Maison Sebastien here!
As mentioned in...
What you should know…
- The 11 guest price applies to the main house only, whilst the 13 guest price includes the use of the studio which sleeps an additional two guests
- Approximately end-October to mid-April, only the 11-guest prices apply as the villa will only accommodate up to 11 guests (the studio does not have central heating and only a wood burning stove, therefore it is not available in the winter months). Please enquire.
- Guests need to be able to manage steps and terraces across the beautiful grounds, as you can see from the photos.
Property Features
Bastide (Main House) Interiors
Main Floor
- Open-plan lounge, dining area and kitchen with doors opening out to terrace with al-fresco dining terrace
- Bedroom with super king-size double bed, fan and bathroom with hammam-style shower
First Floor (curved stone stairway)
- Bedroom with king-size double bed, fan and en suite bathroom
- Bedroom with king-size double bed, fan and en suite bathroom. Includes an area outside the bedroom which can be curtained off with a single bed
Second Floor
- Bedroom with double bed and fan
- Bedroom with two single beds and fan
- Bathroom
- TV/cinema area with Apple TV/Orange cable TV
Split-level Studio (set off the medieval courtyard)
- Small kitchenette
- Bathroom
- Mezzanine-style bedroom with double bed
- Private sun terrace
Outdoor Grounds
- Swimming pool (4.8x12m), fully enclosed
- Stone poolside terrace with sun loungers and shade
- Terrace with al-fresco dining table
- Ancient covered terrace overlooking medieval courtyard
- Other pretty terraces and garden
- One of the last remaining Roman mulberry trees in Provence
- Listed stoneware around the house
- Many steps and terraced levels (some low walls)
Location
About the surrounding area of Maison SebastienMaison Sebastien is a five minute drive - or lovely twenty minute walk - from the village of St Michel L'Observatoire.
The village is thriving with two restaurants, a cafè, a bakery and a butcher. It is also home to a major French Observatory. St Michel's position at the foot of the Midi-Alpes combined with a lack of light pollution gives it unique night skies at all times of year.
Ten minutes drive from the house is the small medieval town of Mane and beyond - the regional centre - Forcalquier. Mane has a good pizza restaurant, pharmacy, bakery, butcher and Epicerie. Forcalquier is famous for it's absinthe, it's historic church and square and it's citadel high above the town but it also has two excellent supermarkets, a thriving - if crazy - Monday market and some lovely cafes restaurants and shops.
There are many ways to get to the property: fly to Marseille or take a train to ether Aix en Provence TGV or Avignon TGV. There is now a direct train between London St Pancras and Avignon. The drive from London is approximately 14 hours. There are numerous useful local buses that link with both the airport and the train stations.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Avignon Airport
(92km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Marseille Provence Airport
(95km) |
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| Nearest Train Station |
Gare Manosque-Gréoux-les-Bains
(20km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire
(5-minute drive/20-minute walk ) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Forcalquier
(8km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire
(5-minute drive/20-minute walk ) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire
(5-minute drive/20-minute walk ) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire
(5-minute drive/20-minute walk ) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Auchan Supermarché
(7km) |
||
Region
The Provençal way of life is one that’s deeply tempting for anyone who’s been feeling the need to get away from it all. This is a place where the Mediterranean weather turns fields of corn and lavender into picture-perfect backdrops, where you can sip your locally bought wine and enjoy the landscapes before heading out and tackling them head-on with a range of great activities for families, groups of friends and adventurous foodies. Better yet, our range of villas in Provence and chateaux and holiday homes in the Côte d’Azur make the perfect base to explore this enchanting region!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThe house and estate are comfortable, spacious and offer different experiences for everyone. While some people are swimming others can be watching TV and films, or riding at the local stable. Walking locally is fantastic and there is much to see in the area.
Kindly note the spacious terraces and fenced gardens have low walls and the upper windows do not have locks and bars: we recommend keeping an extra eye on toddlers and young children.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Cycling
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Xbox/Playstation/Wii
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Child-Safe Pool
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Cleaner once a week
- Meal ready on your arrival! (on request)
- Transport service to Marseilles to see the big football matches (up to 15 people - on request)
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From pr...
Read moreExtras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Cleaner once a week
- Meal ready on your arrival! (on request)
- Transport service to Marseilles to see the big football matches (up to 15 people - on request)
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
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras included at this property:
- Welcome pack with milk, butter, croissants and condiments
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!
| Security deposit | £800 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | After 4.00 p.m. (3.00 p.m. in the winter) |
| Departure time | Before 10.00 a.m. (9.00 a.m in the winter) |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £800 charged to client’s credit card before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | After 4.00 p.m. (3.00 p.m. in the winter) |
| Departure time | Before 10.00 a.m. (9.00 a.m in the winter) |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Extra €250 per week, if required (paid locally). |
| 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 rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Changeover day | Saturday in July and August. Flexible during all other periods. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and other special events are not permitted. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Approximately end-October to mid-April, only the 11-guest prices apply as the villa will only accommodate up to 11 guests (the studio does not have central heating and only a wood burning stove, therefore it is not available in the winter months). Please enquire. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings, public liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 11 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Dec 18th 2024 - Jan 4th 2025 | £7,616 |
| Jan 4th 2025 - May 17th 2025 | £4,080 |
| May 17th 2025 - Jun 21st 2025 | £5,236 |
| Jun 21st 2025 - Jul 12th 2025 | £7,616 |
| Jul 12th 2025 - Aug 23rd 2025 | £7,956 |
| Aug 23rd 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £7,568 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 20th 2025 | £5,236 |
| Sep 20th 2025 - Dec 13th 2025 | £4,080 |
| Dec 13th 2025 - Jun 21st 2026 | £7,616 |
Prices based on an occupancy of 13 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Dec 18th 2024 - Jan 4th 2025 | £8,500 |
| Jan 4th 2025 - May 17th 2025 | £4,760 |
| May 17th 2025 - Jun 21st 2025 | £6,086 |
| Jun 21st 2025 - Jul 12th 2025 | £8,500 |
| Jul 12th 2025 - Aug 23rd 2025 | £8,908 |
| Aug 23rd 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £8,500 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 20th 2025 | £6,086 |
| Sep 20th 2025 - Dec 13th 2025 | £4,760 |
| Dec 13th 2025 - Jun 21st 2026 | £8,500 |
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?
We have owned and loved Maison Sebastien since 2008. We started the building project to renovate the property in 2010 and ...
Owner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
We have owned and loved Maison Sebastien since 2008. We started the building project to renovate the property in 2010 and have continued to develop the house, gardens and a beautiful swimming pool since then.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
We saw many houses built in the lee of hills and forests but Maison Sebastien is unique. Based around a 14C look-out tower – it stand high on on a hill with 360 degree views.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The house has a medieval courtyard. Steps have been preserved and rebuilt into the house that date back to the 14C. During the French Revolution, the sisters/nuns from Forcalquier hid down in the huge caves under the house and used a portable font to baptise new babies. The centre of the old courtyard has a central stone where this used to take place. The Magnanerie was an addition in 1850 when the silk route opened up through Provence. Silk worms thrive on Mulberry trees which have been planted on the estate since the Romans.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Well yes, we both work in film and TV but I think their identity should be private.
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do?
Walk, Pony ride, visit Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. Cycle rides with bikes hired from Forcalquier rr just chill by the pool. Also visit the Gorge de Verdon–a huge wonderful lake with Kayaking, canoeing and huge open water swimming. Mont Ventoux, for visual treats. In winter, skiing is an hour from the house in the Midi-Alps.
Really eat?
The guide book for the house gives you many options for our recommendations for restaurants. Also you will find a full guide to the local markets and best butchers and supermarkets. The local village has a great baker and a lovely epicierie. I am also a chef so the kitchen is fully equipped with good pans, knives and crockery .
Really see?
Try to get to the local towns and villages of Forcalquier, Banon, Dauphin and Bonnieux. Also if you love antiques, take a trip to the world famous Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - the biggest centre for antique trade in France, with nearly 300 antique dealers and decorators plus a flea market at weekends.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Our Guardian, Monsieur Francois Devun, lives on site 24/7 in his own cottage across the old stone yard where they used to grind the corn. He will help you out with any problems but remains totally private. He also knows how to help you get to any place or to hire a vehicle or to sort out any transport … the house would not work without him. Our Housekeeper can also be on call if you have any domestic disasters.
Reviews
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Spectacular
We have rented vacation villas for most of our married life, that is for almost fifty years. That should make us experienced rentors. In the mean time, our family has grown and, if we get them all together, we are a party of twelve. This is our first year in Maison Sebastien, just outside St. Michel l’Obeservatoire on the outskirts of the Luberon and by a long stretch it is the most suitable villa that we have ever rented. The setting of the house is spectacular and very private. It has been modernised in a most tasteful way, fitting the ancient building and the rural Provençal environment. We found the house spotlessly clean, and the caretaker, who lives on the grounds could not have been more helpful. He also takes care daily of the super swimming pool and is ready with advice and information. He has a wealth of knowledge about the house, its history and the area.
The kitchen equipment is first class and there is enough of everything to accommodate a dozen people without having to wash dishes or glasses in the middle of a three course meal.
The house reflects the love and good taste that has gone in to the renovation and decoration. All of our family have enjoyed it to the fullest and we already long to be back. -
We love this place
Dine on the terrace in a cool summer breeze, or inside by the fire in frosty December, swim a few laps in the pool then dry off in the sun, stroll in the herb-scented meadows, walk to the village in the morning for coffee and pastry, return with warm bread, local cheeses and just-picked veg, drink the local wines, stare up into the clearest night sky of almost anywhere in Europe, sleep in the gorgeously comfortable beds, wake to birdsong: if you have the luck to stay once at Sebastien you will always want to return.
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Highly recommended
We have stayed a few times at Maison Sebastien and always had a wonderful time there. The setting is beautiful, the house is spectacular and has been renovated and furnished with supreme taste and sensitivity, without sacrificing luxury and comfort. Lunches on the terrace, swimming in the spectacular pool, walking in the surrounding countryside - all make for a supremely relaxing and restorative holiday. Highly recommended.
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Thank you
All good, thank you!
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Maison Sebastien is a wonderful place
Maison Sebastien is a wonderful place for a holiday: a cool stone Bastide, with magnificent views over forested hills, so peaceful and restful, stylishly decorated and homely it was an absolute pleasure to spend time in and around the house; as well as exploring hilltop villages, markets, wineries and excellent restaurants within manageable driving distance. The pool was refreshing and alluring too. In addition, we appreciated all the effort made to make the property sustainable with solar power and careful use of water. The owners and the Guardien, Francois, were welcoming and helpful at all times which made it a stress free stay. Our extended family loved it and would highly recommend this property.
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Home from home
The long Labour of love has been rewarded …
Each turn in the house is a scene but never in a pretentious way … it’s as if it is how the Maison wants to be ..
I slept downstairs and despite the low ceiling, the room made me feel so content .. I suspect there might be some good spirits who are so pleased with the house .. nothing jarred .. nothing seemed out of place ..
You may think I’m over doing this but truly the Maison delighted us .. it had a comfort too that wasn’t precious .. home from home but with the delight of France and views to die for .. Baby Holl stole the show but San Sebastien came a close second. -
Just beautiful
Maison Sebastien is just beautiful. We had three generations of family to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary and we have made such happy memories there. We booked during lockdown and had anticipated our stay for so long, but it lived up to every wish and more. From our first sight of the house we loved it. It was perfect, isolated but near enough to the village so we could enjoy eating out. The countryside around is perfect for cycling and walking. It is quirky for all the right reasons, corners to sit on your own and room to be together when you want. The long table on the veranda was our place to come together and linger over leisurely breakfasts and tasty suppers. The views are amazing and they are enjoyed throughout the house. The house is furnished with character and comfort, it has everything you could need, and we all felt relaxed and happy there. The bedrooms and bathrooms are quite lovely, the beds comfy with quality bedding and big soft towels. Our grandchildren particularly enjoyed ‘their’ top floor! The pool is big and beautiful, we all spent a lot of time in it. We had a private chef for one night and he was impressed with the kitchen facilities. The caretaker Monsieur Devun, was unobtrusive but was there if we wanted anything. Our three generations (aged 69 to 8 years) would all highly recommend Maison Sebastien, and we hope to be back one day.
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We are in love
We are in love. Collectively. This is a wonderful enchanted house and grounds. We feel very much at home and very comfortable here. Thank you very much for having us here.
Sent with love and joy
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Wonderful holiday
On behalf of my family, thank you for a wonderful holiday. Maison Sebastien is a very special house set in a unique location.
It was also very well equipped, with everything a large family could wish for.
Francois was ever helpful and kind. We learned a lot about the area, and places to visit. His recommendations about markets all turned about to be correct.
We had a perfect break and unanimously loved the house.
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Couldn't ask for more!
Great secluded location and amazing views. Pool and beautiful large home was well stocked for everything you need in the kitchen.
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Amazing holiday
My wife and I stayed in Maison Sebastien with a group of our family and friends at the start of September 2018. It's a gorgeous Provincial setting with amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The villa is beautifully renovated with tasteful decor and comfortable rooms. The kitchen is well equipped and allowed us to easily cook for a group of about a dozen. It's a very private and quite setting, and we really loved the pool. Kate and Francois were both exceptionally helpful, friendly, informative and accommodating.
We highly recommend this as a holiday destination!
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A dreamy taste of Provence
Our stay at Maison Sebastien was a highlight of our trip. It is secluded on a little dirt road outside a small town in Provence, which is perfect for feeling like a true escape into the French countryside. Everything in this house is done so right from the exterior, interior, decor, furniture, linens, beautiful setting, and more. No detail is missed. It's the ideal place for an escape with loved ones.
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Sublime
We had a great family week at Maision Sebastien, in August. The house is really beautiful and has been converted with great taste in sympathy with its ancient buildings and history. The house is generously equipped and we lacked for nothing. The children especially enjoyed the pool (no chlorine so it was lovely) and also the wide selection of DVDs!
The terrace is a delightful and cool place to eat, with views over the valley towards San Michel - which is also a great place to eat. Francois who looks after the house and the pool was charming and could not have been more helpful! -
A special week
We came all the way from China to South France looking for a specially place to have our wedding. Fortunately I found Kate's house --- Maison Sebastien as our wedding venues. I am a taveler, traveling around the world every year, and I had communicated with many house owner, and Kate is simply the nicest one. She gave us so many great suggestions and guidelines about the area. The restaurants she recommend are great. She also prepared everything we need for a wedding party. She did not have a outside loudspeaker, and she purchased a great one for us specifically. I truly appreciate all the things she did for assisting us to run this wedding smoothly. We also have a great gardener - -Franswall (I wish i could spell his name correctly). He is very very nice and responsible person. Last but not least, the house is amazing. Very privacy, very quiet. Big swimming pool with great mountain view. The best thing about the house is the stars during the night. That is the starry sky I have ever seen in my life. Everyone with me loves madly. Thank you to allow us having a so special week in Maison Sebastien. I miss it so much.
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We loved your house!
Oh how we loved your house! Our daughter, two sons and their three spouses, plus seven grandchildren from three to sixteen all voted it "best yet"! And Francois was wonderful and charming. Isabol speaks excellent French so they got on well.
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A fantastic time at Maison Sebastien
We had a fantastic time at Maison Sebastien. It was beautiful. The caretaker on site was excellent, so kind and helpful.Overall a great holiday. Kind Regards
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An exceptionally beautiful maison
We spent a week in Maison Sebastien with 2 other families; there were 6 adults and 7 children in total and we all had a fantastic time without exception. The house is beautifully renovated and you can tell the owners have put a lot of thought and hard work into making the house as well equipped and comfortable as possible. There was plenty of space for everyone especially the kids. The bedrooms were very comfortable each with its own nicely decorated bathroom and necessary amenities. The kitchen was exceptionally well equipped, which was great since we enjoyed cooking at the house and eating outside on the lovely terrace. The view was amazing and we couldn´t get enough of the beautiful outside area of the house. The pool area was also very nice and well used with the children.Francois, the friendly housekeeper, lives on the property and was there to assist if we needed anything. The house is about an hour drive from many small villages in Provence like Gordes, Lourmarin, Bonvieux and more. I would highly recommend the property to anyone who wants to enjoy some peace and tranquility in an exceptionally beautiful maison with the opportunity to explore the beautiful nearby villages of Provence. I sincerely hope I will return to Maison Sebastien one day.
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Our fourth trip to Maison Sebastien
“We’ve just returned from our fourth trip to Maison Sebastien, this time in early April 2016. The trees just bursting into blossom, spring flowers and green fields as far as the eye can see - glorious. Chilly weather so only a couple of al fresco lunches on the terrace this time, and wonderfully cozy inside with the wood-burning stove going great guns of an evening. The house is just fantastic - so comfortable, beautifully appointed with every mod con you could desire. François, the guardian, was as helpful and accommodating as ever, and has made a friend for life in our friends’ toddler by driving him around on one of the tractors. We’re only sorry it was a bit too early in the year for us to experience the new swimming pool - oh well, we’ll just have to come back again!
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A wonderfully stylish place to stay. We'll be back.
We visited Maison Sebastien with our 2.5 year old toddler and other friends in early April 2016. The house is, of course, stunning, but more impressive is the attention to detail which makes this a delightfully comfortable place to stay. The kitchen has everything you need to create memorable meals from the local produce. The bedrooms have comfortable beds with good linen. The bathrooms are stylish and have good water pressure - which may seem odd to mention, but having stayed in places where the shower delivers a lukewarm dribble, I can vouch for its importance! We were too early for the pool to be open but it's obvious that the pool terrace is a wonderful place on a warm Summer's day. The whole house is tasteful, cool and beautiful. But more importantly, it works - as a home from home and as a wonderfully stylish place to stay. We'll be back.
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