Maison Sylvie

Maison Sylvie is situated in the heart of the pretty village of Saint Étienne du Grès in Provence. It is just a short drive from the villa to shops, cafes and restaurants. This beautiful home is a great place to stay for exploring Provence’s villages and towns and the wild landscape of the Alpilles Regional Park.   

As the home is enveloped by a vast garden which spans 1500m2, guests will enjoy being so close to amenities and yet able to unwind on the serene grounds. The house is a traditional stone farmhouse with quaint shuttered windows that have been tastefully restored. The owners have added modern touches and chic interiors without detracting from the historic charm of the original home; you can still see the original stone walls, beams and fireplaces.   

The villa is set over two floors; on the ground floor, you will find the main living space, which is open-plan but divided into different zones. There is a contemporary kitchen with access to the garden and all the appliances you could need. Next door to this is a lovely dining room with original stonework and an open fireplace leading to a sitting area with comfy armchairs. If you would like to get cosy and watch a film together one night, then there is also a snug TV lounge upstairs.  

The home offers plenty of space and can accommodate up to ten guests across five bedrooms which can be set up as double or twin rooms depending on what would suit your group best.   

The garden here is truly idyllic and has been designed in harmony with the local landscape; you will be surrounded by plane trees, lawns, fragrant herb beds and bright florals. This large space has a number of dining and sitting areas and a private pool, perfect for cooling off on a summer’s day.   

After leaving the gated grounds, it only takes a few minutes to reach the centre of the village, which boasts shops, restaurants and cafes. This is a typically Provençal village centred around the main square. Tall trees line the streets offering shade for those dining al-fresco for lunch. The village is also home to a thriving fruit and vegetable market where you can buy the freshest local produce, while handicrafts, local lavender and gifts can be purchased in the family-run shops. In the summer months, something fun is always happening in the village, from art festivals to communal meals in honour of the locally celebrated saints. The popular town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is also just 10km away and is packed with shops, eateries and cultural attractions dotted around stunning historic streets.

Arles is another place you could visit and is 17km away. This city is known for its Roman buildings and the wonderful museum and tours about the artist Vincent van Gogh.   

If you prefer a slower pace of life, you do not even need to head to a town or city while on holiday in this diverse area. You will find walking and hiking trails near the home and climbing routes in the limestone Alpilles mountains and dense woodlands. There are also some unique attractions nearby, such as the perfume museum, which is 6km from the villa. Here you can see how perfume is produced and enjoy smelling all the oils used. There is also a lovely garden here, an “aroma boutique” and you can visit for a half-day tour with lunch.   

For the keen golfers in your group, a day out to the Manville estate is in order. This incredible 100-acre estate is 16km away and has an 18-hole golf course and a luxurious spa for those who would rather have a massage and relax!