Click on photos to enlarge image
All text and graphics ©2004 Just France

LES PINS

Les Pins seems like an oasis amidst of the wild and wooded hills of the Lubéron. The tall cypress hedge lining the driveway and the pines bordering the pool terrace assure privacy and silence. From the terrace outside the kitchen there is a commanding view of the Lubéron Valley; here one can watch the Provençal sky in its full spectrum of colors as the brilliant hues of the morning evolve into the soft pastels of early evening. The play of colors is no less satisfying from the pool. The striking blue of the water is offset by the green of the surrounding pines and the beige of the house, built of ancient Provençal stone. Flower in huge ceramic pots add their colors to the mix. Inside the villa the tasteful use of color is no less evident among the lovely furnishings and appointments.

The formal entrance to the villa is from the driveway, but guests quickly fall into the habit of coming and going from the kitchen doors that open onto the long and graceful terrace. In a shady area of the terrace is a glass-topped table where up to six people can dine.

The terrace, which extends the length of the house, has two sets of steps that lead down to the rectangular-shaped pool, where there is ample deck furniture. Stretching below the pool terrace are the extensive grounds, which are covered with trees, shrubs and wild flora of many varieties. A hedge which frames one side of the pool has been purposefully kept low so as not to obstruct views of the surrounding countryside.

The well-equipped kitchen at Les Pins features an oversize gas stove and an enormous antique pantry stocked with high-quality dishes and glasses. There is also a breakfast table for four. Appliances include a dishwasher and washing machine. There is no dryer, as is common with homeowners in the south of France, who prefer to dry their laundry in the sunshine and clean, warm breezes that typify Provence.

The living dining room of Les Pins is quite impressive, both in its size and appointments. The floor are of gleaming terra cotta tile, refreshingly cool in summer, with thoughtfully placed area rugs. The high ceiling is lined with the original dark beams and lovely curtains hang over the two sets of glass doors that open to the terrace.

In the sitting area are an oversized sofa and two comfortable armchairs in an attractive floral pattern. These are grouped around a dark wood coffee table before the large fireplace. With several lamps this is a warm and cozy place for reading in the evening, or relaxing in front of the television. There is also a powder room that opens off this area.

In the dining area is an oval-shaped wooden dining table, painted in a muted light green, with seating for four and fold-out wings to accommodate up to eight. A gorgeous antique buffet of polished wood occupies one wall, and above it hangs an equally wide gilded mirror.

The three bedrooms, each with wall-to-wall carpeting, are situated on different levels so as to afford maximum privacy.

The first bedroom, three steps down from the main hallway, has a full bath in vibrant blue tile; the double bed has a colorful bedspread and is flanked by two closets with a beautiful flower stencil design. This is a very pretty room.

The second bedroom, more simply furnished and on the same level as the living room, also has a double bed. The third bedroom, up a short flight of stairs, has twin beds that may be pushed together to form a king-sized bed. This bedroom is the largest and enjoys a lovely view from its numerous windows, but is the least formally decorated of the three bedrooms. The second and third bedrooms share a bathroom with a stall shower but no tub, nicely tiled in bright blue, that is directly opposite the second bedroom.

Les Pins is ideal for three couples because of its nicely separated bedrooms. The owner discourages young children because of the high quality of the furnishings, but clients should feel free to explain their particular situation to Just France in an exceptional case.

With the visually spectacular village of Gordes only 3 km to the north and the N 100 (the main east-west route running through the Lubéron) about 10 km. to the south, Les Pins is centrally situated in the heart of Provence. The villa can serve as an enchanting homebase for exploring the region or as a real home for endless days of lunching on the terrace and relaxing by the pool.