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MAISON DAILLAN

Notes: Allergy alert! For those who are allergic or otherwise adverse to animals, please note the owners' friendly and well-behaved dog and two cats have access to the garden at Maison Daillan. You will likely see them, but neither enters the house. Guests are not responsible for their care. Owners on-site: The owners' house is located directly behind Maison Daillan which requires that they pass through the garden area on the way to their home accessed by a flight of stairs off of the sundeck. They are very friendly and helpful, but also respectful and mindful of their guests’ privacy. They will in no way interfere with the enjoyment of Maison Daillan.

Maison Daillan is an unexpected pleasant find in a sea of properties available for rent in Provence. This little cottage packs a big punch in terms of comfort, style and value. Aware that many guest houses and smaller accommodations often fall short of their larger counterparts in myriad ways, the owners made a concentrated effort to see that no detail was overlooked when preparing this 700 sq. ft. property for rental.

The garden area with small yard includes a wooden sundeck with chaises longue and parasols, and a vine-covered terrace with table for four, perfect for outdoor dining. One can easily imagine a typical breakfast of café au lait prepared in your own kitchen accompanied by fresh croissants and a copy of the International Herald Tribune, both of which were picked up minutes ago during the daily stroll into the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. During the evening hours it would be just as easy to enjoy an after-dinner drink on this terrace under the starry sky, with soft illumination provided by various lanterns suspended above and placed around the table. There are no less than a dozen restaurants within walking distance in St-Remy and many more, including Michelin-starred restaurants in Eygalieres, Les Baux de Provence and Noves within a short car ride.

The entrance to Maison Daillan opens onto the French country style eat-in kitchen with table for four. This cheerful space has open shelving with plenty of attractive place settings and glassware as well as basket-style and traditional drawers for additional storage. Small appliances include a coffee maker, electric teakettle, toaster and microwave. There is also an electric stove and oven, small fridge and dishwasher. Opposite the working area of the kitchen is a full stereo system with CD player and a library of CDs. The kitchen opens onto the sitting area. Both rooms have terra-cotta tiled floors with area and accent rugs where appropriate.

The small yet convivial sitting area has a love seat and two armchairs. There is a TV with satellite reception including English-speaking channels and a DVD player. The walls are faux finished a golden saffron hue, appropriately enough given that Provence enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. Cinnamon colored curtains and eclectic wall art add splashes of color and interest to this space. Off the kitchen and living area is a hall leading to the bedrooms. Along this hall is a library of current DVDs in English.

The first bedroom has a double bed with wicker headboard, nightstands with matching lamps, built-in display shelves and a Louis Philippe dresser for storage. Between the first and second bedroom is the shared bath. Tiled in cobalt blue, there is a walk-in shower, single pedestal vanity and a WC behind a sliding door. Also located in the bathroom is a washing machine (best suited for smaller loads, no dryer) and ample storage for the second bedroom, both hanging and shelves, hidden behind mirrored sliding doors.

The second bedroom has a queen-sized bed with black wrought-iron frame and French doors that open directly onto the sundeck and garden area. The walls are sponge painted pastel green and decorated with wall art in white washed frames.

Both bedrooms have sisal carpeting and fans.

Maison Daillan is a perfect choice for one to two couples or a small family who are looking for a good deal and a convenient location, but are not willing to compromise on style or amenities. It would also be ideal for a single guest looking for a quiet haven to write for several weeks. All guests will appreciate wireless Internet access and a pre-paid cell phone (with the option to add additional minutes at extra cost) to stay connected, should they want or need to do so. Superbly located just outside the center of a celebrated Provencal village, with all necessary commerce within easy walking distance, priced to please year-round and thoughtfully prepared for guests’comfort, this rare find will not disappoint.