Over the years we have visited scores of properties in Provence. Some have been stunning farmhouses in the countryside just outside of walking distance to a village. Others have been delightful village homes within a short stroll of commerce but without two important vacation home wish list items: a spacious garden and pool. We often wished we could take the best features of a village house and combine them with the outdoor space and pleasing long-range views many countryside homes have to offer. It seemed the perfect combination simply did not exist and one had to sacrifice either close proximity to a village or large grounds with a pool when selecting a property. That was true until we discovered La Toile des Alpilles.

The first time we visited this impressive property we met the English-speaking caretaker in the center of Eygalières. From there we were led to the home which was no more than a minute by car. Little did we know what was waiting for us beyond the large automatic gate at the entrance. Something felt very familiar as we wound along the country path leading to the house. Our sense of déjà vu was not unfounded - in fact, far from it! The owner of this property had rented one of our most popular properties, not very far from here and with a strikingly similar access, for many years. He had been searching for a home of his own all along and after twenty years he finally found the one, La Toile des Alpilles.

This is one case where mixing business with pleasure really paid off. The owner’s extensive rental history, intimate knowledge of the area, what to do and perhaps more importantly, what not to do, resulted in one of the most appealing vacation homes we have seen to date.

Situated in a totally private park-like setting of 2.5 acres and recently renovated to a very high standard, La Toile des Alpilles has the best of both worlds, a tranquil countryside locale and the charming village of Eygalières within walking distance. Enjoying a southern exposure, the 4,600 plus sq. ft. of living space is flooded with natural light. And with uninterrupted views of the Alpilles from most rooms, a large terrace for outdoor dining, an especially inviting pool and brand-new hard surface tennis court, it is the perfect vacation rental home package.

The beautifully landscaped grounds flanked with cypress trees, bordered with tall pines and dotted with splashes of color from stands of lavender and other native perennials, along with a wide lawn, are maintained by a gardener and automatic irrigation system. The long pool, perfect for swimming laps, has an electric cover which can be used for security. Pool towels are provided.

If the location, setting and outside amenities were not enough, guests who are sensitive to temperature will appreciate the fact this elegant vacation home is fully air conditioned. The state of the art system with individual thermostats in every room is reversible making it equally comfortable in the off-season.

Complete with every modern convenience imaginable, La Toile des Alpilles is equipped with wireless high-speed Internet access and satellite TV reception with CNN & BBC among other English-speaking channels. The phone plan provides guests with unlimited calls to US landlines. There is covered parking for two cars with additional parking for multiple cars available by the main entrance. The property is protected with a security system.

With the exception of one common area and the upper level bedrooms, which are all tiled in traditional tommettes (traditional Provençal terra cotta tiles), there is stone flooring throughout.

While not intended as the primary entrance, many guests will use the large French doors which open onto the kitchen to enter the property. The heart of this home boasts high ceilings and exposed beams. The bright and open space is outfitted with high-end appliances including a double oven, range with four gas and two electric burners, a large side-by-side refrigerator freezer, dishwasher, microwave and a host of other standard equipment and gadgets as well as ample place settings. Here there is also a phone and iPod dock.

The layout is especially conducive for outdoor dining as the kitchen opens directly onto the expansive tonnelle-covered terrace with a large custom built table for ten. A charcoal grill is available for guest use. The eat-in kitchen has a table for eight for indoor dining on the rare day when dining al fresco is not an option. A large island with four bar stools offers additional seating as well as extra work space.

Full laundry facilities including a washing machine, separate tumble dryer and utility sink are located on the ground floor across from the back kitchen. There is a rear entrance from the end of the driveway, especially convenient to unload groceries.

Between the kitchen and living areas is a small library with a desk and phone which can be used as a dedicated office space if desired.

Beyond the library is the main living room. Tastefully decorated and furnished with two couches and two arm chairs arranged in front of a fireplace, this inviting area is ideal for after dinner drinks or quiet relaxation anytime.

Off to the right is a guest suite with full bath. This room has two twin beds which can be made up together as a king-sized bed if preferred. The ensuite bath has a bathtub, single vanity and WC. Located at the back of the house with a separate entrance, this room offers additional privacy and is especially well suited to guests who require a bedroom on the ground floor due to difficulty with steps.

To the left is a commodious multi-purpose common area with direct access to a second covered terrace, the garden, pool and tennis court. At one end there is a comfortable sitting area with large flat screen TV with satellite reception. The other end is a game area complete with a ping pong table. Additional sleeping for two is possible here and guests have use of a second full bath with large walk-in shower, single vanity and WC.

Three additional guest rooms, including the master suite, are on the upper level accessed by an impressive staircase with wide marble steps and a sturdy handrail. All three rooms have views of the garden, pool and tennis court as well as open views of the Alpilles.

The spacious master suite has a California king-sized bed, armchair, flat screen TV, phone and plenty of storage. The large master bath has a double vanity with vessel-style sinks, a bathtub, separate oversized walk-in shower with rain showerhead and a WC.

The second and third bedrooms are equal in size and share a bathroom which has a tub with fixed overhead shower, single vanity and WC. One has a queen-sized bed and the other has twin beds which can be made up as a king-sized bed. All bedrooms are finely appointed, have excellent lighting, bedside tables, a dresser, built-in closets and a comfortable chair. Guests using one of these bedrooms have the option to use the second full bath on the ground level if sharing a bathroom is not an option.

Two additional guests can be accommodated in a separate one bedroom apartment located by the pool and tennis court. This newly renovated space is fully air-conditioned, has a seating area, bedroom with twin beds and a shower room with WC.

Situated just 10 km from the charming town of St.-Remy-de-Provence and half hour from Avignon, the quaint village of Eygalières is home to a little over 1,500 residents. With sufficient commerce for daily needs such as a bakery, a green grocer, two cafés and several restaurants this authentic Provencal village has everything necessary for your stay in Provence, even a weekly market on Friday morning.

With an idyllic setting in the heart of the Golden Triangle, La Toile des Alpilles will meet the needs of the most discriminating guest without being too formal for family groups with children over the age of five. Available year-round with especially attractive rates in the off-season.