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MAISON CACHÉE

Maison Cachée is a tidy cottage set in one acre of splendid gardens including a small grove of olive trees, stands of oleander, poplars, cypress, perennial flowers and lawns.

With renovations complete in late spring 2006, Maison Cachée is an excellent choice for one to two couples in search of higher-end accommodations on a smaller scale both in proportion and budget. In an area where large, luxurious and often impressively priced estates are the norm, Maison Cachée is a rare and unusual find. The owners followed the theme of less is more, and rather than expanding on the existing structure to accommodate more people, they opted to create an aesthetically pleasing and very well-appointed haven with attention paid to the smallest detail. Here one to four guests can relax and enjoy the sunny South of France in a setting of complete privacy and total tranquility, without having to splurge for a property that is larger than needed (which is often the only way to assure the quality, style and amenities afforded by this little cottage).

Another advantage of Maison Cachée is access to the owner’s 8 M x 13 M (26’ X 43’) pool and pool house, located on the grounds of the owner’s main residence, adjacent to yet completely separate and private from Maison Cachée. The mature plantings and vegetation have formed a stunning natural barrier between the cottage and main house. The main house cannot be seen from the cottage and vice-versa. Guests are assured total privacy at the pool if and when the owner is in residence. There is also a hot tub on the pool deck which is available for guest use.

A terrace of crushed gravel runs along the front of the cottage and extends around the right-hand side. A variety of outdoor furniture including benches, bistro-style table and chairs and chaises longues are located here for enjoying the outdoors whether relaxing, reading or dining al-fresco. Part of the front terrace is covered by a vine-covered tonnelle, or arbor.

The cottage itself, approximately 90 m2 (about 1,000 sq. ft) of living space on one level, is accessed by a huge sliding glass door which opens directly onto the salon. The tastefully decorated room is furnished with a large, comfortable loveseat and two cushioned armchairs. A stereo with CD player and flat screen TV with DVD player are housed in an antique bookcase. A large library of DVDs is available for guest use.

The eat-in kitchen with table for four is well-equipped for meal preparation on evenings when guests opt to skip the myriad restaurants available within a short drive. Equipped with a four-burner gas stove and steam oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, tea kettle and espresso maker guests will find everything necessary for preparing a simple breakfast to a three-course dinner.

The first bedroom overlooks the side terrace and gardens and has a queen-sized bed. The walls are painted a warm golden yellow and complemented by a hand-painted headboard featuring botanical art. Clothes can be stored in the large antique mirrored armoire.

The second bedroom, slightly smaller than the first, has two twin beds. Bold red accents and a decorative iron framed silkscreen headboard continue the contemporary Provençal style from the first bedroom. A smaller mirrored armoire provides sufficient storage space. The two bedrooms share the sparkling bath, tiled in white with dark green accents, with double pedestal sinks, a large walk-in shower and a WC.

While Saint-Rémy can be reached on foot at comfortable pace in about forty minutes or half that by bike, most guests will prefer to drive to town, less than ten minutes. The villages of Les Baux, Eygalières and Maussane are also within a short drive and Avignon is only a half hour away. Available year-round for stays of one week or more, guests will discover that Maison Cachée could also be called the secret or enchanted garden. It is a private hideaway in the heart of Provence.

NOTE: The appointments and size of the property make it most comfortable for adults only. Children are restricted. Two cats roam the gardens and one may try to enter Maison Cachée through an open door. He should be shooed away.