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LA GOUTTE D'OR

In spite of the obvious convenience and myriad pleasures afforded by village homes many are often overlooked by clients because of the absence of a pool or too few bedrooms. The recently renovated La Goutte d’Or offers both to guests who are serious about plunging into la vie provençale in the company of a few good friends.

Once through the large iron gate and into the courtyard there is a place where outdoor dining, swimming, sunning or just relaxing are always on the menu of available daily activities. The new (4 m X 5 m) plunge pool has a depth of 1.5 m (5’) and is ideal for cooling off during the hot summer months. Shade seekers can take refuge under a parasol or the tonnelle which runs along the front of the house. Herbs and oleander are planted along the wall opposite the pool adding color and delicately perfuming the air when in bloom. The outdoor furniture (all teak) can be configured in a variety of ways to suit guests’ needs by the pool and around the dining table. A Weber gas barbecue is available.

The house is entered from the courtyard and opens onto the living room. This sunny room has two loveseats and two small armchairs. The fireplace and stereo make this room especially inviting on chilly nights. Guests can also make use of the high-speed Internet connection setting up their laptop in a small nook by the entrance.

Beyond the living room is a cozy sitting room ideal for the rare rainy day or anytime for younger guests who will appreciate the owner's extensive library of movies to be enjoyed on the large screen plasma TV with the multi-zone DVD player or collection of classic board games. Furnished with a plush loveseat topped with throw pillows and two leather armchairs, accented with bright colors and cinematic wall art, this room is sure to be a hit with young adults. Off of the TV room is a hall leading to the brand-new kitchen.

Completed in the spring of 2007, the open plan kitchen is flooded with sunlight from large wooden French doors which open onto the terrace, outdoor dining/BBQ and pool area. The attractive room with a colorful backsplash of authentic Provençal tiles in a rare pattern is outfitted with brushed stainless steel appliances including a six-burner gas stove and oven, built-in microwave oven, dishwasher, and large two-door American refrigerator. It is thoughtfully equipped with the usual small appliances such as a toaster, coffee maker and electric kettle, as well as gourmet gadgets of all kinds and a generous supply of table settings. The stylish design, user-friendly layout and good counter space will be well appreciated by guests eager to try their hand at local recipes with fresh produce from the Wednesday market in nearby St.-Rémy-de-Provence. There are four retro bar stools for friends to chat with the chef during meal prep and seating for eight at the dining table located between kitchen and the doors leading outside.

The newly renovated ground floor bathroom has a single vanity and a shower (no tub) tiled in beige tumbled stone, with a large rain showerhead. The WC for the ground floor bathroom is separate, located next to the bathroom in the hall.

Stairs lead to the second floor where two bedrooms and the second and third bathrooms are located. The first bedroom has a queen-sized bed with wicker frame. The window with view of the courtyard and pool fills the room with natural light. There is a storage unit providing both hanging and folding space for clothes. This spacious guest room has a TV with DVD player.

The second bedroom has a double bed with handsome carved wood head and footboards. Turning sideways will do the trick for most to gain entrance to this room through the charming, yet rather narrow original doorframe. Painted a soft pastel green and simply decorated this comfortable bedroom is best suited for a single guest. There is a storage unit providing both hanging and folding space for clothes.

The first bathroom is decorated in moss green and cranberry, colors inspired by the rare Provençal carreaux ciments tiles which were salvaged by the previous owner and now used to tile the floor. This bath has a single pedestal sink and a tub/shower combo done in white metro tiles with hook for the showerhead. The second bath has a single vanity created from an antique Provençal table and a terra-cotta tiled shower (no tub) with rain showerhead and separate WC. The bathrooms on this floor can be used by any of the bedrooms on the second or third floor.

The remaining two bedrooms are on the third floor. The larger bedroom has two large double beds and a cathedral ceiling of exposed beams. The fourth bedroom has two twin beds. Decorated in an elegant contemporary Provençal style with painted headboards and red toile accents, this room is suitable for two single guests comfortable sharing a room or for children. For storage there is an armoire with hanging space. Both third floor bedrooms can share either bath on the second floor or the ground floor bath.

All bedrooms are complete with high-quality bedding including fluffy duvets and pretty shams. Lighting is provided by whimsical fixtures and bedside table lamps. Each bedroom gains a special character from exposed stone walls or wooden ceiling beams that create a nice natural contrast with the mostly pastel tones.

Primarily known for being home to the celebrated, Pulitzer-prize winning poet, Fréderic Mistral, Maillane is just large enough to have all the essentials for daily needs such as the all-important boulangerie for morning croissants and fresh baked bread, a lively café, a green grocer and a handful of restaurants including the JUST FRANCE favorite L’Oustalet Maïanen. The convenience of being able to do so much on foot coupled with close proximity to many points of interest including St.-Rémy and Avignon make La Goutte d’Or an affordable luxury.