Set in enormous enclosed grounds of over nine acres, this late 19th-century bastide with light ocher facade and pale blue shutters overlooks the Mediterranean and boasts stunning sea views. The jewel of the grounds -- dotted with olive, pine, oak and cypress trees as well as many native plants -- is a beautiful swimming pool with terra cotta and turquoise tile terrace. It is surrounded by a lush landscaped tropical garden with palm trees, enormous cactus, rosemary, lavender and a variety of shrubs and flowering plants.

Stretching along the front of the house is a brick terrace with open and arbored areas for leisurely outdoor meals. Set away from the house is a charming stone gazebo and below it, additional outdoor furniture, a lovely spot to read, enjoy a drink and enjoy yet another magnificent perspective of the Mediterranean coast.

If that were not enough, a footpath below the pool leads you to a sandy public beach. It's a 10-minute walk past an olive grove, a vineyard and piney woods opening to a wide sandy beach (a corner of which is for nudists) and dazzling views of the Mediterranean from the Cap de Carqueiranne to Presqu'ile de St-Mandrier.

Inside, the bastide, built on three levels, is a gracious country home with over 4,000 square feet of living space. It has been well renovated and features decorative fireplaces, pastel walls, terra cotta tile floors, casual country furnishings, quality appliances and fixtures and every convenience.

To the right of the large entry hall is a spacious living room with several seating groups including overstuffed sofas, easy chairs, coffee and occasional tables and antique chest. An archway leads to the dining room with pretty chest and oval wrought-iron table with antique wood top for 12 people. Several sets of French doors in both of these rooms open to the terraces, pool and grounds.

To the left of the entry is a large French country kitchen. Designed with serious cooks in mind, it features a professional-level gas range, two ovens (gas and electric), pale blue and yellow-tiled counters affording ample preparation space and an array of built-in cabinets and chests. In the center is a rectangular country pine table and chairs. The kitchen is colorful, light and bright with ample windows and a door opening to a vine-covered terrace on the side of the house. Between the kitchen and dining room is a den with fireplace, a comfortable leather seating group and satellite television. From here a door also opens to the side terrace.

Stairs from the entry lead to the second and third floors where there are 6 bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms. On the second floor are a total of 5 bedrooms, four of which are accessed along a corridor running the length of the house. Among these is a spacious master suite with king bed and large bathroom with both tub and shower. All of the bedrooms have attractive bedcovers, curtains and wood chests. There is additional wardrobe space in large closets in the hall by the bedrooms. The bathrooms have lovely ceramic tilework with pastel and boldly colored inlays.

The fifth bedroom, with side-by-side twin beds convertible to queen, is accessed by crossing a terrace off the corridor. This is a more simply-furnished room with slanted ceiling and bathroom with clawfoot tub open to the bedroom. On the third floor is a dormitory-style bedroom with two king beds and ensuite bathroom, well suited as a "private hideaway" for children and teenagers or as accommodation for overnight guests.

A one-of-a-kind home in a truly exceptional setting on the Mediterranean coast.

Note: smoking is not permitted inside the house.