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Located in the Var region of eastern Provence, Manoir St-Michel is a wonderfully restored 19th-century manor house. It is just a few minutes drive to Draguignan, a lively town with a full range of shops, cafes, all services and two weekly open-air markets. Within easy driving distance are Aix-en-Provence and other charming Provençal towns and villages as well as all the sights and beaches of the Côte d’Azur.
The property is set in grounds of over 7 acres, including terraces shaded by 150-year-old plane trees, beautifully-landscaped gardens with lawns and an array of shrubs, plants and flowers, and a private grove of 230 olive trees, fruit, nut and other varieties. Adjacent to the house is a large arbored stone terrace with several dining tables, the perfect spot for leisurely outdoor meals. The 60-foot L-shaped swimming pool with wading area offers lap swimming and is surrounded by an umbrella-shaded stone terrace with rows of lavender and Russian sage on one side. Completing the grounds are a clay soft-surface tennis court and sand-gravel boules court. Inside, the old manor house has been renovated and decorated with no expense spared and affords all amenities and conveniences. On three levels, it is light, airy and roomy with 6,000 square feet of living space featuring hardwood and tile floors, painted ceilings, marble fireplaces, tall windows and gracious furnishings including many antique pieces. To the right of the entry hall is the salon with decorative marble fireplace. Comfortable seating groups include upholstered sofas and armchairs grouped around a coffee table, along with a game table, all accented by antique occasional tables and lamps. To the left of the entry is the dining room, an inviting room with warm red walls, fireplace, antique chest and oval wood table and chairs for 12 people. From here a door opens to the French country kitchen with heavy wood-beamed ceiling, large wood breakfast table and separate pantry. The kitchen, designed for serious and recreational cooks alike, is fully-equipped and features a professional-level gas range, two electric ovens, two side-by-side refrigerators, two dishwashers, and a restaurant-grade coffee-espresso machine. French doors from the kitchen open to the large arbored dining terrace and out to the garden, pool and grounds. Also on this level are a laundry room with two washing machines and dryer. Toilet facilities are located up a few steps on the staircase from the entry hall. Upstairs on the second and third floors are 5 bedroom suites. From the entry hall, a graceful curving staircase with wrought iron railing leads to 4 queen suites, two on each floor. Separating the queen suites on both levels is a sitting area with satellite television. Also on the second floor is a twin-bedded suite, accessed by a staircase from the hall between the kitchen and laundry room. Each suite features top-quality bedding and a full bathroom done in marble with double sinks, bathtub with shower or separate shower, toilet and heated towel bars. The bedrooms are all charmingly decorated with fine bedcovers and curtains, antique tables and chests and ample closets. In addition, they feature old marble fireplaces, private direct-dial telephones with voice mail, internet access and a radio-CD player. Included in the rental fee are housekeeping services two and a half hours every morning, Monday through Saturday. Additional cleaning services as well as the services of a cook can be arranged at an extra charge. A home with elegant period atmosphere, grace and character. And the perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying the best of life in the south of France. Please note: The property is most appropriate for up to 10 adults or a group including up to 3 children, ages 7 or older. Smoking is not permitted. |
| "We couldn't have been more delighted. The owner's taste is exquisite, and the property managers were warm, friendly and excellent at their jobs." |
| - K. H., San Francisco, CA |
