Entire home

Paradise in Provence - 4 bedroomed villa with pool, spa & sauna

Photo gallery for Paradise in Provence - 4 bedroomed villa with pool, spa & sauna

8000 square meters of paradise
Arriving at the villa
Our pool (11 x 5 meters), protected by a cover to ensure safety and save heat
Pool with terraces
Safe and fun swimming for everyone

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 9160 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Gym

Explore the area

Map
Claviers, Provence-Alpes-Côte-DAzur
  • Pennafort Gorges Waterfall
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Saint-Endréol Golf Club
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Terre Blanche Golf Course
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Frejus (FRJ)
    ‪57 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

Bedroom 3

2 Single Bunk Beds, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Single Futon

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Paradise in Provence - 4 bedroomed villa with pool, spa & sauna

This is the perfect get away from city life. This spacious villa, laid out on a single level, with 4 large bedrooms (all 4 with en-suite bathrooms) is set in 8000 square meters of terraces, gardens and forest, amidst the olive groves and hills of the Haut Var. The spacious living area, under an oak beamed cathedral-style ceiling, comprises a living room with log burning chimney and large dining room separated by a low wall from the well-equipped kitchen. The living area comfortably seats 9 and has 2 separate seating areas (around chimney & TV equipped with all French and international stations plus DVD - and a selection of DVDs). Wifi connection is available throughout the house and on the pool facing terrace. We also provide a hi fi system and a number of indoor games. The dining table seats 10, (with 1 high-chair for young children), complete with Provençal style furniture and decorations. From the living and dining-room there are views out to the terraces. The kitchen is lovely - open to sharing with guests - and fully equipped to provide simple or elaborate meals - with a new, large induction cooking range, dishwasher and all standard equipment plus lots of useful cookery utensils and a wide range of crockery. The kitchen leads to a pantry with large American fridge-freezer, a second fridge (it gets hot in summer!) and washing machine.
Patio doors lead to a wide south facing terrace and a rose & vine-covered pergola where a magnificent oak tree provides shady dining in summer (beautiful mosaic table seating 10) and barbecue. The 3 air-conditioned bedrooms in the main house each have patio doors opening onto a terrace - walk out of your bedrooms straight to the swimming pool below - you can go barefoot! The large, heated swimming pool, with jacuzzi, is surrounded by a wide terrace with patio furniture - and is totally secluded. The pool measures 11 x 6 meters and is 2 meters deep at the deep end; it is treated with salt in order to avoid chemicals. We typically heat it to 28° from 1st April to 1st November (apart from high summer where it does not require heating). The pool is covered by an electrically operated retractable cover which ensures the safety of your children. A spa / hot tub, heated to 38°, welcomes 5 adults with look out over the valleys and hills all around - peace in nature! We have recently added a veranda so that you can enjoy the amazing view even if it's cool outside, and a sauna has also been added, with adjoining shower and toilet which also serve the "children's room". If you want a bit more activity, the full size petanque court is just next to the pool. Or you can play table tennis, football, and badminton. There is also a second dining area with a summer kitchen and plancha. - no need to go indoors to cook. Close by a restored 'cabanon' provides additional sleeping accommodation, also equipped with air conditioning. This separate accomodation also contains a separate shower room and toilet (part of one letting agreement - cannot be let separately). This delightful villa is truly secluded, yet just 2 kms from the unspoilt hilltop village of Claviers. Within easy reach of the most beautiful villages in the region (Bargemon, Callas, Fayence, Seillans), superb walking & biking country (Gorges du Verdon). Just 45 minutes from the Mediterranean coastal resorts of St. Tropez, Issambres, St. Raphaël, St. Maxine and, Nice airport and Aix en Provence TGV rail station.

We have made significant improvements to this property over the past 15 years - loving each stage in its development and making it a place to be enjoyed throughout the year. Our guests specifically comment on the feeling of homeliness (it IS our home) and the speciousness - there are different places to go and sit, read, meditate...

Property manager

Gill Hervouet

Languages

English, French, Italian, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Ideal for families
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Ensure you clean up after them, inside and out
default

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
You can smoke outside - please clean after you
Arrival after 8pm - we ask you to arrive before 8pm. If this is not possible, we will charge €25 per hour after 8pm to be paid to our representative.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 1428162890161

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Claviers

Located in Claviers, this villa is in a rural area and in the mountains. Tour de l'Horloge de Draguignan and Eglise Saint Michel are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Château d'Esclans and La Cave du Château de Lagarde. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and horse riding.
Map
Claviers, Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’Azur

What's nearby

  • Pennafort Gorges Waterfall - 18 min drive - 14.9 km
  • Saint-Endréol Golf Club - 27 min drive - 23.5 km
  • Terre Blanche Golf Course - 27 min drive - 20.9 km
  • Esterel Massif - 44 min drive - 45.7 km
  • Fréjus Beach - 60 min drive - 39.4 km

Getting around

  • Vidauban Station - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Gloire de Mon Père - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪La Grupie - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Restaurant l'Estanco - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪La Grotte Italienne - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Boulangerie Oudard - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Paradise in Provence - 4 bedroomed villa with pool, spa & sauna have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Paradise in Provence - 4 bedroomed villa with pool, spa & sauna pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Paradise in Provence - 4 bedroomed villa with pool, spa & sauna?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Paradise in Provence - 4 bedroomed villa with pool, spa & sauna?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Paradise in Provence - 4 bedroomed villa with pool, spa & sauna located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly villa is within 12 mi (20 km) of Pennafort Gorges Waterfall, Tanning-Ernst Collection and Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions of Provence. Tour de l'Horloge de Draguignan and Eglise Saint Michel are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Joël B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Séjour du 13 au 20 juillet 2024
Très belle villa, cadre paisible et serein. Découverte de la villa après 4 km de petits chemins carrossables. La villa offre toutes les qualités d’une maison moderne dans un cadre typiquement provençal, avec piscine, jacuzzi et sauna. Les quatre chambres sont climatisées et disposent de leur salle de bain personnelle. Nous avons été ravis par le frigo américain. Un véritable paradis ! Nous ne voulions plus partir.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Commentaires
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour. La propriété est magnifique et ses équipements très complet, spa sauna piscine. Nous recommandons la location pour ses installations, le contact avec les propriétaires ainsi que Nurcia qui gère la maison. De plus l’endroit est très retranché pour ceux qui recherchent le calme et la tranquillité, c’est l’endroit idéal
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Coralie I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfekt!
Wir haben 2 wunderbare Wochen in Claviers verbracht. Das perfekt eingerichtete Haus bietet so viel, die wunderschöne Gegend ebenso. Die Anreise über kleine Dörfer und Serpentinenstrassen sorgt dafür, dass man sich mitten in der Natur befindet. Kein Lärm, eine wahre Idylle. Trotzdem findet man im nahe gelegenen, schönen Dorf Bargemon alles, was man braucht, vom kleinen Supermarkt über den Bäcker bis hin zur Apotheke. Danke Gill und Daniel, dass ihr euer Paradies mit uns geteilt habt! Liebe Grüsse, Coralie
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Véronique G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Un havre de paix
La villa dispose de tout l'équipement idéal pour passer de bons moments de convivialité en famille ou entre amis. On y voit pas le temps passé entre la piscine chauffée, le jaccuzzi, la pétanque, le ping pong et tout cela dans un calme absolu avec verdure à perte de vue. Adeptes du Yoga, n'hésitez pas, le spot est top ! Sans transition mais à souligner, la qualité de la literie pour dormir comme des bébés. Le village de BARGERON à 5 Kms comporte tous les commerces pour vous restaurer. Et si vous n'avez pas envie de cuisiner, le restaurant LE CLAVERO à CLaviers est juste parfait. Ne soyez pas surpris, le chemin pour parvenir à la villa paraît interminable mais ce n'est que pour notre plus grand plaisir ! Un grand merci à Nuncia et Gil pour leur gentillesse et réactivité !
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stéphanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tout le confort pour se détendre !
Nous avons passés deux belles semaines dans le Var, loin de l agitation des touristes. Les différents aménagements nous ont permis de nous sentir comme chez nous. Le petit chemin pour arriver est un peu escarpé mais si vous avez fait des courses avant vous pouvez ne plus bouger et profiter de la piscine du jacuzzi et du calme environnant. Merci Gill pour votre gentillesse. Stéphanie
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Frédérique D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magnifique maison au milieu de la nature
Super séjour malgré le temps pluvieux. Tout pour passer un bon moment en famille. Elle est super bien équipée et entretenu (fléchettes,pétante, spa, sauna, piscine)tout pour prendre du bon temps. La propreté et les équipements sont juste parfait (lit, cuisine, douche,...) . Je la conseil vraiment.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brooke M., Paris

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and Refreshing Stay
This home just outside of Claviers, France was set in a beautiful and peaceful space. This was quite possibly our favorite get away in France. It was fully stocked with spices, coffee, and cooking needs. The hot tub, games for kids and daily evening fires were our highlights. We also had great access to hiking all around us (on average, we drove 45 min to various trails). The only suggestions I would have before booking this property: 1. I would advise BEFORE booking this property to check with the owner about if there are any added deposits or additional 'late' check-in fees to the booking that aren't listed on the main listing page or description. 2. We were also missing toilet paper and shower supplies at the property, so bring enough for your stay. Note: There is no easy access to a grocery store, so be sure to bring those items along with groceries for your stay! Overall, if you're looking for an escape, peace, and access to hiking, this is the place to go!!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Colin R., Morzine, France

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The most peaceful place ever
Thoroughly enjoyable week in Gill’s lovely property! We loved the outside areas, the heated pool was fab, the different terraces doted all around the garden were great. Claviers is a hidden gem of a village and great to expire all the books and crannies, we walked from the house each morning into the village for croissants and to sit in the treelined square - very relaxing and peaceful. Thanks again Gill for all the helpful info and we shall look forward to our next visit.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

DUFOUR D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Villa remarquable pour un séjour inoubliable.
Lieu de vacances en tout point remarquable, la description est fidèle à la réalité, il ne manque rien et tout est à disposition pour passer de très bons moments. Cadre reposant , lieu qui respire la nature et on a beaucoup de mal à partir à la fin du séjour. Très bon accueil de Luccia et tout est fait pour que votre séjour se passe le mieux possible. Nous recommandons cette villa les yeux fermés et si nous devons revenir dans cette région, on fera tout pour revenir à villa JAMAI. Merci pour tout Gill et au plaisir de vous rencontrer un de ces jours.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ciara C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect place for a relaxing getaway in idyllic surroundings!
Villa Jamai was the perfect place to relax in splendid isolation. We spent the whole week in and around the pool, which was a lovely temperature, and enjoyed using the different seating areas to appreciate the fabulous scenery. We really liked the way all the bedrooms open onto the terrace surrounding the house, and the cabanon offers great privacy. The kitchen is well-stocked with everything you need to cook at home, so we used the outdoor grill most evenings. We also made good use of the ping-pong table and boules. The hot tub was another big bonus (even though we had glorious weather all week). Our party of seven all agreed that the week passed too quickly even though we barely strayed from the comfort of the villa!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Niki S., UK

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house and pool, glorious location!
We had the most wonderful time, glorious weather, fabulous house and brilliant pool, we all agreed we hadn’t had such a relaxed holiday EVER!!!! We stayed at the house more than we normally do because it was SO relaxing and peaceful, it has done us all the world of good, I only wish we could have stayed for a month….or even longer!!! We love the area and have stayed in Seillans and Fayence before but had actually never been to Claviers which was lovely and we had a delicious meal in l’Olivier. Nuccia (the housekeeper} was lovely and her husband and daughter did a fabulous job on the pool and what a gorgeous temperature, I have to close my eyes every now and then and remember gently floating…..bliss!!!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exactement ce qu’on cherchait et qu’on espérait.
Un réel hâvre de paix, très bien équipé, aussi bien pour la maison que pour les extérieurs avec la piscine et le jacuzzi. On est à l'écart dans un cadre magnifique. Les petits villages aux alentours (10 minutes à peine) sont charmants et permettent d’ache Le nécessaire (nourriture, boulangerie, pharmacie). Pour les grosses courses, centres commerciaux, compter une petite demi-heure. Les gorges du Verdon sont à proximité, la mer à une heure ... vraiment une destination à envisager les yeux fermés. L’accueil est parfait, la maintenance est réalisée très rapidement en cas de soucis. Une des meilleures locations pour nous dans ce type de villas et de prestations.

10/10 Excellent

Miet S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellente vakantiebestemming in villa Jamaï!!
Echt alles was aanwezig! Zalig zwembad, heerlijke jacuzzi, sport en spel zowel binnen als buiten! De onbetaalbare rust & privacy op het domein. De airco op de kamers! Langs alle kanten van de villa tafels met stoelen! Loungesets! Kruiden, olies, koffie, thee,.... het is veel meer dan de basis (zoals ze het zelf aangaven). Echt een aanrader! Van ons mag de hemel er zo uitzien 😀

10/10 Excellent

luc k.

familievakantie
super!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Olivier M.

Un havre de paix, nature, avec une piscine à 31°c
Les propriétaires Gill et Daniel sont charmants et bien relayés sur place, par Nuccia. La villa est quasiment au bout d'une impasse, à près de 2Km de la route principale, garantissant un très bon isolement, sans pour autant être seul au monde, puisque des villas sont présentes à environ 100m de distance. Pensez cependant à bien prévoir les "courses" car les supermarchés sont à 20 minutes. Restaurants et petits magasins sont par contre dans les villages voisins, donc à 2 minutes en voiture. On est au milieu des bois, avec une vue suffisamment dégagée que pour ne pas se sentir enfermé. Le jardin, très vaste, invite à la balade et au repos, étant parsemé de chaises, fauteuils, hamacs, de tous côtés. La terrasse est dans le même esprit, faisant un "L" autours de la maison, on peut choisir, tout au long de la journée, de manger à l'ombre ou au soleil, les tables étant en suffisance pour ne rien devoir bouger. Manger à 7h00 du matin avec le soleil qui perce les arbres est un vrai régal. Le barbecue au gaz est top, on l'a utilisé plusieurs fois avec beaucoup de plaisir. La piscine, dont la chaleur était pour nous une priorité, ayant un bébé de 14 mois, fût un plaisir énorme, celle-ci oscillant tous les jours entre 30 et 31°c, alors que la température à l'ombre allait de 27 à 29°c. Gill m'avait garanti 28°c grâce à la pompe à chaleur, le contrat est plus que rempli de ce côté ! Nous pouvions rentrer dans la piscine sans aucune gêne. Elle reste, de plus, très propre, la filtration étant très bonne et le mari de Nuccia passe 2x/semaine. Le bain à remous qui jouxte la piscine est un petit plus sympa, peu profond, avec sa petite cascade qui se déverse dans la piscine. Le terrain de pétanque est vaste et agréable, à l'ombre des chênes, nombreux sur le terrain. Pour le reste, nombreux jeux de société, table de ping-pong, etc... Un vrai plus aussi par rapport à d'autres villas, la climatisation extrêmement silencieuse dans les chambres. On sait dormir sans problème en mettant la clim au minimum. Le séjour n'a pas de clim mais il faut avouer qu'il est très frais (24°c) dans l'ensemble sans être climatisé. En conclusion, cette villa fût un véritable plaisir, notre seul regret sera de ne pas y être allé plus longtemps. Espérons que nous pourrons y retourner une prochaine fois, surtout que Gill et Daniel nous parlent d'aménagements pour 2017 pour que ce soit encore mieux !
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

DALE F., England, uk

Heaven in the south of France.
This villa is a secluded paradise set in rural country side in the south of France. Right from the offset the owner Gill was extremely honest, professional and accommodating. She is the perfect vendor who was willing to answer any questions we had, her communication and correspondence is to be highly commended. Myself, my wife and our two children adged 6 and 4 spent a week here in August 2015. The villas location is 10 minutes down an isolated lane. Very close to the village of Claviers which has some lovely restaurants, a small shop and a outstanding bakery with fresh bread to die for. The property is completely private not overlooked and no immediate neighbours our excited two children could disturb. The villa can only be described as fully equipped. Large american fridge freezer, dishwasher, oven, washing machine, tv with lots of channels, board games, books, ice box/blocks i could not think of anything else they could put in there to make our stay more like home. Everything was immaculately clean. The pool with Jacuzzi is where we all spent most of the time. There was plenty of good quality seating with cushions all around the pool. It was an exceptional pool, very clean, a great size, with stunning views. We absolutely loved our stay here. There were so many places to go and see all within a reasonable drive. I would recommend you have the use of a car to see all the stunning gorges, lakes and beaches. Also dotted around near are many other classic french villages to explore. In the villa there is a plethora of information from the owners and previous guests which aided us greatly. In summery 5 stars is not a high enough rating for this property and its owners. Personally i think its outstanding value for money. It could easily accommodate two families. If you want peace and tranquility in a rural location with stunning views and a fantastic pool this villa will deliver. Thanks for Letting us stay Gill and Dan. The Fitters
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cathryn F.

A little piece of paradise in a busy world
From the first time we read its description and saw its photos,Jamai appealed to my husband and myself as the perfect place for a holiday with our daughter, son-in-law and a couple of good friends. Its location outside the very pretty village of Claviers, only an hour and twenty minutes from Nice, yet a world away from the busy Cote d'Azur, also caught our attention. From the outset we were dealt with warmly by Gill, one of the villa's owners, and were sent lots of information about how to get there and what to expect when we arrived..Nuccia and Laurent, who look after the upkeep of the villa and grounds could not have been more courteous and helpful, with Nuccia meeting us in Claviers to lead us to the house, and Laurent attending to the pool and gardens.The villa itself was very comfortable and well equipped and certainly fulfilled its promise as a haven of peace and tranquillity .Birdsong, cicadas and the odd dog barking in the valley, along with the chimes of the church bell from the village was all we heard. The garden had roses, lavender and oleander bushes to attract the many new and exotic butterflies we delighted in trying to identify and our. daughter and son-in-law were charmed by the cabanon, especially when they were woken early in the morning by strange noises, ran to the window and witnessed the sight of a line of wild boars making their way through a clearing in the forest below them.- on the other side of the electric fence installed to keep them out of the property I should add! . The pool area was the place we all loved best. Such a lovely clean pool, just the perfect temperature with a great combination of sunbeds and comfy relaxing armchairs in the slatted shade of the pergola.The outdoor eating area was also great and whole house and grounds had plenty of space for the six of us to find our own secluded spots and then come together for meals. The neighbouring villages were also very pretty and we ate out in Bargemon and Seillans as well as in Claviers. I would particularly recommend La gloire de mon pere in Seillans and l'Olivier in CLaviers although we had no bad meals anywhere..We dragged ourselves away to St. Tropez one day which was great, but overall Jamai is a place you find hard to leave, it's so peaceful and restful and yet offers you plenty of activities if you so desire.We mainly read our books, swam, went for walks and had long late conversations over good food and wine. What more could you ask? We all want to go back!

About the host

Hosted by Gill Hervouet

Host profile image
We are a bi-cultural couple living near Paris. Gill is Franco-British, has lived and worked in France for 30 years and loves French countryside and the Mediterranean. Daniel is French, grew up in the south-west - and together with Gill, has many friends in the south-east. Hence our decision to buy a house in the Var 14 years ago. We chose Claviers because it sits in truly unspoilt country, with many typical French hill villages and some good walking, close enough to the Mediterranean to visit, without being surrounded by tourists! We fell in love with the house mainly because of the magnificent countryside which surrounds it, the calm, the swimming pool and the lovely big oak tree which shades the south-side of the house from the summer sun. We visit regularly, making improvements to house & garden - our latest improvements include an enlarged second bedroom with ensuite facilities, an extension for a larger children's room (sleeping up to 4 adolescents or children) with play area and en-suite shower and toilet. We have now added a spa, heated to 38° with 5 person capacity, and a sauna with 4 person capacity in the recently created enclosed veranda.. The spa & sauna are an added attraction for winter living when the famous Provençal light is still fabulous, but it can be a little chilly in the hills.

Why they chose this property

We frequently came to the "Alps Maritimes" in previous years to visit friends and whilst we love the Mediterranean - France, Italy etc. we found the south-east corner too built-up and the coastline too busy - and expensive! The Var is an undiscovered jewel - still! Once you leave the coastal areas, you come across small, unspoilt villages and fabulous countryside of mountains and gorges. And out of the high season, even the coast returns to its natural unspoilt beauty with beautiful coastal paths, islands and sandy beaches.
We chose Claviers because it is situated mid-distance between Aix and Nice, and between St. Tropez and The Gorges du Verdon and 20 minutes from The A8, with good facilities all around. And we love escaping to this peaceful haven of olive trees, vineyards and cicadas. The Haut Var is also a unique area of hilltop villages (originally built behind "bastide" walls to keep the population safe from invaders from the sea). And each village holds its local market at least one day a week, and boasts some fine restaurants and bars - gives a lot of choice within maximum 30 minutes drive.

What makes this property unique

Our property is surrounded by hills and trees - reminiscent of parts of Tuscany. It is down a quiet lane which only serves a dozen houses all spread out around the side of the hill on which Claviers stands. There is only one property beyond ours - so when we arrive at our house we know we have found a haven of peace and quiet in this crazy world!
And yet, we can be very civilised. The swimming pool - an essential feature in the hot summers - is large and beautiful set in the grounds, just 10 meters from the French doors leading to the bedrooms and living rooms. And we have added the spa so that out of season visitors can also benefit from the exceptional view whilst relaxing in warm water. The inside of the house is beautiful too - a large cathedral style living room and open kitchen; always cool.
The Var boasts the best climate in France - we go out of season and find warm sunshine even from November to February. The autumn and spring months are often the best moment to visit the region, when roads are quieter and local amenities less busy, and in winter we are surrounded by mimosa trees, and on the many sunny days can still eat outside at lunchtime - either on our terrace or in a local restaurant overlooking the sea. We have been renting our house for over 10 years now, always getting fabulous reviews - and certainly one of the elements contributing to these reviews is the friendliness and professionalism of the couple who look after the property - and our guests. Nuccia and Laurent do everything possible to make our guests at home and able to fully enjoy the delights of the house, pool and gardens.

Languages:

English, French, Italian, Spanish