ProvenceMagique - Bargemon, France (Provence)

Villa Les Oliviers was built earlier last century. Once the highest dwelling in the fortified medieval village of Bargemon, it is still the best vantage point over the ancient roofs, yet only a few steps from the centre of the village. The villa is on an acre of land originally belonging to Count de Boisgelin, a former local mayor. It includes the site of a tiny chapel, close to the house, now converted into a glass-fronted writer's studio. The property is on spectacular terrain, set in a pine forest which extends behind the house, once concealing several large natural caves. The roofs of Bargemon seem to extend directly from the bamboo below the panoramic window of the sitting-room. From the villa, the magnificent rolling hills of verdant eastern Provence can be viewed for miles around. In the distance is the village of Clavier, perched on a wooded spur. "On a clear day", as they say, you can see the sea off the bay of St. Tropez.

The house has been extensively renovated as a family residence by the present owners. It comprises a long L-shaped sitting-room, featuring a fire-place as well as a bay with floor-to-ceiling windows designed to take best advantage of the extraordinary views. There is also a good upright piano with music for players of all standards. Off this room are two bed-rooms connected by a communicating arch, with an ensuite bathroom. One is the principal double bedroom, the other a single. Also on this floor is a small store-room and a good-sized kitchen, fully equipped with fridge/freezer, washing-machine, dishwasher and ample cupboard space. Through the kitchen is a terrace, ideal for al fresco meals. On a lower floor, reached by the outside staircase, there are two further bedrooms of a good size, each with an ensuite shower-room and basin. There is also a lavatory in the corridor between the two rooms. Each room is furnished with antique wooden double-beds; one of the rooms has a second single bed. They both open directly on to the garden and pool area.

The 12-metre pool has its own generous surround, as well as stone terraces above. There is a 'pool-house' above the pool with a large patio ideal for sundown aperitifs. On the other side of the house is a flat pinede among the pines which makes another charming eating (or siesta) venue. Above it is the writer's studio, which can be furnished with a bed and a table for the prospective author! The rest of the garden consists of terraces with a number of fruit and nut trees (olives, figs, cherries and almonds), rose bushes, lavender and the famous herbs of Provence. There are thirty wide steps down to the garage.