18th Century Olive Mill in Stunning Location
Vacation Homes Listing ID #19173
Listing #19173Email the Owner
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Description of the Property
Magical 18th Century Olive Mill half-way between Aix-en-Provence & Nice, with waterfalls, river & 3 private pools. Situated in the Heart of Provence, the Var offers some of the loveliest scenery in southern France. Sillans la Cascade is a medieval hill village in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It has a spectacular waterfall (which you can see from our property) and idyllic walks in unspoiled countryside. Our 18th century Olive Mill faces full south across its own valley. The property has 30 acres of hills, ancient woodlands of pines, oak, and laurel, wildflowers (orchids), herbs (thyme, rosemary, mint, lavender, fennel, marjoram), cherries, plums, apricots, figs, and wild asparagus. Olive trees grow by our own river (fishing is possible). The Domain is completely private, but within easy walking distance of the village. The property has been restored to provide three completely independent dwellings, each with its own private pool set well away from the others.
The Tower House (sleeps six) was the original dwelling for the large stone olive mill which was built in the 18th century. It faces full south over an enclosed courtyard, overlooking grassy terraces which lead down to the pool. There are extensive views from each window and a panorama east, south, and west from the large roof terrace. The property has been completely restored (using period materials where possible, but incorporating the best modern equipment in the kitchen and bathrooms) and has excellent outdoors facilities: grassy terraces planted with lavender, sage, and irises, with wild mint and rosemary, mature trees for shade, a beautiful pool (ten by five meters) with natural stone surround, barbecue on the roof terrace, swings for children, and unlimited space for all games. The Tower(main)house accommodations consist of: * Large Ground Floor entrance hall paved with stone, with exposed beams, is ideal as a board games or relaxation area, with video (mostly English/American but also some French films), board games and books. There is a guest water closet. * First Floor includes double bedroom (en suite shower and water closet) with exposed beams. Good quality double bed, antique furniture and views of hills extending for miles to the east. Landing and stairs to second floor. * Second Floor includes sunny and spacious kitchen/dining room with original Provençale floor tiles and exposed beams. The kitchen is fully-equipped with Siemens dishwasher, Siemens stainless steel electric oven, microwave oven, large refrigerator/freezer, and a good supply of small electrical equipment (toaster, kettle, coffee maker, juice extractor, blender, and beaters). There are extensive views south across the 18th century courtyard. Well-decorated sitting room with comfortable sofas, antique furniture, with exposed beams, original Provençale floor tiles, television (satellite), dvd, video. Second double bedroom (king size bed) with extensive views south and west of our valley and the surrounding hills. Beautiful walnut and cherry antique furniture and original Provençale floor tiles. Small third twin bedroom (2 single beds) with views south and east through trees (mulberry and fig, as well as ash and pine) and across our valley towards the river. Bathroom with bath, antique walnut furniture (modern basin and fittings), and third water closet. There is a fourth water closet on this floor. Steep stairs lead to the third floor. * Third Floor is a magnificent roof terrace paved with white natural stone, with panoramic views east, south and west across valleys and hills. Furnished (teak table, chairs, benches), with external lighting for outdoor meals. There is also a barbecue, second sink, and small refrigerator. The washing machine is in a separate laundry room (for the exclusive use of the Tower House) at ground floor level. Behind the large pool (see photo on web page) there is play equipment for young children: climbing frame with swing,slide, table and chairs for painting etc. The entrance room also doubles as a play room, with children's furniture (chairs, table), books, drawing material and toys. Please enquire for the Cottage(sleeps 4 with own heated pool)or Studio(sleeps 2 with own heated pool).
Airport: Nice (or Toulon)
Distance: 75 (or 60) minutes
On-Site Amenities
What our guests think of the amenities, the site, the house:
“The Olive Mill was unbelievably special - the home and grounds far exceeded my expectations. We loved the river and waterfall beneath your property.” Liza, NY. “Thank you for a lovely piece of heaven for a week.” Tom , London. “We had a wonderful holiday and the Olive Mill received the unanimous vote as our favourite part of the holiday. The Tower House was superb, we had perfect weather & loved the region. You are to be congratulated for the generous way you have provided everything - particularly in the kitchen. We certainly would love to return. “ Julie, Australia. “Our stay here was absolutely wonderful & we hope we can return in the near future. The Olive Mill is a dream come true!”“ D.B., Colorado. “Many thanks, the girls are still agreed that it was best holiday ever! Bearing in mind they have been to Florida, Australia, Greece and France numerous times that is saying something!” Gary, Surrey, UK. "Everything was perfect thank you, in fact you supplied way more in terms of childrens’ items than we had expected and that is a real bonus when you have children with you!" Gavin, Windsor, UK "I forgot to tell you how much I appreciated the lovely presentation of the house upon our arrival. The girls went directly the the little table and chairs and started playing with the toys. It made it easier to get settled in the house. We were charmed with the house, and we especially liked the rooftop terrace. I think it is a bit downplayed in the description you have of the house. I loved sitting up there in the evening. You get such a sense of openness with the vast view, but it also feels so cozy and private. Perfect for a book and coffee in the morning and for star gazing at night. The overall sense of privacy combined with the extensive surroundings was absolutely delightful for a person coming from greater London. In fact, we could hardly be bothered to leave the house the first week because we were so satisfied with our surroundings that we could not see the point. I don't remember if you mention the fragrance in your advertisement, but I think it could be worth doing so. It is an absolute pleasure to walk the path between the olive trees and the broom all the while stirring up the fragrance of mint, thyme and anaise as you make your way. " Leah, London, UK "Many thanks for letting us share a piece of Eden. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Tower House, especially the roof terrace and the river! It has certainly hit the upper end of our holiday experiences! Thank you again for your help in us having a relaxing, comfortable, peaceful and very memorable holiday." Melanie (Guernsey, Chanel Islands) “We've had an incredible holiday - the highlight was preparing dinner while looking out over your beautiful property & drinking local wine! Everything was perfect. We hope to return! ” Angela, Colorado
- Pool
- TV/VCR
- Washer/Dryer
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- CD/Radio
- Barbeque
- Linens
- Parking
- Microwave
- Store Nearby
- Phone
- Coffee Maker
- Heating
- Games/Toys
- Toaster
- Blender
- Iron
Activities and Attractions
Fish in our own river - trout & other local fish. You are welcome at the tennis club next to our property, where you can also reserve for dinner every evening, & for a BBQ on Sundays. Tennis courts are 4euros per hour(5euros with raquets & balls provided). Introduction to golf at the tennis club next to our property: clubs provided, 3 hours for total 6euros per person. The mecca for windsurfing - Almanarre beach at Hyères - is an easy 60min drive south. Canoe, sail, raft on the fabulous waters of the Gorges de Verdon just to the north & the Lake Ste Croix just next to it. Michelin stared restaurants (including 2 of Alain Ducasse's restaurants) are an easy drive away - or walk into our village for a memorable bouillabaisse with medal-winning local wines. St Tropez is 80 km south: glamourous, chic, star-filled - great for trendy shopping, easy eating in a pavement café or restaurant, swimming in the Mediterranean. Island-hop between Porquerolles, Port Cros & Levant: 3 of the most beautiful & unspoilt islands in the Mediterranean. (Regular ferries leave the port at Hyères and Le Lavendou.) Picnic in the chestnut forests, wine-taste in any of the friendly local wine domaines, try truffles in cream & white wine sauce. Choose a book from the library in the Tower House - read, the only sound is a bird singing, & just breathe in the perfumes from the herb-covered hills. Perfection!
- Beach
- Golf
- Tennis
- Boating
- Bicycling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Restaurant Nearby
- Windsurfing
Rates
| Start Date | End Date | Nightly | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28, 2008 | May 30, 2008 | ------ | ------ | $2,280.00 | ------ |
| May 31, 2008 | Jun 27, 2008 | ------ | ------ | $2,660.00 | ------ |
| Jun 28, 2008 | Jul 18, 2008 | ------ | ------ | $4,000.00 | ------ |
| Jul 19, 2008 | Aug 29, 2008 | ------ | ------ | $4,400.00 | ------ |
| Aug 30, 2008 | Sep 19, 2008 | ------ | ------ | $2,800.00 | ------ |
| Sep 20, 2008 | Sep 26, 2008 | ------ | ------ | $2,660.00 | ------ |
| Sep 27, 2008 | Oct 31, 2008 | ------ | ------ | $2,000.00 | ------ |
Rates are in $US and subject to change without notice.
Rental Rate Notes
Rent is payable in euros or sterling (pounds). The rates above are calculated on an October 2007 exchange rate & will vary as the exchange rate varies. For example, high season rent (Tower House for 6) is £2200 per week. Cottage (sleeps 4) high season rent is £1300 per week. Studio (sleeps 2) high season rent is £850 per week. Please enquire for other rates for the Cottage (sleeps 4) & the Studio (sleeps 2).Rental Policies
Rentals are from 4pm Saturday to 10am Saturday. Rates include : utilities, all bedlinen & towels (including pool towels), wi-fi web access (bring your own portable computer), reasonable local telephone calls(international/national calls will be charged for according to France Telecom rates).
25% deposit, with the balance payable 8 weeks before your arrival date. Cancellations: if your booking is cancelled we will return any money received (minus any bank charges & an administration fee of $30) if we find another booking for your dates.
Stunning gardens with 3 private pools
Magical Olive Mill: 30acres,3 pools,river,cascades.
Tower House Interior
View through Tower House Dining Room
Tower House smaller double bedroom(with en suite)
Swim- & walk behind our own waterfall
Email the Owner