• Living room
• Dining room
• Den
• Kitchen
• 4 bedrooms (2 queens, 2 large doubles), each with ensuite bath
• 4 bathrooms, all ensuite (2 with shower + tub, 2 showers), 5 WCs
• Satellite television/DVD/Music system with CD player/High-speed internet
• Professional quality stove/Microwave/Dishwasher/Washing machine
• Swimming pool (18' x 36')/Garden furniture/Poolside shower and WC
• Summer kitchen with barbecue, refrigerator, dishwasher, sink, dishes and glassware
• 2 Bicycles - one touring, one all-terrain
• Electric heating
• Air conditioning units in tower and studio bedrooms
• Telephone
• Sheets and towels/2 hours per week cleaning included
• Security deposit - $1,000
• Season Group 1

Location: 2 kms from Carcès, 15 kms northeast of Brignoles, 70 kms east of Aix-en-Provence, 80 kms west of the beach at St-Raphael

The Var region in eastern Provence provides a picturesque setting for Villa du Bonheur. The Var is well located between the heart of Provence and the Côte d'Azur, a perfect homebase for day trips to Aix-en-Provence as well as St-Tropez, Nice and Cannes. And the Var itself, a less touristed area, is full of scenic countryside, charming villages, towns and interesting sights to explore. Among the most renowned is the Abbaye de Thoronet, a former Cistercian abbey built in the late twelfth and early thirteenth century. And for sporting enthusiasts, there are a variety of outdoor recreational activities from fishing and kayaking to cycling and golfing. The owners also make two bicycles available to guests: one touring and one all-terrain.

Set in three-acre grounds, the villa is located near the village of Carcès, with winding medieval streets, vaulted passages, and medieval portails. In fine Provençal tradition, the villa sports a buttery stucco façade, pale green shutters and red tile roof. The grounds include a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by a large lawn and bordered by woods and tall trees. The pool has its own outside shower and toilet facilities. Spanning the back of the house is an expansive wood-beamed, tile-roofed terrace with dining table and summer kitchen overlooking the pool. In front is a large gravel courtyard decorated with beautifully landscaped beds of shrubs and flowers. You'll find no better spot for relaxing and for leisurely al fresco meals.

Inside, the villa has been renovated with great style and flair using the highest-quality building materials from lovely wood beams to terra cotta, stone and travertine marble tilework. The décor is both elegant and traditional with colorful walls, richly-hued fabrics and a combination of classic and contemporary furnishings. For your convenience, there are top-of-the-line appliances, satellite television and high-speed internet access.

On the ground floor, entry is into the living room with cathedral wood-beamed ceiling. It is light and bright with pale yellow walls and French doors opening to the covered terrace and the pool. The comfortable seating group includes two upholstered settees and armchairs grouped around a white antique wood coffee table. In the corner is the fireplace. Steps from the living area lead to the dining room on the mezzanine above with handsome wood table and upholstered chairs.

Also off the living room is the fully-equipped kitchen with wood cabinets, traditional tommette tile counters, professional-level stove, large refrigerator, center island with preparation space and a full array of appliances and cooking equipment. French doors open from the kitchen to the front terrace with teak dining furniture and to the grounds. A few steps down from the kitchen is a comfortable den with beamed ceiling, upholstered sofa and armchair and television. A door off the den opens to the terraces as well.

There are a total of 4 bedroom suites, each with full bathroom. The bedrooms are beautifully appointed and feature colorful accent walls and bedcovers, lovely linens, antique chests, armoires and tables. The bathrooms include fine stone or travertine tilework and quality fixtures.

On the main living level off the living room are two bedroom suites with queen and large double beds and bathrooms with shower, sink and toilet facilities. A spiral staircase from the den leads to the master bedroom suite with queen bed, beamed ceiling, exposed stone wall and windows overlooking the front and side garden. This bedroom is air conditioned. In the spacious bathroom with exposed stone wall and stone tile floor are a shower with large rain-head fixture, bath tub, double sinks and toilet facilities. The fourth bedroom suite is in a guest studio with French doors opening to the garden and pool. It has an air conditioning unit and features a queen bed and bathroom with separate clawfoot tub, shower, sink and toilet.

A marvelous villa with unique style and flair in an ideal location for enjoying all the local sights and charming villages.

Note: The highest rate is in effect from June 30th - August 31st. The mid season rate is in effect from May 26 - June 29th and September 1st - 29th, 2012. Please contact us to confirm rates for this period.