Description

Immerse yourself in nature with a break at this luxury villa in Provence. La Bastide de Flechon is a magical property, set among olive groves, with breathtaking views out over the Alpilles mountains. There’s nothing like throwing your bedroom curtains open in the mornings to that view and opening the windows to let the warm air filter in.

The interior is decorated in neutral, natural shades that chime perfectly with the property’s surrounds. Rough brickwork, exposed beams and limestone slabs set a modern rustic tone in the shared living spaces, with vegetable pigments on the walls bringing an atmosphere that makes you instantly relax.

In the living room, plush upholstered sofas and a stone fireplace give everyone somewhere to gather together. Lounge over the papers, have a game of cards or curl up with a good book for a little me-time.

Nearby, the dining space has a large table for you to gather round and enjoy local produce, put together in the well-equipped kitchen, or simply bring home a restaurant takeaway from one of the many nearby Provencal eateries.

While the interiors of the property are stunning, it would be a waste not to enjoy as many meals as you can outside in the alfresco dining areas. There are several terraces where you can relax with a morning coffee or take sundowners as the afternoon starts to cool. We think the best place to eat is under the rose-covered gazebo at the long dining table to seat 12. Somehow, all food tastes better outdoors – and there’s nothing like dipping bread into local olive oil within touching distance of the olive groves themselves.

The gardens are a wonderful place to explore, play and enjoy meals. Have a game of petanque, sprawl on the manicured lawn with a book, or wander among the olive trees and garden beds and lose yourself for a while. On a hot day there’s nowhere better to spend a few hours than by the heated (May to September) infinity-edged swimming pool, where you can alternate a few gentle lengths with a while spent lying on the luxury sun loungers, cloud-watching in the sunshine.

At the end of the day, after good food, fine wines, excellent company (and maybe a nightcap out on the terrace) relax in the comfy beds in the serene, en-suite bedrooms.