This spectacular property - with its seven-plus bedrooms, fully equipped 12-seat movie theater, stainless-steel gourmet kitchen, lap-length swimming pool, manicured grounds and state-of-the-art air-conditioning and central heating systems - reasserts Gérard Faivre's famous approach to converting large properties of character into palaces of comfort and modernity.  

 

 

Since his first project in more than a decade ago, Faivre has become known throughout Europe for his sumptuous and highly imaginative treatments of venerable country properties and apartments in Paris.

 

Faivre's unique approach to property restoration has three main aspects. The first step is to acquire a large property of character, such as a centuries-old Provençal bastide or farmhouse or a classic Haussmannian-era apartment in Paris, that is need of substantial renovation. Second, he boldly renovates interior spaces to create voluminous, light-filled rooms that flow harmoniously together, all the while emphasizing creature comforts and easy everyday living. Finally, the property is beautifully landscaped, and the boldly restructured interior is furnished and fully equipped to create an aesthetic statement that challenges tradition but refrains from being excessive. The entire package - designer furnishings, top-mark appliances, deck chairs, Orizzonti beds, Sonia Rykiel sheets and all - is then offered to buyers for turnkey occupancy.  

 

 

Faivre's latest adventure is the transformation of Mas des Isords, an 18th-century Provençal farmhouse on a sprawling estate three minutes by car from Eygalières. Eygalières, chicest of the chic villages in the Alpilles' so-called Golden Triangle, is the most socially prestigious address in France between Paris and Saint-Tropez. 

 

Faivre completed the renovation of Mas des Isords and its several annexes in the spring of 2007. The project has been spectacularly successful, transforming a beautiful but neglected mas into a residence that combines elegance and simplicity, and respects architectural tradition while providing 21st-century amenities.

 

 

Mas des Isords is set on a six-hectare (15-acre) estate with views of the rugged Alpilles mountain chain. The grounds, designed by noted British landscape architect Xavier Loup, include sprawling lawns, olive groves, fruit trees and century-old shade trees, all kept verdant by a state-of-the-art automatic irrigation system. A new hard-surface fenced tennis court and stables for two horses are discreetly set on the perimeter of the property. White gravel paths framed by slabs of gray slate link the different areas of the garden.

 

 

The mas is on two levels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the mas, two smartly renovated annexes, both duplexes, allow Mas des Isords to accommodate at least 14 overnight visitors, and 16 if the library in the mas is used as a bedroom. The duplexes are separated by a terrace and have a total of four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom with shower and WC.

 

The first duplex is a commodious space with bedroom, sitting area and, on the upper level, a dressing room and bath.

 

The second duplex, ideal for a family with children, has three apartments, all with their own entrances: two with a mezzanine sleeping area, and one with a bedroom and large ensuite bath. These apartments are notable in the photographs for their bold orange and green colors.

 

 

Mas des Isords is unsurpassed in Provence for the beauty and charm of its main terrace, which opens off the kitchen and salon. Here there is a large table where up to 14 guests can dine in the shade of an ancient platane tree. To one side is a boules court. The side facing the pool is bordered by a channel of water that flows gently along a bed of slate.  

 

 

This exceptional structure - a vast (80 m2, 838 sq. ft.) open space with a cathedral-like ceiling, waxed cement floors and glass doors that open the entire width of the facade - lends itself to multiple uses.   It is ideal for wedding receptions, chamber music concerts, dance studio, painting or sculpture atelier, gym, spa, game room, or a variety of other uses, including what it was originally intended for - a place to grow citrus fruits and other flora during the winter.

 

 

For the convenience of staff and residents alike, a fully-equipped laundry and ironing room is situated in a small pavilion separate from the mas. A parking area (concealed from public view) that can accommodate up to eight cars is supplemented by a remote-controlled two-car covered garage. 

 

 

 

 

Mas des Isords is available for immediate sale. A buyer may take possession of the fully equipped property in as few as three weeks. 

Price: 5,700,000 € | Rental potential:Excellent.