Le Val d'Enfer at Les Baux-de-Provence is perhaps best known for its celebrated three-star restaurant, L'Oustaù de Baumanière. Those who are familiar with the region, however, also know it as a place of exceptionally luxurious homes, all tastefully done and discreetly tucked away in the bauxite cliffs behind banks of trees and foliage. The valley, populated by owners who place a high value on privacy and anonymity, is arguably the most exclusive strip of real estate in Provence, its value per square meter exceeded only by seaside estates on the Côte d'Azur.
This stunning Val d'Enfer property, on a two-hectare hillside parcel well removed from motor traffic or commercial activity, was built in 1985. The house was positioned to take maximum advantage of one of the most photographed vistas in Provence - the famed cliffs of Les Baux, jagged stone outcroppings whose white flanks contrast dramatically with the intensely blue Provençal sky. In addition to colorful shrubs and flowers in the enclosed courtyard, the parcel was imaginatively landscaped to create quiet shady places where one can find privacy for reading and taking in the long-range views. These places are linked by a gravel trail, the steps made of railroad ties, that roughly follows the perimeter of the two-hectare (five-acre) property. By using the trail one can essentially have a pleasant (and challenging) jog, unobserved, without leaving the property.
Main house
The principal residence has 375 m2 (4,035 sq. ft.) of living space on two levels. It is entered from the courtyard, which has a 200 m2 (2,152 sq. ft.) terrace, part of it shaded by a vine-covered trellis, that stretches from the house around the swimming pool. All rooms on the main level have high ceilings with exposed beams and are exceptionally bright because of their orientation onto the courtyard on the south side of the house. The floors are terra cotta tile in the public rooms, and polished marble in the bedroom suite. The main house and maison d'ami are both fully air-conditioned, and in the cool months the houses are warmed by a hot water (fuel) central heating system.
On the first floor is a large living room with a wide stone fireplace. An antique wrought-iron spiral staircase leads to a mezzanine, ideal as a library or additional seating area, that overlooks the living room.
Adjoining the living room is an elegant dining area that is partially open plan with the kitchen. This room has exposed stone walls on three sides, with the fourth comprised entirely of windows that look into the courtyard toward the pool.
The kitchen, spacious and lined to the ceiling with cabinets and storage space, has a full array of quality appliances, all of which are included in the sale price. Over the double sink there is a sink with a northern view of Le Val d'Enfer. Nearby is a prettily decorated guest lavatory.
The east wing of the main level consists of a commodious master bedroom suite with two good-sized bedrooms. Between the two bedrooms is a sumptuous master bath and dressing room lined with shelves and drawers. Like the living and dining room, the suite has direct access to the courtyard and terrace.
Stairs lead to the lower level, which can be accessed by its own entrance. Here there are two bedrooms and a bath that open off a hallway lined with storage spaces. Also on this level is a good-sized gardien's apartment, nicely appointed, with a sitting area, well-equipped eat-in kitchen, bedroom and bath. Because of the house's situation on a hillside the lower level receives abundant natural light.
Maison d'ami
The delightful maison d'ami is on the opposite side of the courtyard from the pool house. The house has 70 m2 (753 sq. ft.) of living space consisting of two well-appointed bedrooms and two baths, one a full bath finished in marble, the other with a stall shower. The floors are limestone. Along the front of the maison d'ami is a terrace that overlooks the pool.
The swimming pool
The 5 m X 12 m (16.5' X 39.5') pool is the centerpiece of the lushly landscaped courtyard. Palm trees tower over the pool at the south end, where there is a tastefully designed pool house. The pool house has a marble stall shower, WC, fully equipped kitchen with a sweeping bar, and a covered dining area.
Other features
La Bastide des Baux has numerous amenities appropriate to a luxury residence. These include a two-car garage as well as a carport, automatic irrigation system for the entire property, security system and remote-controlled entrance gate, regulation-size pétanque (boules) court, and, on the lower floor of the main house, a well-equipped laundry room and a good-sized wine cellar. The property is served by public water and sewer. Because of its large terrain and hillside setting, no other residences overlook the property, and both the main house and maison d'ami enjoy complete privacy.
The owners are willing to discuss the sale of most of the furnishings.
Price: 2,500,000 € | Rental potential: Excellent
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