Secluded Hillside House in a Remote Setting
- Mountainous
- Village / Rural
- Baby Equipment
- Internet Access
- Log Fire
- Beach nearby
- Courses Available
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf nearby
- Horse Riding
- Tennis
- Walking
- Watersports
- Child Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Wheelchair Friendly
A 200 year old "mas" in the wooded hills and valleys of the Cévennes, a secluded family home equipped to the highest standard. Chestnut beams, antique furniture, modern luxury beds and bathrooms - and terraces with fantastic views. In a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a land of chestnut groves, clear streams and mountain ridges.
Le Vieux Mas is set on a hillside in about an acre of garden, meadow and woodland, remote from all hustle and bustle. At the end of a tiny lane, there is no passing traffic and virtually no artificial light at night, and it is almost totally quiet. With all rooms larger than average, it is traditionally furnished but equipped to the highest standard. Owned for nearly 25 years by the same family who have themselves holidayed here throughout that time, this is a real home from home. The house is in a tiny rural hamlet, about 10 minutes up a winding road from Collet de Dèze, a busy village on the N106 half way between Alès and Florac. It is on the edge of the Cévennes National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestling between the Massif Central and the Mediterranean garrigues.
The Cévennes is a still little-known area of great natural beauty. Its wonderfully varied landscape includes wildflower covered high "causses", deep gorges, and many things to see and do in the vicinity.
Getting There:
More and more visitors to Le Vieux Mas fly to the area and then hire a car. There are a number of airports nearby and a number of airlines flying to them. The nearest airport, Nîmes, is just over an hour away. Marseilles is a bit further but because the right side of the city is still not much over two hours. Train travel to the house is easy and relaxed. On summer Saturdays you can travel by Eurostar direct from London or Ashford to Avignon in less than six hours. Although it is easily possible to drive to the house from the northern French coast in one day, a stop-over en route, perhaps around the Loire region can add to the pleasure of the holiday.
Nearest Airport:
Nimes One hour
Nearest Train Station:
Nimes, Avignon One/Two hours
Nearest Ferry:
Caen
Nearest Restaurant:
Collet de Deze
Nearest Beach:
Local river beaches
Nearest Shop:
Collet de Deze
Nearest Market:
Florac
Car Hire:
Optional
Interior Details
Le Vieux Mas is a traditional old farmhouse, with stone walls and chestnut beams, cellars and outbuildings. It is furnished with antique and country furniture – and has all modern facilities. The recently modernised kitchen is superbly well equipped (includes a microwave and large fridge-freezer) with the washing machine and drier in a separate space. The dining table seats 8 and two terraces offer a choice of outdoor dining. The large living room has a fine wood-burning stove, all UK Freesat channels (including HD), free broadband internet, a hi-fi with iPod docking, and everything is connected to a hi-fi system. Bookshelves have a wide range of fiction and much local information, guides and maps. The four bedrooms include two wonderful king-sized rooms, one entirely modernised in 2012 with a luxury en-suite bathroom. The other bedrooms are a twin and a double, and there is a large, light and airy family bathroom.
Exterior Details
A wisteria-shaded upper terrace has beautiful views over the surrounding hills. With outdoor table and chairs, it is directly adjacent to the kitchen/dining room. Splendid for meals at any time of the day, it is also perfect for just sitting tranquilly admiring the view. A larger lower terrace has its own table and chairs, and is well suited to barbecues and larger gatherings out of doors – as well as a bit of sunbathing There is a good table tennis table available for this terrace (and table football, on the upstairs landing).
Further Details
Le Vieux Mas is organised in such a way that couples on their own, families and groups of friends can all immediately feel comfortable and at home. It is a family home, and on arrival you will find the kitchen not only fully equipped, but the cupboards containing various essentials such as herbs and spices.
