Very Remote Property in Beautiful Counyryside

We loved our stay at this beautiful 19th century chateaux. The local town is so charming. We walked to it one day. Our only mishap was that the second night we were there, we hired a chef and the stove stoped working and the bar bq was out of propane. If you like quiet and remote, this spot is great ”

A Bit Disappointing

I was unable to participate and sent my friends as my guest. These people writing are owners of beautiful properties, including pre-war condo on Chicago's Riverfront and a beautiful estate in Scottsdale. They are world travelers and travel from tents to 5 star hotels. These are their candid comments back to me. Rear patio and pool area were lovely and used often (not pool itself as it was not heated). 1. Contact person, Virginia, was in Ireland, so we met with an employee (Joe) of the contractor who is Virginia’s husband. He was nice, but not terribly knowledgeable. We gave him $50 E for his time. Upon arrival, Virginia, sent me a list of “rules”: Not very welcoming…such as bring trash and re-cycling down the road (over 1 mile away), do not change the temperature in shower on landing as it will cause a major leak, if circuit breakers go off…, do not use water between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. as you will not have clean water as tank needs to settle, water is not drinkable (we had to boil water first day), do this, etc. 2. We asked Joe to lead us to a grocery store to buy some basic food for breakfast. We asked if we needed to buy any other items for the house and he had no idea. After being awake for over 36 hours, we arrived at the house to find toilet paper, soap, water, trash bags, etc. were needed. VERY limited basic supplies. Stores hours were very limited on Sunday (next day), so we had to wait until Monday to purchase these basic supplies. 3. Big issue was inability to use landing shower. Viriginia said it was “very warm”, but it truly was scalding. This required timing showers in the Master Bath for 4 adults. The basement bathroom was used by another couple, but it was dank and damp and towels, etc., would not dry. Furthermore, steps to basement were treacherous. Narrow, low ceiling, etc. That bedroom was virtually unusable and inconvenient. We nicknamed it: “ The Dungeon”! 4. Paint chipping in all bathrooms and falling onto floor. 5. Kitchen not well equipped. Only one large frying pan which was totally misshapen. Only one large bowl, etc. 6. Description indicated: “walk to town”. Not feasible. 7. Sheets did not fit beds. Too small and always came off. No blanket, just sheet and bedspreads which did not appear to be clean. The accommodations are sparse and spartan. Impossible to travel outside of the house area for dinners as there is no lighting and the entry road is quite rustic and dangerous at night. We made do and enjoyed the day excursions. ”

Peaceful, quiet corner of Provence

From Cotignac we hiked, biked and visited wineries and neighboring small villages in this less-touristed area of Provence. The villages didn't have the vibrancy of say Gordes or Rouissillon, but a certain authenticity that is worth a visit. The access to interesting activities in the region is good. The house has good bones and great potential. (The furnishings are a bit sparse and this appears to be a rental property, rather than a home.) With just a few touches, the home could be really charming. ”

Lovely house in an idyllic location

We had a wonderful , relaxing week. The situation is remote and idyllic, with beautiful, distant views from the terrace and pool and good walks directly from the garden. The house itself is well designed and equipped. We hope to be able to return one day.”

Lovely farmhouse stay

Wonderful quiet location at the end of a long private road. A secluded oasis with no visible neighbours. Virginia, the caretaker, was very helpful and friendly. The town is charming and full of nice restaurants and shops. Thank you for a wonderful stay in your home.”

Rustic Beauty!

We thoroughly enjoyed our week at John's home outside Cotignac! John sent us a hand-drawn map ahead of time to follow a path to town from the house which was perfect. It is not a quick/easy walk to town (about 40 minutes each way, and hilly) but we made it several times. It may be helpful to know that one of the twin bedrooms is subterranean, down a very steep stairway, and dampish but on the plus side it is cool in summer. The pool is beautiful, and views divine. The local mosquitos enjoyed it as much as we did, so come fully armed! Restaurants recommended were very good...nothing better than sitting in Cotignac under the shade of the plane trees, enjoying local rose! Thank you John, for a lovely stay!”

Countryside oasis.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this lovely home in Provence. What a hidden gem. I would highly recommend the property.”

Restful, peaceful time in rural Provence.

Many thanks to John for hosting us at his charming bastide. We really appreciated the quiet rustic setting, the perfect base for us to explore Cotignac, Aups, Tourtour, Entrecasteaux, and other nearby villages. A visit to Château La Coste, located north of Aix-en-Provence, is highly recommended; as well as booking a house tour at 'Cap Moderne' (featuring inspiring modernist architecture by Eileen Gray, and Le Corbusier) in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. If you need a relaxing break, I do not think it gets better than Cotignac and the French Riviera. Excellent local organic rosé, white, and red wines during our week made our stay even better! ”

Spectacular Retreat

We had a wonderful stay taking full advantage of all that Provence has to offer. The farm house's location in Contignac mad it easy access from the Airport and central to many of the wonderful delights of the region. We lounged, walked, biked, experienced wine tasting, drove the crazy roads around the Gorges of Verdon and had a Michelin star lunch. The tips provided were spot on! We loved the weather and got accustomed to the pace of life in Provence in a real hurry. Hope to return soon. Adam and Julia Hawley”

Lovely French Bastide

My family thoroughly enjoyed their visit to this home, outside the quaint village of Cotignac! We were greeted by caretakers who welcomed us and gave us wonderful suggestions of what to do during our stay. It was greatly appreciated that they opened the house up early since an original 3rd home reservation we booked was suddenly cancelled by owner. That being said, it was a touch chilly but, space heaters were provided and it warmed up over time. They also could have provided some bathing products since we did not bring along any of those type of toiletries. But that was a minimal inconvenience. We loved the location, and it being a touch remote, made it feel like we owned it! Surrounded by forests and vineyards and a gorgeous view! We did several day trips with about a 20 minute ride to the A8 freeway to see St Tropez, Cannes and down to Arles, but mainly we stayed in the small villages and countryside and up to the Goerges du Verdon, a spectacular drive into the Alps. Would love to return! Thank you for letting us stay in your home on such short notice. Sincerely, Kelly O'Neill”

Quiet country house near quaint Cotignac

We enjoyed our week in the peaceful Provençal countryside. The house was spacious and equipped with most everything a guest might need. It was fun to live and shop like a local in charming Cotignac. We also enjoyed day trips to nearby villages like Carces and Salernes. And there were plenty of nearby wineries that offered degustations (tastings!) The thing that kept us from giving a 5-star rating was the condition of the 1km road leading to the house: it was quite rough. If we had known more about the road in advance we might have rented a car with higher ground clearance. We also noted that the queen-sized beds were smaller than typical American queens. All that was forgotten, however, whenever we were enjoying the spectacular views from the patio.”

WONDERFUL RETREAT

The photos, as is often the case, really don't do this special house justice. It is a great combination of remoteness - the only house at the end of a 1km dirt track - and proximity to Cotignac (2km), one of the most special villages in the Var. Fab views from the dining terrace and adjoining infinity pool - extra special when the sun is coming up. The hose is simple, elegant and comfortable with a well equipped kitchen. I hope to return !”