La Vieille Forge is a large 200 year-old property set in extensive grounds, with a pool to suit all family members, and views that will take your breath away. Whether you are looking for your base for an action-packed trip, or somewhere really tranquil to switch off entirely and just "be", this beautifully furnished and well-equipped home will suit you. It is rare to find such space combined with such convenience, but even though it is expansive, the villa is situated just 3 minutes walk from the centre of the picturesque medieval hilltop village of Fayence. You will have easy access to the regular market and a diverse array of shops, bars and restaurants. All the main rooms of the house are quiet, being situated on its south side, away from the road and facing the garden with views over the Estérel Valley (and the sun)!
Arrival can be arranged at any time after 4 pm and may be possible earlier by agreement. Electric gates provide access to the courtyard to the side of the property with secure parking for up to 4 cars. Further parking is available in the main grounds if required.
Entering the ground floor, the large country-style kitchen has everything you need to prepare a major feast and there are also a good array of cookery books. The back kitchen has a large fridge, full size dishwasher, washing machine and separate dryer. The dining table seats ten, although most of the year you are likely to choose to eat in the shaded terrace area just outside the house, where there is also a table seating 10. The sitting room is the place to relax if you choose to stay indoors. If games are your thing, you are spoilt for choice, with options for all ages. You won't be surprised that both the current and previous owners are authors, with over 300 books to choose from to suit all tastes - including classics, le Carre, and chick lit! Also on the ground floor is a toilet and a shower - handy before or after using the pool.
On the first floor are the Blue and the Sienna bedrooms. The Blue Room offers two king sized beds to choose from, a large sofa and plenty of storage. With two large windows overlooking the garden and one to the east, this room is bright and airy, especially in the mornings. The Sienna Room is the biggest bedroom with armchairs, occasional tables and a comfy sofa as well as a delightful ceiling. There is a pleasant ensuite toilet, shower and sink. Two large windows overlook the garden.
On the top floor are the Green and Jacqueline bedrooms. In the Green Room, as well as a king-sized bed, sofa and two armchairs and ample storage, a large desk is available if for any reason you cannot tear yourself away from work. There is a good-sized monitor and printer for your use. A wifi extender ensures reliable coverage. The spacious ensuite offers a toilet, nice shower and dressing area. The Jacqueline Room is probably the most characterful of the house. We hope you like zebras! Guess where the author of the house gets her inspiraton? It boasts an ensuite bathroom too.
All of the bedrooms are equipped with kettles and Nespresso machines so there's no need to venture out of the bedroom for your early morning cuppa!
All of the bathrooms are equipped with a starter pack of quality toiletries. Complimentary slippers complete the package.
The kitchen/dining room and all bedrooms have air conditioning which can also provide heating if required.
Whilst the house itself is spectacular, most guests spend a lot of their time in the gardens or the pool. The irregular-shaped pool is a good size with three sides of approximately 7 m and one of 4 m. There is a shallow area for paddling, approximately 90 cm deep and a deep area of approximately 190cm deep. Whilst an alarm is fitted and a safety barrier can be made available, children must be supervised at all times. The gardens are arranged in four terraces. Next to the house there is a large dining table, smaller tables as well as lower benches and tables for drinks etc. There is a barbeque and a good quality table-tennis (ping-pong) table. On the middle terrace there are eight sun-loungers available. Trees and parasols can provide some shade if required. There is also another seating area above the pump-room. The lower two terraces are laid to lawn. Due to the climate and water scarcity with very rare exceptions, we only use recycled water in the garden so the lawns may be dry and are a mix of plants - if you like fresh mint tea help yourself to some wild mint! The garden is home to over 60 trees and large shrubs of over 39 varieties.
The house manual will provide details of all local amenities, restaurant tips etc.
Approximate travel times to local amenities are:
Walking/Cycling - lots of interesting routes starting from the house including a self-guided tour of the old town of Fayence 3 mins
Horse riding 3 centres within 10 mins. La Grand Bastide gets 5* reviews
Sailing/pedalos/beaches Lac du St-Cassien - 10-15 mins
Golf -Terre Blanche Golf Resort gets amazing reviews 14 mins
Seaside resorts - Cannes 30 mins, beaches 35 mins
Fragonard Perfume Museum, Grasse 35 mins
Luna Amusement Park (Paintball, Rides), Frejus 40 mins
Accrobranche Riviera Nature Grasse: Forest park with zip lines & tree-top rope courses for adults & kids, plus views of the Riviera. 45 mins
Nice Airport 50 mins, City Centre 55 mins
