Beautifully renovated Artist’s farmhouse in Provence, large heated pool & sauna

ABOUT THE HOUSE

Beautifully renovated Provençal farmhouse, set in the middle of 7 hectares of vineyards, with a private access road and no close neighbours.
Both my parents were artists, and the house reflects their taste: comfortable, rustic and full of character.

The house is 380sqm and has 6 Provençal-style double bedrooms, some with fireplaces, all with en-suite bathrooms and WC.
There is also a children’s bedroom with bunk beds, and an office-library room beside the master bedroom, just under the roof, with 2 single beds. From this room, you can access the small roof terrace, with a beautiful 360-degree view across the vineyards and towards Roussillon village.
A separate studio sleeping 2 people may be made available for groups of more than 14, depending on the sleeping arrangements agreed before booking. It is not included as standard.

The living room is a very large space with high Provençal ceilings and a very large fireplace. The kitchen is fully equipped, with a professional gas stove, 2 professional ovens, 2 refrigerators, 1 freezer, a microwave and 2 dishwashers. There is also a hi-fi system, cable TV, fibre Wi-Fi and a DVD player.

The indoor dining room and outdoor tables seat 14–16 people. You can enjoy the morning sun over breakfast outside, with views of the garden and valley.
The terrace is a great place to relax during the day or have an aperitif before dinner.
There is also a built-in barbecue and an outdoor table for long lunches and evening barbecues.

The garden in front of the house is great for children. There is also table tennis and a pétanque court—a favourite pastime in the South of France.

The large swimming pool measures 14m by 6m and uses a salt-water treatment system. It can be heated on request. There is plenty of space around the pool to relax, with benches with mattresses and lounge chairs. A stone table shaded by a pergola is a lovely spot for lunch by the pool.
A sauna is also at your disposal. First use is free and then there is a charge.

The cellar is also at your disposal, with our small selection of regional reds, whites and rosés. We call it the honesty bar: take what you like and leave the corresponding amount on the table. We trust you.

We can arrange massages, pottery courses, bicycle rentals, horse riding, hot air balloon rides and other activities in advance.

Cooking services are also available at the house—just let us know. Nadège is a wonderful home cook and uses local and organic produce, including cheese from the farmers’ market, meat from Isnard in Goult and fresh fish brought from Marseille each week—you must try her Tarte Tatin for dessert. If you would like a more elaborate menu, we can organise that too with a professional chef.

Cooking lessons with Nadège are great fun. Our past guests have absolutely loved the experience!

Christine is a great sommelier and can come to the house for a wine tasting. She and Nadège often join forces to offer a lovely lunch or dinner. Olive oil tastings and breakfast are also available on request.

We try to look after La Madone with care for the environment, using organic cleaning products and soaps, and favouring natural materials.

ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE HOUSE

The house has a little history which is nice to tell. My mother was married to Curd Jürgens for 18 years before meeting my father. Curd was a well-known actor who appeared in films such as Michel Strogoff, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, Battle of Britain, The Spy Who Loved Me, The Enemy Below and And God Created Woman.

After they separated, my mother bought this beautiful farmhouse and began renovating it with my father. Then I was born, and we lived there for 9 years.

We had many famous visitors, friends of my mother’s from her years with Curd. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Maria Schell, Giacometti, Leonard Cohen, Romy Schneider, Herbert von Karajan and many others came to enjoy a relaxed time in Provence.

ABOUT THE REGION

Roussillon is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. In the heart of the Luberon, it is known for its ochre cliffs and colourful houses. The village has restaurants, cafés, galleries, pottery shops and small shops, as well as places to buy groceries and local produce. There is also a pharmacy, a post office and a cash machine. The house is 900m from the village.

There are many beautiful villages nearby, including Gordes, Ménerbes, Goult, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Buoux, Lourmarin and more. Further afield, you can explore L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, Eygalières, Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Avignon, Arles and the Camargue. We will happily share our favourite places, according to your tastes and wishes.

Activities in the area include cycling, trekking, horse riding, tennis, pottery courses, massages, wine estate visits and tastings, hot air balloon rides and canoeing on the Rhône. You can also explore the local farmers’ markets, the Sunday antiques and flea market at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the ochre factory in Roussillon with its courses and workshops, the ochre trails, the Abbaye de Sénanque and many more.

The rental includes bed linen, towels, swimming pool care, garden care, hot water and house heating.
Final cleaning is not included.

Nadège, our caretaker, lives in a separate house on the other side of the estate, with its own entrance.