"Mas" means "farmhouse" in the old Provençal language, Occitan, but "farmhouse" does not do justice to this beautiful, traditionally Provençal home. "Bassin" means "small pond" and refers to the tiny fish pond at the edge of the property where we were mesmerized by little frogs jumping from one lily pad to another. Mas du Bassin is an elegant home in a lovely and peaceful setting.
Just outside the charming village of Lourmarin, set on the edge of a vineyard and surrounded by cypress, olive, and fig trees, lies Mas du Bassin. Imagine summer mornings, waking up to rows of sunflowers dancing in the sun and the scent of rosemary and lavender wafting in the windows. This lovely home, recently restored and furnished in a comfortable Provençal style, beckons the traveler who wants the tranquil mood of the country but also the amenities of a popular village.
Mas du Bassin is just 3 kilometers outside the center of Lourmarin, on the road to Cucuron. The Luberon Natural Regional Park is your backyard. Sit outside in one of the many seating areas and enjoy the spectacular views--there is a very inviting covered terrace, an expansive open terrace, a formal garden with a lovely lily pond or basin, and numerous nooks and crannies where one may easily steal away to quietly read a book.
The spacious downstairs is anchored at one end by the large, fully equipped kitchen and, at the other end, by a beautiful Steinway baby grand piano in an elegant and perfectly appointed sitting room. In between is another fire place facing an overstuffed comfortable couch--perfect place to plop after a long day walking among Roman ruins or shopping in Aix. The long dining table begs you to go to a nearby market-- Lourmarin on Fridays or Cucuron on Tuesdays--so that you can invite everyone to dinner. Regarding more mundane practical matters, there is a bathroom downstairs, as well as a washer and dryer.
Upstairs, this lovely home has three large, light-filled bedrooms with en-suite facilities consisting of a large shower room (in two bedrooms) and both a bath and shower (in the third room). Toilets and sinks are separate from shower/bath. One bedroom has a balcony.
In the warm months of Provence, the lovely pool will be hard to leave. For children, there is space to play outdoors and, for adults, there is space to cook, relax, and walk. For everyone, there is lots of space to have fun. In a home as exceptional as this one, it is easy to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Amenities include washer/dryer, Bosch dishwasher and other top of the line appliances, wine chiller, satellite TV, internet access, central heating, high chair, barbeque, private pool and a Steinway piano. There is ample parking.
Walter, who manages this property, is a wonderful source of information about the history as well as the current events of the area. Immensely helpful and accommodating, he is a huge asset to renting this home. Walter speaks French, English, and German. The owners, Geraldine and Robin Arnold, were born in Northern Ireland and have spent most of their life in England. They and their two children travel frequently to Provence (and Italy) where they enjoy the sunshine, painting, playing the piano, and relaxing with their friends.
Mas du Bassin sleeps six people.
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| 19 May '12 - 15 Jun '12 | €2400/week |
| 15 Jun '12 - 15 Sept '12 | €2900/week |
| 15 Sept '12 - 29 Dec '12 | €1800/week |
| 1 Jan '13 - 18 May '13 | €1800/week |
Please inquire about rates for extended stays.
Included as part of the agreement are bed linens, towels, and a fully equipped kitchen, as well as other amenities listed above. Heat is included.
The change over day is on Saturday. The arrival time is flexible as long as it is after 4 p.m.
To reserve the dates, we require a 50% deposit, with the balance to be paid 2 weeks prior to your stay.
If we can find another booking for your dates, we will return any money sent less bank charges.
We require that children be monitored at all times.
Pets are accepted.
No smoking in the home.
We expect that you will care for Mas du Bassin as you would your own home. You will be held responsible/ liable for any damages to the apartment or its contents.