During this bridge month of late August into mid-September, when the gardens are a bit tired (especially after a mini-hurricane), I‘m remembering a garden from Instagram that has long intrigued me. What intrigued me even more are the house and outbuildings that surround this dream of a setting…which just coincidentally is available for let (or rent, as we’d say in the US).
Le Mas des Poiriers (the farmhouse of pear trees) is a large 18th century renovated barn in Provence with gardens by Dominique Lafourcade, the famed Provencal landscape architect. With a setting right out of a storybook…the 65 acres are on an island in the Rhone River sitting amidst working pear orchards and sunflower fields…you are provided the ultimate in privacy and seclusion. But should you wish to venture away from this idyllic setting for a day of discovery, you are within easy reach of Avignon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gordes, St Remy and Aix-en-Provence. But it is the gardens, and grounds, and pool, and dining al fresco that will always beckon you back…
For obvious personal reasons, one of my favorite images is the Orangerie (while it differs in style from ours at Parterre, it still carries the same romantic sensibilities…a French name for a garden building where orange trees are winterd over).
The 13,000 square foot main house (with seven bedrooms) and two additional bedrooms in the cottage, were created during the extensive renovation by the esteemed Alexandre Lafourcade. I can’t resist noting that the interiors feature Pierre Frey fabrics and Four Seasons beds, with dedicated high speed WIFI (not a small concern).
Hope you’ve enjoyed dreaming along with me! I’m already trying to concoct a reason to pull together my nearest and dearest for a week in Provence at Le Mas des Poiriers.
Oh, did I forget to mention that the house is staffed with a team of professionals…from culinary to housekeeping to laundry?
Au Revoir…see you in Provence.
It is a dreary day here in Newport. This is just what I needed to see to start my day and lift my spirits. This is exactly my design aesthetic.
Indeed it is/was…so happy I decided to post this. Hope one of my followers says they’re packing to go! B
Hello Betty from hot Dallas !!
Wow is this beautiful
We are looking forward to seeing you at the Writers Garden soon
All the best
Peggy Zadina
I am too,…will it be cooler by then?? xB
truly magnificent inside and out. being fully staffed seals the deal! love it.
I couldn’t agree more!!! Wouldn’t consider it without those “teams!!”
Bonjour, Quelle beauté le” Mas des Poiriers” ! On a envie d’y aller tout de suite. Au temps des poires au vin rouge ? Ou sont les poiriers? Le jardin est magnifique. Bravo. A bientot xox
Caterine
Oui, on all counts…and definitely, a’ bientot! xB
Absolutely everything to me that says French country on the nineth level. But the stars of the estate belong to the gardeners, and the professionals in la maison. 5 stars
Quite a team, truly the ne plus ultra…hope I make it there in my lifetime…xB
Bettie,
So, this is a hotel? I have seen the photographs on Instagram but never took the time to google it. We are holding two tickets on Air France as we were scheduled to go in May of 2020.
Praying we can go next May, 2022.
Thank you so much for posting.
Best regards,
Merrielou Symes
Quite the spot, eh? It’s first a family home for 7 plus 2 grands.
I’ve just cancelled my Sept 15th Cotswolds trip which was a reschedule from May ’21.
Now praying we can do May May ’22. What is this world coming to??? Fingers crossed..xB
I always love reading your blogs and never tire of revisiting your two books about Newport over coffee in my little private courtyard. Have you ever thought of also writing a book about your European travels? Your most recent blog about Les Mas des Poiriers in Provence makes me wish you would author a book filled with photos and history of these beautiful European mansions and gardens! How nice it would be to “visit” all these magnificent gardens and architectural wonders just by turning the pages of another wonderful book by you!
Cheers,
Evie
Thank yuo for your kind words, Evie, for now these blogs serve as mini books….If I can just make it to England, etc. So far I’ve cancelled 2 trips, and rescheduling into next year. xB
The daughter of dear friends here in Coral Gables was married there not long ago. Wedding photos are spectacular.
And the stories must be even more Illuminating! Fun to hear from you…trust all’s well ? xB