Domaine de la Lauve (POU2.83)

Domaine de la Lauve is a 3-bedroomed cottage, sleeping 5 (+baby), in a rural setting, 3.5km from the village of Pontevès (Var), 7km east of Barjols and some 45km west of Draguignan (Michelin map: 527). VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 1989. Saturday arrival.

Set in a rural location on a small farm (the retired owners have a few calves and a dozen chickens), this is an attractive conversion of a 17th to 18th-century bergerie, attached on one side to the owners’ Provençal farmhouse, although their access is on the opposite side. From its elevated position, the property enjoys a quite splendid outlook over arable land and fields to striking hills beyond; the south-facing sunny paved and gravel terraces (approx. 7m x 2m and 10m x 6m) and a third covered area being excellent vantage points in this respect. Pretty flower beds edge the sitting-out areas and there is a built-in barbecue on the lower level making it ideal for outdoor living (although traffic noise may occasionally be apparent from the road, approximately 300m away) with very good privacy (the nearest neighbours are the owners’ daughter and family 70m away). The impeccable, neat interior with fitted kitchen has been comfortably furnished with quality rustic-style pieces of unusual design; it has been well fitted around the building’s original features, accentuated by arches, shelved walls and steps between its various levels (as the rear of the property is built into the hillside, bedroom windows are small and high up). An attractive property, welcoming and immaculately maintained, in an area, the Haut-Var, that remains unspoilt by mass tourism. The grandiose Gorges du Verdon are only 30km away, with the vast Lac de Ste-Croix for fishing; and dotted throughout the area are several pretty mediaeval villages including Sillans with its waterfall. The owners (who have a friendly dog and cat) are retired and will personally welcome all visitors here.

Accommodation: All on ground floor (split level): kitchen/dining/living room, 1 single, 1 twin and 1 double-bedded room, shower room with wc.

Activities: Fishing in the river Fauvery (8km), swimming pool (July-Aug) and tennis in Barjols. Bicycle hire in Brignoles. Heated swimming pool in Sillans-la-Cascade (12km). Horse riding in Cotignac (10km). Lac de Ste Croix (30km - beach 50km) for most water sports. Sea at 60km. Golf (18 holes) in Nans-les-Pins (35km).

Services: Baker, tabac and newspaper shop and restaurant in Pontevès. All shops and services in Barjols. Markets in Barjols on Saturdays, in St-Maximin on Wednesdays, in Aups on Wednesdays and Saturdays, in Salernes on Sundays and in Brignoles on Saturdays.

Location
In a rural setting, 3.5km from the village of Pontevès (Var) – 630 inhabitants – 7km east of Barjols and some 45km west of Draguignan. Michelin map: 527.
 
Activities
Fishing in the river Fauvery (8km), swimming pool (July-Aug) and tennis in Barjols. Bicycle hire in Brignoles. Heated swimming pool in Sillans-la-Cascade (12km). Horse riding in Cotignac (10km). Lac de Ste Croix (30km - beach 50km) for most water sports. Sea at 60km. Golf (18 holes) in Nans-les-Pins (35km).
 
Services
Baker, tabac and newspaper shop and restaurant in Pontevès. All shops and services in Barjols. Markets in Barjols on Saturdays, in St-Maximin on Wednesdays, in Aups on Wednesdays and Saturdays, in Salernes on Sundays and in Brignoles on Saturdays.
 
Description
Set in a rural location on a small farm (the retired owners have a few calves and a dozen chickens), this is an attractive conversion of a 17th to 18th-century bergerie, attached on one side to the owners’ Provençal farmhouse, although their access is on the opposite side. From its elevated position, the property enjoys a quite splendid outlook over arable land and fields to striking hills beyond; the south-facing sunny paved and gravel terraces (approx. 7m x 2m and 10m x 6m) and a third covered area being excellent vantage points in this respect. Pretty flower beds edge the sitting-out areas and there is a built-in barbecue on the lower level making it ideal for outdoor living (although traffic noise may occasionally be apparent from the road, approximately 300m away) with very good privacy (the nearest neighbours are the owners’ daughter and family 70m away). The impeccable, neat interior with fitted kitchen has been comfortably furnished with quality rustic-style pieces of unusual design; it has been well fitted around the building’s original features, accentuated by arches, shelved walls and steps between its various levels (as the rear of the property is built into the hillside, bedroom windows are small and high up). An attractive property, welcoming and immaculately maintained, in an area, the Haut-Var, that remains unspoilt by mass tourism. The grandiose Gorges du Verdon are only 30km away, with the vast Lac de Ste-Croix for fishing; and dotted throughout the area are several pretty mediaeval villages including Sillans with its waterfall. The owners (who have a friendly dog and cat) are retired and will personally welcome all visitors here. Featured by VFB since 1989.

Note:  Access to the property is via a rough track approximately 300m long
 
Accommodation
All on ground floor: access from outside (up 4 steps) into:
 
·     Kitchen/dining/living room (8m x 4m50) with cooker (3 gas rings, 1 electric ring) and electric split-level oven, fridge. Beamed ceiling. Tiled floor. Door to shower room and walk-in cupboard with washing machine

6 steps (no handrail) up to bedrooms - low headroom at side of archway
 
·     Bedroom 1 (3m x 3m) with 2 single beds (0m90), Carpeted floor
·     Bedroom 2 (3m x 3m) with 1 single bed (0m90). Carpeted floor
·     Bedroom 3 (5m x 4m) with 1 double bed (1m40). Carpeted floor. (Beware of low beam)
·     Shower room with shower, wc. Tiled floor
 
Gas for cooking included – Electricity not included (electric radiator in each room) – Bed linen included – Household linen available – Cot and high chair available.
 
Note 1:  Small children should be supervised because of a drop of up to 2m from terrace to field.
 
Note 2:  Care should be taken as there is no handrail on the steps up to the bedrooms.
 
Note 3:  Barbecues are not allowed during July & August.
 
Where household linen is available but not included in prices, payment should be made direct to owner (One set will cost 20 € for two people and 5 € for each additional person staying at the property).
 
There is a local tax (taxe de séjour) applicable at this property for all guests. The cost is 0.40€ per guest (over 13) per day, and should be paid directly to the owner.
 
Breakage Deposit: 100€  Sleeps: 5 + baby MAXIMUM (cot available on request)
 
Comments
“Our arrival was a joy, Madame Pourrière welcomed us so kindly, invited us into her home for a drink before showing us the property. As you will see everywhere is delightful, well-equipped and spotlessly clean.” “Mere words cannot do justice to the Pourrières… the property is splendidly equipped and cannot be faulted.” “A really superb cottage and such kind and helpful owners.” “We chose this gite because it said the owners were lovely – we have not been disappointed.”
 
Description updated May 2009