Le Patio (GUI.13)

Le Patio is a 1-bedroomed apartment, sleeping 2, in the village of St-Martin-de-Crau (Bouches-du-Rhône), 14.5.km E of Arles, 50km NE of the sea at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (Michelin map: 527). VFB is delighted to have featured this property since 2001. Saturday arrival.

This small compact apartment was created from a single storey outbuilding beside the owners’ house in 1999; it stands in a quiet residential area on the outskirts of the village, but close to shops and services, in a low-lying region on the edge of the Camargue. With new fixtures and equipment, white décor and simple modern furniture, this is a nicely fitted and attractive little property. Somewhat functional, but neat and practical, the apartment is easy to run and, being air-conditioned throughout, offers an inviting retreat from the southern sun. The emphasis, however, is on outdoor living. Beyond the apartment’s secluded patio with retractable awning is the solar panel heated swimming pool (4m x 8m, depth 1m50-1m70) and garden, both shared with the very welcoming owners, known to VFB for many years. A wide range of attractions are within easy reach including the Camargue, with its Etang de Vaccarès nature reserve, famous for wild fowl, black bulls and wild horses, picturesque Arles with its Roman remains and associations with Van Gogh, the striking fortified town of Aigues-Mortes and ancient cité ruins of Les Baux-de-Provence, perched on a ridge of the Alpilles hills. All in all, a neat little hideaway for two, ideal for outdoor living and sightseeing.

Accommodation:  All on ground floor: living room with corner kitchen, 1 double-bedded room, shower room, separate wc.

Activities:   Swimming pool shared with owners (available May – September) and bicycle hire on the spot. Beaches at 25km. Tennis, golf (18 holes) and base de loisirs in St-Martin. Horse riding in Mouriès (9km).

Services:  All shops and services in St-Martin-de-Crau. Market on Fridays in St-Martin, on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Arles and on Wednesdays in St-Rémy (21km). Secure parking.

Location
In the village of St-Martin-de-Crau (Bouches-du-Rhône) - 13,000 inhabitants – 14.5.km E of Arles, 50km NE of the sea at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Michelin map: 527.
 
Activities
Swimming pool shared with owners (available May – September) and bicycle hire on the spot. Beaches at 25km. Tennis, golf (18 holes) and base de loisirs in St-Martin. Horse riding in Mouriès (9km).
 
Services
All shops and services in St-Martin-de-Crau. Market on Fridays in St-Martin, on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Arles and on Wednesdays in St-Rémy (21km). Secure parking.
 
Description
This small compact apartment was created from a single storey outbuilding beside the owners’ house in 1999; it stands in a quiet residential area on the outskirts of the village, but close to shops and services, in a low-lying region on the edge of the Camargue. With new fixtures and equipment, white décor and simple modern furniture, this is a nicely fitted and attractive little property. Somewhat functional, but neat and practical, the apartment is easy to run and, being air-conditioned throughout, offers an inviting retreat from the southern sun. The emphasis, however, is on outdoor living. Beyond the apartment’s secluded patio with retractable awning is the solar panel heated swimming pool (4m x 8m, depth 1m50-1m70) and garden, both shared with the very welcoming owners, known to VFB for many years. A wide range of attractions are within easy reach including the Camargue, with its Etang de Vaccarès nature reserve, famous for wild fowl, black bulls and wild horses, picturesque Arles with its Roman remains and associations with Van Gogh, the striking fortified town of Aigues-Mortes and ancient cité ruins of Les Baux-de-Provence, perched on a ridge of the Alpilles hills. All in all, a neat little hideaway for two, ideal for outdoor living and sightseeing. Featured by VFB since 2001.
 
Accommodation
All on ground floor: access from outside via terrace into verandah (1 step up) with door to kitchen:
 
·     Enclosed veranda to the front, overlooking owner’s small garden and street, with mini-oven and washing machine.  
·     Kitchen (2m20 x 2m30) with electric hob (2 rings), microwave oven, fridge with freezer compartment. Tiled floor. Doors to terrace, bathroom, living/dining room and veranda.
·     Living/dining room (2m40 x 3m40) with radio, PC (with internet access), television. Tiled floor. Doors to bedroom and kitchen.
·     Bedroom (3m50 x 2m50) with 1 double bed (1m40). Tiled floor. Sliding door to terrace.
·     Shower room. Tiled floor.
·     Separate wc.
 
Electricity not included– Bed linen included; household linen available.
 
Breakage Deposit  125€   Sleeps  2 MAXIMUM
 
Note 1: One air conditioning unit only in lounge, sufficient for whole apartment. Will heat and cool as required. Radiator in bedroom, electric fan in bathroom.
 
Note 2: We regret that children and babies are not accepted at this property.
 
Note 3: This is a non-smoking property
 
Where household linen is available, payment should be made direct to the owner (one set will cost 20€ for two people and each additional person staying at the property pays 5€).
 
Comments
“Lovely accommodation and excellent hosts. We have loved this pretty home you (M & Mme) have made” “We were delighted by the ingenuity shown by M Guinaudeau in setting up this excellent accommodation in such a tiny space. It has everything – very well equipped indeed. Our hosts have been most friendly and helpful” “Just as previous entries have all commented on the delights of the area, the hospitality of M et Mme Guinaudeau and the wonderful places to see, so we too have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this gîte with all that it, and the area has to offer.” “……And especially, the warm welcome and hospitality provided by Christian and Michelle. This greatly helped us to step down to a much more sensible pace of life – even if only for a week or so.”
 
Accurate as of July 2009