THE OLIVE MILL
Property # 7998
PROPERTY INFORMATION
Listing Type: Vacation Rental
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sleeps: up to 6 guests
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sleeps: up to 6 guests
THE OLIVE MILL
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Property Description
Situated in the heart of Provence, the Var offers some of the loveliest scenery in southern France.
Architect owner's beautifully restored 18th century Olive Mill faces full south across its own valley, with a private river (several waterfalls & natural pools) & 30 acres of hills (ancient woodlands), wildflower, herbs, cherry, plum, fig & apricot trees as well as wild asparagus & truffles. The house, cottage & studio each has its own very private pool well away from the others, each in secluded grounds overlooking the valley (Cottage & Studio pools are heated in spring & autumn). ALL OF THE POOLS NOW HAVE IRON SAFETY FENCES. Our river is spectacular, with large, clear pools to swim in & a 10m high waterfall to walk behind & swim under. Tennis next door, golf at 30min, horse riding in the village, fishing in our river, idyllic walks & cross country cycling. The Domain is completely private, but within easy walking distance of the village. It is equidistant from Nice & Aix-en-Provence, with St Tropez an easy drive south. Please contact us for more photos on our own website.
Location: Sillans La Cascade, Var, Provence, France
1.5 hours to Nice, Aix en Provence, Marselle (3 hrs train Aix or Marseille to Paris). Airports at Nice, Marseille & Toulon.
35 miles to St Tropez beaches.
Our period property has been lovingly restored (architect owner)to preserve its authenticity and original charmr.The extensive gardens, the hills and our private valley are perfect for exploring - the river helps make the Olive Mill an unforgettable and unique holiday. You can swim in the series of shallow pools in between the cascades and if you are adventurous you can climb down the cliff to walk behind our 10metre high waterfall (which also has a large pool for swimming in front of it).
The Tower House (sleeps six) was the original dwelling for the large stone olive mill which was built in the 18th century. It faces full south over an enclosed courtyard, overlooking grassy terraces which lead down to the pool. There are extensive views from each window and a panorama east, south, and west from the large roof terrace. The property has been completely restored (using period materials where possible, but incorporating the best modern equipment in the kitchen and bathrooms) and has excellent outdoors facilities: grassy terraces planted with lavender, sage, and irises, with wild mint and rosemary, mature trees for shade, a beautiful pool (ten by five meters) with natural stone surround, barbecue on the roof terrace, swings for children, and unlimited space for all games.
The TOWER(MAIN)HOUSE accommodation consists of:
* Large Ground Floor entrance hall paved with stone, with exposed beams, is ideal as a board games or relaxation area, with video (mostly English/American but also some French films), board games and books.
There is a guest water closet.
* First Floor includes double bedroom (en suite shower and water closet) with exposed beams. Good quality double bed, antique furniture and views of hills extending for miles to the east. Landing and stairs to second floor.
* Second Floor includes sunny and spacious kitchen/dining room with original Provençale floor tiles and exposed beams. The kitchen is fully-equipped with Siemens dishwasher, top of the range Siemens stainless steel electric oven, microwave oven, large refrigerator/freezer, and a good supply of small electrical equipment (toaster, kettle, coffee maker, juice extractor, blender, and beaters). There are extensive views south across the 18th century courtyard.
Well-decorated sitting room with comfortable sofas, antique furniture, with exposed beams, original Provençale floor tiles, television.
Second double bedroom (king size bed) with extensive views south and west of our valley and the surrounding hills. Beautiful walnut and cherry antique furniture and original Provençale floor tiles.
Small third double bedroom (2 single beds) with views south and east through trees (mulberry and fig, as well as ash and pine) and across our valley towards the river.
Bathroom with bath, antique walnut furniture (modern basin and fittings), and third water closet. There is a fourth water closet on this floor.
Steep stairs lead to the third floor.
* Third Floor is a magnificent roof terrace paved with white natural stone, with panoramic views east, south and west across valleys and hills. Furnished (teak table, chairs, benches), with external lighting for outdoor meals. There is also a barbecue, second sink, and small refrigerator.
The washing machine is in a separate laundry room (for the exclusive use of the Tower House) at ground floor level.
Behind the large pool (see photo on web page) there is play equipment for young children: climbing frame with swing,slide, table and chairs for painting etc.
The entrance room also doubles as a play room, with children's furniture (chairs, table), books, drawing material and toys.
We can lend you (free of charge) a cot(please bring your own cot sheets, cot blankets and baby pillow - babies sleep better with familiar smells!), a high chair, a push chair (please check on availability).
You are welcome at the excellent tennis club next to our property,where you can also reserve for dinner every evening, & for a BBQ onSundays. The courts are 4euros per hour. Dinner is 14-16euros for adults (Sunday BBQ is 14 euros), & as little as 6 euros forchildren (eg a six yr old= 6 euros).
Architect owner's beautifully restored 18th century Olive Mill faces full south across its own valley, with a private river (several waterfalls & natural pools) & 30 acres of hills (ancient woodlands), wildflower, herbs, cherry, plum, fig & apricot trees as well as wild asparagus & truffles. The house, cottage & studio each has its own very private pool well away from the others, each in secluded grounds overlooking the valley (Cottage & Studio pools are heated in spring & autumn). ALL OF THE POOLS NOW HAVE IRON SAFETY FENCES. Our river is spectacular, with large, clear pools to swim in & a 10m high waterfall to walk behind & swim under. Tennis next door, golf at 30min, horse riding in the village, fishing in our river, idyllic walks & cross country cycling. The Domain is completely private, but within easy walking distance of the village. It is equidistant from Nice & Aix-en-Provence, with St Tropez an easy drive south. Please contact us for more photos on our own website.
Location: Sillans La Cascade, Var, Provence, France
1.5 hours to Nice, Aix en Provence, Marselle (3 hrs train Aix or Marseille to Paris). Airports at Nice, Marseille & Toulon.
35 miles to St Tropez beaches.
Our period property has been lovingly restored (architect owner)to preserve its authenticity and original charmr.The extensive gardens, the hills and our private valley are perfect for exploring - the river helps make the Olive Mill an unforgettable and unique holiday. You can swim in the series of shallow pools in between the cascades and if you are adventurous you can climb down the cliff to walk behind our 10metre high waterfall (which also has a large pool for swimming in front of it).
The Tower House (sleeps six) was the original dwelling for the large stone olive mill which was built in the 18th century. It faces full south over an enclosed courtyard, overlooking grassy terraces which lead down to the pool. There are extensive views from each window and a panorama east, south, and west from the large roof terrace. The property has been completely restored (using period materials where possible, but incorporating the best modern equipment in the kitchen and bathrooms) and has excellent outdoors facilities: grassy terraces planted with lavender, sage, and irises, with wild mint and rosemary, mature trees for shade, a beautiful pool (ten by five meters) with natural stone surround, barbecue on the roof terrace, swings for children, and unlimited space for all games.
The TOWER(MAIN)HOUSE accommodation consists of:
* Large Ground Floor entrance hall paved with stone, with exposed beams, is ideal as a board games or relaxation area, with video (mostly English/American but also some French films), board games and books.
There is a guest water closet.
* First Floor includes double bedroom (en suite shower and water closet) with exposed beams. Good quality double bed, antique furniture and views of hills extending for miles to the east. Landing and stairs to second floor.
* Second Floor includes sunny and spacious kitchen/dining room with original Provençale floor tiles and exposed beams. The kitchen is fully-equipped with Siemens dishwasher, top of the range Siemens stainless steel electric oven, microwave oven, large refrigerator/freezer, and a good supply of small electrical equipment (toaster, kettle, coffee maker, juice extractor, blender, and beaters). There are extensive views south across the 18th century courtyard.
Well-decorated sitting room with comfortable sofas, antique furniture, with exposed beams, original Provençale floor tiles, television.
Second double bedroom (king size bed) with extensive views south and west of our valley and the surrounding hills. Beautiful walnut and cherry antique furniture and original Provençale floor tiles.
Small third double bedroom (2 single beds) with views south and east through trees (mulberry and fig, as well as ash and pine) and across our valley towards the river.
Bathroom with bath, antique walnut furniture (modern basin and fittings), and third water closet. There is a fourth water closet on this floor.
Steep stairs lead to the third floor.
* Third Floor is a magnificent roof terrace paved with white natural stone, with panoramic views east, south and west across valleys and hills. Furnished (teak table, chairs, benches), with external lighting for outdoor meals. There is also a barbecue, second sink, and small refrigerator.
The washing machine is in a separate laundry room (for the exclusive use of the Tower House) at ground floor level.
Behind the large pool (see photo on web page) there is play equipment for young children: climbing frame with swing,slide, table and chairs for painting etc.
The entrance room also doubles as a play room, with children's furniture (chairs, table), books, drawing material and toys.
We can lend you (free of charge) a cot(please bring your own cot sheets, cot blankets and baby pillow - babies sleep better with familiar smells!), a high chair, a push chair (please check on availability).
You are welcome at the excellent tennis club next to our property,where you can also reserve for dinner every evening, & for a BBQ onSundays. The courts are 4euros per hour. Dinner is 14-16euros for adults (Sunday BBQ is 14 euros), & as little as 6 euros forchildren (eg a six yr old= 6 euros).
Accommodations
THE COTTAGE (sleeps 4) nestles in the side of a south facing hill,with large doors and windows opening east and west onto a grassy garden with mulberry and fig trees (east) and two walled, sunny courtyards with flowering shrubs and herbs (west).
* The Ground Floor has a sitting room prettily furnished in Provençale style with exposed beams, Provençale furniture and satellite tv, cd & tape player. The adjoining dining room with open plan kitchen leads onto a small courtyard with barbeque, tabel and chairs. The dining room has a mix of antique Provençale and good quality modern furniture. The kitchen is well equipped with large refrigerator,Siemens electric hob and oven, micro wave oven, washing machine,dishwashing machine, toaster, kettle, etc.
* Two separate stairs lead to the two First Floor bedroom suites, one bedroom with double bed - 1m50 (5 feet) wide - and private shower room with shower, toilet and basin, the second bedroom with twin beds and own private shower room with shower, toilet and basin. The twin bedroom is accessed via steep stairs. Fans in each bedroom(rarely necessary because of the extra thick stone walls).
* The Interior has been well-decorated, with good quality furnitureand pretty Liberty or Provençale curtains throughout.
* The Pool (7m x 2.5m) is on a small hilly area just behind the cottage, reached by walking through pine trees, rosemary, wild mint, and thyme. It has extensive views south (over our own valley) towards the river and the unspoiled hills beyond. The pool is completely private and has sunbeds and dining furniture for four. There is solar heating from 1 April-15 June and from 15 September-1 November.
We can lend you (free of charge) a cot(please bring your own cot sheets, cot blankets and baby pillow - babies sleep better with familiar smells!), a high chair, a push chair (please check on availability).
THE STUDIO is a restoration of the southernmost part of the 18th century olive mill, with direct access to the grounds overlooking our valley and the hills beyond. It is completely private, with its own pool to the west of the property.
*The Main Room is 30 meters square, with an impressive stone vaulted ceiling . It is very comfortably furnished with good quality modern and period furniture, cd player, dvd and tv. Sleeping accommodation is provided for two (large double bed: 1m60 wide).
* The Kitchen is south-east facing, with a dining area (table with 2 stools). It is fully-equipped with small refrigerator, electric hob, micro wave oven, electrical appliances (kettle, toaster, coffee maker), and good quality china, glasses, and cutlery.
* The Shower Room faces south, with large shower, basin, water closet. There is also a washing machine, ironing board and iron.
* The Grounds immediately surrounding the studio have been landscaped to provide a grassy terrace with dining furniture and wonderful views across the valley leading down to the river.
*The private and secluded pool (in-ground, reinforced concrete, 5.5m diameter) is to the west of the studio, secluded and surrounded by oaks, pine, ash, fig, and cherry trees. It has outstanding views which extend for miles.
Kitchen herbs (rosemary, thyme, fennel, and mint) grow abundantly and there are mature fig trees for shade and fruit. Wild asparagus is plentiful in spring.
The studio has its own access road.
* The Ground Floor has a sitting room prettily furnished in Provençale style with exposed beams, Provençale furniture and satellite tv, cd & tape player. The adjoining dining room with open plan kitchen leads onto a small courtyard with barbeque, tabel and chairs. The dining room has a mix of antique Provençale and good quality modern furniture. The kitchen is well equipped with large refrigerator,Siemens electric hob and oven, micro wave oven, washing machine,dishwashing machine, toaster, kettle, etc.
* Two separate stairs lead to the two First Floor bedroom suites, one bedroom with double bed - 1m50 (5 feet) wide - and private shower room with shower, toilet and basin, the second bedroom with twin beds and own private shower room with shower, toilet and basin. The twin bedroom is accessed via steep stairs. Fans in each bedroom(rarely necessary because of the extra thick stone walls).
* The Interior has been well-decorated, with good quality furnitureand pretty Liberty or Provençale curtains throughout.
* The Pool (7m x 2.5m) is on a small hilly area just behind the cottage, reached by walking through pine trees, rosemary, wild mint, and thyme. It has extensive views south (over our own valley) towards the river and the unspoiled hills beyond. The pool is completely private and has sunbeds and dining furniture for four. There is solar heating from 1 April-15 June and from 15 September-1 November.
We can lend you (free of charge) a cot(please bring your own cot sheets, cot blankets and baby pillow - babies sleep better with familiar smells!), a high chair, a push chair (please check on availability).
THE STUDIO is a restoration of the southernmost part of the 18th century olive mill, with direct access to the grounds overlooking our valley and the hills beyond. It is completely private, with its own pool to the west of the property.
*The Main Room is 30 meters square, with an impressive stone vaulted ceiling . It is very comfortably furnished with good quality modern and period furniture, cd player, dvd and tv. Sleeping accommodation is provided for two (large double bed: 1m60 wide).
* The Kitchen is south-east facing, with a dining area (table with 2 stools). It is fully-equipped with small refrigerator, electric hob, micro wave oven, electrical appliances (kettle, toaster, coffee maker), and good quality china, glasses, and cutlery.
* The Shower Room faces south, with large shower, basin, water closet. There is also a washing machine, ironing board and iron.
* The Grounds immediately surrounding the studio have been landscaped to provide a grassy terrace with dining furniture and wonderful views across the valley leading down to the river.
*The private and secluded pool (in-ground, reinforced concrete, 5.5m diameter) is to the west of the studio, secluded and surrounded by oaks, pine, ash, fig, and cherry trees. It has outstanding views which extend for miles.
Kitchen herbs (rosemary, thyme, fennel, and mint) grow abundantly and there are mature fig trees for shade and fruit. Wild asparagus is plentiful in spring.
The studio has its own access road.
Amenities
Mountain View
Garden View
Deck or Patio
Dishwasher
Washer/Dryer
CD Player
Hi-Speed Internet
VCR
DVD
BBQ
Kids Okay
Tennis
No Smoking
WIFI access for the Tower & the Cottage. It may be difficult to get in the Studio.
Mountain View
Garden View
Deck or Patio
Dishwasher
Washer/Dryer
CD Player
Stereo
VCR
DVD
BBQ
Tennis
No Smoking
GUESTS' COMMENTS:
TOWER HOUSE
Everything was perfect thank you, in fact you supplied way more in terms of childrens’ items than we had expected and that is a real bonus when you have children with you!
Gavin, Windsor, UK
I forgot to tell you how much I appreciated the lovely presentation of the house upon our arrival. The girls went directly the the little table and chairs and startEd playing with the toys. It made it easier to get settled in the house. Were were charmed with the house, and we especially liked the rooftop terrace. I think it is a bit downplayed in the description you have of the house. I loved sitting up there in the evening. You get such a sense of openness with the vast view, but it also feels so cozy and private. Perfect for a book and coffee in the morning and for star gazing at night. The overall sense of privacy combined with the extensive surroundings was absolutely delightful for a person coming from greater London.
In fact, we could hardly be bothered to leave the house the first week because we were so satisfied with our surroundings that we could not see the point. I don't remember if you mention the fragrance in your advertisement, but I think it could be worth doing so. It is an absolute pleasure to walk the path between the olive trees and the broom all the while stirring up the fragrance of mint, thyme and anaise as you make your way.
Leah, London, UK
Many thanks for letting us share a piece of Eden. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Tower House, especially the roof terrace and the river! It has certainly hit the upper end of our holiday experiences!
Thank you again for your help in us having a relaxing, comfortable, peaceful and very memorable holiday.
Melanie (Guernsey, Chanel Islands)
“Our holiday was an absolute success ....The house was great; we particularly enjoyed evening meals on the top floor terrace - I think that's a really fantastic feature of the place....you have an amazing place there, located in a beautiful area of France.”
COTTAGE
“We had a wonderful time at the Cottage and had the most relaxing holiday for
years.”
Janet, Kent, UK
“Thanks for sorting out payment of the deposit so promptly.All the best and thanks again for such an enjoyable stay.”
Angus, Cornwall, UK
STUDIO
We had a great time, really enjoyed our stay at your property and hope that we will come back at some point in the foreseeable future. It was really peaceful and relaxing and I don't think I have been anywhere where you don't have to see people for days!! It was great!
Ian, Luton, UK
“Thank you for a terrific two weeks. This was our first go at a holiday of this kind, we usually stay in hotels, & to say that we are highly delighted is understating how we feel about our 2 weeks in your property.
Carol & Martin, UK
We had such a lovely and relaxing time in the studio, and we're sorry we're not still there now! Thanks again for your warm welcome,
Nigel and Sarah
Garden View
Deck or Patio
Dishwasher
Washer/Dryer
CD Player
Hi-Speed Internet
VCR
DVD
BBQ
Kids Okay
Tennis
No Smoking
WIFI access for the Tower & the Cottage. It may be difficult to get in the Studio.
Mountain View
Garden View
Deck or Patio
Dishwasher
Washer/Dryer
CD Player
Stereo
VCR
DVD
BBQ
Tennis
No Smoking
GUESTS' COMMENTS:
TOWER HOUSE
Everything was perfect thank you, in fact you supplied way more in terms of childrens’ items than we had expected and that is a real bonus when you have children with you!
Gavin, Windsor, UK
I forgot to tell you how much I appreciated the lovely presentation of the house upon our arrival. The girls went directly the the little table and chairs and startEd playing with the toys. It made it easier to get settled in the house. Were were charmed with the house, and we especially liked the rooftop terrace. I think it is a bit downplayed in the description you have of the house. I loved sitting up there in the evening. You get such a sense of openness with the vast view, but it also feels so cozy and private. Perfect for a book and coffee in the morning and for star gazing at night. The overall sense of privacy combined with the extensive surroundings was absolutely delightful for a person coming from greater London.
In fact, we could hardly be bothered to leave the house the first week because we were so satisfied with our surroundings that we could not see the point. I don't remember if you mention the fragrance in your advertisement, but I think it could be worth doing so. It is an absolute pleasure to walk the path between the olive trees and the broom all the while stirring up the fragrance of mint, thyme and anaise as you make your way.
Leah, London, UK
Many thanks for letting us share a piece of Eden. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Tower House, especially the roof terrace and the river! It has certainly hit the upper end of our holiday experiences!
Thank you again for your help in us having a relaxing, comfortable, peaceful and very memorable holiday.
Melanie (Guernsey, Chanel Islands)
“Our holiday was an absolute success ....The house was great; we particularly enjoyed evening meals on the top floor terrace - I think that's a really fantastic feature of the place....you have an amazing place there, located in a beautiful area of France.”
COTTAGE
“We had a wonderful time at the Cottage and had the most relaxing holiday for
years.”
Janet, Kent, UK
“Thanks for sorting out payment of the deposit so promptly.All the best and thanks again for such an enjoyable stay.”
Angus, Cornwall, UK
STUDIO
We had a great time, really enjoyed our stay at your property and hope that we will come back at some point in the foreseeable future. It was really peaceful and relaxing and I don't think I have been anywhere where you don't have to see people for days!! It was great!
Ian, Luton, UK
“Thank you for a terrific two weeks. This was our first go at a holiday of this kind, we usually stay in hotels, & to say that we are highly delighted is understating how we feel about our 2 weeks in your property.
Carol & Martin, UK
We had such a lovely and relaxing time in the studio, and we're sorry we're not still there now! Thanks again for your warm welcome,
Nigel and Sarah
Activities & Attractions
Things to do
Some suggestions among many
* Explore the hills and valley of our property - the olive grove, the herbs and wild flowers, the river, the waterfalls.
* Go fishing, paddling, swimming in the river
* Try to find gold in our river - it won't make you a fortune but it's fun to find a grain or two (we did)!
* Choose from an endless number of walks in the unspoiled countryside all around, starting from your doorstep.
* Go to the local markets and rediscover what food used to taste like.
* Long, lazy lunches (and dinners) outside: by the pool or on your private terrace overlooking our valley.
* Lose the extra calories by cycling from hilltop village to hilltop village.
* Antique and bric-a-brac hunting at Salernes, Cotignac, Tourtour.
* Explore Gorges de Verdon - the extraordinary grand canyon (or ride a canoe down it).
* Visit the castle at Entrecasteaux
* Bump into Princess Caroline at chi-chi St Tropez.
* Learn to paint sunflowers.
* Picnic in the chestnut forests outside lovely Collobrières.
* Drive to the top of Tourtour (cycle if you're mad) and let the Var and the Med take your breath away.
* Marseille, 1 hour away, is France's most exciting city, and home to the world's best bouillabaisse.
* Avignon, 2 hours away, is a fine city still showing its medieval charm with the Pope's Palace.
* Go wine-tasting at the local vineyards .
* Day trips to Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, Aix, Hyères (the islands), even Italy.
* Children like to make a list of all the animals and insects they see, sometimes keeping a diary with drawings, lists, leaves and petals to remind them of Provence. * Just read..... and read....... and read.
Some suggestions among many
* Explore the hills and valley of our property - the olive grove, the herbs and wild flowers, the river, the waterfalls.
* Go fishing, paddling, swimming in the river
* Try to find gold in our river - it won't make you a fortune but it's fun to find a grain or two (we did)!
* Choose from an endless number of walks in the unspoiled countryside all around, starting from your doorstep.
* Go to the local markets and rediscover what food used to taste like.
* Long, lazy lunches (and dinners) outside: by the pool or on your private terrace overlooking our valley.
* Lose the extra calories by cycling from hilltop village to hilltop village.
* Antique and bric-a-brac hunting at Salernes, Cotignac, Tourtour.
* Explore Gorges de Verdon - the extraordinary grand canyon (or ride a canoe down it).
* Visit the castle at Entrecasteaux
* Bump into Princess Caroline at chi-chi St Tropez.
* Learn to paint sunflowers.
* Picnic in the chestnut forests outside lovely Collobrières.
* Drive to the top of Tourtour (cycle if you're mad) and let the Var and the Med take your breath away.
* Marseille, 1 hour away, is France's most exciting city, and home to the world's best bouillabaisse.
* Avignon, 2 hours away, is a fine city still showing its medieval charm with the Pope's Palace.
* Go wine-tasting at the local vineyards .
* Day trips to Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, Aix, Hyères (the islands), even Italy.
* Children like to make a list of all the animals and insects they see, sometimes keeping a diary with drawings, lists, leaves and petals to remind them of Provence. * Just read..... and read....... and read.
This property is expired and is no longer available
